My memory of Nihal goes back to the late 60’s when the Pancratius family moved to Press Road Jaffna. They lived in their new two story house with Asoka trees at the front which we admired for its uniqueness in those early years. Nihal was my brother Mano’s classmate and his sister Julie was my sister Betty’s. Both the Pancratius family and Sebaratnam family had a very close relationship. Mrs Pancratius once told me my mum was like a sister to her. We always loved to see Nihal at our home as he would always sing for us. His unique and deep voice was a real treat to us. His side burns reminded me of Elvis Presley. He sang at St Mary’s Cathedral choir, but we missed his singing after a while as he started singing at the OLR church. I would ask him whether he was going to OLR to sing or to see his sweetheart Antoinette for which he would reply with a shy smile. I became close to Nihal after my brothers Mano & Frank left Jaffna. He would help me to solve mathematics problems. He always treated me like a little sister. The day Nihal left Jaffna to go to London, I asked him to sign my autograph. ’நெஞ்சிருக்கும் வரை உம் நினைவிருக்கும்’ were his kind words. We lost touch after few months as his life in the UK got busy.  We connected again when Nihal came to Sydney in November 2014. He brought his keyboard and sang many songs for the Sebaratnams. His voice was the same as what we enjoyed 50 years ago. It was a memorable gathering. Nihal & I kept in touch since then and sometimes we would talk for more than an hour. He would even sing a few lines for me. I would very often advise him to take care of his health and most of the time he would respond by singing a few lines from philosophical songs about life. I was very firm with him, but he never got angry about my advice even though I am 7 years younger - the same old gentle, caring, affectionate and loving Nihal - very often expressed by adding ‘di’ (சொல்லடி, என்ன செய்யிறாயடி). I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet him the next 3 years in Colombo & London. The last conversation I had with him was in June 2019 after I leant his desire to speak to me through his classmate Emmo. I am so grateful to Emmo for insisting I should call Nihal when I was reluctant as Nihal was undergoing tests. Nihal left a void in thousands of hearts and the Sebaratnams will certainly miss him very much. Although he will be very much missed by his family, relatives and fans, his legacy will live in thousands around the world. He was  blessed with a loving wife & children who loved, adored and cared for him unconditionally. Our deepest sympathies to Antoinette, Sujit, Pio, Francesca, Aunty, Shiranee, Niranjan and families. May God be their stronghold during this most difficult time.  Nihal, I always compared your voice to Jim Reeves. You will be my Jim Reeves forever. May God grant you eternal rest until we meet again. Now, it is my turn to say this to you loving Nihal: ‘நெஞ்சிருக்கும் வரை உம் நினைவிருக்கும்’ Rathi Sooriakumar Sydney, Australia