Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa:

Businessman with a great social conscience

Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa's life is one which had a very humble beginning which he always spoke of. His life experiences and the fact that he never forgot where he came from made him who he was. He never lost sight of where his origins were or where he was heading. I feel that his true success as a leader comes from the way he treated others. His was a name anyone remembered whenever help was needed for a noble cause

S V D Kesarralal Gunasekera

I grieved when the news reached me that Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa or very own Nawaloka Mudalali has passed away. At the same time I knew that I was not alone in feeling this great loss for many reasons. Not only was he a giant in the field of business but also a millionaire in his compassion towards his fellow men irrespective of race, religion, caste, creed or political belief. I write this article to hounour him and his exemplary life which each and every Sri Lankan has so much to learn from.

Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa's life is one which had a very humble beginning which he always spoke of. His life experiences and the fact that he never forgot where he came from made him who he was. He never lost sight of where his origins were or where he was heading. I feel that his true success as a leader comes from the way he treated others. His was a name anyone remembered whenever help was needed for a noble cause. Irrespective of race or religion or any other social differences which many others would consider barriers, late Mr. Dharmadasa was ready and willing to help. There is not a single organization, social or religious, that he did not support, often year after year. His reputation thus spread far and wide in this country as a great philanthropist.

True philanthropist

A unique quality that I have witnessed in him is the fact that he never sought after publicity. Even when he had made enormous donations, he would never ask even for a single banner to be displayed. He knew that he had to share his wealth with other organizations in a way that these other organizations could help the masses. His intentions were very simple and pure in wanting to help people with no strings attached. As a result, publicity was hunting him. He was a true philanthropist who expected nothing in return. His greatness as a human being gave him everything he needed in this life and for the next. His kind of philanthropy as a businessman has left so much for others to learn from in terms of corporate social responsibility. He showed that CSR is not a hunt for publicity but truly a way of improving the lives of others. And the title 'Deshamanya' is a true attribute to his great character and exemplary life, for he truly loved and served the country during his lifetime.

Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa was indeed an icon in Sri Lankan business society. He epitomized the true Sri Lankan businessman, clad in national dress and earning respect and honour from statesmen to the man on the street. This generation of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs who emerged in the 60's and 70's were the real sons of the soil. They helped people and were engaged in honourable business ventures, and provided employment to the masses and were of great social conscience. Deshamanya Dharmadasa was indeed an icon of this generation.

End of an era

The calibre and quality of such business giants are no longer to be seen. His demise thus marks the end of an era. His gift in life was the amazing business acumen, which a majority of Sri Lankan businessmen and women who had studied business, have failed to acquire or grasp. He created a new world (Nawa-loka) of business in Sri Lanka. The root of his business acumen came from his compassion towards others. And that is why when other business conglomerates are crashing, we see 'Nawaloka' still standing so tall. Deshamanya Dharmadasa never feared or favoured party politics. Yet, he was able to mingle with and earn respect of successive political leaders over the years.

Deshamanya Dharmadasa was a hail and hearty person who adorned events. His presence always added the positive energy that was required to make any event a success. In any association or society at the national level, it was unanimous that he be appointed the chairperson. Titles followed him not because of his wealth, but because of his humility and kindness.

I was truly fortunate to have met and associated with a great human being such as Deshamanya Dharmadasa. He was the most reliable businessman that anyone could go to in times of need. His 92 years on earth was a rich and rewarding life and the legacy he has left behind will live for many centuries.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

The writer is the Secretary General - Ramanna Nikaya Dayaka Sabha/Deputy Secretary General Amarapura Nikayabhiwurdhi Dayaka Sabha