Ranjithsingha Thambugala was a general surgeon in the Sri Lanka Government Health Service. He was educated at Trinity College (Kandy), where he excelled in his studies and was a school prefect. He graduated with MB BS second class honours from the University of Ceylon with a second degree from the University of London. In the UK he worked at the Lambeth Hospital, and the Royal Sussex County Hospital. His postgraduate studies were at Liverpool University and the Postgraduate Medical School of London where he received a Wellcome grant for research and was later awarded the Hazel Clifford postgraduate studentship by the University of London. In Sri Lanka he was a consultant surgeon in general hospitals at Batticaloa, Panadura, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Colombo North Teaching Hospital and General Hospital Colombo. He was a council member of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, and a member of the International Society of Surgery representing Sri Lanka. He published on various surgical topics, especially on techniques of surgery, in the *British Journal of Surgery*, *The Lancet* and the *Ceylon Medical Journal*, among other publications. Ranjithsingha was a well-known doctor who was totally dedicated to his patients and students, so much so that he did not engage in private practice outside his working hours at the government hospital. His patients appreciated his kindness and empathy. He was respected by every person who met him, be they rich or poor, senior, peer or junior. Ranjithsingha Thambugala died on 13 October 1997.