Inspiration

When you set out on a journey, with little knowledge of the destination, let alone the dangers that lie ahead, you seek for a source of inspiration to keep you surging forward through the quicksands of time. The biggest motivation undoubtedly comes from parents, specially from my father in my case, but many a times, these sources of motivation have different faces, each with a story to tell, a story so powerful that it transcends time and makes your heart gallop in spirit. A story so divine that you stop and ponder how you can absolve your unworthy deeds and polish your soul, striving to take the path of success they once tread on. The path of bravery, hard-work, honesty and humanity.

Lord Buddha, is my ultimate inspiration, not merely because I'm a Buddhist, but because I believe in the power of the human mind. Gautama Buddha traversed a million eternities in search of freedom from bodily attachment, crossing hurdles goliath in nature. It is but a foolish act to pray and ask for forgiveness or for blessings from the Buddha, for he was only a human who achieved the greatest heights possible, but his body has long since been decomposed, enriching the soil of this Earth. Yet, it is divine to hold faith in the spirit that lingers by understanding and following the "dhamma". I draw "Inspiration" from the feats of the Buddha, the supreme power of understanding and righteousness.



General Sarath Fonseka, the man who personified the final frontier of victory. The man who achieved a feat that was dubbed impossible by many, and the man who took not a bullet, but a bomb in the name of the motherland. General Fonseka is symbollic of the Lankan Lion who refuses to heed to totalitarian beliefs, accepting even the dirty chambers of the prison grounds, against the odds. General teaches me that you can break a man in physique but you can never break his spirit. "Inspiration", the ability to carry out any task you set your mind to. Braving the tyrants who dare to disbelieve.


My perception of Jayasuriya is completely based on the boots he fills once he crosses the boundary rope and steps into the playing field. Pure, unadulterated power crafted with a passion for excellence. My life is forever entwined with beautiful, beautiful cricket, and the hero in my match will always be Jayasuriya. "Inspiration"  lies in the ability to single-handedly take on a challenge and succeed in style. Someday, my life will leave the same mark that a Sanath-slash-over-point leaves in the hearts of us Sri Lankans.


Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, born to a poor family in the village of Gamsar in the impoverished Aradan district of Iran, Ahmadinejad rose a simple man in the village school, to a simple man in the premier position of the country. I like to sum up Ahmadinejad's truly remarkable personality in two words, "Bravery" and "Simplicity". One of the few men left who can defy the bloody American dominance, with a tool that the Americans have no knowledge or experience of - Simplicity. "Inspiration" is drawn from his ability to stand tall amongst brute forces, unfaltering, and abiding by personal policies at all times. Silently, far unknown to the Americans, Ahmadinejad, as depicted in the photograph, conducts the orchestra of the world.

She will be Mrs. Kumudini Hettiarachchi to the world, but to me and all who work at the Sunday Times, she will always be beloved Ms. Kumi. The pen is indeed mightier than the sword, and there is no better personification of that phrase than Ms. Kumi herself. Being a journalist for over decades, she has always given justice it's rightful place in society. A powerful woman, who balances life with the beauty of her humbleness, loving care and genuine nature.   Miss. Kumi is my first inspiration in the professional world, and I draw "Inspiration" from the ability to find your way towards the answer you seek for in life, overcoming the many sticks that are thrown at the bountiful fruit garden of a righteous  life.

Professor Seneka Bibile's story does not come from the life of an impoverished family, rather from an aristocratic family. Obtaining his medical degree from the prestigious Colombo Medical College in 1945, Professor Seneka Bibile distinguished himself as a pharmocologist, a world-class medical scientist, a truthful politician and a social visionary. Professor Bibile is in fact everything that I want to be - A graduate of the Colombo Medical School, and a Politician who would eventually strive for change. Professor Bibile is widely known as 'the greatest medical benefactor of humanity that Sri Lanka has hitherto produced', and this is because of the revolutionary National Drugs Policy, aiming to ease the burden of the ailing poor man and woman. Prof. Bibile would ultimately face a mysterious death at the hands of Multinational powers whom he bravely stood against. He may have lost his life, but not his cause. "Inspiration" standing up for what is right, even when the odds are heavily against you, and fearlessly treading the long road ahead.

The beautiful and mesmerizing queen of modern pop, Katy Perry.  The one and only female artist who succeeds in keeping me glued to her music. Although I'm not an avid pop music lover, there's something about Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, that divulges to the deepest corners of my heart and ignites a spark that lights up my playful side. Katy Perry is an absolute natural with the guitar and has been gifted with a voice that's raspy in it's uniqueness. "Inspiration" is drawn from realizing a dream that you've held so close at heart that not a single night passed by without you embracing it in sleep. Her music, and general attitude towards life is one that shows me how it should be done. Live it.