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Robert and Renu |
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Robert lived in Milford Haven, a coastal town in West Wales, part of the United Kingdom. He was 58 year old bachelor at the time of his wedding to Renu who was a 36 year old divorcee with two children living in Negombo Sri Lanka.
Robert had a few casual girlfriends when he was a young man, but had failed to find a suitable partner for marriage. In later life, following the death of his father at just 53 years of age, he devoted his time to caring for his aged mother who was also in ill health due to heart problems, to which she subsequently succumbed, leaving Robert alone. Robert’s only other living relative an elder sister was living more than 400 kilometers from his home in West Wales.
Renu married a Sri Lankan man when still young and subsequently gave birth to two daughters. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she went to live with her aged mother and younger brother in Negombo. She supported the family by making and selling string hoppers daily. Arduous and tiring work, commencing at 2am each morning seven days a week.
Robert visited Sri Lanka specifically in search of a wife in 2004 and was introduced to Renu by the owner of the UK – SL Friends & Marriage Bureau. Friendship soon turned to love and after a whirlwind romance lasting just two weeks, Robert & Renu were married in the Browns Beach Hotel Negombo in May 2004.
Following their marriage, Renu was granted a two year settlement visa by the British High Commission in Colombo, enabling her to join her husband in the United Kingdom where they now live. In May 2006 Renu’s resident visa was extended for a further two year period, following which she will be eligible to apply for a British passport and citizenship. Robert and Renu’s story is typical of many others. Lonely people brought together from distant parts of the world, finding security and happiness together.
[Names and photographs have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned]
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