I taught Swami Premananda from grade six in Christ Church College, Matale. He was called Prem Kumar then and he was class monitor. He was not very much interested in his studies by then but he kept the class well-controlled and made sure the classroom was very tidy. I taught him English and Maths. He was not interested in English, however he impressed all the teachers with his pleasant manners and good behaviour. Even though he was extremely mischievous, we could not find it in out hearts to punish him. The Head of the school liked him very much and teacher, Mrs. Berchmans, was very fond of the boy.

Swamiji was unusual in that he always carried pictures of saints in his schoolbag and he used to tell stories about them. He was very religious and organised little Tamil Literary Associations which performed dramas with him taking the lead. He did poojas and had Kathaprasangams (telling of religious stories) in the agenda. His talks were really interesting and everyone enjoyed his items. I was always telling him he should become a priest because of his spiritual interest.

After I left Christ Church College I heard a lot about him from teacher Mrs. Navaneethaguru who was teaching with me. She told me about holy ash falling from Swamiji's religious pictures and his materialisation of vibuthi, sandalwood and sugar-candies. In 1978 I moved to a house opposite the Gandhi Hall where Swamiji was living. I dropped in casually just to see him out of curiosity. Bhajan and pooja were going on at the time. I watched him from the doorstep because I was reluctant to go inside due to the crowded hall. He called me but I was a little afraid and so he came to the entrance and asked, "Mother, what do you want?" I told him I just came to see what was going on. We chatted and he took flower petals from a tray. I held out my hand and he put the petals in it. A few seconds later a big piece of sugar candy appeared in the flower petals in my hand. It was a real shock to me. Then I knew that he had divine power in him. Thereafter I was blessed to see him very often because, as I said, I lived opposite his first Ashram in Matale. Later I moved and it was difficult to see him regularly. After the 1983 riots I lost contact until now, when his devotees were able to find me and asked me for my experience.

During the short period I was able to visit his ashram, I noted his rare qualities, divine abilities and curative powers. My children also had a great liking for him. He blessed my daughter so that she recovered quickly from an illness. He helped me in so many ways that I can never forget him. I hope I will have his blessings with me always.