On the Day of the Funeral

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness we are writing to you about Ravi's funeral. Ravi's coffin wrapped in Hartley college flag arrived at Chocolate City(former players club) South End Road , East Ham , London E6 2AA , at 8.30am sharp on 15 April 2008.

Two banner bearers (sons of Hartleyites) carried the Hartley College banner and eight Hartleyites, with tears in their eyes carried the coffin to the specially prepared stage for religious service.

Mr. Balasingham and Mr. Sithamparapillai (Sitha) took great care to ensure that all religious rites were conducted strictly and meticulously to meet the requirement of this sad occasion .The religious services lasted for an hour. Following the religious rites and services our current president Mr. R. Uthayasoorian addressed the mourners and also he read the messages from Mr. Elango on behalf of HCPPA NSW Australia.

Mr.A.N.Sivarajah (Chairman Trust HCPPA UK) read the message from Mr.C Shanmuganathan (Chairman Global Trust Colombo). Mr.S.Sivakumar delivered a very emotional speech on behalf of HCPPA UK.

Mr.Mylvaganam made a very touching speech and read Mr Rajanayagam's (President HCPPA Colombo) message. Mr.Balasingham read the message from Canada.

Representatives from London Murugan Temple and Selva Vinayagar Temple laid garlands to Ravi.

Due to popular request public was allowed to pay their last respect by laying flowers at his feet. Every one present there was emotionally moved and in tears. Finally the coffin was carried to the waiting horse driven hearse for the final journey to the crematorium.

Hartley College banner bearers walked in front and Under 13 Football team players marched behind the banner, and the coffin was carried by the Hartleyites to the crematorium.

His committal service took place at City of London Crematorium , Aldersbrook Road , Manor Park , London E12 5DQ.

Speeches were delivered by Mr.S.Sooriakumar, Mr.A.Sriharan and Mr Karthikesu Master (from Thunnalai). His daughter Anuja's heart rendering speech moved everyone present sobbed with grief. His son Nirojan spoke well about his wonderful father. Finally Ravi's brother in law Mr.Sivaranjan thanked everyone for attending the funeral and conveying their condolences in various ways.

Sir, it was an emotionally charged funeral attended by over 650 adults on a working day. It shows how much respect Ravi had earned in his lifetime.

Apart from relations (two sisters from Australia, aunt and cousin from Canada) Mr.K.Mathivanan leading business man and secretary of the Srilankan Cricket Board came all the way from Colombo. Mr. Skanda came from Australia and Mr.Ravindra came from USA.

When Mr Jothyravi was requested by our committee to be the chief guest for the annual dinner (November 2007) he had turned it down due to his ill health, but for Ravi's funeral despite his health somehow he found strength and managed to attend the funeral with his family.

As we all came to know Ravi's warm and amicable personality, everyone realised and appreciated that no one could hold a grudge or animosity against Ravi, even where there was a conflict of opinion or interest. In instances where the opinions clashed(there were not many) those with differing opinion did not allow these to influence their admiration for this man and setting aside their opinions , made an effort and took time off from work to attended his funeral!

Following the committal service the family invited every one for refreshments (lunch) provided and served by old Hartleyites.

We have lost a good Hartleyite and an excellent friend who was an inspiration to all and he will be sadly missed by all who have known him.