Devinda Senanayake
The firstborn of Robert Parakrama Senanayake and Swarna Neela Senanayake, Devinda inherited both Bothale Walauwa, which he has maintained in its pristine condition, and his grandfather’s love of wildlife and animals.
He was devoted to the tusker ‘Gamini’, a gift from D.S. Senanayake in 1947. Gamini lived to the age of 72 years and participated in many perehera’s of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Aluthnuwara, Dedimunda Devalaya, Sabaragamuwa Maha Devalaya, Hunupitiya Ganagaramaya Viharaya, Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya and Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, among other Vihara and Devala pageants over a period of 60 years.
Devinda inherited his grandfather’s love of horses as well, became an expert rider and breeder of racehorses. Bothale Walauwa was home to many animals including a lion and a leopard.
Devinda succeeded his father Robert as Chairman of Freudenberg Ltd., the pioneering agents for Toyota Motor Company in Ceylon (Sri Lanka).