Uditha: the pal, the professor, the pious
25 August 2015 02:47 am
I knew Uditha was unwell for almost a year; however this time last year I would never have thought I’d be writing this – an appreciation and a farewell to my friend today.
I was not in Sri Lanka, hence was unable to attend the funeral of Uditha. I am still coming to terms with the he fact he is no more I can only imagine what it must be like for Sriyani and Chathuri, who will always remain among our closest ‘family’.
Much has been said, written and acknowledged about Uditha’s trail blazing role to elevate the state of the marketing profession in Sri Lanka, his contribution to the business community and his influence on the many boards he served. Therefore, I wish to reminiscence on Uditha my friend.
My memories of Uditha go back to 1979, when we were colleagues at The Maharaja Organization. He had applied for a Management Trainee positon but so impressed were the directors with his conceptualization and articulation skills, that he was offered a ‘Product Manager’ position, which he went on to excel.
His professorial instincts were embryonic. In the late 70s, at a job interview, Chairman of Ceylinco posed the question to Uditha “to describe the business of our company”. Promptly came the response “in the business of buying and selling money!”
By early 80s, Uditha had completed all his CIM subjects excluding finance, a subject which posed a challenge. I helped Uditha overcome this hurdle by introducing him to a colleague; an accountant. Uditha’s gratitude is evident by his frequent recollection (to Sriyani ) of this simple of act of assistance; such was his humility. In 1999 when my wife had a critical illness, Uditha dedicated time for prayers and meditation; such was his sincerity.
I remember visiting Uditha’s parents’ home in the early 80s and his mother voicing concern “it is time for Uditha to ‘settle down’”! Few years later Sriyani entered his life and provided Uditha the unstinted support and stability for him to excel in his career. Our families have had many lunches and dinners at our homes. Our children have many ‘spend the days’, memories of which we fondly remember.
I will conclude with an email I received from Uditha as recent as Feb. 2015.
“Dear Hilmy. I was touched and moved reading your email. Thank you for your concern and sincere prayers. I hope I will have the strength to go through the most difficult period of my life. When I am little better I will call you. Please give my regards to Shereen, Adil and Afra. Hope everything is fine with you and I sincerely wish you the very best. Warm regards. Uditha”
Good bye my friend. To Sriyani and Chathuri, you will always be family.
- Hilmy Cader