Appreciation: Asoka Sriwickrama Abeyewardene

By Ajith E Tudawe and Asite D.B. Talwatte 

Asoka Sriwickrama Abeyewardene qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1968, at a time when the profession was highly selective and recognised for its rigorous standards. Admission to the profession during that era was reserved for individuals who combined intellectual ability, professional discipline, personal integrity, and refined communication skills. Asoka exemplified these qualities in abundance, possessing a strong intellect, sound strategic judgement, and the ability to provide balanced and thoughtful counsel.

Over the course of his distinguished professional career, Asoka had the rare privilege of serving with two leading international chartered accountancy firms, Ernst and Young and KPMG, as well as the renowned indigenous firm Alles Martin and Co., which was widely respected within the profession during its years of prominence. His association with these institutions provided him with a broad spectrum of professional experience and contributed significantly to the development of his reputation as a respected practitioner in Audit and Assurance, as well as Advisory Services.

Following his retirement from professional practice, Asoka continued to contribute his expertise to the corporate sector by serving on the Boards of several leading listed public companies, including Ceylon Hospitals PLC. He served on the Board of Ceylon Hospitals PLC from November 2005 to November 2023, a period of eighteen years, during which he served as an Independent Non-Executive Director. It was a privilege for the Board to benefit from Abeyewardene’s counsel during this period. His insight and experience provided invaluable guidance in strengthening governance structures, compliance frameworks, and financial reporting processes, at a time when many such governance practices were being adopted well in advance of formal regulatory requirements.

Beyond his professional and corporate commitments, Abeyewardene was also a keen sportsman who maintained an active interest in tennis, continuing to play well into his retirement years. He was widely admired for his gentle, soft-spoken manner, calm composure, and gracious demeanour. These personal qualities, together with his deep sense of integrity and principled approach to business and professional life, earned him the respect and affection of professional colleagues and business associates alike.

Asoka was devoted to his family. He was married to Dr Marlene Abeyewardene, a distinguished Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who retired from active medical practice more than a decade ago upon the arrival of their grandchildren. The couple celebrated their golden jubilee a few years ago, marking fifty years of marriage and companionship. They were blessed with their only son, Dr Ashan Abeyewardene, who today serves as a renowned Orthopaedic Consultant. Ashan and his wife, Shamika, are the proud parents of three children. Asoka and Marlene derived immense joy and happiness in spending time with their grandchildren and watching them grow. Asoka particularly cherished these moments and took great delight in being closely involved in their young lives.

The values he espoused and the wisdom he shared will remain an enduring part of the legacy of Ceylon Hospitals PLC and Durdans Medical and Surgical Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd, and the institutions with which he was associated. His contribution to the profession, to corporate governance, and to the organisations he served will be remembered with deep appreciation and respect.