Professor Nalin Abeysekera passed away.

Among the grey plumes of smoke that rose from the chimney of the Talahena cemetery, it was not just the physical memories of one man that mingled; it was also the greatest repository of knowledge in the country's management and marketing fields, and a unique guiding star that illuminated the lives of a thousand students.

The sad news of the sudden demise of Senior Professor Nalin Abeysekera, former Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka, a veteran marketing specialist, and an award-winning scholar, was reported last weekend. The final rites for the beloved teacher, whose body was kept at a private funeral parlor in Koswatta, Battaramulla, were performed yesterday (27) evening at the Talahena Public Cemetery amidst a shower of tears from the academic community and friends.

The true depth of this loss and the extent of his impact on society were clearly evident not from official condolence messages, but from an extremely emotional note left by one of his students on their social media account. The tearful note, which read, "Sir, if you can, please come on the day of my cremation, in the evening, just like this... I am forever indebted to you, Sir, for the effort you put into building my life..." provides excellent testimony that Professor Abeysekera was not merely a teacher confined to the lecture hall or whiteboard, but a true guide who lived in the hearts of his students.

Having received his primary education at Ananda College, Colombo, where he also played a significant role in its Old Boys' Association, he earned his basic degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and his doctorate from the University of Colombo. Recognized internationally as a Chartered Marketer in the United Kingdom, he constantly strived to introduce a local management approach suitable for the Sri Lankan economy. Through works such as 'A Local Approach to the Sri Lankan Economy' and 'Management for Small Businesses,' as well as newspaper columns, he consistently attempted to transform Western management theories into a reality on Sri Lankan soil.

At a time when the country's economy and business sector are facing numerous severe challenges, the sudden departure of such a practical thinker, who skillfully blended theoretical knowledge with practical business vision, is an irreplaceable loss to the nation. The fact that the exact cause of his untimely demise has not yet been publicly disclosed further intensifies the shock within the academic community. As the broad vision that guided a thousand students now leaves a void, the painful question remains before us: who will carry forward the academic mission of the local economic resurgence he envisioned?

Although nothing remained of his body in the cemetery after it turned to ashes, the lamps of wisdom he lit will undoubtedly burn eternally, dispelling the darkness from the lives of many future generations.