Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, the place where i met Dharshanie Perera. The first time I heard the name Dharshanie was in 1990 when my boss, The late Mr. J T R Fernando the then Personnel Manager asked me whether l knew anything about a staff member named Dharshanie Perera attached to the Kandy Branch. The name did not even remotely ring a bell and little did I know that he had observed her commitment during the Branch’s Aurudu festival and was impressed with what he saw. As a result, he instructed me to send a transfer letter asking her to report to the Personnel Department (Now better known as the HR Department). After writing to the Kandy Manager and multiple deferments of the same, she was instructed to immediately report to the department since no further defferments were possible.
Finally the day arrived for Dharshanie to report to the department. I still can remember her first day when l walked in greeted her and welcomed her to the department. Though she was initially reluctant to come to the department, it took no time for her to get along with the team and soon she was loved and respected for her conduct and personality.
She was a firm, capable, dedicated and a smart Officer who commanded respect from the entire staff. These qualities were very well observed by the Personnel Manager who identified her as future potential Manger material. True to his word within 4 years she was promoted to the Officer grade and since then there was no stopping her from climbing the ladder.
From her first appointment as Manager of Minuwangoda Branch, Dharshanie was a trailblazer. Being a mother of two boys, Dharshanie herself was a mother to the staff that worked alongside her. A lady full of charisma and a leader who led by example. Amidst all her above qualities she had many other facets , being witty, generous and poetic, which most do not know, She was also very helpful to the staff and outsiders going out of her way in most instances.
Her career at Commercial Bank was nothing short of inspiration. She rose the ranks at Commercial Bank and held various responsibilities including Manager, Regional manager and finally as an Assistant General Manager – Personal Banking. All good things must come to an end so Today when she bids goodbye to Commercial Bank after almost 40 years of service from the position of AGM, she is leaving a void that is quite difficult.
Dear Dharshanie! Thank you for your many years of service and the years of friendship. I wish you all the very best and may the blessings of Jehovah God be with you in whatever future endeavours you choose to pursue.
By Esther Cahandawita
