A larger than life gentleman

On June 10 late night Sando Harris called me, full of enthusiasm, describing his plans for a tele-series on the character NALLATHAMBY  which he was creating as an episodic series for the TONTOFLIX Platform. We had plans to start production next month after the lockdown very likely would be lifted. We spoke for more than half an hour. The following day  morning I had a call from my friend Wilson Guneratne with the very sad news of Harris’ sudden demise.

My thoughts went back to an incident more than twenty five years ago when he was brought to my hotel in Kandy, unannounced, for an interview for a part in a foreign movie that we were shooting.

He had a reputation that was not to my liking. Along with that in mind, from the balcony of my hotel room, I saw him awaiting his turn to be interviewed. A black, bald headed, arrogant looking young man with the ‘so called reputation that was not to my liking.’

I cancelled the interview. I sent a message downstairs that I was not interested in seeing him. That was my first close encounter with this GENTLEMAN. So much for first impressions. Shame on me!

Many years later, quite by accident I watched a NALLATHAMBY episode on television and laughed my sides out.
At an industry function I came in contact with Sando Harris and told him that I had enjoyed the episode on

television. From then on, we became and remained friends. The more I got to know him the more I respected him and realised how wrong one could be from a first impression. As we became closer I mentioned the first close encounter in Kandy and had a good laugh.

He was a friend to my wife and my family and proved to me on numerous occasions what a gentle caring and respectful person he was. He has been a friend and has assisted and cared for me on numerous instances and issues and provided me with sound  advice on occasion.

I cast him in my film A COMMON MAN and had plans to work together again this year.

I am shocked and saddened by his sudden demise, especially when after talking to him last.

Mister Sando Harris was another unsung hero of our entertainment  fraternity and truly a gentle gentleman.