Remembering Manik De S Wijeyeratne

One year has gone by since our dear friend Manik passed away.  
I first met Manik 50 years ago when both of us were attached to the Accounting firm, Turquand Young & Co (now Ernst & Young), while studying Accountancy. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Manik undertook an overseas appointment in Bahrain in 1981.

He soon found me employment in Bahrain. Upon taking up this appointment, I shared his apartment for 2 years. It is during this period that our friendship grew, and I really began to understand Manik’s wonderful qualities as a person. He had a heart of gold and was ever willing to help anyone who would seek his aid.

Coming from an illustrious cricketing family from St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, Manik represented his College in all age groups and also was a member of the U-19 Sri Lanka Schools’ side in 1971.
He was actively involved with cricket in Bahrain for many years and led the Sri Lanka Sports Club side to a championship win. There were many instances where Manik’s generosity and kindness were shown towards members of the Sports Club. These are far too many to mention but all these acts were done silently and with no fanfare.

Manik had a mind of his own, stern and matter of fact, but with a heart of gold. During my stay with him, we had very interesting discussions on various subjects of life.
He was a dear friend to many and to my wife, children and grandchildren, and was always keenly interested in the academic progress of the young ones.
He was the birthday almanac having carefully noted down birthdays and anniversaries and was the first call to pass on his wishes. This he did not only for friends and family but also for their children and even their grandchildren

Manik had a multi-faceted character and personality which is aptly summarized in the words of William Shakespeare: “His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world – This was a man”
I have lost a very dear friend and someone I could call my brother.
Manik, you will be missed but never forgotten.
May your soul rest in peace.