The true gift of giving

One man's altruistic gesture that ensures another man lives:

Manaz Mohideen had a childhood dream of joining a fancy hotel and making it to the top of the hospitality industry. He started at a young age to reach his goal and fulfill his dream. Right after his O/L exams, Manaz joined hotel school as the first step to achieving his dream.

In 1992, he received his first break at the then Intercontinental Hotel. Soon after Manaz was given the opportunity to work in Dubai. Taking on the challenge of starting at the bottom as a waiter in an unknown country, Manaz's determination saw him rise to assistant manager level within 13 years of service.

Recognised for his commitment and work ethics, Manaz then received an opportunity to work in Scotland where he remained for 2 1/2 years before returning home to Sri Lanka. Upon his return Manaz joined Waters Edge as the hotel's banquet operations supervisor.

While Manaz was travelling the world gaining international exposure and experience in the hospitality industry, another simple man named Weerakkody was carrying tea boxes for a local firm in Colombo. This is where he met a gentleman who asked this simple man to work in his home instead.

Destiny

Hailing from Kotte from a large family, Weerakkody was a hard worker and recognising his abilities offered to get him a job at Waters Edge. Weerakkody joined the hotel's house-keeping staff in 2007.

It is at Waters Edge that these two men from completely different backgrounds and lifestyles met. At first it was mere salutations in the hallways but destiny had other plans.

In 2010 Manaz received a wonderful opportunity to work in South Africa. After careful consideration he decided to leave Waters Edge with a heavy heart. He had come to love the hotel that was now his second home. In fact in his own words, Manaz spent more time at work than at home. "I know what time to come to work but never knew what time I would leave", he says.

Two days before his departure, Manaz developed a severe back pain and was rushed to hospital. Doctors initially thought he had an urinary tract infection, which was common and something he had before. However, further tests and investigations done at the National Hospital revealed the worst. In 2010, Manaz was told he needed an immediate kidney transplant if he was to survive.

With his hopes and dreams collapsing before his eyes, Manaz and his family began the daunting search for a donor. Although Manaz has three brothers, none of them were a match. The next option was to search elsewhere but the more they searched Manaz lost hope in humanity too as donors put a price on his lifesaving kidney.

During this time the staff and management at Waters Edge continued to support Manaz both financially and by being there for him. When Manaz informed them if his need for a kidney donor, the news spread among the ranks and it fell on Weerakkody's ears.

Buddhist faith

Having been brought up in the Buddhist faith, the desperate need of a fellow man tugged at the heart strings of this simple and honest man. However, afraid of what his family would say Weerakkody secretly approached Manaz's family. When the world wanted money, Weerakkody wanted nothing in return. When asked what triggered his decision, Weerakkody with a smile on his face says, "Manaz Sir has a beautiful family and is a good man. My parents taught me to do good to everyone. My heart went out to Manaz Sir when I heard about his condition. I decided once and for all that I would donate my kidney for him."

Like an angel from above Weerakkody was found to be the perfect donor for Manaz. After many years of tests, the transplant was done on the 1st of June 2015. Today six months later both Manaz and Weerakkody have returned to work at Waters Edge although both remain under medical supervision.

Although Manaz and his family have opened the doors to their home to the man who brought back hope in to their lives, Weerakkody prefers to leave the little family in peace. Such is his humility.

Family

General Manager of Waters Edge Rohan Fernandopulle notes, "At Waters Edge we are not individual staff members who come in to work, do their job and go home. We are family, and what matters to one person matters to everyone. When Manaz first informed us of his condition, we as a company and his work family were willing to help him in every way possible. When Weerakkody offered to go a step further and offer his own kidney, the rest of us were also deeply touched by his humility and generosity. This is why as a company we decided to ensure that both were well taken care of. We provided financial support especially to Weerakody by paying his salary and service charge for the 3 months post-surgery, providing medical checkups and ensuring that he is well taken care of."

They both echo the love and support that trickled down from the General Manager to the minor staff at Waters Edge. This extraordinary story of unconditional giving has become a beacon of light that shines on everyone who comes to know of the tale of two men.