A true humanist who was snatched away too soon
The sudden passing away of Rohan Tudawe sent shock waves amongst the people who knew and loved him. On December 4, 2021,the world lost a great humanist and above all, a gentleman par excellence. The cruel hand of fate which snatched him from our midst left his wide circle of friends, relatives and hundreds of employees of Tudawe Brothers as well as many other companies he headed, in utter disbelief. Could this be true? It was unimaginable.
Here was a man larger than life with a great sense of wit and humour taken away at a time when he was needed most. My mind raced back to an instance a few months ago when he mentioned that I should be a pall bearer at his funeral. Was it a premonition of impending death? This request was made twice. Never in my wildest dreams did I think, this would come to pass so soon and I will be writing this appreciation.
Rohan Rukmin Tudawe was the eldest son of Lawrence and Dulcie Tudawe. He received his primary education at Greenlands College and secondary education at Ananda College. Thereafter he proceeded to the U.K in 1968 to qualify in civil engineering. Following his graduation, he was employed in UK as a graduate civil engineer at the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Kingston County Council,Surrey and afterwards settled in Sri Lanka in October 1978. He commenced his career in Sri Lanka in November 1978 as an Executive Director and worked closely with the founder Chairman for 11 consecutive years. Upon the demise of his father Lawrence, he was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Tudawe Brothers in 1989.
Rohan touched the hearts and minds of everyone whom he associated with. His generous nature and helping hand extended far beyond his family and friends. Despite his busy schedule as the Chairman of one of the country’s oldest and leading construction companies Tudawe Brothers, he was there for anyone who sought his help and advice from business matters to personal advice and counselling. He did not give himself any airs because of his wealth, position and the high esteem he was held in society but rather put humility as his crown. He was an extremely unassuming and down to earth person who enjoyed the company of friends and family around him.
The role he played in society with his contribution to social service activities through the various organisations he headed was invaluable and immeasurable. He was a livewire in the Sri Lanka India Society where he was a committee member and President in 2021. He was instrumental in raising funds and making a large donation of medical equipment to the National Institute of infectious Diseases (IDH) to set up a children’s High Dependency Unit. He also promoted Indo-Sri Lanka relations to a great degree.
As the Treasurer and Trustee of the Amana Bank’s orphan care programme he ensured that 3,000 orphans were funded since 2019 - a remarkable achievement.
Although senior to me in years, my friendship with him grew very strong from the first day I met him. This was more so because of the family connection we shared. His father Lawrence Tudawe was a close associate of my grand uncle, the legendary D.R. Wijewardene, the founder of Lake House. While he was working at Lake House it was D.R. Wijewardene who had given him encouragement and advice to strike out on his own. This was a turning point in his life which led to the birth of Tudawe Brothers.Rohan was very proud of this fact and while telling the success story of Tudawe Brothers, would also mention that most of the Wijewardene residences have been built by his father including the house of business tycoon Upali Wijewardene.
Rohan was greatly supported by his loving wife Dr. Mala Tudawe and his family in all his endeavours. He will always live in the hearts and minds of many people whom he touched as he is only a ‘thought’ away from all his loved ones.
Lives of great men remind us to make our lives sublime and in departing leave behind footprints on the sands of time.
Goodbye Rohan, till we meet again someday. May your sojourn in samsara be short and may you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. Haritha Wijewardene