LIFESTYLE
Indunil Udara Palihawadana
In conversation with Indrajit Lankeshwara
JOURNEY OF LIFE
Birthday
7 October
Alma mater
Sri Lankan School Muscat
Family members
Father (Prasanna), mother (Ganga) and brother (Udantha)
Wanted to be
A cricketer
Is
A sustainable solutions advocate, an event consultant and a farmer
What fuels your creativity and passion?
The hunger to help others
A moment you would like to go back to
Scoring my maiden half-century (with four boundaries and five sixes in 30 balls) for Oman at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier (2016/17)
Best advice received
Be a big fish in a small pond instead of being a small fish in a big pond
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
Likes to watch
Adventure and romcom
Most unforgettable event
ICC Under-19 World Cup Qualifier Asia Division Two 2016/17
Unexpected source of inspiration
TikTok
Role model
I don’t have one role model – I learn from everyone I meet and find inspiration in their unique journeys
Proudest achievement and why
Playing U16 and U19 cricket for Oman at the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments with endless days of training
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
A personal ritual or daily practice
I start each day with morning prayers, grounding myself in my Buddhist practice
Most hated chore
Laundry
Impressed by
Well-dressed folks
Happy place
Home, back in Oman
Unique talents
Adaptability and multitasking
Most adventurous item on your bucket list
Skydiving
A goal on your bucket list following retirement
I don’t think I’d want to retire – I would rather keep pursuing new passions
Music you enjoy
Sri Lankan classics
A little-known fact about you
I used to be afraid of public speaking back in school
What legacy do you hope to leave?
A legacy of balanced leadership and kindness, blending academic, athletic and professional success, while treating people with love and care, and upholding strong ethical values
Advice to your younger self
Stay curious and learn from everyone but don’t be fooled – not everyone will care for you
FAVOURITES
Day of the week
I enjoy every day equally and make the most of each day
Work wear
Formal
Leisure wear
Shorts and T-shirts
Cuisines
Sri Lankan, Arabic and Indian
Beverage
Coconut water
Local holiday destination
Down South
International holiday destinations
The UK and UAE
Quote
With great power comes great responsibility
Local sportsperson
Kumar Sangakkara – all time
International sportsperson
Kobe Bryant
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE
When you dance, you look like…
I’m living my best life
The first thing you notice about someone is…
His or her smile
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
I don’t really have a bad day – every day is what you make of it
You’re challenged by…
Staying nice and easygoing even when someone really deserves a good telling off
Recently laughed out loud when…
My work colleagues and I did the ‘give me my money’ TikTok challenge
Saddened when…
I remember my family who are overseas
Love has the power to…
Unite us all
Happiness is when…
My food tastes great!
Sri Lanka will have a chance to develop when…
Everyone embraces truthfulness, genuine behaviour, and strong virtues and principles
The world is…
Sadly in need of healing and unity
Message of positivity in these trying times…
Challenges are opportunities in disguise – face them with courage and optimism, and you’ll find strength you didn’t know you had
One goal you have for the future is…
Building a sustainable business that positively impacts the environment and communities
Your motto in life is…
Everything happens for a reason or blessing
