Nissanka Perera, a senior administrator well known for a long and distinguished service in the Ministry of Finance, passed away recently, after being seriously ill for a short time.
Nissanka was, without doubt, one of the outstanding Richmondites of his generation. The formative influence Richmond exerted on him cannot be over-emphasized. Early in his life, Nissanka received what could have been a crippling blow when he was orphaned. His uncle E.R. de Silva, then head of Richmond, in spite of the constraints of the purse that even heads of leading public schools were not exempt from, ensured for his orphaned nephew a good educational environment as a hosteller at Richmond.
The words used by a Richmond colleague when I shared with him the news of Nissanka's death -- "He was everything what anybody would have liked to be” -- show the position he enjoyed as a student. He was a consummate sportsman -- superb athlete, a fine cricketer and much more. From those early days, he was well groomed. I recall telling him when we last met that his image immediately came to mind when I saw Yardley Brilliantine in the shelves of Boots!
By his attire and action, reinforced by the numerous feats he achieved in the field of sports quite early in his student days, he acquired a stature which made him, among us, his fellow students and hostellers, primus inter pares. Unknowingly almost, we started looking up to him, a mentor and a disciplining influence.
As was not unusual at that time, in his case, too, sports took precedence over studies. Thanks, however, to the watchful eye of his great benefactor, he did not neglect his studies. He gained entrance to the University at Peradeniya and earned a degree, the gateway to his later achievements.
In selecting his life's partner, the choice of his heart was endorsed by two canons of eligibility according to established tradition. The union with Chitrani assured the emotional and financial stability that provided an enabling family environment in which both achieved the highest degree of professional success. They were a happy family with children and their partners and were blessed with grandchildren.
His career in the Public Service showed a steady progress. During perhaps the most dynamic period in the history of the Ministry of Finance, Nissanka was the mainstay of its operational administration, enabling his minister and policy makers to concentrate on their responsibilities. He was always methodical and systematic in whatever he did. These qualities combined with his sense of commitment and absolute integrity enabled him to advance up to just a step short of the pinnacle of the public service – the position of Secretary to the Treasury. What is more? He endeared himself to his minister, the redoubtable Ronnie de Mel. He found himself in numerous prestigious positions, in each of which he made his presence felt.
Nissanka lived a full, exemplary life. He was a role model to many. His family supported him, his school and university fashioned him, his faith and church sustained him. We can well imagine the loss to Chitrani and his immediate family. Perhaps the knowledge of the high esteem in which Nissanka was held by all those who were privileged to know him and the extent to which they mourn his death would be some consolation in their hour of grief.
H.P. Wijewardena |
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