Dear Counsellor Sunil,

While extolling a Diplomat's dedication to the promotion of peace, unity, equity, justice and positive developments between Sri Lanka and India you must be praised for upholding the highest ideas and virtues of the Indian culture and traditions.

"On behalf of the High Commission I would like to thank Mr. Neelakandan and his team for putting together a wonderful menu activities which extend throughout the year. This event which serves to further expand the range of the Society's activities. I would like to thank the organizers and the sponsors for making the event today possible."

You came to Sri Lanka 3 years ago when I was one of the Vice Presidents of the Society. Ever since you have been timelessly working continuously as a real dear friend of Sri Lanka while keeping the Indian flag flying high on this neighbour Island.

Undoubtedly you became � in a short period of time � one of the popular diplomats and at the same time enjoying the friendship of the people of all walks of life � from Hambantota to Point Pedro and from Mannar to Trincomalee.

"We will be having another important and large event in early August which we will be calling "India Show" in which we are getting a large member of Indian Companies to participate. We hope we will be able to promote 'Brand India' in Sri Lanka and show case our industrial and technological capabilities. Our expectation is that this will help to promote trade in both directions between two countries."

Really you became an indispensable part of our Society.

You always made us to feel that there is no grimness no helplessness. You created a positive atmosphere and attitude all around our Society.

Paying glowing tribute to Shri Achaya the President said that both Shri Sunil Achaya and Shrimathi Sandya Achaya became members of a large family under Sri Lanka India Society Banner, but we are sorry that they had to leave us. He added that Shri Achaya was award "down to earth but always focused and committed. His endless dedication always made a dynamic impact on our activities. We are duty bound to remember with gratitude that he was a friend indeed and a friend in need who stood by us at all hours of need."

To strike a personal note what an honour and satisfaction it has been to work with you. One of the very few wonderful persons I have come across in my life. Of course Sunil, you were fortunate to have Sandya as your better half. She was really a better half. Both of you were like Arthanatheeswarar to us in our Society's work.

Sunil and Sandya both of you really deserve a better honour. Due to time constraints I must apologise we could not organize this function in a larger way which you both really deserve.

May His Lord 'Aarthanatheeswarar' bless you and all your future endeavours and also that of your family. We have to take consolation that your transfer is a step up the ladder as an accomplishment of your unwavering commitment, capability, leadership quality or ringing bell talents capacity and experience as that ladder will again turn to Sri Lanka and we really and strictly hope to see you again in a higher position again in Sri Lanka. Of course that will be an elevated honour.

It is believed that leaders are made from something they have deep inside them � a desire a dream a vision. They have the stamina and skill and will to take appropriate decisions whenever the time demands it. I had seen that special quality in you many a time.

The impact you have made on the Society has been enormous and this honour � even if it is brief but a need and sincere expression on behalf of our Society is richly deserved by you and your Shrimathi Sandya. Shrimathi Sandya I will be failing in my duty if I do not mention the significant role you played in Shree Utsav every year since the day I remember we consulted you and it was your approval of the name "Shree Utsav" the Ladies Evening is the strength to retain it annually.