I passed my Master Mariner exam in December that year. But,
remained in Australia until February 1990, to do some touring and catching up
with a few friends who lived in Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.
There was a very good opportunity for my class mates and I
who passed the exam, to remain in Australia and apply for permanent resident
status, as the College was ready to employ a few of us, as teachers. But,
especially after my father’s death I wanted to return to Sri Lanka and be with
my mother and family. It was unfair by me to just stay away from the family
under such circumstances.
I returned to Sri Lanka in February and started looking for
a job at sea. God is great! In May, the same year, a senior Captain, helped me
with a job as Master. That was great, I thought. It’s truly a rare occasion,
that one gets command straight away. Thanks be to God.
I joined the ship in Singapore and sailed for about seven months.
I signed off for Christmas. Prior to my signing off, the shipping company
wanted me to return, and they found a person to fill-in for me for two months.
I had a good Christmas with my family. Of course I missed my father very much.
