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| Issue 008/2005 |
Many meetings, both formal and informal followed, and both Mrs. de Silva and her son, visited the Birchalls at their home in Kingston, where he organized a day full of sightseeing and activities. He also insisted, even in his 80s, that she dismiss her driver for the day, as he planned to personally chauffeur them around. According to Mrs. de Silva, not only would he not take no for an answer, he also rented a Lincoln for the occasion. As the honorary colonel of 413 (T&R) Sqn, he also ensured that The High Commissioner visited 14 Wing Greenwood, where she received the plaque. She reciprocated hosting squadron members and their wives at her residence in Ottawa. With his death in September of last year, Mrs. de Silva says many Sri Lankan papers covered his funeral. She herself gave the eulogy, sitting, as requested, in the first pew with A/C Birchall’s wife, Kathleen. As for the current situation in her country, Mrs. de Silva says she is thankful for the DART and the generosity of Canadians. In fact, she has heard that DART members are “drowning in Ceylon tea”, a kindness offered to visitors, even in times of crisis. And while none of her immediate family was lost, it does nothing to negate the pain of seeing so many deaths and so much destruction. “They all matter a lot to me”, she says thoughtfully. As for what A/C Birchall might have thought, had he lived to see his beloved Sri Lanka ravaged, Mrs. de Silva believes he would be greatly saddened. However, she adds, he would likely be pleased that the link between Canada and Sri Lanka did not die with him. |
