An amiable public official of high repute, proficient in agriculture, economics, commerce and in many other fields, Ariya Abeysinghe passed away after a sudden illness at a time beyond everyone’s expectations, 25 years ago. He had been endearing to his close associates, worked with great dedication and was always loyal to his superiors. He was even liked by many Ministers, who he served during his public service career.
A great economist, he rendered creditable service as a member of the Sri Lanka Economics Association since its inauguration and held the post of Secretary at this prestigious Association. When he was Director of the Employment, Investment and Enterprises Development Division more and more foreign investors started pouring into Sri Lanka to invest in the various Mahaweli Systems.
He arranged tours abroad for small industrialists and local craftsmen. He served as Director, Markfed, Sri Lanka Fruit Board, Building Materials Corporation Sri Lanka State Trading (Tractor) Corporation, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, Palmyrah Development Board and Advisor to the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands. He was also a Member of the Land Reform Commission and Chairman, Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation. In addition, he served as Visiting Lecturer, Colombo Management Centre, University of Kelaniya and the Vidyodaya University.
A graduate of the Peradeniya University, he held a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics and a post-graduate diploma in Land Settlement and Development from the Universities of Peradeniya and Colombo.
Abeysinghe was also a registered consultant at the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) U.K., International Trade Centre, Geneva, ESCAP, Bangkok, Asian Development Bank in Manila, International Labour Organization in Rome and the Sri Lanka Marga Institute.
He led several trade delegations, market research and investment missions to East Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, USA, South East Asia, the Far East, Australia and New Zealand, and has to his credit, a large number of publications both at home and abroad.
As a member of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute of Marketing, Sri Lanka, he gained much popularity among his colleagues.
With the demise of Ariya Abeysinghe, the country has lost an indefatigable worker. It is tragic that a person of his calibre had to face an untimely death, 25 years ago, especially, at a time when his services were most needed. His superiors and subordinates, would equally remember his laudable services. He possessed a thorough working knowledge in both Sinhala and English and contributed many an article on economy, commerce and agriculture, to newspapers and publications at home and abroad, in Sinhala and English.