SRI LANKANS OF THE YEAR
1995
LAKSHMAN KADIRGAMAR
CATEGORY Politics l AGE 63
ALMA MATER Trinity
By representing Sri Lanka as Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar laid to rest the myth that the LTTE fully represents the Tamil people. In doing so however, he took on immense personal risk. But Kadirgamar believes that this risk is worth taking in the interest of the nation. The fact that world opinion has shifted to the side of the government is due in no small measure to him. And it is his success in rejuvenating the image of Sri Lanka in the eyes of the world that must be used as a springboard to catapult the nation’s ambitions and aspirations.
Editorial
1996
ARJUNA AND THE BOYS
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 33
ALMA MATER Ananda
Remember the buildup to and aftermath of 17 March 1996? Terrorism, the ‘ethnic conflict,’ a looming power crisis, political squabbling and economic turmoil; they all took a backseat. Sri Lankans the world over were united. They were spellbound by the grit and determination of ‘Arjuna and the Boys.’ No single event in our recent history has had the power or capacity to bring paradise isle together. For a while, bitterness and hatred were forgotten. It was a fairytale script. Our cricketers raced from being merely dark horses to becoming thoroughbreds.
Editorial
1997
SANATH JAYASURIYA
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 28
ALMA MATER St. Servatius
The Editor of Wisden Cricket Monthly Tim de Lisle said in May 1996: “In March, Sanath Jayasuriya lit up an initially dim World Cup with the electric simplicity of his batting. In April, he could have been forgiven for putting his feet up and juggling offers from agents.” Instead, he joined his teammates in Singapore where he broke the record for the fastest 100 in a One Day International with ease. If the ground was modest, the attack was not; it was led by Waqar Younis. Sanath Jayasuriya is without doubt Sri Lanka’s leading image builder.
Editorial
1998
DESHAMANYA KEN BALENDRA
CATEGORY Business l AGE 58
ALMA MATER Royal
Deshamanya Ken Balendra has led John Keells Holdings to the top of the listed company rankings (i.e. The LMD 50) in three of the five years since they were first published. And Balendra’s leadership qualities extend to the macro landscape as well. He has shown a willingness to address critical national issues particularly those impacting business. The icing on the cake is his role in initiating a forum through which the business community can play a role in bridging the political divide and achieve a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.
Editorial
1999
DESHAMANYA DR. LALITH KOTELAWALA
CATEGORY Business l AGE 61
ALMA MATER Royal
Deshamanya Dr. Lalith Kotelawala has worked tirelessly to forge a consensus between the PA government and opposition UNP on the ‘ethnic conflict.’ He has been both praised and insulted at the same time, and at different times; but he has persevered. Kotelawala has demonstrated a truly religious commitment to peacemaking. But his goal is larger, for he asserts his vision of universal love in a world that he knows can also be cruel. He has risked the anger of hardline nationalists in pushing forward the business leaders’ initiative for peace.
Sumadhu Weerawarne
2000
SUSANTHIKA JAYASINGHE
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 25
ALMA MATER Athnawala
She came out of nowhere in Athens in 1997, beating Marlene Ottey into third place. More experience and better planning we felt, and she could even have won. For her finish was electric. As electric and thrilling for Sri Lankan watchers, creating an image that is still etched in my mind. This then was raw talent. And indeed, this was confirmed in Sydney in September this year. Here was a lass from a working-class family in the rural backwoods of Uduwaka in the Kegalle District – and she knew the hardships of poverty discrimination.
Dr. Michael Roberts
2001
CHANDRA JAYARATNE
CATEGORY Business l AGE 54
ALMA MATER Ananda
Chandra Jayaratne is the Managing Director of Eagle Insurance – an LMD 50 company. However, he does not earn this honour because he runs a company well… but for his role as Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce – because he is willing to think out of the box. Shortly after the general election of 1999, Jayaratne initiated a movement in the chamber to try and set an agenda for the new government. He aggressively set out points for the country’s leaders and civil society to follow, which he believes will make Sri Lanka a better place to live in.
Arjuna Ranawana
2002
PRIME MINISTER RANIL WICKREMESINGHE
CATEGORY Politics l AGE 54
ALMA MATER Royal
In taking charge of the government in his first year as prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe has transformed the face of the country. The war that had seemingly taken on a life of its own is no more. The pitched battles that saw a thousand men perish in a single day have ended. The security barriers and personnel manning them are much less. Sri Lanka is still in the phase of negative peace. While taking massive risks for peace, he has shown an icy calm, and a supreme detachment from the apprehensions and prejudices of his fellow citizens.
Dr. Jehan Perera
2003
K.N. CHOKSY
CATEGORY Politics l AGE 70
ALMA MATER S. Thomas’
The chief reason for honouring this soft-spoken President’s Counsel turned politician is his adroit management of the economy. Following Choksy’s assumption of the national fiscal mantle, the Finance Minister began introducing imaginative measures to address, meet and bridge fiscal deficits. He is also responsible in the main for boosting investor confidence and improving investment prospects by maintaining consistency in fiscal policies. Perhaps his greatest contribution was the introduction of a modicum of transparency and accountability.
Wijith DeChickera
2004
DAYANANDA DISSANAYAKE
CATEGORY Civil society l AGE 62
ALMA MATERS Uduwara, St. Bede’s, Minuwangoda
He’s not an actor; he’s not a star. He’s certainly not the type of man that tabloid journalism will take the slightest interest in. On the few occasions on which the media took any interest in him, it was almost by default – because of his office – than by design or because of who he was. Even on those rare occasions, he was threatened by more powerful players who strutted and fretted their petty hour on the stage of polls. We reserve our sympathy for more mere mortals of weaker flesh. This titan has more than proved his spiritual mettle.
Wijith DeChickera
2005
SRI LANKABHIMANYA LAKSHMAN KADIRGAMAR
CATEGORY Politics l AGE 73
ALMA MATER Trinity
Besides his scholarship, intellect and communication skills, Lakshman Kadirgamar’s ethnicity played a crucial role in his prominence in the peace process with the LTTE and his brutal murder – allegedly by the LTTE. But how can anyone claim ethnicity by the accident of birth? To belong, one must truly have that ethnic ethos. He transcended the constricting bonds of tribalism and race. Whence all before him had failed, it was he – the Christian – who succeeded in persuading the UN to proclaim the birthday of the Buddha as a world holiday.
Lakshman Ratnapala
2006
JAYANTHA DHANAPALA
CATEGORY Civil society l AGE 68
ALMA MATER Trinity
The fact that Jayantha Dhanapala ran a dignified campaign with the least possible assistance from his state is widely accepted. That his state happened to be a war-torn island being run to the ground by corrupt and inept politicians was also common knowledge. But not only did he put the nation back on the world stage at a time when its image was taking a beating in the eyes of the international community, Dhanapala taught us that one can accept defeat with dignity. We’ve also come to realise that one doesn’t necessarily have to win to become a role model.
Editor-in-Chief
2007
WIJEYADASA RAJAPAKSHE
CATEGORY Politics l AGE 48
ALMA MATERS Horewala, Kanmuldeniya
What is to many Sri Lanka’s No. 1 priority (winning the ongoing war) may never become a reality even if it is possible – because of corruption. In fact, COPE’s Chairman Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe believes that “the main cause of the protracted ‘ethnic conflict’ is corruption!” Which must surely put the war against corruption at the top of the national agenda. But there’s one problem with this proposition: it is that a large majority of the officials who are charged with putting a stop to this costly menace are corrupt themselves!
Editor-in-Chief
2008
DR. HANS WIJAYASURIYA
CATEGORY Business l AGE 40
ALMA MATER S. Thomas’
He is arguably one of the best-known business countenances in this country. And he was only recently appointed Group Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Telekom International, a recognition of the calibre of savvy business oriented professionals that our nation can produce. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya’s other accomplishments are legion. Chief among the reasons for nominating this unassuming media shy young business leader as LMD’s 2008 Sri Lankan Of The Year is the fact that he has placed our troubled island nation on the corporate map of the Asian region.
Editorial
2009
PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA
CATEGORY Politics l AGE 64
ALMA MATERS Richmond, Nalanda, Thurstan
Two thousand and nine will go down in the annals of history as the year a tiny island nation succeeded in defeating one of the most ruthless terrorist organisations the world has seen. It’s been a year fraught with many hardships for the people – and indeed, the executive: viz. security issues, political drama and unprecedented economic strife. Terrorism did after all hold us all to ransom for almost three decades. This honour is bestowed on the President in the context of him being commander-in-chief of the armed forces that annihilated an enemy at great personal cost.
Larry Enas
2010
MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 38
ALMA MATER St. Anthony’s
He’s had more than his share of controversy… The only cricketer in the sport’s history who had an entire national cricket team walk off the field because an injustice was pointed at him. And wasn’t it Shane Warne and he whose ‘Battle of the Balls’ had the cricketing world riveted as to who would be mightier? He then went on to master the doosra – another ‘Murali wonder’ that continues to baffle the best batsmen in the world. But besides the awards and honours, trials and tribulations have also been a part of Murali’s character building.
Savithri Rodrigo
2011
KUMAR SANGAKKARA
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 34
ALMA MATER Trinity
Enough encomiums have been paid to Kumar Sangakkara on his finely chiselled speech [the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture earlier in the year] … His speech not only captured the spirit of Sri Lankan cricket through a perceptive recounting of its history but also encapsulated the ethos of Sri Lanka. His impact on Sri Lanka when his cricketing career finally ends will be as wide as it will be deep. And whether he will continue in cricket as an administrator or move to other pastures as a lawyer, Kumar Sangakkara will continue to be a leader.
Jayantha Dhanapala
2012
PRADEEP SANJAYA
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 27
ALMA MATER Delwala Olcott Maha Vidyalaya
The term ‘role model’ is used often: at times, by taking liberties with its meaning; and on occasion, being looked down on as a mere cliché. But this year, Sri Lanka found a bona fide role model in its latest sporting sensation Pradeep Sanjaya – the athlete who shone on the world stage despite the odds being stacked heavily against him. His heroics at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London opened a new chapter in our land’s history books. For this enlightenment, Pradeep Sanjaya receives LMD’s 2012 Sri Lankan Of The Year award.
Zulfath Saheed
2013
SUSANTHA RATNAYAKE
CATEGORY Business l AGE 54
ALMA MATERS Trinity, Royal
1 January 2006 marked a milestone in the history of Sri Lanka’s leading listed conglomerate. More than a century since the diversified group established a presence in the island, it was on this day that John Keells Holdings appointed its youngest chairman yet, as the then 47-year-old Susantha Ratnayake was charged with helming the group. In addition, he has led the nation’s premier chamber – the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce – with panache. Ratnayake is no stranger to the ebb and flow of business – he heads a gigantic corporate that has done Sri Lanka proud.
Zulfath Saheed
2014
THE SRI LANKAN CRICKETER
CATEGORY Sports l AGE N/A
ALMA MATER N/A
From the World Cup of 1996 to the T20 championships of 2014, it has been a saga of heroism surmounting obstacles created by the incompetent and corrupt governance of the game by politically aligned officials who have at times even lured players away from the spirit of the game. That heroism shone through in the team’s united response to the December 2004 tsunami… It earned the united support of terrorists, insurgents and peacefully patriotic Sri Lankans alike, throughout the conflicts that tore our island nation apart.
Jayantha Dhanapala
2015
MAHINDA DESHAPRIYA
CATEGORY Civil society l AGE 60
ALMA MATERS Prajapathi Gothami, Dharmasoka
One of the primary reasons cited by all and sundry for the perceived success of the polls was the manner in which they were conducted. Leading from the front in this endeavour was the Department of Elections, ably spearheaded by Commissioner of Elections Mahinda Deshapriya – so much so that the September edition of LMD hailed him as “the man of the moment,” adding that it was “an election that he won.” There’s little doubt that through his decorated career and dedication to the nation’s public service, Deshapriya serves as a shining example for others in his chosen occupation and beyond to emulate.
Zulfath Saheed
2016
DR. INDRAJIT COOMARASWAMY
CATEGORY Civil society l AGE 67
ALMA MATER Royal
In a rumoured meeting with the president, the newly appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) was reportedly told: “You hail from a respectable family. I hope you are quite capable of safeguarding the honour of your illustrious family and that of the institution you are in charge of… Take decisions without fear.” If such a one-on-one took place, the CBSL’s incumbent chief must’ve been relieved for he has stated a firm belief that independence (presumably to a practicable extent) sans politics is essential for him to fulfil his duties. He epitomises the calibre of public servants that Sri Lanka desperately needs.
Zulfath Saheed
2017
JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ
CATEGORY Entertainment l AGE 33
ALMA MATER In Bahrain
The is today a leading name in Bollywood and beyond; and despite the untold pressures of being in the spotlight constantly, she has for all intents and purposes maintained an unblemished reputation. We can now claim a Bollywood superstar who has not only risen to A-list status in a relatively short time but also highlighted Sri Lanka’s better side through activities that seek to give back to a nation she calls ‘home.’ Fernandez continues to promote Sri Lanka and some of its leading brands with great success. All of which points to an enterprising spirit that shows no signs of waning. On the career front, her star is on the rise.
Ruwandi Perera
2018
DR. ASHA DE VOS
CATEGORY Marine biology l AGE 40
ALMA MATER Ladies’ College
A marine biologist, Marine Conservation Action Fund fellow and National Geographic Explorer, Dr. Asha de Vos is the first and hitherto only Sri Lankan to gain a PhD in marine mammal research. As an ocean educator and pioneer of blue whale research in the northern Indian Ocean, she founded the Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project in 2008. Her tireless research led to the recognition of the Sri Lankan blue whale as a species that’s in urgent need of conservation research; and it gave birth to a collaboration between the Government of Sri Lanka and International Whaling Commission (IWC) to battle whale ship strikes. She is a true inspiration – in the field of marine biology certainly but perhaps more importantly, for anyone chasing an unorthodox dream.
Pia Hatch
2019
KUMAR SANGAKKARA
CATEGORY Sports I AGE 43
ALMA MATER Trinity
Some people are born great. Others achieve greatness. A rare few have it thrust upon them. And with Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara – as with many other achievements in a stellar cricketing career and larger-than-life persona – it is a sublime blend of all three elements. The unprecedented turn of events that brought about Sangakkara’s recent investiture as the first non-British President of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will always be remembered as halcyon days. He’s a life member of the MCC. As charismatic a commentator on the international cricket circuit as he was a swashbuckling gladiator in the cricketing arena. And his peers and opponents in the box as much as barracking stands treat him with honour if not a healthy respect for this doughty champ.
Wijith DeChickera
2020
THE HEALTHCARE WORKER
CATEGORY Healthcare I AGE N/A
ALMA MATER N/A
Year 2020 will no doubt be remembered for the coronavirus pandemic, which threatened to blight the future of an entire planet and its people – and as such, the healthcare sector has been pushed to the forefront of efforts to mitigate the impact of the highly contagious respiratory disease… But despite the very real threats to their lives and those of their loved ones, Sri Lanka’s healthcare workforce continues to toil and carry out their duties – as they have since the emergence of COVID-19 in the island earlier in the year. As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with the myriad challenges posed by a pandemic like no other, the unstinted efforts of the healthcare community are emblematic of the commitment desperately needed from the citizenry.
Zulfath Saheed
2021
YOHANI DE SILVA
CATEGORY Entertainment I AGE 28
ALMA MATER Visakha Vidyalaya
Among Sri Lanka’s image setters is Yohani de Silva, the young musician who shot to international fame with her rendition of Manike Mage Hithe. As Professor in Management Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka Prof. Nalin Abeysekera put it, she helped catapult the country’s music industry to the global arena. Her heroics on the global stage and string of successes produced the positive vibes that we desperately needed at the time, in addition to turning the spotlight on our precious nation – perhaps more than anyone else in the last 12 months – for all the right reasons. Yohani is set to represent her motherland in an official capacity as a brand ambassador for Sri Lanka Tourism, which means that she will continue to promote the country and its multiple offerings.
Editorial
2022
SALIYA PIERIS
CATEGORY Legal profession I AGE 55
ALMA MATER St. Joseph’s College
So who precisely is Saliya Pieris – that all his admirers commend him so highly in the aftermath of the most intensely active, visible stages of the erstwhile aragalaya? This legal eagle President’s Counsel hails from what people are pleased to call ‘a political family’ – not in a pejorative sense as applied in today’s sickeningly partisan milieu perhaps; but rather, as a reflection of stemming from stock that actively applies its principles. At the Sri Lanka Law College, he was President of the Law Students’ Union. Pieris and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) were active on many fronts. Their principal agency was pointing out to a plethora of state actors who need to follow a proper and transparent process, in maintaining law and order.
Wijith DeChickera
2023
Tharushi Karunarathna
CATEGORY Sports l AGE 20
ALMA MATER A. Rathnayake Central College (Walala)
Tharushi Karunarathna may not have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth but the lass from a remote hamlet in Kandy charted her destiny with determination, dedication and discipline to be on the cusp of achieving greatness. Following her epoch making feat of becoming the first Sri Lankan to win a gold medal in athletics after 21 years at the Asian Games, she has been hailed as one of the greatest athletes the country has produced. Unspoilt by the adulation she now receives from a grateful nation hungry for small mercies, Tharushi does not show any eagerness to venture overseas for her higher studies or training like many other athletes before her.
