Tissa Dias, a great friend of ANCL

B. Tissa Dias (49), Chief Operations Officer,Information Technology (ANCL), was busy at his desk on Wednesday evening. None around thought that the cruel hand of death would embrace him. He held on to his chest. Between the brief distance to the hospital, Tissa, the man loved by all had bade goodbye. He had succumbed to a heart attack.

Tissa, a top IT specialist was a humble man. The more he gained experience and knowledge, the more he wanted to teach others. His commitment to the task was unparalleled. Twenty-four hours in the clock was not his concern when at work. Tissa possessed a pleasing personality that won the hearts of many.

The experience on IT he gathered in UK and Dubai was a great source to his success. When IT problems surfaced in any department, Tissa Dias came to the rescue. He would even carry the software himself to repair it. He will be long remembered for his magnanimity. He set an example for others to follow. Tissa never allowed his professional abilities to override his human qualities. This made him a rare specimen in society.

Tissa had only friends at ANCL. There were no barriers for him to make friends. Grade and Class was immaterial to him. That was why he had friends around him. But, he had an unhealthy practice. He put work before his health. He skipped meals due to the load of work. Dedication and honesty were the hallmarks of Tissa Dias's professional career.

Lake House was his second home as he rarely watched the clock. Tissa was a devoted husband and a loving father of two sons studying at S.Thomas' College, Mt.Lavinia. His wife is on the tutorial staff of that school.

She lost a dear husband and the sons were deprived of a loving father. Lake House lost a brilliant worker and a good friend. Tissa Dias completed his final journey on Friday evening amidst a large gathering.

May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana.

Lionel Perera