I had the privilege of associating with Pragathi Mahilal over the past four years. I found him an efficient, hard-working and inspiring person, someone with whom you could develop a lasting friendship.
When he was elected by popular choice as president of the Welfare Society of Wijeya Newspapers Company Ltd, he succeeded in filling the society’s coffers through a number of large-scale fund-raising projects.
His good works for the benefit of the society were many.
One was the three-wheeler he bought without using welfare society funds.
He organised a number of clinics with the help of eminent doctors attached to the Colombo General Hospital. He provided stationery items for the children of welfare members.
The Welfare Society sales outlet he helped set up sells household items at concessionary rates.
Pragathi organised very successful sports events and popular dramas to generate income for welfare members in need of financial assistance.
Pragathi was also successful in his personal and professional life. He acquired a master’s degree in Information Technology from the University of Rajarata, a remarkable achievement that proved how versatile a person he was. He was very keen to publish his IT thesis.
He would often talk about his beloved family – his wife and three loving daughters. He wanted to be with them as much as possible.
It was a delight to listen to Pragathi. His strong voice and personality had a powerful impact on people.
Pragathi Mahilal worked hard for the benefit of the common man. His sudden departure under tragic circumstances has created a vacuum that will be very hard to fill.
May he attain Nibbana.
D. B. Kappagoda |
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