LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
Pubudu de Zoysa
In conversation with Ashwini Vethakan
JOURNEY OF LIFE
Born in
1968
Alma mater
Dharmasoka College (Ambalangoda)
Family
Husband (Krish Fernando), mother (the late Pushpa de Zoysa Gunatilleke), father (the late Capt. Senison de Zoysa), brothers (Nalaka de Zoysa and Ravindra de Zoysa) and sister (Moksha de Zoysa)
Wanted to be
A humble and happy professional with the drive to serve society and create a legacy
Is
A human being living with a purpose and smile
Driven by
The passion to perform, infectious energy and being at the centre of
all the action
Likes to
Play an active role in life
Likes to watch
Others grow to their full potential
Most unforgettable event
The catastrophic 2004 tsunami
Best advice received
My father advised me to lead a life of integrity and help others grow
Mantra to unwind
Taking three deep breaths and listening to inspiring music
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
One new thing you tried this year
To not attempt to perfect everything in life
What do you hope to achieve as a Rotary District Governor for Sri Lanka and Maldives?
I hope to make a difference to our nation by connecting the global and local networks of Rotary while building human capacity and economic development
Workout preferences
Walking
Saddened when…
People let me down and stab me in the back
Success to you is…
When my plans or dreams become a reality – and when I see people around me grow to their full potential as a result of my interventions
Three items on your bucket list for the next six months
Upskilling our youth with demand driven vocational training, motivating members of Rotary International to promote Sri Lanka tourism, and building a sense of fulfilment among the Rotarians – i.e. by creating opportunities for social engagement and camaraderie
Purpose in life
Live simply and happily while helping others to excel, by using my skills, professionalism and network
Describe your day off
Waking up late, dining out and spending time at the salon
Items on your bucket list following retirement
Travelling and exploring new destinations; and observing simple things in nature, mingling with friends and family and reminiscing the good times, and practising meditation and mindfulness to achieve spiritual enlightenment
Languages you’d like to learn
Chinese, Hindi and Spanish
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Most hated chore
Sewing
Obsessed with
Cleaning and neatness
Pet peeves
Lying, excuses and lethargy
A moment in time you’d like to go back to
My first day at school
The places and people you enjoy spending time with the most
Holidaying and exploring countries with my husband
What are some of the humanitarian issues you hope to help campaign for?
Empowering our young adult workforce with value adding life skills that will make them financially independent
Hobbies
Chatting with friends, travelling and shopping
Three must-haves
Time, health and happiness
A type of food you avoid
Spicy food
Likely retirement destination
Canada
Challenged by
The new norms of the pandemic that have transformed into opportunities
Desired qualities in a friend
Dependability, honesty and empathy
One thing you would change about yourself
To remain calm and become a better listener
Yourself in a few words…
I’m a catalyst for change with the drive to work with people and get the best out of them
FAVOURITES
Day of the week
Friday
Colour
Blue
Drink
Fresh orange juice
Place to eat
Long Feng, Olive Garden and Chick-fil-A
Chill out spot
80 Club of Colombo
Cuisine
Chinese
Happy place
Yala National Park
Brands
Calvin Klein, COACH and MAC Cosmetics
TV shows
New Amsterdam, Friends, Selling Sunset
Authors
John Grisham, Danielle Steel and Robin Sharma
Actors
Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson
Musicians
Bathiya & Santhush (BNS), the late Sunil Perera and Celine Dion
Songs
My Way (by Frank Sinatra), That’s What Friends Are For (Dionne Warwick) and Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE
The first thing you do after waking up is…
Tidy my bed and then drink a glass of water to refresh my system
The first thing you notice when you meet someone is…
Their beautiful smile, facial expressions and body language
Recently laughed out loud when…
My old work colleagues were cherishing the good times in an online get together
Last gift to someone…
I invested time, knowledge and energy in a deserving Rotarian friend
I find myself challenged by…
The extraordinary – and doing something complex and innovative that involves people
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
I have a late start to my day
The best thing about working in your sector is…
Utilising global donor expertise drives happiness and adds value to human life through the healthcare programmes conducted in Sri Lanka
A new technology that will transform the future…
Sustainable renewable energy that can coexist with Mother Nature
Sri Lanka in a few words…
A splendid island that’s rich in warm and hospitable people
Children are…
Beautiful flowers that are waiting to blossom and must be guided with love
PICK ONE
Most productive in the morning, noon or night
Morning
A leader or follower by nature
Leader
Cook or foodie
Foodie
Quality or quantity
Quality
The glass is half full or half empty
Half full
The most delightful word you can think of
Inspiring
Work or play after retirement
Play
Your most used word or phrase
Thank you
Role model
My late father (for his advice that guides me)
