Sriyani Nonis: In Memory of My Great Friend

Sriyani Nonis was a visionary corporate leader and a professional, but at the same time a deeply compassionate, kind-hearted and generous human being

Two decades have passed since we lost our dear friend, Sriyani Nonis, on June 13, 2005, but her memory will always linger. Our friendship of nearly half a century was very close, not demanding, but genuine and dependable. We first met at St. Joseph’s nursery school, where our two sons were taking part in a concert.

Although several appreciations were written regarding her many achievements as an exemplary business magnate, she was always humble and down-to-earth, and never spoke highly of herself.  Her achievements were many: a Barrister-at-Law from Gray’s Inn and an Attorney-at-Law, she was also one of the youngest Sri Lankan women to be appointed to the Board of a Sterling company, she was the President of the Sri Lanka Women Lawyers Association, and was one of the few women of our time to be at the helm of a large conglomerate in a male dominated corporate world. She was an inspiration to many, paving the way for women to build careers and reach great heights. As her friends, we were extremely proud of Sriyani. 
Most importantly, though, to me, she was simply my very special friend. Now that I think back, we rarely ever discussed business or any official matters. To her friends, she was a sincere and caring friend, always available with very practical advice and concern. She was a doting mother, and in no way did her work life deprive her children of her love and attention. She was a hands-on mother to her 4 children.
They say friends are the family we choose, and that was true in this instance. There was instant rapport between the two families, as our children were all of similar ages.  Our early years were relaxed, going to Otters for a swim after dropping the children at school. But our swimming was restricted to breadths, not lengths across the pool, and we were quite content with that! Our children were always having sleepovers at each other’s homes. In fact, her youngest daughter, Shelley, still recalls a day when our youngest was left playing at their home, and we left without realising she was not in the car, and we had to turn back halfway on realising the missing member of our brood of 5. We shared carpooling duties for our kids, taking them to their different activities; violin lessons, school events, Junior Orchestra practices, etc. 
Her sojourn for a few years in the UK did not diminish our friendship. I was delighted to get a card from her announcing a new addition to her family, her youngest, Shelley. Our friendship continued across the miles, and on her return to Sri Lanka, we picked up where we left off!
I cannot forget the fun times at both residences, celebrating birthdays and Christmas, where the main item on the agenda would be the lively and cheerful sing-along full of camaraderie. At the beginning of our friendship, her birthday parties on the 23rd of December were always a joint celebration with her father, the late N.S.O. Mendis, who shared the same birthday. At the carnivals at St Bridget’s & St Joseph’s, we would undertake running the hoopla stall. We also enjoyed attending the school dances and Lions Club dances together! 
Whilst being a visionary corporate leader and a professional, Sriyani was a deeply compassionate, kind-hearted and generous human being.  She gave of her time selflessly to various charitable causes and touched the lives of many, but rarely spoke of these. It was Sriyani who introduced me to the Zonta Club 1 of Colombo, where I would continue to be a member for many years afterwards. We were so close that people in the club thought we were sisters! 
She also encouraged social services from the home. Concerts were organised by the children, and temporary curtains were put up where the audience had to pay an entrance fee to view (even immediate family!)  Funds collected were donated to a charity.  Payments were also made for little chores done, like watering plants, etc.
As I remember her with fondness, today, very specially, I am grateful for this wonderful friendship we shared. I miss her to this day, and she is one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Rest in Peace, Sriyani.