LIFE
Johann Wijesinghe
In conversation with Ruwandi Perera
Alma mater
S. Thomas’ College
Family members
Wife and twin sons, parents and two brothers
Favourite day of the week
Every day is great
Worst day of the week
None as such
Three must-haves
A cup of morning tea; Levi, my golden retriever and BFF; and a home with a garden
Three ‘would like to haves’
A beach house would be great – also, a bungalow in the tea country and Thor’s hammer
Mantra to unwind
Catching up with friends and family
Favourite colour
Definitely blue – because I live in denim
Drives
A jeep
Would like to drive
A newer jeep
Happy place
Anywhere – as long as it is with positive and like-minded folk
Favourite chill out
The beautiful hill country of Sri Lanka
Cook or foodie
Foodie
Favourite food
Japanese
Favourite drink
Thambili – a.k.a. king coconut water
Three hobbies
Reading, travelling and exploring various cuisines – given that I’m a foodie
Three peeves
Obviously this would include litter, undisciplined driving on the roads and wastage
Likes to play
Cricket, rugby and badminton
Likes to watch
Cricket, rugby and mixed martial arts
The glass is half full or half empty
Always full
Pending achievements
I’ve achieved everything I have wanted to
Most unforgettable event
Definitely the day I set eyes on my twin sons
Most forgettable event
Forgotten
Favourite local destination
Sri Lanka’s hill country
Favourite overseas destination
Italy
Ideal romantic date
Having dinner on the river Seine
Three items on the bucket list for the next six months
I’d love to do more travelling, dine out a lot and then travel more
Three items on the bucket list following retirement
I’d love to take a train ride to Ella, climb the Andes mountain range in South America and perhaps buy a beach house
Quality or quantity
Quality
Work or play after retirement
Both
Likely retirement destination
For me, it will be Sri Lanka – the best place in the world
Obsessed with
Perfection
Purpose in life
Live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment
Happiness in a few words
To be content with life
Favourite song
Losing My Religion (by R.E.M.) – because I didn’t lose mine
Favourite movie
The Godfather
Best actor
Denzel Washington
Best singer
Luther Vandross
Favourite author
Robert Ludlum
Favourite local sportsperson
Former Sri Lanka captain Michael Tissera – a brilliant cricketer, and a gentleman both on and off the field
Favourite international sportsperson
Sir Vivian Richards – for his fearless approach to the game of cricket
Favourite local government servant
Deshamanya Bradman Weerakoon
Colombo in a few words
A place where the corridors whisper
Sri Lanka in a few words
A country with nature at its best, verdant greenery, rolling hills, amazing wildlife, golden sandy beaches, timeless history, and simple and welcoming islanders
The world in one or two words
Splintered
Role model
John Fleming – my mentor at Air Lanka
Most used word or phrase
Putha (son) – not in Spain or Spanish speaking countries though
Yourself in a few words
I’m told that I am ethical to a fault
Motto in life
Live life to the fullest as though there is no tomorrow
