Nimal Perera (aka KNP) has died after a heroic battle with cancer surrounded by a wave of friends and family as he bade farewell. The talented Interior Designer, whose artistic work adorns many royal households in the Sultanate of Oman, was a soul who blazed so brightly.

Humble, charming and unassuming, Nimal twinkled to leave a lasting legacy and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. The live wire of any gathering, Nimal lived life to the fullest, always laudable for his kind and meritorious acts. Much sought for his talents in singing and comedy, his hilarious impersonations of “Amaris Aiya” of Sri Lanka’s “Nandana Vindana” comedies regaled party-goers.There was never a dull moment in Nimal’s company.

Supported and backed by his childhood sweetheart and wife, Jayanthi, Nimal was at the forefront of every campaign: raising funds for the poor and needy, rallying support for cancer patients, providing guidance to the young and helping to mould their careers. A devout Buddhist, he wasn’t someone who sprouted his faith to anyone, but Nimal’s way of living encompassed all religions.  As a Christian, I believe Nimal lived Jesus Christ’s teachings to the letter; regularly visiting the sick and those in prison, feeding the hungry and distributing alms and clothes to the poor. During vacations in Sri Lanka, Nimal and Jayanthi’s presence at the Cancer Hospital, pharmacies and post offices was a common sight.  At pharmacies they would seek out the destitute and desperate and provide funds to those who could ill afford to purchase prescribed drugs.  At post offices, they would look for the needy to top-up the benefit (pin-padi) of the poor.  These acts spoke for themselves and impacted all those around Nimal.
Nimal leaves behind his heartbroken wife Jayanthi, his sons Arjuna and Shiran, and their families,  but we must take solace from the fact that he is now at peace.  He has left us with fond memories of an individual who filled our lives with love and admiration.

God, we love him and know how lucky we are to have had him in our lives.
......Nimal’s former boss in Oman has added the following comment:

“Nimal was one of the first employees of my newly formed architectural practice - Chuck Pringle Associates, working mostly for members of the Oman Royal family, including the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and government officials. He soon became a mainstay of the firm and, happily, a personal friend, with whom I kept in touch over the years. I regret his passing away, but celebrate his fruitful life and apart from saying my heart is with Jayanthi and his family, can do no more than reiterate Clifford’s closing words; I too, am happy to have had him in my life.” (Chuck Pringle - Thailand / Founder of Chuck Pringle Associates) 
Clifford Lazarus - 
New Zealand