Madduma Aiya studied at the Vidyartha College, Kandy and entered University of Peradeniya in 1963. He obtained the BA Degree in 1966. During his time at the university he also completed the Diploma in Accountancy at the Kandy Technical College. After graduation he joined the Co-operative Department as a Co-operative Inspector. At that time it was a very prestigious government post. In this capacity he worked at Anuradhapura and Matale Districts.

Considering his academic qualifications the Department of Co-operative appointed him as a lecturer at the School of Co-operation at Polgolla. This is the only wing to train newly recruited co-operative officers and employees of the co-operative societies. At the time Madduma Aiya was the most popular lecturer in the school. After serving a few years he joined the National Institute of Plantation Management as Programme Officer. He worked there for more than five years and again joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Co-operative Management as a Senior Management Consultant. I also, had the fortune to work with him at the SLICM as Assistant Management Consultant. In this capacity he trained the employees in General Management, Office Management etc. He also trained the newly recruited Assistant Consultants too. I always remember his guidance, advice, work ethics, commitment and comforting words, encouragement and his inspiring sermons.

After four years of successful service he requested the management to release him to the National Co-operative Council as a Director, Training, at a time when the training division of NCC was deteriorating. After assuming duties he improved this section in a very short period. Subsequently, he was appointed as General Secretary of the NCC the apex organization of Sri Lanka Co-operative movement.

During this period he was able to complete his masters in sociology. He obtained MA in Sociology in 2003. After retiring as the Assistant Commissioner of Co-operatives he was invited by the School of Co-operation to conduct lectures in Management, Office Management and Human Resource Management as well. Finally, he worked as a visiting fellow of the Continuous Education Unit at University of Peradeniya.

His departure is an irreparable loss to me. He always had the patience to hear you out. He cared enough to let you know and he always found time to say "Yes Abey, what can I do for you". Even when he was Secretary to the NCC he was surrounded by officers who needed his assistance.

Madduma Aiya was a tower of strength to me. As the first graduate in our family we followed his path. When I was at the University of Peradeniya he cared for us. He was very concerned about our university studies. He taught English to my two sons.

His death was a severe blow, for I never expected him to leave us so soon. As a Buddhist I know that everyone of us has a time to leave this world and may be, it was his time to depart. But the truth is as laymen we ignore the wonderful teaching of Lord Buddha and go through the pain and swim in the sea of sorrow, before death strike us.

One of his rich qualities was helping others be it by a kind word, financially etc.

He was only a phone call away when I needed his help, regarding financial, academic or any other official problems. He intervened without any hesitation. One may think his immediate unhesitant behaviour was due to family connections. No, he reacted in the same way to associates, friends and the simple ordinary people he had never met.

We all miss you and the house at Mawilmada is empty in every sense of the word. I respect you and value your principles Madduma Aiya, I love you very much.