LIFESTYLE
In conversation with Nimanthi Bandaranayake
Kaushalya Gunaratne
JOURNEY OF LIFE
Born in
August
Alma mater
Holy Family Convent
Family members
My son (Raphael), dad (Kirthi), mom (Cheryl) and two younger sisters (Koshala and Kushalini)
Wanted to be
A criminal lawyer or judge
Is
A mum and the Country Head of Uber Sri Lanka (Mobility)
What drives you?
My faith in Jesus, my son and taking up a challenge
And what fuels your creativity and passion?
My random thoughts and vivid imagination – mostly while driving
A moment you would like to go back to
There are surely moments that I cherish and value but I don’t think I want to go back as I wouldn’t want to change anything
Best advice received
It’s better to ask a million silly questions than make one big silly mistake
Every holiday with my son is always loaded with something adventurous so I don’t need a bucket list
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
Likes to play
Growing up, my cousins and I loved playing 304; I can’t recall the last time I played this but love how we strategised as teams and developed our tactics even as teenagers
Likes to watch
Glorious TV, documentaries on historical evidence and I used to be a huge fan of ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.’
Most unforgettable event
The birth of my son
Unexpected source of inspiration
Creation – everything around me
Role model
My current role model is one of my good friends Minoli – she is the most patient person I have ever met and I’m taking notes
Proudest achievement
My son – seeing him grow physically and spiritually – and achieving his goals makes me proud
Time is the only thing that you can never buy back and sometimes it’s okay to say ‘no’
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
A personal ritual
I spend time reading the Bible and meditating on the Word
How this impacts you
It might be a verse that I’ve read before but it always gives me a new revelation, a new side that I wouldn’t have seen before or a word that will speak to me based on a circumstance or situation I’m in at that time
Most hated chore
Not a fan of dishes but honestly, there is no choice
Impressed by
The eagerness to learn and being persistent
Happy place
Church
A unique talent or hobby
It’s not a unique talent but I love theatre and dancing
Most adventurous item on your bucket list
Every holiday with my son is always loaded with something adventurous so I don’t need a bucket list
Goals on your bucket list following retirement
Travel to a new city (preferably a city with a rich history or surrounded by mountains and lakes) at all possible times
Music you enjoy
Gospel and sometimes alternative soft rock when taking a long drive
Most transformative book you’ve ever read
The Holy Bible
A little-known fact about you
After a couple of days, I will probably shorten your name
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
To build capacity and have a positive impact
Advice to younger self
Time is the only thing that you can never buy back and sometimes it’s okay to say ‘no’
FAVOURITES
Days of the week
Monday to Sunday
Colours
Bright colours
Chill out spot
Home
Brands
Coach, Tory Burch, Zara, Stradivarius and & Other Stories
Cuisine
Japanese
Beverages
Iced coffee or a nice cup of chai
Local holiday destination
The hill country
International holiday destinations
Bruges, Ghent and Bologna
Restaurants
I like to try out new places – I’m a fan of small cosy cafes
Books
The Bible is my go-to book; growing up, I used to read a lot of Sidney Sheldon stories, and I also enjoy reading Mitch Albom and Paulo Coelho
Quote
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Local sportsperson
Kumar Sangakkara
International sportsperson
Glenn McGrath
Likely retirement destination
Nothing specific
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE
When you dance, you feel like…
I am on top of the world
The first thing you notice about someone
His or her smile
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
You’ve forgotten that He is in control and try to take it all out on me
You’re challenged by…
A complex question or problem statement (which I truly enjoy)
Recently laughed out loud while…
Listening to my son’s stories from school
Saddened when…
Loyalty and trust are misused
Love has the power to…
Make what is imperfect perfect
Happiness is when…
You understand your calling and purpose
Sri Lanka will have a chance to develop when…
We (all Sri Lankans) move on from the mentality of ‘what’s in it for me?’
The world is…
A gift
Message of positivity
Sow what is good, then your harvest will also be good; and your harvest will always be greater than what you have sowed
Motto in life
There is always a solution
