True to his name he was gifted with a magnetic charm and gracefulness
This is a tribute to a humble human being, lovable husband, caring father, dutiful son and trusted friend who is no more with us. Prasanna Obadage, who always had a pleasing smile, passed away under tragic circumstances one year ago on March 13, 2021 leaving his family, friends and others who knew him in deep sorrow and disbelief.
Even after one year, I cannot come to grips with the feeling that Prasanna is no more with us. My association with him as his father-in-law has been immensely close thus emotionally motivating me to write this appreciation.
The outpouring of grief, messages of condolences and tributes and the crowds – people of all walks of life – seen at his funeral despite the fear of COVID, bear evidence of what we have lost. The world will never be the same again for those who associated with him in whatever capacity. His memories will be cherished forever.
He had a large heart filled with love and kindness, and was always willing to help those less fortunate. Prasanna touched the hearts of everyone who met him throughout his various career roles in Sri Lanka and overseas. True to his name he was gifted with a magnetic charm and gracefulness.
Prasanna loved his family – wife Madhavi, daughter Naduni and son Dewan dearly. He was also blessed with a caring extended family and a massive network of genuine friends. I admired the way he cared for his loving mother Rupa, giving her the highest priority when the need arose.
The family acted with unbelievable generosity. They went out of the way looking for people who needed help. Wasantha and Lalani of Badulla are now proud owners of a lovely house due to their generosity. Prasanna treated the construction of this house as his own personal project. He helped the needy without expecting anything in return.
Prasanna was a nature lover and outdoor personality. He was also a wildlife enthusiast and skilful photographer. The walls of his home are adorned with large photographs of wildlife all taken by him. His hobbies were many – flying drones, white water rafting, canoeing, photography and racing adult toy electric cars were just a few. Yoga and Toastmasters were some of his other pastimes.
A qualified Human Resources professional (he had an MBA in HR Management), he understood human nature well and realised that every employee was different with varying capabilities and had to be treated accordingly with empathy because each one had a valuable contribution to make.
Prasanna was able to constantly change jobs because of his immense ability and experience in HR management and development. His employers were in vastly different fields ranging from (these are just a few that I can remember and not necessarily in the correct order) the NIBM to Hayleys, MAS Holdings, Lion Breweries, NEXT, Virtusa, MD Gunasena, CMA CGM and Sheraton. At the time of his demise, he was General Manager (HR) at HCL Technologies Pty Ltd.
He was an illustrious leader, leading by example. In the corporate world he ensured business means business but also created lifetime bonds and relationships within the work environment. He had high professional ethics and always tried hard to inculcate these values amongst his coworkers. He had a genuine concern for the development and welfare of the staff. He treated all staff as colleagues.
A tribute from one of his work colleagues (extracted from Facebook) says:“the legacy you have left behind cannot be measured, but the fond remembrance along with the learnings you imparted to strengthen and encourage each one of us to look forward and march on shall always be heeded”.
And from another: “He had a zest for life that made him more cheerful, charming and animated than those half his age. I’ll never forget his gentle voice, his beaming grin, his calm manner, his humble words, and his kind and warm heart. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with such a valuable human being in my lifetime”.
He had a profound knowledge of computers and Information Technology. He was a wellinformed individual who did not parade his multi-skilled supremacy.
Son of senior public servant, late N.A. Obadage, Prasanna was a chip off the old block. Twentyone years ago, when NAO passed away I wrote an appreciation and to highlight the similarity between father and son I wish to reproduce a paragraph:
“Although he reached the top rung in his career and held many influential positions, he was always very humble and ever so concerned and unreservedly willing to offer assistance to people less fortunate than he. I am personally aware that he spent much of his time and resources for the welfare of the poor. His simplicity was unparalleled, his sincerity unquestionable. He was truly a man who walked with Kings but never lost the common touch.”
Prasanna lived a privileged lifestyle, but that was unfortunately cut short doing what he loved most – swimming in the ocean – shocking everyone as he was also a good swimmer. I now tend to believe ‘the good die young’. I have lost more than a son and the community has lost an irreplaceable philanthropic gentleman.
May his journey through Samsara be short and may he ultimately attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.