Asanka de Mel

Asanka de Mel is the CEO of LOVI Ceylon

Stuff of Dreams

Q: If you could be any animal, what would it be?

A: An owl – though truth be told, I’m an early bird

Q: Your dream holiday would be…

A: Four days of uninterrupted focus

Q: If you had access to a time machine, when and where would you go?

A: Sri Lanka in 2048

Q: Who would play you in the movie of your life?

A: Tom Cruise

Q: If you were to buy a yacht, what would you call it?

A: ‘LOVI Ceylon,’ of course

This and That

Q: Which three words best describe you?

A: Generous, hardworking and loving

Q: And what is your weirdest quirk?

A: I like airline food

Q: What are you most passionate about – and why?

A: Seeing Sri Lanka become the economic powerhouse I believe it can be

Q: Are you more of a hunter or gatherer?

A: Definitely a hunter

Q: What was the last gift you gave someone?

A: I gave my sister a one of a kind batik piece

Favourite Things

Q: Do you have a favourite cuisine?

A: I like when people invest love and time in whatever type of food they prepare

Q: And…

A: It doesn’t matter then whether it’s simple or elaborate

Q: Dark or milk chocolate?

A: Dark chocolate

Q: Favourite cocktails…

A: Belvedere martini and very light vermouth

Q: All-time favourite movie genre…

A: Action-adventure

Q: Three things you would be lost without…

A: My wife and two sons

Deep and Meaningful

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

A: Indirectly, something Bill Gates once said…

Q: Which is…?

A: “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year – and underestimate what they can do in 10…”

Q: Any other quotes that offer inspiration?

A: American entrepreneur Jim Rohn’s words: “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practised every day while failure is simply a few errors in judgement repeated.”

Q: What is your pet peeve?

A: Laziness

Q: Do you have a favourite part of the day?

A: Yes, kissing my kids goodnight

Q: What would you like life to be in 20 years’ time?

A: The same as it is today – but with a little more grey hair

Q: A little-known fact about you…

A: I don’t wear a sarong to bed

– Compiled by Ashwini Vethakan