Appreciations
View(s):Your guiding light to one and all will never fade
DR. CHANDANA WIJAYANAMA
Dr. Chandana Wijayanama – an academic, professional, a man of integrity, wisdom and boundless compassion. A leader who believed in people, a thinker who saw beyond borders, and a human being whose humility was as deep as his intellect. Finding the words to reflect the warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength that Chandana brought into every life he touched feels almost impossible.
On March 26, 2025, we bade farewell to this devoted husband, proud father, esteemed corporate HR leader and true friend whose life was defined by compassion and care for others. Born on August 21, 1968, his journey was one of purpose, humility and unwavering humanity.
A proud alumnus of Ananda College, Colombo, Chandana often spoke of how the school helped shape his character and inspired his values. The discipline, integrity, and sense of responsibility instilled during his schooldays left a deep impression on him. He carried forward the Ananda spirit of humility, patriotism and service throughout his life. It was not just an education, it was a foundation that fuelled his drive to live purposefully and contribute meaningfully to society.
With over 25 years of experience across HR and IT, his professional journey spanned across Sri Lanka, Thailand, Switzerland and Hong Kong, where he held leadership roles in multinational organisations.
He most recently served as Director HR – Sri Lanka Telecom, where his vision transformed people strategies and organisational culture. His previous roles at Siam City Cement Lanka Limited, South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd, Holcim Group, and Franke Foodservice Systems Asia saw him lead large regional HR operations, launch talent programmes and steer strategic transformation across borders.
Chandana believed that the HR profession must relate to the need of the times and that HR professionals must essentially possess a set of competencies which helps to fulfil the expectations of business leaders from their people. His extensive research into the domain together with business leaders of this country resulted in the development of a “core capability model for HR professionals” focusing on people consulting, relationship management, technology and digital agility, leading self and others, outcome focused business mindset and effective communications. The Association of HR Professionals supported this study and it was endorsed by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Chandana’s research led him to propose a HR functional competency model with room for further research into HR leadership competencies. This alone is a hitherto unventured path which he unearthed for others to follow.
Chandana was widely recognised for his calm demeanour, strategic insight and deep empathy. His leadership was grounded in clarity, integrity and a genuine commitment to the development of people. He listened before he spoke, offered wise counsel without judgment, and led by example with unshakable ethical values.
As Executive Vice President of the Association of HR Professionals and a member of the National Human Resource Development Council, he played a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s HR landscape. One of his most impactful contributions was his work in capacity-building programmes for Sri Lankan universities – a mentoring programme for the final year undergraduates collaborating with academia. Chandana helped design and deliver programmes by the Association of Human Resources Professionals of Sri Lanka aimed at enhancing employability, leadership development and industry readiness among undergraduates.
Above all, he was a family man. To his wife Chathu and their two beloved daughters, he was a source of unwavering strength, love and guidance. His role as a husband was defined by tenderness and unwavering support. As a father, he was deeply involved – nurturing, proud and always standing by them. No matter the demands of life or work, Chandana always prioritised time with his family, from guiding them with their future plans to spending quality time in the company of each other making even the ordinary moments extraordinary.
Home, for Chandana, was his sanctuary filled with shared laughter, meaningful conversations and unconditional love. Whether through a comforting word or a gentle smile, Chandana radiated peace.
To his friends and community, Chandana was a man of principle. I long knew him for his humility, kindness and grace. He lived by a quiet code of honour, never seeking the spotlight but always ready to support those around him. Whether offering help in times of need or celebrating others’ success, he was consistently selfless, compassionate and sincere.
He lived not for recognition, but to uplift. Chandana believed in the potential of others long before they believed in themselves. He supported people without expectation, guided them without judgment, and challenged them with kindness to become the best versions of who they could be. He showed us that leadership was not about power –it was about compassion, trust and courage.
Chandana leaves behind a legacy defined not only by professional excellence but by deep humanity, a spirit of service and love for those around him.
We carry his memory in our hearts, may we also carry his message to the world. As one of his closest colleagues, I am sure his legacy will be with us for a very long period of time.
To live with grace. To lead with purpose. To love deeply. To leave the world better than we found it. Farewell, dear Chandana. Your light will never fade.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”– Pericles
-Thushara Jayawardena
A friendship from schooldays to medical school and working life
Dr. D. B. K. DE SILVA
Dr. D. B. K. De Silva, Consultant Eye Surgeon passed away on May 31, after a brief illness. He was a Life Member of the College of Opthalmologists of Sri Lanka, obtained FRCS ophthalmology qualifications in the UK at a very early stage in his career and acquired working experience in London, before returning to Sri Lanka.
He hailed from a family of jewellery manufacturers based in East Africa since or before the dawn of the 20th century. His grandfather (DBT) established himself there along with other Ceylonese in the first instance and handed over the business to his father (DBR), who set up a company under his own name. Thereafter his uncle (DBM), a cousin (DDM) and another relative (GNE) set up their own companies. All of them at some stage were Jewellers by Special Appointment to the Sultan of Zanzibar. They also displayed their exquisitely carved jewellery at international exhibitions and won accolades.
His two elder brothers (DBA & DBS) also worked in their father’s company and took over its management when his father returned to Sri Lanka in 1957. His only sister was married to W. T. Wijekulasuriya, a leading lawyer and upright politician.
DBK chose to continue his studies with his father’s blessings and the latter was in Sri Lanka at the time he passed out as a doctor. After his brothers and the sister left their ancestral home in Magalle, it was his mother, a gracious and deeply religious lady, who provided the love and inspiration for him to pursue his studies successfully.
He was educated at St. Aloysius College, Galle and Mahinda College, Galle. At St. Aloysius, he took part in many sports activities, including athletics, where he excelled in the 100 & 200 metres at the junior level. At Mahinda he played for the First Eleven soccer team. We were his friends at St. Aloysius from the Primary to the Senior Form and one of us continued our friendship through medical school and working life in Galle.
Both of us attended his wedding reception held in 1962 at a reception hall in the Boossa Racecourse premises, when he married Geeta, a graduate, daughter of Rex Wickremasinghe, a leading civil lawyer and Galle Coroner.
We were in constant touch and it is difficult to believe that we will not hear his familiar voice over the phone anymore. He walked tall amongst men, humility was his strong point, and kindness to all was his weakness. He did not know the word ‘No’. He was there for anyone of his friends in any crisis. When one of us was leaving for the UK, he helped in all official matters. His acts of kindness to friends, relatives and patients are too numerous to mention.
He leaves behind his wife, a son who is also a Consultant Eye Surgeon, a daughter, and grandchildren, all of whom looked after him with great love and care during his illness.
-Dr. V. Venkateswaran in Sydney K. K. De Silva in Colombo
Goodbye cousin and friend
STANLEY WIJESINGHE
June 9th you left the world
One of the best cousins I had
Your calls and WhatsApp images for me
Have stopped with a goodbye salute
You were an Additional Secretary in
The Dept of Education/Higher Ed
Served the country honestly and efficiently
In your orders country came first not the politicians,
AR & FR rules were the guidance for your subordinates
Family gatherings you were the main actor,
Your stories and secret jokes we enjoyed immensely
In song and dance you were like Michael Jackson,
Your general knowledge was amazing
My memories of your advice
Bring tears to my eyes.
Goodbye my dearest cousin
Till we meet in heaven.
-Lal Malli (Lal Kodituwakku)
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