Success sat lightly on his shoulders

My friendship with Frank, popularly known as Franky dates to 1976. I first met him when I married my wife Swarnamalie whose first cousin Nesta was married to him. He was a friendly soft- spoken pleasant sort of guy whom I liked, and Nesta and Franky formed an ideal couple. He was a young architect at the time.

Soon I learned that he with five other friends had launched Sierra Constructions. It was good timing for a construction company to kick off with the open economy policy of the J.R. Jayewardene government. Franky was the Chairman of the Company from its launch until recently.

Within two decades, Sierra rose to become a market leader. Franky never lost his head over what he achieved in life.

Franky was very humble family man who lived in Welivita, Kaduwela all his married life. Franky and Nesta were blessed with two daughters. He provided his wife and children with everything but let the children grow up like in any middle- class family without spoiling them. Both are qualified accountants.

Franky was a tower of strength to his extended family. He was a kind and generous person who helped the poor and needy in numerous ways. He aided renovations and improvements to the St. Mary’s Church Welivita, Kaduwela and to many other churches and homes, without publicity.

My wife and I last met him in January 2020 when we were in Colombo on a holiday. He took us to the East Coast providing us an unforgettable holiday.

He had few medical issues latterly and overcame all that with prayers. He was a staunch Catholic who practised what Lord Jesus Christ taught to the best of his ability. He had a peaceful death at home surrounded by his family after a brief illness. We were very sad when we heard the news .

Our sympathies go to his wife Nesta, daughters Sujeevie, Cynthica, his in-laws, grandchildren and all other family members and friends. I am sad that I lost a dear friend.

May he rest in peace.