Appreciations
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true ambassador of the country, he worked with great passion Hospitality and Mr. Fernando went hand in hand. An icon in the industry, he was known by all from any walk of life. His sincerity and leadership certainly inspired those who toiled with him as he put in many hours into any one day! Arguably the best in the industry, no one had the passion he had towards his work. He would make doubly sure it was poured down our throats as well. Always immaculately clad, he would leave behind a whiff of the best in every sense when he entered the office or otherwise. The warmest greeting was from him, at any time of the day. A smile, a pat on the back, words of praise or reprimand were taken in good stead, because we all knew he meant well. Everyone held him in high esteem and members of the industry looked up to him for words of wisdom, when all was down and the industry crashing. He had the inner "gut" feeling as he would often quip, to take on any challenge! To me he is never gone, since I was fortunate perhaps to never see him go the way he did. I will always remember him as he was when I last said "goodbye" prior to my embarking on an overseas trip, never realizing that that was the last time I was to say "goodbye". Or so it seems….. - Yasmin Cader Jaliya
the giant-hearted gentleman He was such a gentle, likable person, who was taken away from our midst in such a devastating manner, along with his two equally adorable sons, Sankha and Hashan, leaving behind his wife to grapple with the loss of her family. The magnitude of this triple tragedy was deeply felt by the large crowd that attended a requiem mass at St. Thomas' Church, Kotte, two weeks after the tsunami struck Sri Lanka. Jaliya and I were acquainted through the old boys' association of St. Anthony's College, Kandy. Though we studied in the same era at college, we were a few years apart and never knew each other at the time. It was only as members of the OBA Colombo Branch that we first met. Initially, it was at rare special occasions of the college or the OBA, when Jaliya attended. Our friendship blossomed after Jaliya was forced on to the executive committee of the association. Seven years ago, Jaliya was working at Singer Sri Lanka where many old Antonians were holding high positions, and I had set my sights on co-opting at least one of them to serve on the ex-co. I first contacted Jaliya's best friend, Murali Prakash, and having agreed that Jaliya would be the ideal person I set about approaching him. Jaliya was, however, forewarned, by his good friend and he dodged my calls artfully. When I finally got through to him on the eve of the AGM, he humbly made all the possible excuses and recommended many others, before he was finally convinced that it was time to lend his talents to his alma mater. His first major assignment for the OBA was when he was appointed co-chairman of the 'SACKOBA BALL-2000' dinner dance committee in 1999. The old boys witnessed the exceptional organizing skills of Jaliya and his commitment to the task. Jaliya soon became a popular and influential figure at all old Antonian functions with his humble and modest style of fitting into any situation. Having served on many committees and sub-committees over the years, his greatest ever contribution to his alma mater came early last year, when he almost single-handedly carried out all the ground arrangements for a highly successful gala event on March 12 at the college grounds to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the college. Jaliya was a perfect gentleman. He was equally comfortable mixing in high society as well as with the common man. As a host, he was magnanimous with a large heart and together with his adorable wife, Henrieta, set great standards for their two sons, who were equally simple and well-mannered young boys. I hold very fond memories of a visit to the Jayasuriya home, early last year, where a few of us met to discuss plans for the 150th Anniversary of St. Anthony's College. After a serious and productive meeting, Jaliya was adamant no one left without savouring their hospitality, and after a few drinks at his well stocked bar we were treated to a lovely, homely dinner with his family. We had our differences in opinion on college matters, very rarely, and even openly argued our convictions at meetings. But never did any of those differences get in the way of our mutual respect for each other or deprive us of enjoying a few rounds of rum-and-coke together. Jaliya will be sadly missed at all our OBA get-togethers for a long time to come. LUX DE COELO Dear friend, may the turf lie gently over you and your lovable sons, and may the light from heaven guide, protect and strengthen your loving wife through her unbearable grief. Nishanta
Seneviratne
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