Even though I have heard of this great mind, Sir Arthur, I never got the opportunity until few years back to meet him. That is actually thanks to Michael Snowden, a professional astronomer who later became good friends with me. And last year I had two unforgettable moments. Around June of last year 2006, during Michael’s staying in Sri Lanka , he invited me to go on a trip with him and Sir Arthur to Kandalama (North Central). It was one unforgettable experience.

And just after we came back from the trip, we reactivated the first official astronomical association, “Ceylon Astronomical Association” (later known as Sri Lanka Astronomical Association) which was founded by Sir Arthur himself and was the first the president of the association.

With the involvement of the former president Rev. Dr. Marvyn Fernando and Michael Snowden and others, we managed to reactivate the association Sir Arthur as the Patron, Prof. Kavan Ratnatunga as the President and myself as the Secretary. Sir Arthur was present himself at the event.

Thilina Heenatigala.