Remembering Nihal Rodrigo: A friendship extending over 50 years

Nihal Rodrigo passed away on August 14th, just a few days after his 86th birthday. His family, including his granddaughter Nandi, had been with him in New York until just a week before his passing. Nihal was remembered by his colleagues and organizations in which he served as a multi-talented, kind-hearted gentleman with a delightful sense of humor.

His personal tribute focuses on the deep friendship they shared over decades, highlighting Nihal's integrity, humility, and commitment to values like kindness, generosity, and professionalism. Nihal and his wife Chitra were an ideal union, sharing interests in art, theatre, film, classical music, literature, and world affairs. They were equal partners, respecting each other's views and looking out for one another.

The reporter recalls first meeting Nihal and his family in Manhattan, New York, in 1978, when they graciously opened their home to the reporter as if it were their "home away from home." Their friendship endured through diplomatic posts and even when Nihal's family moved to Kathmandu and Beijing. The reporter remains grateful to their mutual friend Radhika Coomaraswamy for the introduction.

Nihal's career included serving as Counsellor at the Sri Lanka Mission to the UN, Ambassador in China, SAARC Secretary-General, Foreign Secretary, and Ambassador to China. The reporter remembers Nihal's authority on art, filmmaking, geopolitics, and Sri Lanka's diplomatic relations, which were ahead of his time. He co-opted the reporter from the Central Bank's Economic Research Department to provide statistical updates for a high-level Foreign Affairs Study Group, proving his foresight in recognizing the importance of fast-developing countries in East and South East Asia for Sri Lanka's future.