Were you able to pursue your higher studies despite large chunks of time being spent on your sporting activities?

I only studied up to A/Ls since I was obsessed with my improvement in sport. I would not be wrong, if I say that I gave the priority to sport. Due to my involvement in sport, I missed the opportunity of pursuing my higher studies. A/Ls marked the finishing line of my educational career.

As a school dropout, did you still focus highly on sport?

Since I couldn't pursue my higher studies, I was foresightedly on the view that, when I retired from sport, I should have a secure career. With the active engagement in sports, I planned my career soon after I dropped from school.

What type of enterprise did you first embark on?

As a school dropout, I sailed my career in apparel industry. While I was actively involved in the sport, I played a key role in a Hong Kong based company. I was required to manage the garment factory I was working in.

Didn't the dual career detrimentally affect each?

No, I could balance the both with proper management of time and planning.

Before you turned from apparel to petroleum industry, hadn't you been in any other area of activity?

No. I was in the apparel industry for a considerable span of time and then switched to Petroleum industry.

When a person holds two responsible positions in two different fields, how can he manage to balance the both?

It's not easy to engage in two different industries which are typically contrastive. He should try to be fair by both sides without sacrificing his responsibility to any of the fields. That's where the departmentalism of knowledge and experience requires. Dexterity in both fields is required in no less quantity.

Could you elaborate it further, taking you as a role model of that nature?

Presently I am holding two demanding and responsible positions as the Chairman of Petroleum and as the Chairman of the Cricket Selectors' committee.

I have to work in two different industries and in entirely different situations. Those two are very responsible and demanding jobs which grab a large amount of my time.

As the chairman of the Cricket Selectors' Committee, it requires my effort to assess the performance of the cricketers in order to put them in the correct place. I should observe even the slightest movement. It requires the knowledge on the subject along with some amount of concentration.

When it comes to petroleum industry, I have to have an eye on the current position of how the petroleum industry is susceptible to changes, and many more things with regard to that industry. So, it's not easy to keep the balance and to handle things smoothly. It all requires hard working and dedication.

I do not consider any of my positions lightly, because when something goes wrong or unnoticed, I should provide explanations.

It is even hard to balance office work and the family affairs. When you have to battle with a tight schedule, you often have to leave family affairs and problems unattended. How fair are you to your family as a husband and a father?

I am not a person who sticks to a tight schedule and neglect the home front. Out of mere busyness, one should not neglect one's family and its requirements. If the children are deprived of their father's affection , that person's position howsoever highly held in society is futile.

I always try to be with my family. I go for outings with them. Whenever I get an opportunity, I never miss it out, but capitalise on it for my family.

I have two daughters. The eldest daughter is studying in Australia and the other is attending Bishop's college. Though I do not find enough time to sacrifice for my children, I try to be closer to them whenever possible, though my wife accounts for a great deal of their work done.

As a busy person, do you find time to keep yourself fit?

Yes. With the challenging workload, it's quite natural for anyone to experience strain. Mental fitness is important, especially for people who are required to execute more responsible tasks.

Physically fit people are less often susceptible to mental illness or some kind of psychological problems or disorders. Therefore I pay particular attention to keep myself physically fit. I exercise on a regular basis. If I miss my exercise sessions at gym, I somehow manage to do with my walking.

How does recreational work help a person control strain?

I have personally experienced that. When I engage in some kind of exercise or things that are not related to work, it really helps me relieve my pressure and stress. Sometimes I spend my time watching movies or engaging in some kind of entertaining activity which releases me from a heavy duty.

Once you finish work, it's better for you to get away from that situation;not only physically, but also mentally. If you carry your office wherever you go, it will make you overly stressed. Once you finish work , it's always advisable for you to deviate your mind from that environment.

When you're unable to achieve a goal that you have set, how would you react to that situation?

There's a saying goes, never cry for spilt milk. You should stand by that adage which still holds meaning. I do not worry too much over thing which are beyond my control.

When people hold higher positions, they set goals which are of high standard and their expectations too are higher. When they are unable to achieve goals, they become cross and frustrated and the level of stress goes high.

I, being a sportsman, am used to handling that stress and pressure when I am unable to achieve a particular goal.

When you are required to make decisions, do you consult others or make your own decisions?

I do not make decisions on my own. In Petroleum Corporation, we have a group of people who are proactive and knowledgeable. When I have to make a decision I consult their views as well. Basically as a chairman, what I do is to coordinate all their views. I never take decisions absolutely on my own.

When decision making becomes crucial, some people are used to evade the situation. My opinion is that, you should make decisions rather than not. It will take you somewhere.

What are the required qualities of an aspiring youngster who strives to be a leader ?

The person, first of all should be able to earn respect from the rest of the crowd. That's the most important aspect as respect cannot be taken forcefully. In order to earn this, you should set an example to others.

The leader is the person who is able to bring out better performance under pressure. That quality is not possessed by and not inherent in everyone. It should be learnt and practised. And the person who is better able to do that is much suitable to be a leader.

Can a youngster acquire the necessary leadership qualities by following a "leadership course"?

Yes. I think those programmes are planned to bring out the hidden leadership qualities in a person. Those programmes would sharpen your leadership capabilities and train you.

I too have taken part in a leadership programme when I was involved in the apparel industry. We were taken in the lap of jungle to eliminate certain phobias. We were also asked to perform under pressure.

A leader is a person who has a good endurance, physical stamina and sound psychological background and should be void of phobias and illnesses.

Actually those programmes provide an underpinning support for a youngster who is aspiring to become a leader and also will build up the personality.

Pic: Nishani Liyanage