ROHAN TUDAWE – A true humanist

BY HARITHA WIJEWARDENE

The sudden passing of Rohan Tudawe sent shock waves among those who knew and loved him. On December 4, 2021 the world lost a great humanist and above all a gentleman par excellence. The cruel hand of fate which snatched him away left his wide circle of friends, relatives and hundreds of employees of Tudawe Brothers as well as many other companies he headed, in utter disbelief.

“Could this be true?,” some were heard asking. It was unimaginable. Here was a man larger than life with a great sense of wit and humour taken away when he was needed the most.

My mind raced back to a few months ago when he mentioned that I should be a pall bearer at his funeral. Was it a premonition of impending death? This request was made twice. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it will come to pass so soon and I will be writing this appreciation.

Rohan Rukmin Tudawe was the eldest son of Lawrence and Dulcie Tudawe. He received his primary education at Greenland’s College and secondary education at Ananda College. Thereafter he proceeded to the U.K in 1968 to qualify in civil engineering. Following his graduation, he was employed in UK as a civil engineer at the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, Kingston County Council, Surrey, and afterwards settled in Sri Lanka for good in October 1978.

He commenced his career in Sri Lanka in November 1978 as an Executive Director of Tudawe Brothers and worked closely with the founder/chairman for 11 consecutive years. Upon the death of his father, Lawrence, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of the family company in 1989.

Rohan Tudawe touched the hearts and minds of all he associated with. His generous nature and helping hand stretched far beyond his family and friends. Despite his busy schedule as the head of one of the country’s oldest and leading construction companies, Tudawe Brothers, he was always there for anybody who sought his help and advice from business matters to personal advice and counseling. He gave himself no airs on account of wealth, position or the high esteem he was held in society but rather wore humility as his crown. He was an extremely unassuming and down to earth person who enjoyed the company of his friends and family around him.

The role he played in society with his contribution to social service activities through the various organizations he headed was invaluable and immeasurable. He was a live wire in the Sri Lanka India Society where he was a committee member and became President in 2021. He was instrumental in raising funds and making a large donation of medical equipment to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH) to set up a children’s High Dependency Unit. He also promoted Indo-Sri Lanka relations to a great degree.

As the Treasurer and Trustee of the Amana bank’s orphan care program, he ensured that 3,000 orphans were funded since 2019 – a remarkable achievement.

Although senior to me in years, my friendship with him grew from the first day I met him. This was more so because of the family connection we shared for generations. His father, Mr Lawrence Tudawe, was a close associate of my grand uncle, the legendary D.R. Wijewardene who founded Lake House. When Lawrence was working at Lake House, it was D.R. Wijewardene who had given him encouragement and advice to strike out on his own.

This was a turning point in his life which led to the birth of Tudawe Brothers. Rohan was very proud of this fact and while relating the success story of Tudawe Bros., would also mention that most of the Wijewardene residences have been built by his father including the home of business tycoon Upali Wijewardene and his Homagama Industrial Complex.

Rohan was greatly supported by his loving wife, Dr Mala Tudawe, and his family in all his endeavors. He will always live in the hearts and minds of many people whom he touched as he is only a “thought” away from all his loved ones.

Lives of great men remind us to make our lives sublime and in departing leaves behind foot prints on the sands of time.

Good bye Rohan, till we meet again some day. May your sojourn in samsara be short and may you attain the Supreme bliss of Nirvana.