In mid-1985  Tissa Nanayakkara came to me as a fledgling SD on Canavarella Group, Namunukula, having completed his creeping period on Cullen Estate, Badulla. His parents Victor and Bella dropped him off at my bungalow and when leaving Victor’s words were, “Make this guy a good planter!”
Tissa began as the most junior of the four SDs in the Canavarella Group. I gave him the largest division to manage and he immediately proved his abilities. In a week I realised that he was cut out to be a planter and enjoyed his job. He was always loyal, alert and active as an SD.  Tissa continued to maintain very high standards especially as we were in the middle of the TTDP/ADB project.    He continued to be an enthusiastic and skilled assistant that any manager could wish for. He was a willing worker and would always be questioning me on various decisions I made, outspoken at times, and taking labour discipline to a degree where it was virtually regimented. I wish I had the confidential reports that I gave the JEDB on his performance.

We have always considered Tissa’s brother and sister, Kushan and Kshanika and now their families to be part of our own family too since we have been close for many years. The times with Bella and Kshanika holidaying in the Seychelles, when they came to visit Tissa, will be treasured memories.
This sudden blow of Tissa’s demise has been a personal loss to my family and me since he was undoubtedly a part of our family. Farewell, dear Tissa. May God give you eternal rest and I will dearly miss the happy times and weekly conversations we shared. Your gentle smile will always remain vividly in my mind. We wish Pushpi, Dylan and Ravyn the very best as they journey into the future that Tissa would have wished for them.
God bless you all abundantly.
Tissa, one day in the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.
With all my love and appreciation,
“Boss” – as you always 
called me.
By N.U.G. Silva