Sunday 1st February 2026

When you have attended such an overwhelmingly special wedding, it is to be expected that things will be a bit flat the following day. Fortunately for me this meant that I could have a relaxing morning at Chef King before heading back to Daya's late morning. Daya and Vinothini were staying at his home last night (separate rooms!) and I felt blessed to spend one final day with them both before heading off to my next adventure in Kurunegala tomorrow!

There were still many family members milling around the house today, in preparation for the next phase of the wedding, where the groom's family take the newly married couple (in full wedding regalia) back to the bride's house for an official welcome and party there. They will stay the night there (again in separate rooms!) before being allowed on honeymoon. The auspicious day for that was Wednesday 4th February, but that has been brought forward to tomorrow now!

As an old, white, grandfather, I have been surrounded by a sea of smiling Sri Lankan faces during my time in the Hill Country, and I feel very sad to be leaving it, and particularly sad to say goodbye to Daya, Vino and their families and friends. I made light of my farewells to Daya and Vino, knowing that I am very unlikely to see them again until next January. I cannot bear long, drawn out goodbyes, so I gave them both a big hug and made my getaway!

When we all got back to Daya's it was already nearly 22:00 and they invited me to stay for one last cup of tea, but I passed on that, as I still had to go round hugging them and saying goodbye - far too many goodbyes for one evening. I got a lift back to Chef King, with Ragu and Rasi accompanying me, and they were my final goodbyes. Two amazing young men who had done their brother proud by providing him with the best possible wedding ever!

Today's photographs show a lovely one the newly married couple at Daya's this afternoon, our ceremonial arrival at Vino's family home, with one of her younger brother and sister, and two lovely snaps of me offering my final congratulations to them both not long before we all left.









Comments

  1. CharlesFebruary 1, 2026 at 11:58 PM

    What an amazing scene the last two photos present - they certainly put you at the heart and centre of the festivities, and will be a comforting reminder of a highlight in your Hill Country experience over the years you've been visiting and working with the TLV community.

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