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In Memory

Remember me when I'm gone away

Gone far away into the silent land

Christina Rosetti

Contents

Mr.Raju Hensman - By Dr.N.D.Amerasekera (Feb2001)

It was with much sadness I read the obituary of Mr.Hensman just a few weeks ago. I first came across Mr.Hensman in 1956 when he taught us Chemistry in that airy classroom at the end of the corridor before turning into the stairs to the Library. He was an excellent teacher kind, considerate and gentle and knew his subject well. Mr. Hensman was always well dressed and powdered with the clothes immaculately creased. His dry sense of humour amused us when the going was rough. The "honkers" from the back of the class had little chance to disturb when he was on, in spite of his kindly manner.

He was a man of extraordinary intellect, who cared deeply about teaching students. He was also a person with great kindness and humanity. The two so rarely go together. He made us feel we had something to offer even when we were callow and simple. As we were beginners in Chemistry he shone his torch for us as we groped towards examinations. He listened attentively to our weekly essays and marked them considerately.

After 34 year a teacher at Wesley he retired in 1988 and spent his retirement in Wellawatte. Although I had Mr.Hensman as a teacher for just one year I will always remember him for the excellent grounding he gave me in Chemistry and for his caring ways. I wish he knew that one of his students in his chemistry class of 1956, R.Somanathan is now the Prof.of Chemistry at the University of San Diego, USA. May his Soul Rest in Peace.

Addendum by Keith De Kretser

Teacher at Wesley College from 1956-1988

It is with sadness that I pen this tribute to the late Mr Raju Hensman, retired Teacher who served Wesley College with distinction for thirty two years and passed away at the end of January this year. Those of us who were at Wesley from 1956 to 1988 will I am sure have many memories of Mr Hensman. The image that I have of him at Wesley is of a short, very dark complexioned bald man that had a high pitched voice and who possessed some effeminate mannerisms. He was always impeccable dressed in white short sleeve shirt and long white trousers with the creases crisply starched and as sharp as a razor. From this description you would instantly gather that if he was to have a “nickname” it would be because of a physical attribute rather than anything else. And so it was that in Mr Hensman’s case it was “Cheese Ball” because of his bald head. Little did

we realise that he was pioneering a fashion trend that is popular all over the world today. Schoolboys could be quite mean and I am sure that when the name was coined there was no consideration given to Mr Hensman’s feelings. He was also known as “Koli” and “Kikkili” – “nicknames” that were derived from his surname.

Mr Hensman was a qualified Teacher (Inter-Science Calcutta English Trained) specialising in Maths and Sciences. Very early in his time at Wesley he taught Chemistry in the senior school. I had the priviledge of being taught by him in a number of classes in Maths and General Science as I progressed from the Kindergarten to the Senior School. He had a thorough knowledge of his subject and was a strict disciplinarian but also considerate and kind in his manner. I recall one occasion during an interval when my classmates and I would relish a game of “King”. I happened to be the chaser and in my eagerness to get another person out I took this firm shot at a classmate hiding behind a pillar. The ball missed my friend and also whizzed past Mr Hensman’s shiny head as he ducked for cover. The ball was confiscated and I was summoned to his classroom. I subsequently had to front up to Mr Premawardhena and had to apologise to Mr Hensman for my actions. However the ball was not returned much to the disappointment of my friends and I. As a consequence I must have appeared to be insincere in my apology to him. Later that afternoon/early evening when Mr Hensman arrived at my home for my tuition he mentioned the incident to my mother who in turn mentioned it to my father when he got home from work. I was marched down to Mr Hensman’s home by my father and I had to apologise again and also got two of the best from my father for my trouble. On reflection it was part of my personal development and growing up to be a responsible citizen and gentleman. Teachers of Mr Hensman’s calibre were loyal and dedicated to their craft and their remuneration was a pittance when considering what they had to put up with. Our parents entrusted us to their care and they in turn inculcated in us a set of values, discipline and knowledge that has helped us over the years. As diminutive as Mr Hensman was, he can stand tall as one of Wesley’s loyal teachers who served the College with distinction and devotion.

I probably shared many more experiences with him than the other students as he lived only a few streets away at Somasunderam Place off Station Road, Wellawatte. Though he gave the impression that he was a very serious person I saw his funny side on many occasions as teachers and student gathered outside the Gas

Company Showrooms on Galle Road to catch the school bus each day. The late Mr Watson Wijewickrema and the Late Mrs Sheila Arndt (previously Wijeyekoon) and Mr Hensman would carry on a lively chat which often continued on board the bus much to our amusement and inquisitive ears. He tutored me in Maths for a short period of time and I recall he would have much delight in joining my mother for a chat over a “cuppa” as I plodded through the sums he had set me. I am indebted to his efforts as it contributed to my good grounding in Maths which resulted in my obtaining a University degree with Double Maths majors. He became firm friends with my parents and when he married in the late sixties my parents and I attended his wedding. If I recall correctly, my mother made his wedding cake. When my family and I migrated to Australia he purchased many items of furniture and household items some which he still had when I met him in 1999. Though we lost touch over the years, when I returned to Colombo in 1999 for the 125th Jubilee Celebrations he made it a point to seek me out for a chat at the Jubilee Dinner held at the Oberoi. I had a photograph taken with him that day. Mr Hensman had aged which was to be expected but his mannerisms were still the same and as expected he was impeccable dressed for the occasion. He was very keen to find out how some of his former students were faring in Australia. Teachers like Mr Hensman took a keen interest in theirs students not only in class but long after they had left school. He was pleased to hear that many

of this former students were getting along well in Australia. He invited me for a meal and I had the privilege of taking my family to his home at Somasunderam Place for afternoon tea. His wife and he who were both retired were looking forward to joining their only daughter and her husband in Canada in the near future. Sadly it wasn’t to be.

Thirty two years as a teacher at Wesley College is a long time. To spend such a significant part of one’s life dedicated to Education and Wesley College is indeed laudable and hundred of students had the benefit of Mr Hensman as their teacher. We are indebted to teachers

like Mr Hensman who we have met along life’s journey and have contributed in their own way to moulding a rich mosaic of knowledge and character which is uniquely ours. Thank you Sir for your loyal and dedicated service to Wesley College and all her sons. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to be taught by you. May God grant you eternal rest.

Sincere sympathies to Mrs Pathma Hensman, daughter Rapti and son-in-law Christie Ratnam.

Keith de Kretser

Walter Jayasooriya- Obituary (Annual Report 99/00 of OBU Colombo)

Wesley lost one of her most distinguished and loyal Old Boys in the course of 1999. Walter needed no introduction to Wesleyites whether they be senior citizen, middle aged or young Old Boys. He will not be forgotten not only for his prowess, as a hockey player, official and an administrator in those sporting circles, but also for the unbroken stint as a Vice Patron of the Old Boys' Union, his loyalty to the school will be regarded as exemplary. Walter passed on his knowledge of the game willingly to the generations that followed. Walter's sense of humour will long be remembered especially at Founder's Day Lunches where with his closest friend A Mylvaganam he would have the Hall roaring with laughter. Hockey and Wesley have lost a favourite son.

Addendum by Dennis De Rosayro:

Walter J is no more The flame of Sri Lanka hockey has been extinguished, though expected at the ripe age of 84, all lovers of hockey in Sri Lanka and abroad, especially India will receive the news with sadness. An Old Wesleyte Walter Jayasooriya was a colossus among giants and his comuterparts in India and Pakistan respected him with awe for his wealth of knowledge of the game and its rules and administration. When India dominated the hockey world for five decades, he was affectionately known as "Mr. Walter - the mighty atom of Sri Lanka hockey," and deservingly so. He was officially connected with Ceylon/Sri Lankan hockey since 1938 and one time member and office bearer of the then Ceylon Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association. Numerous times he was the senior vice-president of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation, Chairman of both the selection and umpires' committees, and Ceylon's first international Hockey Umpire. In 1963 he went as general team manager for the 1st Ganefo Djakarta Games, hockey manager to Ceylon/Sri Lanka team in 1953, 1957, 1959, 1966 and 1969 and manager at the 5th Asian Games to Bangkok in 1966. Perhaps his greatest achievement and contribution to Sri Lankan hockey was when he and the late Mr. T.M.N. Mahamooth went to India in 1955 to witness and study the organization of the Indian Hockey Nationals. His dream dawned in August 1956, when the 1st Hockey Nationals was inaugurated, the very first in any sport in Sri Lanka. Walter was a walking encyclopaedia on all matters relating to hockey and possessed up-to-date authentic records - indeed a labour of love. He spotted me as a schoolboy at St. Benedict's College in 1954 and it was a privilege to have known and associated with Walter ever since, who virtually gave all of his time and knowledge for the game he loved so much. The Father of Sri Lankan Hockey has gone to his eternal rest! -

Fitzroy Muthuvaloe

We have to place on record the demise of Fitzroy formerly Vice President and one time Secretary of the Welfare Society. His attachment to the school was evident from the hard work he did. Fitzroy was an Old Boy who was always present when his services were needed.

D.S Wijemanne -by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera

I remember him from my first days at school as the Tuck Shop man selling his stuff in a shed behind the Hostel kitchen. The shed had a "takarang" roof being hot during hot weather, cold during cold weather, and noisy during rainy weather. Wije and his sidekick Jinadasa provided the sustenence for the boarders and days scholars alike. At the short interval there is mayhem in the tuck due to the brisk sale and immense traffic. He was always polite except to those who did not settle their bills. Subsequently he was in charge of the canteen at the Medical College Colombo. He treated old Wesleyites with a free "tea and punt" when times were hard. I last met him when I took my sons to see Wesley College in 1995. He didn't look a year older than when I first saw him at the old Tuck. We had a long chat about times gone by. This time he gave a free Coca Cola to both my sons. He was an astute businessman, an excellent Old Boy and a good and genuine friend.

May he attain Nirvana.

Lt Col. Sumith Dhammika Perera, RWP.RSP A highly decorated Officer & Gentleman By Neville Weerasekera

"Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."

The on-going hostilities in the North of Sri Lanka has claimed lives of thousands of young men and women and amongst the bravest will belong the name of Lt. Col Sumith Dhammika Perera. He .served in the Sri Lanka Army ten years with exemplary conduct and valour and is on of the most highly decorated Officers, In this relatively short period, he was an outstanding officer leading hi men with courage in the battlefield. For these achievements, during his lifetime he received the highest honour medal of "Rana Wickrema Paddakkama", for outstanding bravery and valour. On the 10th of November, 1995 he laid down his life for his country in the course of the Riviresa Operation, and wa posthumously awarded the "Rana Suriya Padakkama' once again for outstanding bravery in face of the enemy.

This high honour is bestowed not for reasons of rank, nor wounds nor long service or whatsoever condition, save the merit of conspicuous bravery. Truly a most democratic award for a signal act of valour an bravery, in devotion to his country. Sumith Dhammika Perera was educated at Wesley College and showed early promise of his abilities as leader. His parental home, nurtured in him from earl days the love of school and country, and service to the Nation as being the prime object in life. His father W. A C. Perera indeed by his own example, encouraged his young son in the development of these and other noble traits At Wesley he was a much loved student, Personality of good character and conduct. He was school Prefect, and Captained Hockey , was a member of Rugger XV teams, and won his colours in both games.

After leaving College he could have chosen the comfort and safety of a civilian life, but became Commissioned Officer, and saw active duty in the North for ten years until he laid down his life in the course of enemy action. He belonged to Kiran Camp and indeed was a hero of this contingent. For any family the tragic death of this smart officer at the early age of 30 years a young son, & husband who whole life lay ahead, with so much promise, is indeed tragedy of unbearable proportions. Yet the manner his death, his noble conduct in the Army, his love and affection and bearing to his family and friends are great sources of consolation. We are grateful that we were allowed even a short period of contact with this outstanding a person. Outstanding not only as an Army Officer, but as a dutiful husband, son and brother and loyal friend.

Each year on January the 15th, the Anniversary his birth, it is a time to especially remember him, and that he lived for. In order to perpetuate the memory this brave officer a "Memorial Foundation" bearing the name has been instituted by his family and friends, which undertakes meritorious acts. In 1999 one of these h been to award scholarships to sons of .soldiers killed action and other deserving students at the "A" level, and in the University. Wesley is indeed proud that a product of the school has received the highest Military honour in the service of the nation. It is our earnest hope that the laying down of the life Sumith Dhammika, along with the many others, will pave the way to a peaceful and united Lanka in the very near future.

D. S. Wijemanne

The Tucks Most Unforgettable Character

By D.F.Abeysekera

This article has been transcribed from the 125th Anniversary souvenir

One of the persons a 'new boy' to Wesley inevitably met on his first day, was DSW- affectionately called 'Wije' who headed what was to a schoolboy the most important infrastructure of the School, viz "the Tuck Shop" Without "Wije" there would have been no mid-day break with its Fish buns ( those delicious lumps of baked dough with savoury fish), no seeni sambol and freshly baked bread (Wije knew the art of keeping bread 'oven fresh' for several days) and no 'patties'. The cutlets which Wije produced were truly a triumph of culinary art. What they contained was the subject of much conjecture and debate. I recall an incident (Derrick Mack and I were having tea in the Tuck) when the Hockey Goalie walked in with his gear, up and rearing to to prepare himself for a strenuous practice session at Campbell Park. A mountain of fish buns was placed before him by " Wije " ( he knew his customers exceedingly well) and the lad begun his business in earnest and calculated that he had eaten "only eight " fish buns ( how could one go for Hockey practice on an empty stomach), but "Wije" who had kept an eagle eye on Mike's deft movements reckoned that the count was eleven. In the ensuing controversy, "Wije" calm and unruffled, accepted the customer is sometimes right , and the goalie paid for eight. It has been rumoured that he had ultimately paid for the fish buns he had consumed long after he had emigrated to Australia, as expected of him. Running a Tuck Shop for growing schoolboys, (horizontally ) with rapacious appetites was no mean task. Mountains of food - that would have knocked Pidurutalagala into second place- were devoured each (lay- in the short break, in the lunch interval and after school- all in manner of fleeting seconds. And "Wije" kept a miraculous count of individual consumption despite cheek by jowl conditions, and an accounts of those buying on 'tick' being fair. To say that he kept all and sundry well filled and content would be correct. Always a happy man, "Wije" enjoyed identifying himself with all of Wesley's extra-curricular activities. He was seen at all matches- cricket. Hockey. Rugby Football, soccer; swimming galas, athletic sports meets, OBU functions and at the dynamic Old Wesleyites Sports Club events and he did not miss an Annual prize giving. It was fascinating to have observed "Wije" on the Cricket Field, representing Wesley in the over 40's match against Royal in 1993 when the two schools celebrated one hundred years of school cricket with each other. Associated with him as a team mate was his son, Jayantha Whilst Royal ( astutely, and well within their rights) fielded a side barely over 40, Wesley's spread was more generous and more attuned to the spirit of the event Wije was in his sprightly seventies. It was this great spirit of DSW that attracted people to him. His commitment to Wesley was an intense one and he enjoyed being a Wesleyite. He was very proud of the school and to be associated with it. His death brought to an end a long association with Wesley as a College Prefect, Cricketer, and Tuck Shop Man. He provided a valuable service, and a most enjoyable meeting point to many thousands of school boys who passed through the portals of Wesley's hallowed Buildings. We shall surely miss his kindly and jovial presence at the current celebrations, when "past and present kindly meet" and in the years ahead.

Prof. Brian V. Jegasothy - Doctor devoted last years to his faith

Thursday, April 26, 2001 By Christopher Snowbeck, Post-Gazette Staff Writer, Pittsburgh USA

Dr. Brian V. Jegasothy, a former chairman of the dermatology department at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine, died last week after a long battle with cancer and Parkinson's disease. Dr. Jegasothy, 58, spent most of his life providing medical care, but dedicated his last two years to the spiritual care of Christians who migrated here from the Indian subcontinent. He founded the Asian Indian Christian Church of Pittsburgh, which brings together members of the region's Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. The author of more than 300 publications and several books, he helped develop an improved treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare kind of cancer. The photopheresis technique that Dr. Jegasothy and colleagues at Yale University pioneered in the 1970s remains the standard of care for serious cases of the rare cancer, explained his 32-year-old daughter, Dr. Manjula Jegasothy, who followed her father into dermatology.

The elder Dr. Jegasothy also contributed to the study of immunobullous diseases, in which the immune system attacks the skin and causes it to blister and fall off. He was instrumental in developing a topical form of FK506, the anti-rejection drug pioneered by organ transplant pioneers at Pitt. Topical FK506 has been used to treat conditions such as psoriasis in addition to the rashes that transplant patients develop. "He trained and taught and took care of patients with a very positive attitude and a very gentle manner," said Dr. Nancy S. Nieland-Fisher, a Pittsburgh dermatologist. "Although he was nationally respected, he was a very humble man who did not ever try to one-up someone or to embarrass. . . . Whenever dermatologists were sort of puzzled about a patient's disease or a treatment, we'd send those patients to Dr. Jegasothy and he always came up with some new diagnosis or a suggestion for some innovative treatment."

He was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He planned to enter medical school there in 1961, but construction of a new school hadn't been completed. So he and other students ended up working for a short time at a local bank. At the bank, he met a medical student who was taken with his sense of humor. They dated secretly during medical school. Their subsequent marriage was unusual because it wasn't arranged by their families. "He was my only love," said Dr. Juliet Jegasothy, medical director for hospital accreditation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

He was among the first Sri Lankan medical-school graduates to come to the United States for further study. After working at a hospital in New York City, he so impressed his mentor that the physician recommended him for a dermatology residency at Yale. From Yale, Dr. Jegasothy's career took him to Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania before he became chairman of the dermatology department at Pitt in 1987, a post he held until 1999.

Throughout much of his life, Dr. Jegasothy was a regular churchgoer, his wife said, but he experienced a deepening of faith with his illness. Thinagar Sitther, pastor of the Asian Indian Christian Church of Pittsburgh, said Dr. Jegasothy was "visionary" during the planning of the church, which began meeting in December 1999 at the Church of the Brethren's sanctuary in Squirrel Hill. Dr. Jegasothy anticipated the challenges such as determining which of the many languages spoken by church members would be used for services and helped craft solutions. "He declared to his friends that what mattered at the end was his faith in Jesus Christ," Sitther said. "In fact, I heard him say he had done many successful things, but this was the most significant thing in his life -- to be involved with this church and declaring his faith." Contributions in honor of Dr. Jegasothy may be made to the Asian Indian Christian Church of Pittsburgh, 3503 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh 15217.

Addendum by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera:

Professor Jegasothy was a world renowned dermatologist and a visiting professor at over 50 Universities and clinics, and was the Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh. His published works include four dermatological books and over 300 articles. He has been an Examiner for American Dermatology Specialty Board, as well as Editor for numerous dermatological journals. Professor Jegasothy has been the Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. He also taught at Duke University and Yale University.

Brian was a boarder at Wesley with his brother Ranjit, from 1952-55. Then they left for Jaffna and arrived at Wesley again in 1958- where they remained until 1960. He was a brilliant scholar winning the Hill Medal in 1960 and obtaining a direct entry to the new Medical Faculty in Peradeniya. He had an illustrious University career. I recall the many happy times spent with him in the boarding, in the Sixth form and as a Junior Doctor in the General Hospital Kurunegela. Brian was a resident of the famous "Ambaruk Sevana" doctors quarters at Kurunegala and his Ford Anglia was a "taxi" for the many doctors visiting Colombo for the weekends. Above all I remember him for his polite and pleasant manner and his humility despite his outstanding intellect and many academic achievements. Brian was a proud Ceylonese and a loyal old boy of the school.

GRANT HIM O LORD

ETERNAL PEACE

KM De Lanerolle's funeral by N.S.Weerasekera

The night of the 9th May, 2001 was indeed one of the stormiest, which yielded to a calm yet rainless, cloudy day to allow for a befitting funeral for Kenneth M de Lanerolle, who passed away on the 5th May, having completed his 90th birthday on the 20th of April. His remains was placed at AF Raymond's to allow the general public who knew him to pay their last respects upto the 9th morning, and thereafter it was transferred to the Wesley College Hall. At the College gate the cortege was met by the Principal, Mr.Dunstan Fernando, and Vice Principal Rev. Shihan Fernando, members of the staff, and Old Boys. A smart guard of honour was presented by the College Prefects, and Boy Scouts, and the casket was then carried, draped in the College Flag by the Prefects, all smartly attired in white longs and Blue Blazers, to the College Hall up the driveway, whilst Marshall ( the aging College Boy) tolled the College Bell, to mourn, as if, the departure of a great friend of Wesley. In the College Hall, the casket was placed on the bier and opened, and there was his mortal remains in a serene slumber of death., dressed in the manner he decreed, which was a simple National costume. Behind him was a garlanded youthful photograph, which normally adorned the walls of the Hall in company with other illustrious principals. Many present would re-call the same Kenneth de Lanerolle, as his elegant smart handsome self, with flowing gown, emerging on the stage from the rear to deliver in his most eloquent and perfectly enunciated diction an address to all present, to which they listened enraptured. It could have been a College Prize Day Report or a morning assembly.

Alas that voice was now stilled that once resonated across the College Hall. A hymn was then sung led by the school choir, and a prayer for his soul was said by the College Chaplain Rev. Shihan Fernando, who also thanked God for the life and service of Kenneth M. de Lanerolle. It was now 2.00pm, and the Principal and staff, old boys and present boys filed past to pay their respects and mourn the loss of great teacher , Principal, Vice Principal of Wesley. More Hymns were sung, and then the clergy Rev. Noel Fernando, Chairman of the Methodist Synod, and Rev. Ratnanayagam arrived to conduct a service at Wesley.

The service began with singing of the Hymn " Thine be the glory, risen conquering son", and was followed by reading from the Holy Bible by Rev. Noel Fernando. Then Hilary de Alwis, a student of Kenneth de Lanerolle, led the congregation in prayer, recalling and thanking God for the personal benefits he received, as well as many hundreds of others, from the guidance and direction he bestowed on his students. Then followed tributes by Shelton Peiris on behalf of Wesley College, and Geoffrey Scott on behalf of Kingswood College. Shelton Peiris dwelt on the many facets of the once very versatile Kenneth de Lanerolle. He was a teacher, elocutionist, with an admirable command of the English language, an actor, artist, photographer, writer and he directed the students' affairs in many disciplines. Geoffrey Scott recalled the valuable contribution he made to Kingswood College, as a fine administrator admired by staff and students alike. Another Hymn was sung, and to close the ceremony two of his grand-nephews Rohan & Ishan de Lanerolle rendered an appropriate duet in their rich baritone voices. Then Rev. Ratnanayagam pronounced the benediction, and family members bade their final farewell before the casket was closed. The casket was draped once again in the College Flag and borne by the College Prefects to the waiting hearse, to take him on his last journey to the Kanatte Cemetery.

The cortege was followed on foot by the senior prefects, scouts and others all the way to the lych gate at Kanatte, where was assembled a large number of old boys of Wesley, and Gentlemen of Kingswood. A long white cord was then attached to the hearse, and Old boys, held this cord upto a distance of hundred feet ahead to slowly vend their way to the crematorium. The pall bearers were Principal of Wesley, Mr. Dunstan Fernando, Principal of Kingswood, Mr.S.Chandrasekera, Mr.Edmund Dissanayake, Mr Tissa Jayatilleke, Mr Terry Benson and Mr Rienzie Wijetillake. The service at the crematorium was conducted by Rev. James Ratnanayagam, in the presence of large and distinguished gathering . In his funeral oration, Rev. Ratnanayagam dwelt on the life of Kenneth de Lanerolle, which he said was one of significant fulfillment. He was an outstanding educationist. He inspired so many many young people in his roles as Principal of several schools. And later served on several committees and formulated policy on several major educational topics. Indeed it was a full life, rich in quality and fulfillment. At the end of the oration a Hymn was sung and thereafter his mortal remains was consigned to the flames, after the benediction.

Among those present were family members , Mrs. Kalindi Wirasingha (daughter) and her husband Dr.Chula Wirasingha, his grand-daughters Shalomi and Chitrangani, Mrs. Lilamani Benson, Mrs Krishni Fernando and Mrs Nirukshi Fernando (nieces), Priya Jayawardena, Rohan de Lanerolle, Harris de Lanerolle and Mohan de Lanerolle nephews, Principals of Wesley and Kingswood, Mr.Dunstan Fernando, Mr.S.Chanderasekera, Emeritus Bishop Swithin Fernando, President and Commitee Members of the Wesley College OBU, and Kingswood Union, Mr. Rienzie Wijetillake and Mr.Asoka Perera. President of the Wesley Welfare Society, Mr.Tyrone Maye, President of the Wesley Sports Club Capt. Navin de Silva., as well as a large and representative gathering too numerous to name. Of the many old boys who turned out in their numbers to pay their last respects to Mr Kenneth de Lanerolle, many made spontaneous and sincere mention to family members of the depth of his influence in their lives. 'He made a man of me,' was what they all seemed to say!

Kenneth M. de Lanerolle by Justice Chandradasa Nanayakkara
It is with a great sense of sorrow that I pen these few words as a tribute to one of my well-loved and revered teachers at whose feet I had the good fortune of studying as a student at Wesley College, Colombo.The demise of Mr. Kenneth M. de Lanerolle who passed away a few days ago, at the ripe old age of ninety, has removed from us yet another outstanding and respected teacher this country has produced. It was only a few months ago that he celebrated his 90th birthday.My own recollection of Mr. Lanerolle goes back to more than five decades ago, when I was admitted to Wesley College as a kindergarden student, when Rev. James Cartman was then the principal, and the late Mr. Lanerolle was vice-principal.Mr. Lanerolle who was a graduate of the University of London, also held a M.A. degree in Linguistics from the University of Michigan, U.S.A. He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and led many important teams of educationists and teachers to a number of countries.After many years of selfless service as the Vice Principal of Wesley College, he became the head of Kingswood College, Kandy. On retirement after a long and illustrious teaching career, he was appointed the Director of the Asian Christian Service in Vietnam, where for the yeoman services rendered he was awarded the Social Services Medal. Returning from this assignment in Vietnam he devoted himself to the activities of the National Christian Council and served in that organisation in many capacities.

When I joined Wesley College it had on its staff teachers of high calibre who moulded and guided the students upholding, the values and ideals of the highest order with utmost loyalty and dedication.If I were to single out one teacher who had the greatest impact on my life, it was Mr. Lanerolle. He was a teacher par excellence who gave himself to the cause of education and moral upliftment of the children in this country. He was one of the most versatile men I have had the fortune of coming in contact with. He was broadcaster, linguist, sportsman, dramatist, singer and actor. He was an excellent teacher and one of the finest English masters we have had. He was a stickler for grammatical accuracy and his language was unimpeachable. He had remarkable mastery of the English language and made every lesson in English come alive. He was always punctual, smartly and immaculately dressed. He instilled in everyone of us a sense of discipline and dedication. To those in the teaching profession he was and will be an ideal and a shining model. His upright walk along the corridors of the college building was itself an example to the pupils.Mr. Lanerolle belonged to a rare breed of teachers who possessed an extensive knowledge in many fields other than his speciality - the English Language. He has written number of books and contributed extensively to the media.The character of the life he led may be summarized in a few words. He was self-sacrificing, indefatigable, conscientious and sincere. He lived a full fruitful and meaningful life and met his death without having to endure the pangs of protracted illness and suffering.Wesley College and the other education institutions where he served should consider themselves fortunate to have had a man of high eminence and intellectual attainment like Mr. Lanerolle. Students who came under his influence and had the privilege of learning at his feet had their lives determined in one or another by his character and personality. His life was based on Christian principles which he never failed to profess and practice. A few days before his death, 1 went to look him up, addressing me in a feeble voice he said, "Chandradasa, I am now in the Departure Lounge". With his death our country has lost a teacher of undoubted stature who will be difficult to replace.Now this great teacher has gone leaving a void in many places where he was needed and loved. All his pupils and the institutions he served owe a great deal to him and his name will be honoured with undying gratitude for many generations to come.

Mr. Lanerolle is now no more but his noble resplendent spirit will remain with us.

May he rest in peace!

End of an era
Kenneth M. de Lanerolle

With the death of Kenneth M. de Lanerolle in May this year at the age of 90, the life of an illustrious educationist ended.

Educated at Richmond, he was successively Vice Principal of Wesley, Principal of Kingswood and Principal of Wesley - all of them Methodist institutions set up in the 19th century in the noblest traditions of a liberal education by illustrious principals, Darrell, Blaze and Highfield. De Lanerolle picked up his role from them as a versatile, and gifted teacher, linguist, novelist, broadcaster, actor, playwright, poet, humorist, painter, geographer, public speaker and administrator.All these talents were gracefully blended in one outstanding school principal - the likes of which we will never see again in our grim educational landscape. My association with Mr. de Lanerolle was mainly, though by no means exclusively, in the field of English teaching, a vocation we shared. The late Minister of Education Dr. Badi-ud-din Mahmud hand- picked him to head a Committee of Inquiry into the Teaching of English in the Schools of Sri Lanka (CITE). The leadership he gave to this committee and the commitment and zeal with which he accomplished an important assignment designed to give our country "a place in the sun" are etched in my memory and undoubtedly in the memories of those who were associated with him in his task.'A Place in the Sun' was the apt title he gave to his report, which consisted of two parts and ran into 382 mimeographed pages. It appeared in 1973 in the aftermath of the lunar conquest, that "giant leap for mankind".

De Lanerolle's report contained 21 chapters, whose titles give an idea of the scope of its coverage: * The role of English in South and South East Asia; English in Sri Lanka; The Demands for English; English in the Schools; Outline of a Plan.* Beginning English; the Four Year Course; English in Schools after NCGE: The use of the Mother Tongue in TESL; Libraries, Preparation of Classroom Material and Creative Works in English; The Place of Literature;* Evaluating and Testing; Learning and Teaching in and out of school; Recruitment and Deployment of Teachers; The Good English Teacher; Teacher Education; Regional English Units; The Administration of English, Research and International Contacts. We wonder, as did de Lanerolle in the last lap of his earthy sojourn, if the present educational establishment has even heard of a report titled "A Place in the Sun". Professor Gooneratne's brief communique to CITE sounds true, after all: It's not only English teaching that is dead but most of the members of the committee that inquired into it, not to speak of Minister Mahmud and a good many of those who submitted their excellent oral and written submissions.

For me, to remember Kenneth de Lanerolle is to summon up, among many other remembrances, CITE and the long hours I spent with him in a truly educative experience producing A Place in the Sun". CN

Mr A.J.Vethanayagam by Rev Rohan Wijesinghe

In 1972 I took part in a six month Asia Youth Leadership Training programme. This took me to the Philippines for close to four months. I did not know that the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka sent Mr. Vethanayagam for a similar training programme almost as soon as I left the Philippines. I learnt with much sadness from my Philippians Counter part that Mr. Vethanayagam died in a boating accident. I remember some of those boating rides: They were most challenging!!

Addendum by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera

I remember Mr.Vethanayagam when he was a Boarding Master. He was a kind and gentle person not very fond of sports, as I recall. He was affectionately called Vetha . Mr.Vethanayagam left the hostel after his marriage but never failed to greet us with a smile on the corridor in the years that followed. Mr.Vetha took an active interest in the Tamil stream of the school and remember being involved in many of the Tamil plays. He was a deeply religious person and served the school for well over 25 years.

May his Soul Rest in Peace

J.L.F.De Mel - An Appreciation From the Centenary Souvenir

"One of God's good men" So said those who knew you then, You loved beauty and honesty, High ideals mixed with simplicity, Alas to your glorious life came the end; You died as you lived-everyone's friend. Fred de Mel veteran and beloved Head- master of Wesley College, was called for higher service, quite suddenly, at the age of 74, on the 2nd of January 1974. The vast number of old Wesleyites, his colleagues, friends and relations who gathered to pay their last respects, proved his popularity. He joined Wesley College and served there right through for 30 years until he retired in 1959, as Headmaster, having acted for some time as Vice-Principal. During his long stay at Wesley, Fred was one of the most painstaking teachers. He was at one time Secretary, and later President, of the Teachers' Guild. He was Cricket Master from 1947 to 1959. He took a keen interest in the Staff Tennis Club and in the S. C. M. He spent his leisure time teaching English to the prisoners at Welikade Jail. These prisoners always looked forward eagerly to the arrival of Fred de Mel with his band of helpers. He threw himself into every activity at portion in life, good or bad, he accepted with unswerving faith and thankfulness. He did not banker after praise or high office. He bore no ill-will toward anyone. Injustice raised his anger but there was never any malice. Fred de Mel was a firm administrator and disciplinarian. All shoddy work was abhorrent to him. The teachers of Wesley will know what keen understanding and insight be had regarding the duties and responsibility- ties of a good teacher. His loving concern for Wesley exceeded even that of an Old Boy and everything was done for Wesley, not with a fanfare of trumpets, but with a quiet graciousness of spirit so that no one person in the College knew all he did. He was a practicing Christian, transparently honest and sincere. When Wesley opted to be a non-fee-levying private school in 1960 and formed a Welfare Society, the unanimous choice for secretary was, of course, Fred de Mel. He, perhaps, worked harder in this capacity than when on the staff.

Arunachalam (Chuttie) Ramachandra by HSATP

On that memorable morning of March the 9th., the College Centenary Old Boys' Cricket March began, and Rama stepped out of the Pavilion from among some of his life-long friends and his wife Sushila, no one thought that it would be his last glorious hour with them. In sun-drenched enthusiasm he played, displaying that same schoolboy zest and vigour (capturing two wickets for 13 runs) and urging the others on. Then, even in his moment of glory, without the least warning, the Grim Reaper brought his innings to an abrupt and unexpected end. Rama-"Chuttie" to his close friends- was always gentle and unruffled, his cherubic smile draining the fire out of us when we ignored reason. Like his illustrious cousin, M. Sathasivam cricket was Rama's first love, and with this passion he brought honour to Wesley and a sparkle to her cricket in the forties. He was a College Prefect and the First XI Vice-Captain in 1944/45. He was a keen student and later proceeded to read law at Lincoln's Inn. On his return he was saddled with the responsibility of managing the family estates, which Rama did with characteristic efficiency. And now he has gone ahead, having played his last earthly innings with no complaint, wearing that typical smile, to that Pavilion of the Immortals, and to his eternal rest. His 'Ashes' shall be retained in the urns of our memory for all time.

Maxwell De Alwis by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera
My first recollection of M.Y.de Alwis is as a Prefect at Wesley. Thereafter he gained entrance to the University Peradeniya. After obtaining his degree he joined the staff of Wesley College.

It is almost 50 years ago 1954-56 when Maxwell de A was the Senior Hostel Master. He established the School Choir and made it fashionable to be a Chorister giving them special privileges. I recall the choir practices on Sunday afternoons and after prep on weekdays as most choristers were boarders. Cecil and Arthur Barbut, S.K. and Ranjit Seneviratne, NAB Fernando, Senaka Jayasinghe, E.Y.Buell, Nimal Sureweere, Daya Peiris, Kenneth Anthonisz, Michael Christoffelsz BCRN Fernando, NGA Fernando are some of the names that come to mind.

Some Sundays we sang at the Maradana Methodist Church. I particularly remember singing at Mr.Wilfred's Wedding. The treble, Alto,Tenor and base singers brought beautiful 4 part harmony thanks to the efforts of Maxwell De Alwis "Maxy" as he was affectionately called. The production Alad-in-and Out was a hit right from the start and was shown also at Kingswood College Kandy. Miss Mary Colin Thome provided the piano accompaniment. During Easter we sang Jesu Joy of Man's desiring and other works by Palestrina. For Christmas there was the Nine Lessons and carols sung at the Maradana Church and at Wesley College. I particularly recall singing " In Dulci Jubilo" all in Latin. Maxy always kept our interest alive by introducing barber shop quartets and remember Lyle Godridge singing baritone for a lovely Group. It was a marvellously harmonius time for us all.

Maxy was a very private person outside his choir work. He was a strict disciplinarian but remained very practical and kind. His brother who was also a boarder was treated like the rest of us, without any preferential treatment at all.
Maxy left Wesley to join a Christian Organisation for which he worked for several years before becoming a Priest.
I was deeply saddened to hear that Rev.Maxwell De Alwis died in the early 1970's at the General Hospital Colombo. He will always be remembered for the wonderful Choir he established at Wesley.
May his Soul Rest in Peace.

Rev. Samuel Rowse WILKIN,

Born 14/02/1849. Died 16/02/1918.
Served: Ceylon 1873-1889

The true character