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Gilbert Jayasuriya passes away

Gilbert Jayasuriya (Gilly) to his numerous friends and admirers passed away at his residence No. 96/2, Kithulwatte Road, Borella on March 5.

Educated at Royal College, Colombo, the University of Ceylon and the Lincoln's Inn London. Gilbert was the President of the University of Ceylon Law Society and an outstanding sportsman during his University days. He represented the University of Ceylon at Cricket and was awarded his cricket colours, when he toured India along with the University Cricket team in 1949/50.

After completing his law degree he opted for the Private Sector and held some of the most prestigious positions during his long and distinguished career.

Starting as legal advisor in 1958 at Lever Brothers Ceylon Ltd., he retired as a Senior Director in 1977, and moved into his chosen field as a hotelier. He was Chairman and Managing Director of International Enterprises Ltd., Ocean View Ltd., Induruwa Beach Hotel, Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel, and Tangalla Bay Hotel for a number of years. He was also a Director of Multi-Packs Ceylon Ltd., Master Tasters Pvt. Ltd., and Uni-Sum Trading Pvt. Ltd.

As Chairman of the Tourist Hotels Association which represented 95% of the Tourist Board approved hotels in the country, Gilbert was specially selected by the Government to lead Private/Public Sector Investment Missions to many countries including the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Korea and the Scandinavian Countries.

An Icon in the Private Sector Gilbert was the Chairman of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries from 1977-1979 as well as the President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Apex body of the Private Sector, from 1979 to 1981.

His continuing love for cricket made him the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation which was founded by the late Gamini Dissanayake in 1980. He continued his close Association with the Foundation and cricket until his recent illness.

In spite of all these excellent achievements Gilly was essentially a family man. A Gentleman and friend of the highest quality, he was admired and loved by everyone who came into contact with him.

He leaves behind a devoted wife Marina and three children, Shermalee, Chaga and Amaya.

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