Mario suddenly passed away in Toronto, Canada, where he was a current resident. He is survived by his mother, Maria and his younger brother, Anthony.
Mario last worked in Dubai as the art director at the now defunct radio network Shock ME, which was home to Heart and Dance FM.
His creative talents were wide ranging – whether working in film, motion graphics or web design. He also conceived a T-shirt brand called BKK. Mario had been working freelance for Shakespeare Communications for all design needs, as well as working freelance for prestigious film and social media clients in Toronto.
Well loved by his radio colleagues – like many of us in media – we also partied together. I first met Mario at a drum and bass boat party held by mutual friends in the creative industry.
He was fun, intelligent, a great conversationalist, who loved people.
Mario was of Sri Lankan descent and was a deeply spiritual person. He was charismatic and people from all walks of life gravitated towards him. He loved Sri Lankan, Indian and Thai food and was known to carry chilies around in his pockets to spice up any bland food!
During the pandemic, he was involved in helping the community – giving out meals to those in need.
A selfless humanitarian and people person, Mario and I often had coffee in Media City in the morning, before he headed to work.
Mario left Dubai in June 2020 to relocate to Toronto, where he had spent some of his childhood and education years.
His loss is felt around the world by his family and friends in Canada, his old colleagues, friends and family in the UAE and of course by his family and friends in Sri Lanka and further afield.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Ananda Shakespeare
