Thursday 29th January 2026

It was my younger son Ben's 37th birthday today, and he is having a mini break in Cambeltown, Scotland with his mum and sister, Hannah, so I had a chat with them this afternoon. It was a very early start this morning, as I had to be at Daya's for a Hindu pre-wedding ceremony by 07:00. I woke up early, and I wasn't locked in the building today, so I started walking to Daya's, but a friend of his pulled me onto the local bus and I got to the house very early at 06:15.

Everyone was already up at Daya's - and the number of family members is growing rapidly every day, so there was a hive of excited activity, as people were preparing for the 'auspicious tree' ceremony. I call it that, as I have no idea what it's really called, but it is a ritual that is performed before all Hindu weddings, and it was lovely to witness it. It is held outside the house, and it is symbolic for the neighbourhood, as everyone can see one of their neighbours is about to get married.

It lasted almost 2 hours, but I was on my way to Tea Leaf Centre Bogawantalawa just after 09:00 and arrived by 09:30. This 4-day week has gone quickly, but I cannot believe how much I have achieved in just 4 days. I felt a little sad saying goodbye this afternoon, as this was my last day volunteering with Tea Leaf Trust on this visit, and I am sure that I am going to look on this past month as one of my best times ever as a volunteer.

There are two key reasons for this year's visit being so special. One is that it was so beautifully scheduled through careful discussion with my 'boss' James Houston. I had a lovely balance of tasks at three of the Tea Leaf Centres, which left me feeling that I had been given sufficient challenge to make a very positive impact without feeling overwhelmed as I did last year. The second key reason was the opportunity I had this time to spend so much time with Daya and his lovely family.

Today's photographs are just a selection from dozens that I took during the 'auspicious tree' ceremony this morning, and you will easily be able to identify the creation of the auspicious tree and it's central position in the ceremony! The final two photographs are from later on this afternoon.













Comments

  1. ChristaJanuary 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM

    Happy birthday, dear Ben! Hope to see you in Cres again!🎂

    ReplyDelete
  2. ChristaJanuary 29, 2026 at 1:12 PM

    Hello Keith! The work you do with this beautiful people is great. I like it every evening to read about your day !🫠

    ReplyDelete
  3. CharlesJanuary 30, 2026 at 12:19 AM

    As you say, you have enjoyed a real balance between your TLV contribution and the cultural experience of the build-up to the wedding. After all you have shared with Daya over the years you have been visiting Sri Lanka, it must feel good to witness this moment in his life.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TimJanuary 30, 2026 at 6:20 AM

    Hi Keith. I have just had a second binge session catching up with all your news and descriptions of your time in the Hill Country. I am amazed at the amount of work you get through and pleased to hear that the project which we started some years ago is still going. I will send you and Tim a separate email about the project as we must make a decision on the follow up soon. Please give Daya my very best wishes for the wedding and his future life with Vino.

    ReplyDelete

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