Professor Carlo Fonseka We have just lost a man in a Million

• Born a Catholic, he lived in the Dhamma in full measure

Many articles have appeared in the national media during the past few days about a superlative human being of our time, who is no more: He is no other than Professor Carlo Fonseka. In fact, two prestigious English newspapers had dedicated their editorials last week to pay tribute to the great man.   

It is quite well-known that Carlo was an extraordinary academic, an incomparable intellectual, an administrator par excellence, an outstanding artiste, but above everything else, he was a wonderful human being with full of loving kindness, understanding, equanimity and simplicity. There could be many intellectuals in this world, but we seldom find intellectuals with such great human qualities. Born a Catholic, he lived in the Dhamma in full measure.   

His disinterest for personal glory was well evidenced from his request in regard to the observance of his final rites

Despite being a nonentity compared to the great man’s stature, I had the privilege of meeting him, talking to him and seeking his guidance often for a considerably long period of time. He was a great man who could walk with kings, but yet not lose the common touch. He had the humility, kindness and patience to give an attentive ear to anyone who would call on him seeking his help or advice. I too on numerous occasions took advantage of his kindness and accessibility to talk to him and the good professor always listened to me with patience and I immensely treasure the memory of those brief meetings I had with him.   His contribution to promote tobacco control in Sri Lanka was immense and incomparable. In fact, very few people know that he was the second recipient of the World No Tobacco Day Award from the World Health Organization in recognition of his priceless contribution towards promoting tobacco control. 

His tenure as the Founding Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco Control (NATA) could be described as its golden period. 

Two prestigious English newspapers dedicated their editorials last week to pay tribute to the great man 

His simplicity and disinterest for personal glory was well evidenced from his request in regard to the observance of his final rites.   He was unassuming to the hilt. He treated everybody equally, impartially and empathetically. He was a true follower of Buddhism.   

Sir let me meet you at least once again during our journey in Sansara.