Milestone birthdays are incredibly special.  It is even greater when celebrating that of a gentleman who is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian and the Chairman of the Maliban Group of Companies. Ratnapala Samaraweera, fondly known as Ratna, turned eighty last week. An elegant dinner was organised by Prithi to celebrate this great day. Unlike other days the invitees had to follow the established health guidelines owing to COVID-19.  Nevertheless, a magnificent evening was planned to celebrate Ratna’s 80th birthday.

The toast at the function was given by his son Tharangitha.  He recalled that his father’s business acumen was moulded by his grandfather, Mr A G Hinniappuhamy, who had worked relentlessly and started up the Maliban Company with virtually no capital.  Mr Hiniappuhamy had inculcated the fundamentals of this business to his son Ratna who assumed the Chairmanship at the age of 28 years. Today, Maliban not only supplies the domestic market but is also sold in over 50 countries worldwide under his strategic vision. Ratana’s generosity and charity work is known to many and done subtlely with no huge publicity.

Today, Maliban not only supplies the domestic market but is also sold in over 50 countries worldwide under his strategic vision

The evening was spectacular. The theme being black and gold, the Balmoral Ballroom was transformed into a magical splendour. The guest too had dressed according to the theme in Black and Gold. Misty, the band in attendance, got all the guests’ feet tapping with a great selection of music. The De Lanerolle brothers also serenaded the guest with a repertoire of wonderful golden melodies. The Kingsbury Hotel renowned for their cuisine laid out a fabulous spread of food which was fantastic. Prithi, who I have known for over four decades, has always been an exceptional host and in her usual style this function lacked absolutely nothing. It was a fabulous evening enjoyed by all.  Many a toast was made honouring the birthday boy. I wish Mr Ratnapala Samaraweera many more years of health and happiness.