LIFE
Kishu Gomes
In conversation with Ruwandi Perera
Alma mater
Prince of Wales College (Moratuwa)
Family members
I’m married with two sons – and I have two brothers and three sisters
Three must-haves
Ring, wristwatch and branded pens
Three ‘would like to haves’
A holiday bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, presidential powers to alleviate poverty and an apartment in Singapore to experience the world without having to travel far
Mantra to unwind
Religious principles – because innate unwinding can only happen that way
Favourite colour
Black
Happy place
Home
Favourite chill out
Royal Colombo Golf Club
Favourite food
Rice and curry (with lots of vegetables, pol sambol, dry fish, dried chillies and dhal)
Favourite drink
Water
Three hobbies
Sports (sprinting), playing with my golden retriever and listening to songs
Three peeves
Slow drivers who take their own sweet time, lack of punctuality and people who talk politics without understanding fundamental economics
Likes to take part in
Athletics, rugby and cricket
Likes to watch
Athletics, rugby and international soccer
The glass is half full or half empty
It doesn’t matter – reality remains the same and you have to understand that
Most unforgettable event
When I became the national hurdles champion in my heyday
Most forgettable event
When I lost my son for one hour in a Malaysian night market
Favourite local destination
Anuradhapura – I can spend weeks and months checking the archaeological sites and places of worship
Favourite overseas destination
Sydney
Ideal romantic date or outing
Relaxing in a boutique hotel by a calm beach enjoying some privacy and a panoramic view
Three items on the bucket list for the next six months
The release of a movie in which I acted, working on my book on management and leadership tips, and launching the next phase of my journey
Three items on the bucket list following retirement
To start up my own university, build an apartment complex on my property in Katubedda and continue as an independent director to contribute to the country’s economic goals
Quality or quantity
Both – you need quality in the right quantity to be successful
Likely retirement destination
Sri Lanka
Obsessed with
Fashion
Purpose in life
To make others happy
Happiness in a few words
It’s a mindset and not a physical thing; it’s what you expect and how you achieve it
Favourite song
Right Here Waiting (by Richard Marx)
Favourite movie
Titanic (because it’s based on a true story and an amazing production with the technology of that era) – when you watch it, you become part of it
Best actor
Brad Pitt – for his personality and skills
Best singers
Richard Marx (for his amazing voice and tone) and Sri Lankabhimanya Pandit W. D. Amaradeva
Favourite author
Martin Wickramasinghe – for his ability to write beautifully in English and Sinhala
Favourite local sportsperson
Ranjan Madugalle – for his sporting skills, gentlemanly nature and conduct, and how he manages his image as a Sri Lankan who has earned respect and admiration internationally
Favourite international sportsperson
Usain Bolt – for being the fastest man on Earth, and also being himself (gestures, body language and passion) and how he enjoys the sport
Favourite local statesman
Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe – for putting his foot down to point out to the country’s leaders that what they’re doing is wrong
Favourite international statesman
Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad – someone who believes in achieving perfection
Colombo in a few words
The best and worst
Sri Lanka in a few words
Where natural resources and human potential are wasted due to a lack of clear strategy
The world in your eyes
Heaven and hell with alarming inequality
Most used word or phrase
‘Sri Lanka is a poor country’ – this is something I always say in my speeches
Himself in a few words
A hard worker
Motto in life
Compete to succeed for everyone’s benefit
