We became acquainted with the Ratnanayagam family in the mid-1970s when Suganthi was teaching at Methodist College. She and Latika, who was also a teacher at 'Metho' at that time, were good friends. We met Father James, and over time, became very close friends of the family. We visited them regularly and attended memorable birthday parties at their homes - first in Hultsdorf and later in Kollupitiya. Father James preached the homily at our wedding in 1978 - it was an outstanding message, as indeed all his sermons were. We were fortunate to have Father James and Latika present at our 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Melbourne in 2003. Father James conducted a prayer meeting. It was a blessed occasion when we were able to reminisce.
Father James had a charming personality. He was among the most outstanding preachers of his generation. His theology was thorough; his vocabulary, vast; his diction, flawless.
He was Christ-like in his manner - a simple and humble man who showed love and kindness to everyone he encountered. As I write this, I can imagine him addressing his family: 'Latika', 'Rasathi' and 'Rasa' were said in a unique tone and cadence that conveyed love, warmth and affection. The same applied to others, including friends like ourselves and the two Letchimi's - their faithful domestic helpers.
We visited Father James and Latika over the years during our trips to Sri Lanka, which were very few and far between. The last occasion was in February 2017 when Deveshta was also present. We had a wonderful reunion with them.
We treasure the many delightful memories of Father James and his family. May God continue to abundantly bless his dear family.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant."
Srimevan & Suganthi Motha
We became acquainted with the Ratnanayagam family in the mid-1970s when Suganthi was teaching at Methodist College. She and Latika, who was also a teacher at 'Metho' at that time, were good friends. We met Father James, and over time, became very close friends of the family. We visited them regularly and attended memorable birthday parties at their homes - first in Hultsdorf and later in Kollupitiya. Father James preached the homily at our wedding in 1978 - it was an outstanding message, as indeed all his sermons were. We were fortunate to have Father James and Latika present at our 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Melbourne in 2003. Father James conducted a prayer meeting. It was a blessed occasion when we were able to reminisce.
Father James had a charming personality. He was among the most outstanding preachers of his generation. His theology was thorough; his vocabulary, vast; his diction, flawless.
He was Christ-like in his manner - a simple and humble man who showed love and kindness to everyone he encountered. As I write this, I can imagine him addressing his family: 'Latika', 'Rasathi' and 'Rasa' were said in a unique tone and cadence that conveyed love, warmth and affection. The same applied to others, including friends like ourselves and the two Letchimi's - their faithful domestic helpers.
We visited Father James and Latika over the years during our trips to Sri Lanka, which were very few and far between. The last occasion was in February 2017 when Deveshta was also present. We had a wonderful reunion with them.
We treasure the many delightful memories of Father James and his family. May God continue to abundantly bless his dear family.
"Well done thou good and faithful servant."
Srimevan & Suganthi Motha
