Tribute to a gentleman par excellence

It is with profound sadness that I pen this article about Kandyan Fireworks Chairman Sena Dayananda. He was a business tycoon, active social worker and a humble human being.

Sena was one of the most versatile people I have ever met in life. He was a self-driven individual who achieved his goals with humility, confidence and a great sense of humour. He treated everyone equally and touched the lives of all those he met. He was a role model to his siblings and relatives.

Sena hailed from a reputed political family at Harispattuwa in Kandy. He was the eldest son of the late Sirisena Hemachandra, the Deputy Minister of Labour Affairs during Mrs. Bandaranaike’s Government in the 1970s; Mr. Hemachandra represented the Harispattuwa electorate for more than two decades. Sena began his early education in Jaffna. During this period, he learned Tamil and English. He was always updated with the political, cultural and economic situation in the country. When I visited his place in Halloluwa one time, he told me these exact words: “Putha, your sons are studying at Trinity which is a school with great values.” His definition about Trinity is suitable even to the present context.

As an entrepreneur, Sena invested most of his time in his own business. He also appeared in many fora organised by leading institutions including the Chamber of Commerce.

Embarking on a different venture, Sena produced his debut film ‘Tharanga’ which gained wide recognition and acceptance by the local film industry.

He was also the Chairman of the Board Directors of Harispattuwa South Cooperative Society. In the 1970s, he assumed chairmanship of the National Cooperative Council of Sri Lanka – the apex body in the national cooperative sector.

Sena was someone who was available at all times of need. He marked his presence everywhere; be it a business confab, religious event, wedding or funeral.

Sadly, Sena is no more. He leaves a void that can never be filled. He will be sorely missed by his family members. Loku Appachchi, may you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

A.M.G.B. Abeysinghe, Director, University College of Batangala, University of Technology, Panawala,

Eheliyagoda.