Mr. Leanage was born to a respectable family in Negombo, Kochchikade on 27th March 1936. Although his birth place was Kochchikade Negombo he became a very good friend of the Colombo business community from his very young age.   

He commenced his career at  Lipton Ceylon Ltd., during the time of the British management. One of his contemporaries was Mr. H. R. Jothipala, the famous vocalist and playback singer.   

Mr. Leanage had the extraordinary talent of winning the hearts and minds of people in the business circle as well as in the other arenas such as the political and plantation sector.   

He has dined and wined with political leaders and very powerful ministers during his life time. His residence was open for all party leaders who passed the Negombo - Chilaw road during his time.  

When he left Liptons on his own accord, he launched his own enterprise called “Seven Hills” which marketed  Ceylon Tea, Spicy Tea and Herbal Tea, even today. In this context he became a herbalist and maintained a herbarium at Kochchikade, Negombo.  

He exported herbal products and spicy tea to the West and far Eastern countries and his “Seven Hills” products are very popular.  

Mr. Leanage was an unassuming person who took everything in a lighter vain, but he was a man of high thinking and simple living.  

He fulfilled his paternal duties and responsibilities to his children lavishly and was a very good grandfather too. 
When it came to his fellow workers, he was a very good master. He treated everyone alike and used to take his fellow workers to the hotel where he had his meals.  

He was a man of different taste and with a good heart. A true Catholic but always spoke about the spiritual development of people through Buddhist teachings. Mr. Leanage appreciated Buddhist traditions and believed in Lord Buddha’s concept of empowering individuals to take changes and gain salvation through perseverance.  

While wishing your soul to Rest in Peace,  I further wish “May you Attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana” in your final journey.  
P.B. Mallawaarachchi