I entered the Science Faculty of the University of Colombo as an undergraduate in 1994, though it would have been three years before if not for the civil wars that engulfed the nation and led to the shutdown of the universities in Sri Lanka. Though I was passionate about studying physics and was dreaming about being able to obtain a research-based higher degree beyond bachelor’s, it was Dr. Kirthi Premadasa’s truly inspirational and caring mentorship that allowed me to transform that dream into a reality. Dr. Premadasa’s guidance was crucial for me to strategize the path I need to take to minimize the impact of the lost years and aim even higher. The time and commitment that Dr. Premadasa dedicated on behalf of many who were aspiring for further studies was exceptional – conducting GRE (Graduate Record Examination) preparation sessions and providing career guidance during weekends for any interested student being one example. In the present times where there is significant emphasis on personalized learning, I cannot help but appreciate in wonder that Dr. Premadasa was far ahead of his times in understanding an individual student’s aspirations, preparation, and performance that led to carving out learning and career paths that best fit them. A generation of students are reaping the fruits of the generosity and commitment shown by Dr. Premadasa to their wellbeing.

Twenty five years ago, it was my great fortune to be present at Dr. Kirthi Premadasa’s workshop and lecture on applying for graduate school, which was held at the University of Colombo, Science Faculty lecture room. I had not heard about GREs or TOFEL or had any idea about how to or what graduate school to apply to. The guidance he provided, his natural ability for recognizing what drives or motivates a person, his understanding of the higher education landscape and relentless focus on what actually mattered for the students chartered the beginning of my graduate career. Following his guidance, I applied to many graduate schools in the US and was selected to read for a masters degree at Yale University Forestry and Environmental Studies. After the masters study I completed a Ph.D. at Yale and one postdoctoral study funded by the National Institutes of Health in the US and one by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in China. Today, I teach as a full professor at an international University in China. We then lovingly called Dr. Premadasa “Kirthi Sir”. Today, I still call him Kirthi Sir with great respect for his vision for us and sincere appreciation for the help he gave me and many other students to reach for the highest aspirations in our academic lives. He is a visionary teacher whose importance in a pivotal moment in my career as a scientist cannot be overstated.

I first became acquainted with Dr Premadasa back when he was teaching in the University of Colombo Mathematics Department in Sri Lanka. I had been involved in UK Government funded links with Colombo and other universities across the island, mainly centred on staff development, capacity building and student counselling projects running over 30 years or so. Kirthi had acquired a growing reputation, in addition to his teaching role, as a popular counsellor of students, willing to spend time with them and take a genuine interest in their futures. I subsequently linked up with him over many years to advise students seeking educational opportunities in Sri Lanka and overseas, many of whom went on to study at my own university in the UK, becoming at one point the most popular UK university choice for Sri Lankan students. Up to this day I still receive occasional messages of thanks from these old students. Finally, I am delighted to have the opportunity to recommend Dr Premadasa to you for this role. In all my time working with him he showed skill, attention to detail, integrity and honesty in all respects, and I recommend him to you without reservation.

I had the amazing fortune to meet Dr. Kirthi Premadasa as an undergraduate student in my second year at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. I reflect on this meeting with enormous gratitude. It was a meeting that changed my life. Dr. Premadasa’s advice and sound guidance directed me to the right path that enabled my skills and capacities to come to fruition. I came to the United States to start graduate studies in experimental physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (ranked #1 in condensed matter physics). Dr. Premadasa’s help did not stop there. His comprehensive advice spanned practical aspects that really helped me with my transition. This was a turn in my life that, if not for Dr. Premadasa, would not have happened.