COVER STORY MEMOIRS
Dr. Damithlal Senakumar Jayasundera, affectionately known as ‘DSJ,’ was a visionary leader whose legacy continues to illuminate the corporate path. Jayasundera was not merely a corporate titan; he was a pioneer who understood the essence of sustainable business practices long before it caught the eye of the mainstream. Born with privilege, his journey transcended the bounds of mere inheritance. Joining Hayleys in 1956, DSJ became the first Sri Lankan to grace the company’s board of directors – within a span of eight years. His ascent to the position of Managing Director in 1974, and subsequently to Chairman and Chief Executive in 1977, marked the beginning of an era characterised by compassion and vision.
Dr. D. S. Jayasundera
Visionary ahead of his time
October 1995
Sri Lankabhimanya Lakshman Kadirgamar was a gentleman of exceptional character and profound dedication to his nation and the global community. Born on 12 April 1932 in Manipay, his journey was marked by remarkable achievements, and a steadfast commitment to diplomacy and justice. A luminary in the legal and political spheres, Kadirgamar’s tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka until his assassination in 2005 epitomised his unwavering resolve to foster peace and prosperity. His leadership transcended borders, earning him respect and admiration across the world. His legal acumen and diplomatic finesse were unparalleled, making him a formidable force on the international stage.
Sri Lankabhimanya Lakshman Kadirgamar
Statesman and diplomatic luminary
January 1996
Lakshman Ratnapala played his part in shaping the landscape of travel and hospitality in the Asia-Pacific region. Hailing from Veyangoda and educated -at S. Thomas’ College, he embarked on a career that would redefine the boundaries of possibility. Beginning in media, as a reporter at the Lankadeepa newspaper, Ratnapala’s trajectory soon soared beyond borders with his passion for tourism advocacy propelling him onto the world stage. He will be remembered for his astute leadership during the golden era of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which enjoyed unprecedented growth by opening doors to new markets and opportunities under his watch – he was appointed as PATA’s CEO and President in 1992.
Lakshman Ratnapala
Pioneering leader of PATA
April 1996
A.Y. S. Gnanam was a beacon of compassion, and a guiding light in the realm of service and philanthropy. As we reflect on his life’s work, we’re reminded of the profound impact he had on countless lives and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Born with a heart full of empathy and a spirit of generosity, Gnanam dedicated his life to serving others, embodying the true essence of humanity. Through his leadership of St. Anthony’s Industries, he touched the lives of the marginalised and vulnerable, offering them hope, dignity and a chance for a better future.
A.Y. S. Gnanam
Beacon of service and compassion
April 1997
Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala was a towering figure in the realm of diplomacy and peacekeeping. His life’s journey was marked by unwavering dedication to fostering harmony and understanding on the global stage, leaving a lasting mark on the UN and beyond. Born with a passion for diplomacy, Dhanapala’s career testified to his commitment to promoting dialogue and cooperation. Serving in various capacities within the United Nations, he exemplified the values of integrity, compassion and diplomacy in every endeavour. Throughout his tenure, Dhanapala played a pivotal role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges from nuclear disarmament to conflict resolution.
Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala
Universal diplomat and peacemaker
July 1997
A visionary healer, Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda’s commitment to holistic health and wellbeing transformed the lives of countless individuals and communities. As the founder of Siddhalepa, Hettigoda revolutionised the practice of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to provide holistic remedies that nurtured the body, mind and spirit. His dedication to preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s rich heritage of herbal healing not only brought relief to those in need but also served as a beacon of hope for the revitalisation of traditional healing practices worldwide. Hettigoda was a compassionate humanitarian whose generosity knew no bounds.
Deshabandu Dr. Victor Hettigoda
Visionary healer and humanitarian
June 1998
Justice Christie Weeramantry was a towering figure whose commitment to justice and human rights resonated across the globe. As a beacon of wisdom and integrity, Weeramantry illuminated the corridors of justice with his profound legal acumen, and steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of fairness, equity and compassion. His illustrious career, spanning decades on the international stage, was marked by tireless advocacy for the rule of law, environmental protection, and the rights of the marginalised and vulnerable. With humility and grace, Weeramantry championed the cause of peace and reconciliation, tirelessly striving to bridge divides and foster understanding among nations and peoples.
Justice Christie Weeramantry
Law and justice luminary
July 2000
Ratna ‘Roti’ Sivaratnam was a towering figure in the corporate world and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His tenure as Chairman of Aitken Spence was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation and ethical leadership. Under his guidance, Aitken Spence flourished into a blue-chip company, renowned for its commitment to quality, integrity and sustainable business practices. Sivaratnam’s strategic foresight, bold decision-making and unwavering dedication to corporate governance set the standard for excellence in the industry – and earned the admiration of colleagues, competitors and stakeholders alike.
Ratna Sivaratnam
Steward of corporate excellence
August 2001
Merrill J. Fernando was a trailblazer whose indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication transformed the world of tea and touched the lives of millions. As the founder of Dilmah Tea, Fernando revolutionised the tea industry with his commitment to quality, sustainability and social responsibility. His vision to bring ethically sourced single origin tea to discerning consumers around the globe reshaped the landscape of the tea market and set new standards of excellence. Through the MJF Charitable Foundation, he dedicated himself to empowering communities, promoting education and providing support to the disadvantaged, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.
Merrill J. Fernando
Visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist
September 2002
Reginald Sebastian Rodrigo Candappa was a trailblazing figure in Sri Lankan media and the founding Chairman of Grant McCann Erickson, Sri Lanka’s premier advertising agency. He was a luminary in the field of journalism whose indomitable spirit and tireless pursuit of truth captivated audiences and inspired fellow storytellers around the globe. With his visionary leadership, Candappa revolutionised the advertising landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His unparalleled creativity, coupled with unwavering dedication, shaped the course of advertising in Sri Lanka and beyond. His legacy as a pioneer and mentor continues to inspire generations of media professionals.
Reggie Candappa
Distinguished storyteller and advertising guru
March 2003
George Ondaatjie was a self-made businessman who founded Mercantile Investments (later Mercantile Investments and Finance). Over the course of his distinguished career, he gained control of Nuwara Eliya Hotels, which owns the famed Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of renowned resort hotel ventures like Tangerine Beach Hotel and Royal Palms Beach Hotel. Ondaatjie’s journey from humble beginnings to influential businessman exemplifies resilience and determination. His strategic vision propelled Mercantile Investments and Finance to prominence, earning him respect in the financial services industry. Ondaatjie’s legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to both business and the community.
George Ondaatjie
Self-made business tycoon
September 2003
A towering figure in the realm of politics and governance, K. N. Choksy’s dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to democracy left an enduring mark on our nation. Born with a passion for serving his country, Choksy dedicated his life to the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. As a respected leader and parliamentarian, he championed the principles of democracy, accountability and good governance, earning the admiration and respect of colleagues and constituents alike. Throughout his illustrious career, Choksy served his country with distinction, holding key ministerial positions and playing a pivotal role in shaping policy and legislation.
K.N. Choksy
Statesman and steward of democracy
January 2004
Sri Lankabhimanya Sir Arthur C. Clarke was a true visionary whose contributions to science and literature have left an indelible mark on the world. Born on 16 December 1917, Clarke was more than a scientist; he was a trailblazer whose insatiable curiosity and imagination transcended the boundaries of conventional thinking. His groundbreaking work in the field of space exploration, telecommunications and science fiction has had a profound and lasting impact. Perhaps best known for his collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the iconic film ‘2001: A Space Odyssey,’ Clarke’s vision extended far beyond the silver screen. His predictions, often eerily accurate, included concepts such as geostationary satellites, which laid the foundation for modern communication systems.
Sri Lankabhimanya Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Visionary scientist and trailblazer
May 2005
Justice Mark Fernando was a distinguished jurist whose unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice has left a lasting impression on our legal system and society. Throughout his illustrious career, Fernando served as a beacon of integrity and impartiality, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, legal professionals and citizens alike. His deep understanding of the law, coupled with a keen sense of fairness and compassion, made him a trusted and revered figure within the judiciary. As a judge, Fernando approached each case with meticulous attention to detail, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of equity and justice. His landmark decisions not only upheld the rights of individuals but helped shape legal precedents that continue to guide our judicial system.
Justice Mark Fernando
Pillar of justice and integrity
August 2005
Deshamanya Mineka Wickramasinghe’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Ceylon Biscuits (CBL)in 1968, revolutionising the biscuit sector with innovative products like the high protein biscuit for schoolchildren under the CARE programme. The biscuit was developed using bread flour, soybean oil and milk powder by the founder using available raw materials, which were limited at the time. Wickramasinghe faced numerous challenges on the way from government restrictions to imported biscuits coming into the local market with the opening of the economy in the late 1970s. He was one of the first to venture into India.
Deshamanya Mineka Wickramasinghe
Entrepreneurial par excellence
March 2010
