We were a bunch of 220 excited schoolboys, joining Royal College in 1959. Around a 100-plus came from Royal Primary School (RPS), while the rest joined from many other schools in the Island, after having qualified an external qualifying examination. I was blessed to have known Nande Palihakkara, since 1953, at RPS.

Nande was always a very charming and adventurous personality notwithstanding his amazing ability to laugh things off with ease.

At College, Nande held the prestigious role of Charter President of the Interact Club in 1965-1966. He was also a keen follower of sports and games.

After leaving School in 1966-1967, Nande went into the banking sector and then moved on to pursue a lucrative career in finance and spent many years working overseas, as the Director of Finance at The International Union for the Conservation of Nature Asia Region, eventually retiring as a management consulting consultant and contractor.

As an active member of the Royal College 59 Alumni Group, Nande was always interested in maintaining close ties with the old boys and ensuring that the group developed and provided a valuable forum to stay in contact with each other. 

The magnanimous humanitarian personality of Nande has always been a significant trait of his outgoing personality, and he never stepped back from extending a hand to anyone in need. To Nande, we were all just simple human beings belonging to one single race and not individuals sporting labels.

Having enjoyed and contributed his best through 76 long years to the world, Nande finally left us on 27 June, leaving behind his beloved wife Anoma, and lovely daughter, Ruchira.

Standing by his casket at the Jayaratne Respect Funeral Parlour, on the morning of his cremation on 29 June, the smile on his face told the whole story of pure contentment and what an exemplary life he had lived. May he attain the supreme bliss of nibbana.

(The writer is a member of the Royal College 59 Group)