Sir Arthur C. Clarke has left us

He is most well known around the world for creating the concept of Satellite Technology. Satellites play a vital role in today's world for communication and other purposes. If not for this man, when would such a conecpt have been created?

He also wrote a number of interesting science fiction books, and made many predictions about the future of mankind and the universe. He predicted that man would visit the Moon before the year 2000, and man did go there in 1969 and many times afterwards. Most of his other predictions too have proved to be correct.

Arthur C. Clarke lived in Sri Lanka (of all countries) for a large portion of his lifetime. I believe he liked the peaceful environment and beautiful scenery which would help him continue inventing, writing and predicting. He adapted to the Sri Lankan way of life and ofter enjoyed wearing a sarong and t-shirt like most other Sri Lankan men do.

Another major part of his life was his post-Polio syndrome which made him unabled to walk properly and placed him in the wheelchair. Yet he continued to lead an active lifestyle. Countless times I saw him at the Otter's Aquatic Club, sitting in his wheelchair, enjoying the scenery and watching the children have fun in the pool. He came there for regular exercise to keep himself as fit as possible.

Sri Arthur C. Clarke was awarded a CBE (knighthood) in 1989, although he was unable to fly to England and receive the honours from the Queen as he was too ill for the long journey. He was also the Chancellor of the Moratuwa University from 1979 to 2002. The Moratuwa University was the first to offer IT eduction in Sri Lanka, and Arthur C. Clarke would have played a major role in its development.

In 2005, Sir Arthur C. Clarke was present at the opening of CBN Sat, Sri Lanka's first Satellite Pay Television network. CBN Sat caused a revolution in the television industry of Sri Lanka, and Arthur C. Clarke would have been happy to be a part of its beginning.

In December 2007, Arthur C. Clarke celebrated his 90th birthday together with the President of Sri Lanka and numerous other dignitaries. At the same time he produced a video bidding farewell to his frined and fans, knowing that he would leave the world soon.

Early this morning, Sir Clarke passed away after being hospitalized for four days. He would have predicted his deaths months or even years ahead. And he would have been happy and at peace when he died, as he knows what a great service he has done for mankind.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, may your sould Rest In Peace!