Sri Lanka, Jan. 29 -- The press called him a "social crusader." Indeed, photographer Nihal Fernando seemed to embody many personalities within a single mind. He was undoubtedly multifaceted. It is fascinating to speculate about the kind of environment that nurtured him and contributed to this dynamic nature. What were the roots that shaped this remarkable man? What influences marked his life?

His children, Yohan and Anu Weerasuriya, offer the best insight. To them, he was "Thathie"-a loving, fascinating person who was fun to be around. "His childhood was in the coastal village of Marawila. He came to Colombo for schooling at St. Peter's College. His father was a proctor who also owned a coconut plantation. We think it may have been this ...