A story of contrasts, a story of success
I have written many reviews in the past but Sumi Moonesinghe’s recent publication of her life’s journey is perhaps one of its kind in Sri Lanka. Brilliantly presented and related by Savithri Rodrigo, it is a story of traditionally ethical Sinhala/ Buddhist parents who raised a family of four achieving children in an outstation where they were the highly respected Principal and Vice Principal of the local school.
Sumi’s life is a story of contrasts. A Sinhala educated schoolgirl becomes one of the highest ranked Engineering degree finalists amidst a 99% male dominated class. A scholarship winning female engineer becomes one of Sri Lanka’s top business achievers. A traditionally raised non-city young woman marries into an elite Colombo family and becomes a person who can truly, “Walk with Kings and not lose the common touch.” Sumi never lost her pride in her roots and her national heritage.
“You can do anything if you set your goals high and work with enthusiasm,” she told an assembly at Asian International School when I invited her to address the older students. ‘I learnt to speak English when I transferred to a Colombo school and now I am totally bilingual. I did not get extra tuition. I just seized every opportunity to learn whatever was useful. I was focused.’
She got a standing ovation from the impressed pupils.
Sumi grew up in a happy and comfortable home. Studiousness was ingrained.
From the start she was an outstanding learner but that does not make for the exceptional success she became in the business world. She was called ‘Sumi Instant’ by her siblings who were often harassed by her desire for instant action and completion of projects. This was a trait she
had all her life and which she used to inspire others.
Mr. S.A., an assistant working under her on the ‘Anchor’ project, told me that she never failed to compliment a job well done but always ended meetings saying “Now double your output by next time”. They felt as if she expected work to be competed “yesterday” and insisted everyone on her projects displayed the same fervour she had in such abundance.
“And did you succeed,” I asked. “We tried so hard we often managed it,” he said. “What I learnt from her was incalculable.” Today he is one of the highest paid executives in a top Sri Lankan company.
Although I knew both Sumi and Susil socially I got to to know them really well when their daughter, Anarkali, was my History pupil at the CIS. She was by far the highest scorer. Came the day of the promotion tests. Papers were collected at the end of the two hours but Anarkali was still writing.
“Come along my dear. Hand up your paper.”
“Just one minute Miss,” said Anarkali who obviously knew more than anyone else. Nonetheless after five minutes of waiting I left the classroom telling Anarkali I would no longer collect her paper for correction.
On the way out I met Sumi at the gate and told her what transpired. She was most upset but said nothing to make me change my mind but I can imagine what must have transpired at home. Sumi well understood rules.
The next day Mrs. Moir, the Principal, asked whether I would consider giving Anarkali another chance by setting another paper although her parents had not requested any such thing. I appreciated the fact that Sumi did not make use of our friendship to ask this. Also, let’s face it, I really wanted to read Anarkali’s answers, which I knew were worthwhile.
As a matter of interest I corrected both papers. Anarkali got 87% for the original (1st in class) and 92% for the second when she was only competing against herself. The genetic dice had indeed been strongly thrown.
After marriage Sumi’s job as Lecturer in The Singapore Polytechnic led to her friendship with Mr Kuok which eventually aided her greatly in the successful and achieving life she carved out for herself in Sri Lanka. A relentless drive to succeed at whatever work she was engaged in made for extraordinary success. I do not pretend to understand the business angles of Sumi’s life but her ability to seize opportunities and capitalize on them is totally admirable.
It would be accurate to say that her life has been fulfilling, successful and achieving but it has been much more. Sumi, as a warm and loving woman is to be far more admired. Her personal life was handled with grace and dignity. She gives her husband the credit he deserves for her success and is unstinting in her praise.
That her character comes to life is thanks to the outstanding ability of Savitri Rodrigo to get under the skin of a stranger and write the story of a complex and challenging personality so exceptionally well.
I hope the book is soon on sale at all bookshops. In these parlous times it will serve as an example to ambitious youngsters who are not offered the education or career opportunities for success in our COVID-ridden country. In such a world Sumi’s life shines as a beacon.