Memories which are cherished forever.

Parents love is eternal.

Since childhood, I have always received so much of love and care from my parents and the teachings which my brothers and I received from my mother and father are invaluable. Today, as adults, their life lessons and love have turned us into independent human beings who can differentiate from right to wrong and can value humanity at all times.

As you all know, my father, the Honorable Mahinda Rajapaksa has served this country well. It was under his leadership that Sri Lanka witnessed freedom from the clutches of terrorism and rose to greater heights within the domestic and global community. Even today, my father continues to serve this country and her people with dedication and courage and his leadership along with the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is helping us combat the existing pandemic.

My mother has always been the backbone of my family. She has always been there for my father and her children and has solely run the household while my father led the nation and while we were busy growing up. Her love is priceless and is the greatest treasure my brothers and I have.

Today, I am sharing with you some priceless pictures of my parents which awakens memories of how my parents were always present for my brothers and myself during our childhood including important occasions even amidst their tight schedules. They never missed even one occasion whether it be school events, rugby events or any other valuable days.

The pictures shown here, shows my parents attending rugby matches which my brothers and I were playing in, representing our respective houses at St. Thomas College. A younger Mr. Jhonston Fernando is also seen in the pictures.

Rugby has always been a passion for my brothers and myself and it was most spoken about in my household when we were children. Today, I have wonderful memories of my younger years as my parents never missed even one rugby match back then whether it be the under 15 matches, house matches, club matches or national matches which my brothers and I participated in.

The fondest memory I have today is of my father and mother cheering my brothers and me from the stands, while my mother always twitched in worry when we fell with an injury.

No amount of words can express my appreciation and my love towards my parents. As your parents were to you, my parents were always available for us despite all other commitments in their lives.

No matter how old we get, our parents will always be our strength and today, I write this note to express my love, appreciation and dedication to the the two most important people in my life who raised me to be what I am today. For that I tell them – Thank You.