We were lucky to have had him as a friend

Ruwan Perera who peacefully passed away on August 10, was known to many as the flamboyant cricketer who lived next to Salgado Bakery in Maradana. He captained the junior and first-eleven cricket teams of Ananda College in the 70’s and the first team of the Burgher Recreation Club in the 80’s. Some still speak of the gritty centuries he scored against top teams.

He had a good entrepreneurial knack. He identified a niche in the market based primarily on his instincts and developed a business he enjoyed leading. He was never shy to seek knowledge or advice from anyone to improve that business.

Socially, he entertained friends with his tales of adventure that amaze some of us to this day. However, behind the macho persona, Ruwan was a compassionate, respectful and grateful human being. He never hesitated to pull out his wallet to help someone in need.

In recent years, his hobby was reading the newspapers from front to back. He was well informed on matters ranging from economics to sports and enjoyed discussing any topic, but politics. He had the memory of an elephant.

On my last visit to his house in April 2021, I was accompanied by two friends, one of whom Ruwan had not seen for nearly three decades. With a few leading hints, Ruwan recognized him and went on to relate details about him that he himself only faintly recalled.

Whatever his aspirations were, Ruwan was not one to share them even with his closest friends. Neither would he brag about his achievements. Some paths he followed and choices he made may not have taken him to the places he wished to be, but he had a positive outlook and never looked back. I am sure that most people will consider themselves lucky to have either met Ruwan or had him as a friend.