It is with deep sorrow that I write this tribute to a dear friend, Prabath de Silva. His gentle nature and warm friendship will be remembered by all who associated with him. He was a gentleman to the fingertips.
Extraordinary people rob us of words to describe them when they leave us.
I first met Prabhath in 2008, when he came to me regarding an overseas job opportunity. From the very start, I noticed something special about him. Prabhath had exceptional charisma. With him, I found it easy to get through the many formalities required for overseas employment. Soft-spoken and always smiling, he made my task that much easier.
During the short spell Prabath worked in Lagos, Nigeria, we kept in touch. I contacted him whenever I had an IT problem, and he was always ready to help. His superiors and colleagues in Nigeria held him in the highest esteem. A good team leader, he was a valuable asset to any employer. He returned from Nigeria prematurely, because of ill health.
He touched many a heart with his kindness and humanity. His friends found in him a person of rare qualities, utterly unselfish, always placing himself last. He was also very down-to-earth.
I learnt from his schoolmates at Mahanama College that he was unassuming and always smiling. Prabhath was loved by his colleagues and teachers alike.
He had a passion for nature and wildlife. He would always join up with friends and spend holidays in the wildlife sanctuaries of Wilpattu or Yala. His last such trip was in March this year.
I had known Prabhath for only a short while, but he has left a vacuum in my life, just as he has in the lives of all those who came in contact with him.
Truly, the good die young.
P. Perera |
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