Daya Karunanayake A true friend and great planter

It gives me both pleasure and grief to pen this short message of condolence on the demise of a good human being; ‘Daya’ whom I have had the pleasure of associating closely with for the last 50 years; pleasant because he was indeed a true friend and associate of mine and sad because of having lost a faithful and loyal companion. 

Daya was with me for almost 50 years; as the Superintendent of Panawatte Estate in Yatiyantota when I was Chairman of Janatha Estate Development Board (Board 1 - Hatton/Avissawella) and again Superintendent of Henfold Estate in Lindula when I was Chairman of the same organisation (Board 11- Nuwara Eliya /Kandy). 

I must quite truthfully state that he was there for me through thick and thin. He was not a good time friend like over 90% of the plantation community; I am sad to state

I must mention that he was a good planter or else he would never have been the manager of these two top-class properties. He was one of the very few planters who planted in both high and low grown plantations and efficiently managed both estates; tea and rubber. In both these instances, he worked for me as one of my trusted, capable and senior superintendents. 

I must quite truthfully state that he was there for me through thick and thin. He was not a good time friend like over 90% of the plantation community; I am sad to state.  This particular aspect is very rare and he used to often tell me, “Bess, call me at any time I can be of help to you.” He sincerely meant this and I cannot forget the many times I used to call him and he always was ready to extend a helping hand.  

Although this message is penned after his demise, it still is sincere in the true sense of the word. May the divine bless his soul and I pray the turf lie softly on him. 
THANK YOU DAYA FOR HAVING BEEN WITH ME FOR SO LONG!  
Clinton Rodrigo, Colombo 5