Page 52 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

often indulged in convivial repasts and each began to
get a taste for the other's cuisine (which lasts to this very
day!!!). Languagewise they both began to understand
each other's mother tongue and with some exceptions,
were able to communicate with each other in the
vernacular. Another significant factor that is worthy of

mention is the extension of this bond of close friendship to
the extended families of each other. The Liyanages came
to know so many of the extended Ambalavanar family.

The notable of these extended connections was the
introduction of the Liyanage family to the Sambandan
family. Advocate and legal luminary, Mr. A.Sambadan
was Mrs Ambalavanar's brother and Aunty Thilaka's
maternal uncle. He was not only a mentally incisive and
extremely gifted legal eagle but also an absolute master of
the English Language. He was very courageous and was
able to stand up not only to his adversaries but on
occasions even to errant Judges. His wit in court and
social circles was legendary. His amiability was well
known and his friendship was absolutely genuine and
much cherished by us all. We remember his numerous
visits to Kandy on work, where he preferred to stay with
us rather than a plush hotel. Most often he would often
prefer to stay an extra day on either side of his
appearance in court just to enjoy the richness of our
strong bond of friendship. The meal times lasted for hours
with each minute a gem of much enlightened convivial

after meal conversation. As with the
Ambalavanars/Mylvaganams, the Liyanages and the
Sambandans had a mutual admiration society which is
still alive and well today. We the Liyanages fervently
hope and dearly wish that the present generations will
Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 44