A reception
The Ambassador for France, Madame Christine Robichon, invited guests to a reception at which Kumar de Silva was conferred with the title’Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts’ et des lettres.’This order of Arts and Letters is a French order established in 1957,to recognize eminent artistes, writers and scholars for their contribution in promoting the awareness and enrichment of France’s cultural heritage throughout the world. Kumar has had a lifelong romance with France and richly deserves this honour.His contribution to Bonsoir for over one and a half decades,his love for the French language,his photographic exhibitions showcasing France have all
been examples of his love for France. Kumar, in his inimitable fashion had remembered all those who played a part in his rise to fame and recognition. There to see him honoured were his first French Teacher, Mrs Fernando, Mrs Guruge, wife ofThe Head of SLBC, where he began his journey on radio and Mrs Nanda Jayamanna, who helped him. Among other guests were one of Sri Lanka’s greats, Lester James Peiris with Sumitra. Lester has an amazing memory, he told me that he had
kumar has had a lifelong romance with france and richly deserves this honour.his contribution to bonsoir for over one and a half decades,his love for the french language, his photographic exhibitions showcasing france, have all been examples of his love for france.
read an article about my father that day written by Dr Upul Wijayawardene. It touched my heart when he said that my father was rightly described as an all time great of Sri Lankan medicine as well as being called handsome. My father had been a tenant of Lester’s when he began private practice in Dehiwela.I never fail to admire Lester’s simplicity and humility; which is true greatness. Also present was Yadamani, son of Minister Dinesh Gunewardene, a young man who stands out by his simplicity; never accompanied by security, never seen in clubs ; but who spends his time serving the people in various ways.