A business magnate but above all a fine human being

In the course of life, we meet people we would have liked to have met earlier or associated longer than the time we shared with them. Jawaharlal Jamnadas Ambani better known as JJ to many, was one such person for me. I knew JJ for about 20 years but, had the privilege of counting him as a friend only in about the last six years. My wish is that we were friends for much longer.

Of Gujarati origin, born Sri Lankan, schooled at Ananda and Royal Colleges, he was in every sense a son of the Sri Lankan soil. There was never a compromise on that identity for him. Though primarily a business leader, his interests went far beyond the confines of trade, commerce and industry. He was quite at home whether playing golf at the RCGC or discussing socio political issues, sports, his varied hobbies that included photography and its obvious extension to wildlife. On socio political issues in particular, he held strong convictions and social injustice was anathema to him.

Conversations with JJ on varied subjects were always a pleasure and reflected not only on his extensive knowledge but, his willingness to share, listen and learn. Many who enjoyed the lighter side of his character with his infectious sense of humour and exuberance, may not have been privy to the sublime nature that lay beneath his outward personality.

His rise in the ladder of the tough business world was not easy but, to gloat over winnings or publicly lament his losses was not his style. Neither was ostentation for him. He shunned it as being offensive. This is not to say that his lifestyle was frugal but, it was never the ugly splurge that society is now accustomed to among a wealthy few.

Above all, his was a caring life. The concern he displayed towards friends and those working with him in companies under his control is legendary. He took immense pleasure in seeing them and their families living well and often outsmarting him in terms of symbols that have now unfortunately come to signify social status.

With another friend, I met him last March in his plush Braybrooke Place offices, attending to the final touches of the transfer of his businesses which he did successfully. That was to be my last in-person meeting with him. Over short eats and tea he told us that he had no more business worries to address but that his concerns were for the people who worked with him. He seemed confident enough however, that they will not be let down.

JJ lived the full biblical span of three score and ten years. He courageously fought a terminal illness for two or more years and met his maker with dignity on

May 30. The grief and loss to his immediate family; wife Juthika and daughter Ravina on whom he doted, must be irreparable. My sympathies go out to them. Their grief is shared by so many who were fortunate to have known their loved one.

JJ Ambani was a Chartered Accountant by profession, a business magnate, and indeed a wealthy and generous man, but above all; he was a fine human being and that is exactly how he would have wanted to be remembered. Speaking for his fellow “Walkers” at the SSC; we will sorely miss him but will certainly cherish his memory for long years to come.

Gota D.