Hey Sunela,

Ray was also very impressed by the design of the Malay house. He had spent some time in Malaysia. Its roof shape he pointed out was an inverted arofoil. When the wind blows it pushes down words (instead of being blown away). Also he loved the idea of living above land and could not resist criticising those who did not

Feudal architecture is obsessed with land owing it and killing other for it. He liked the sense of elevation above land. He also loved the fact that the Malay house was sieve in the air, thermally designed to make the best use of the tropical breeze. He also admired the timber work. His inspiration was global and his sensibilities were rational and not cultural – definitely not in the sense of the narrow minded “everything good come from my grandfather” – that festers Sri Lankan architecture.

Ray being Ray, was also inspired by what he saw around him – especially stuff that other people missed.

Of course, he loved what you had built for him. Pity we cannot enjoy thambili amongst coconut leaves and birds – with good old Ray.

Ray was fascinated by everything from the simple bee to the most sophisticated machines. He was learning every day. He understood things at a profoundly higher level. But he was willing to take anyone along in the great journey of learning – in sharp contrast to the padidathyas who are in plenty – who know everything.

“The lights of stars that were extinguished ages ago still reaches us (Khalil Gibran)” so shall your Rays.