The tragic demise of Janaka and Wajira Perera strikes a chord of great sorrow and horror at the meaningless end to a life that had so much promise.

Janaka’s stint as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Canberra brought with it a new awakening and purpose for Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions abroad. His enthusiasm and support for all things that involved Sri Lanka endeared him to the vast numbers who work tirelessly for the good of Sri Lanka.

Ever since he first accepted an invitation to be the chief guest at the Old Joe’s annual dinner dance, Janaka became a popular figure at all the celebrations in Melbourne. He accepted many an invitation at which he spoke with conviction. He asked for healing of any differences between the various organisations and stressed the fact that more could be achieved for his mother land if all Sri Lankan associations worked together.

Janaka was a keen sportsman and he delighted in every success Sri Lanka had on the cricket field. He was supportive of the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria and encouraged all Sri Lankan cricketers who spent time at Moorabbin recovering from surgery. He visited them in hospital and was the chief guest at many a felicitation dinner at David Cruse’s Knox Tavern. He spoke with feeling when the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria were hosts at Murali’s record breaking bowling feat.

We offer our deepest sympathies to his children and will long remember a great ambassador for his country.

William Shakespeare in Twelfth Night (1601) “ But be not afraid of greatness: some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”.