LIFE
Thayalan Bartlett
In conversation with Lashani Ramanayake
Wanted to be in
Aviation
Is
Happily in advertising
Family members
My wife Tania and two sons – Sandesh and Nilesh
Alma maters
Thomas’ Preparatory School,
S. Thomas’ College and St. John’s College (Jaffna)
Happy place
Home, of course
Most unforgettable event
The births of my sons
Most forgettable event
When I had to move to Jaffna following the riots
Favourite local destination
The hill country
Favourite overseas destination
The Netherlands
Mantra to unwind
Crack open a beer and reflect on all the good that has happened in life
A good workout is
A brisk walk in the park
Last post liked on social media
A tweet from Azzam Ameen
Three must-haves
A backbone, conscience and love
Three ‘would like to haves’
Peace in my country, equality for its people and hope for all
When I dance, I look like…
Although I feel like Michael Jackson when I dance, onlookers think I’m a blob on the dance floor – and they’re absolutely right!
Favourite colour
White – because of its neutrality
The first thing you notice in a first encounter with someone
I gauge someone’s level of confidence by the firmness of his or her handshake
Transformational technology of the future
An alternative to Android and iOS – it’s coming
Cook or foodie
Foodie all the way
Favourite food
Authentic Sri Lankan food
Hobbies
Planes, travel and food
Pet peeves
When people don’t respect time, things are untidy or disorderly and politicians
Likes to watch
Movies, or a good game of cricket or rugby
Ideal romantic date or outing
My wife says I’m anything but romantic so I will avoid any further explanations!
Items on the bucket list for the next six months
First, look at the bucket; second, keep the bucket a safe distance away from me; and third, make sure I don’t kick it!
Items on the bucket list following retirement
Get a private pilot’s licence – and visit Iran and Israel
Likely retirement destination
Anywhere my wife and I could be together with our sons
Favourite local sportsperson
Kumar Sangakkara – he’s been a great ambassador for the country on and off the field
Favourite international sportsperson
Sir Vivian Richards – he combines technique, aggression and grace; and rolls it out as entertainment
Memory skills on a scale of zero to 10
Zero… I believe it’s good to forget the past and present – and start afresh every day
Success is…
About being happy and content
Recently laughed out loud when…
I saw President Donald Trump contradict himself for the zillionth time!
Favourite song
Staying Alive (by the Bee Gees) – because it’s like a switch that helps me transition back and forth, between my teen years and adult life
Favourite movie
There are many but I like Bombay as it relates to a similar situation in Sri Lanka and how love crosses racial boundaries
Best singer
As clichéd as it sounds, Michael Jackson is my man
Favourite author
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Colombo is…
A city with character composed of characters
Sri Lanka is…
God’s favourite spot in his garden
The world is…
A magnificent piece of art that’s being vandalised by crooked politicians and poor policy
Impressed by
People who command the attention of the world but are simple in their disposition – like Barack Obama, Lewis Hamilton and Angela Merkel
Saddened when
I see children suffering
Challenged by
A visit to any government department
Role model
Nelson Mandela
Most used word or phrase
Always have a point of view. It’s better to work divided with strong views than in unity with no views at all
Yourself in a few words
A wanderer with no destination in mind
Motto in life
Keep things simple
