LIFESTYLE
Ransi Dharmasiriwardhana
In conversation with Ashwini Vethakan
JOURNEY OF LIFE
Born in
I was born in Kuwait, lived in the US for almost 20 years and moved back home to Sri Lanka in 2006
Why?
Initially to explore my roots and then fell in love with the country
Qualifications and alma mater
BSc in International Business Management from the University of Maryland and MSc in Organisational Psychology from Heriot-Watt University
Family
My husband (Niluke), Ammi and Thaththi (the wind beneath my wings), brother (Charith), three nephews (Dilan, and the twins Dinul and Disath) and of course, the two fur balls (Teddy and Bruno)
Wanted to be
I had various dreams before realising my true passion for human resources
These dreams included…
As a child, I wanted to be a street racer because I was fascinated by high-speed cars and their drifts… and then I debated between being a physical therapist and humanitarian officer in a nonprofit
Your journey before discovering this passion
I read for my degree in international business management and then completed all the prerequisites to enter physical therapy school
You are
After trying various professions from the retail sector to the non-profit space, I accidentally stumbled upon my passion – a career in human resources
Would like to drive
A Wrangler
Likes to play
I’m not the sporty type but love jet skiing – although in high school, I was in the track and field team, and competed in the 4×100 relay and triple jump
Most unforgettable event
When I fell into a river in Langkawi last year – and saw my life flash before my eyes… because I could not swim
Any other unforgettable events
Seeing the northern lights while sitting in a glass igloo in Finland
Best advice received
Value equals investment: the time and energy you dedicate to anyone determines the value – and if it isn’t mutual, it’s not worth the investment
Like to watch
I love action and horror movies but hate ones filled with blood! I recently watched Those Who Wish Me Dead
Mantra to unwind
A book and the beach
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
Two new things you tried last year
I started swimming classes and also received my Professional Certified Coach certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Workout preferences
Outdoor morning walks
Success to you is…
Peace of mind
Impressed by
Authenticity and values
Purpose(s) in life
Charith, Disath, Dinul and Dilan
Desired qualities in a friend
Authenticity, trust and care
Items on your bucket list following retirement
Since my life mantra is carpe diem, which loosely translates into ‘seize the day,’ I’m hoping I won’t have to wait until retirement to complete my present bucket list
Which item do you hope to complete before retirement
I’d like to spend more time understanding the deeper teachings of Buddhism and hopefully won’t have to wait for retirement
Languages you’d like to learn
Although I speak Sinhala fluently, I can’t read or write Sinhala so I’d like to learn the language properly
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Most hated chore
Ironing
Obsessed with
A must-have is white bed linen
Pet peeves
White lies, when folks are tardy and when someone stands very close to me in a line
A moment in time you’d like to go back to
Since I don’t believe in looking back, I work in the present to have a better future
Hobbies
Travelling
Likely retirement destination
Sri Lanka
Three items on your bucket list for the next six months
Skydiving, a road trip and giving back
Unlikely food combination
Bananas and Krisco
Yourself in a few words…
I believe I’m a catalyst – I’m upfront, direct, value-centric, live by example and place family above all
FAVOURITES
Day of the week
Sunday
Colour
Turquoise
Drink
Depends on the time, day and mood
Cuisine
Thai
Chill out spot
Home
Happy place
My bed
TV show
I rarely watch TV except for Grey’s Anatomy – it is the only TV series I binge watch
Books
I love books and am currently reading A Still Forest Pool
Brands
Banana Republic, Mango and any fruit that fits well
Actors
Angelina Jolie
Music
Anything from the 1990s
Memory skills
Selective when it’s important and zero when it’s not
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE
The first thing you notice when meeting someone is…
His or her smile
The first thing you need when you wake up is…
My morning walk – I don’t drink tea or coffee
Recently laughed out loud when…
We choreographed the dance moves to a slow-paced Naga Salan track
Last gift to someone…
A blue sapphire necklace
The best thing about working in your sector is…
The ability to have an impact, drive change and make a difference to people’s lives
New technology will transform the future in…
The healthcare space
Sri Lanka in a few words…
Home
Children are…
The purest gift to mankind
PICK ONE
Most productive in the morning, noon or night
Early morning
A leader or follower by nature
Leader
Cook or foodie
Foodie
Quality or quantity
Quality
The glass is half full or half empty
Always half full
The most delightful word you can think of
Love
Work or play after retirement
Why not both?
Your most used word or phrase
Sansare
Role mode
My father
