It is with a sense of deep sorrow that I pay tribute to Janaka Kaluhendiwala, a very dear friend of mine. He passed away due to a sudden illness on January 16 (Monday) at the age of 59.

A solid batsman who represented Sri Lanka A, Janaka captained Maliyadeva, Kurunegala in the early eighties; going on to represent Bloomfield CC in Division 1 cricket later on.

A gentleman to his fingertips he was a keen agriculturalist and plant fancier. Fond of animals he raised several prize-winning Great Danes.

Passionately fond of Country and Western Music he thoroughly

enjoyed and invested in DVD’s and CD’s of artistes rarely heard of nowadays. 

A finer human being of such unpretentious qualities would be a very rare find these days.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to his dear wife, son, kith and kin, including his first cousin, one time Sri Lanka’s ace wicket - keeper Mahes Gunatillake; for whom his absence will create a void that will never be filled.

May your soul rest in peace. Dear Janaka,   you will surely be missed.