LIFE
Radika Obeyesekere
In conversation with Ruwandi Perera
Wanted to be
A career diplomat
Alma mater
Ladies’ College
Family
Husband Rajeev and son Rahul
Favourite day of the week
Wednesday – it’s when half the hard work is done and the weekend is in sight
Worst day of the week
Monday – because I always end up feeling like I haven’t rested enough
Three must-haves
Coffee, my shades and mascara
Three ‘would like to haves’
I’m rarely in want or need of anything
Mantra to unwind
Make changes where you can but accept things you have no control over
Favourite colour
Turquoise – it always picks me up
Drives
A Kia Sorento
Would like to drive
A Range Rover Sport
Happy place
My side of the bed at home
Favourite chill out
Spa Ceylon
Cook or foodie
Cook
Favourite food
Good old string hoppers, chicken curry and pol sambol
Favourite drink
Cosmopolitan
Three hobbies
Working out, shopping and napping
Pet peeves
Lack of common sense, small talk and a messy house
Likes doing
Running, playing badminton and swimming
Likes to watch
Rugby, athletics and swimming
The glass is half full or empty
Half empty – it always pulls me out of my comfort zone to find ways to fill it up
Most unforgettable event
The arrival of my son Rahul
Most forgettable event
The day my mum and I entered a singing competition, got up on stage, broke into a fit of laughter and walked out through the backdoor
Favourite local destination
Yala
Favourite overseas destination
London
Ideal romantic date or outing
Wining, dining and a lengthy chat
Three items on the bucket list for the next six months
Watching Celine Dion in Las Vegas, the tigers at Ranthambore National Park and spending more time with my family
Three items on the bucket list following retirement
Owning a holiday home outside Colombo, travelling with my husband and perhaps being a fun grandma!
Quality or quantity
Definitely quality
Work or play after retirement
Ideally a bit of both but since I have to choose, I’ll pick play!
Likely retirement destination
Kandy – it’s sufficiently urbanised and equally laid-back
Obsessed with
The need to achieve
Purpose in life
To be the best mum to Rahul
Happiness in a few words
Watching my son grow day by day
Favourite song
Immortality by Celine Dion – she partnered with the legendary Bee Gees on this duet and it was probably one of the best songs ever written
Favourite movie
Notting Hill – nothing beats British humour
Best actor
Gerard Butler
Best singer
Celine Dion
Favourite author
Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery – my childhood was inspired by her novels
Favourite local sportsperson
Damayanthi Dharsha – I had the privilege of watching her as a schoolgirl and she went on to become one of Sri Lanka’s finest athletes
Favourite international sportsperson
Richie McCaw – he is an absolute treat to watch on the rugby field
Colombo in a few words
Too many people minding each other’s business
Sri Lanka in a few words
The most unique and diverse little island nation
The world in a few words
A dangerous place to live in
Role model
Indra Nooyi – the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo
Most used word or phrase
“Bloody hell!”
Yourself in one or two words
Strong-willed and passionate
Motto in life
Be good to yourself and the best version of you will manifest as a result
