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I count myself in nothing else so happy as in a soul remembering my good friends. - William Shakespeare Contents Hari Jeganathan's visit to Melbourne by Keith De Kretser
Sir Oliver Goonetilleke by Walter Wijenayaka Sir Oliver Goonetilleke - first Ceylonese Governor-General
FROM THE LANKA LIBRARY FORUM
Prof. Maharoof Ismail - Outstanding Researcher From a report in the Ceylon Daily News His research has Lead to the Global Control of Filariasis. Abridged from a Report in the Ceylon Daily Research carried out in Sri Lanka by Prof. Mahroof Ismail, leading a team from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, The National Hospital, Colombo in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA has discovered that Albendazole, a drug manufactured by SmithKIine Beecham, ( the standard treatment worldwide to combat intestinal worms) when given in single dose, combined with other anti-parasitic drugs is effective against the parasite which causes lymphatic filariasis. This highly beneficial single dose treatment will replace the previous long duration treatment lasting at times for 3 weeks or more. As a result of these research findings ( now confirmed by other Scientists) the World Health Organisation and the SmithKIine Beecham(SB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding whereby SB will donate the drug free of charge to WHO for use by Governments and other collaborating organisations working for elimination of the disease worldwide. Over one (1) billion people in 73 countries are at risk of contacting lymphatic filariasis and there over 120 million people already effected. In Sri Lanka it has reached epidemic pro portions and is endemic, and about 1.5 to 2 million persons are effected. The disease is carried by mosquitoes and, if, untreated, leads to elephantiasis, the disfiguring enlargement of the arms, legs and genital organs. According to Professor Ismail an added advantage of using Albendazole for the control of filariasis is that simultaneously with the filariasis parasite other intestinal parasites such as hookworms, and roundworms will be eliminated. These latter parasites are known to cause anaemia and retardation of physical growth and mental development, especially in children and adolescents in developing countries. In a press release issued in January 1998, Dr.Hiroshi Nakagima, WHO Director-General, says this will be one of the largest global disease elimination programmes ever undertaken by public health authorities. There will be a huge benefit to Sri Lanka, from this landmark research finding, both in terms of funds expended on drugs, as well as in the elimination of a widely prevalent debilitating disease, which when implemented will bring relief to several thousands of Sri Lankans. Editors note: Prof. Mahroof Ismail, M.B.B.S., D.T.M& H., M.D, PhD.,Emeritus Professor of Parasitology, had his entire primary and secondary education at Wesley College from 1935 to 1950. He was twice winner of the Hill Medal, and carried away the class prize each year, in addition to other prizes.After graduating from the Medical College, he joined the Medical Research Institute where he had an outstanding career, and finally became the Director of the Institute.... in 1983. In 1983 he was appointed as Professor of Parasitology, in the Faculty of Medicine, and became Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1994-96, and acted for the Vice Chancellor in 1996. ... He has been on the Board of numerous medical, educational, and scientific organisations both in Sri Lanka and abroad. He is an internationally recognised authority on Filariasis and soil transmitted nematode infections. He is a Member of the WHO Expert Committee on Filariasis. He has been a prolific contributor on research work undertaken by him and has over 60 publications to his credit. He is on the Editorial Board of three(3) International Journals on Tropical Medicine. He was Chairman, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine during 1994 to 96. He has had a long association with Wesley, first as student, then as an Old Boy, and has been a Member of the College Governing Board. He rendered yeoman service as President of the Old Wesleyites Sports Club, and revived and infused new life into its activities, as well as enhancing the facilities available. In addition to the many academic accomplishments, Mahroof also had the time and inclination to participate in Hockey and Badminton both at College and the University, where fu won his colours. He is an accomplished Pianist, and has been the accompanist at several school functions. He was honoured by the school for his outstanding achievements when he was invited to be its Chief Guest at the Prize giving in 1991, as a distinguished Old Boy.
H.N.Duckworth by AB (Transcribed from the Australian Double Blue Bulletin) Commencing with this issue of the Double Blue Bulletin we intend to feature Old Wesleyites, living in Australia, who distinguished themselves while in school. This first portrait is focused on Henry N Duckworth, undoubtedly one of the oldest living cricket captains of Wesley College. Henry was a most respected Captain of Wesley in the 1930’s, during which period cricket blossomed in Ceylon. His entire education was at Wesley College from 1926 to 1937, during the Principalships of the Rev. John Dalby (1925 to 1928) and Rev Albert Hutchinson (1929 – 1940). As a 15 year old Henry played in the first eleven cricket team in 1931, and captained the school in both 1936 and 1937. He scored 117 runs against Ananda College in 1937 and had many scores of over 50 runs in his school cricket career. The legendary M Sathasivam played under Henry’s captaincy. Henry and "M. Satha" were both selected to play for the Combined Colleges in 1936 under the captaincy of D Fairweather of St Thomas College against the visiting Indian Universities team. In the match M Sathasivam and D Fairweather put on a 100 run partnership for the 3rd wicket. The press describing it as the "finest batting seen for years".Other notable players in Henrys team were Ivan Walbeoff and S Nagendra who played for Ceylon. Henry was a good all-round sportsman being a top athlete and gaining places in the Public School meets in sprint events; he also represented Wesley in Soccer. The genial Henry Duckworth now lives in retirement in an outer eastern suburb of Melbourne and keenly follows the activities of the OBA while fondly remembering and reminiscing on the glorious days at his beloved Wesley College, Colombo. Well Done Henry, we wish you the best of health and happiness.
Dr.Lambert Abeytunga by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera Lambert Abeytunge had his initial education at Dharmaduta College Badulla and later at Wesley College Colombo. First he was a boarder and then a day scholar. I remember him as a quiet student. He played the bamboo flute exceptionally well. Thereafter he left the boarding and stayed with his classmate I.D.Raymond in Kolonnawa. After an illustrious academic career at Wesley he entered the Medical Faculty Colombo in 1960. He did his internship at the General hospital, Colombo, and left for postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in England. In 1969 Lambert obtained the FRCS. He returned to Sri Lanka but career prospects were not to his liking. He returned to the UK and subsequently to the USA where he worked in New York, California and finally in Las Vegas where he now has a lucrative practice in Cosmetic Surgery. Lambert plays the saxaphone,clarinet and the flute. He wishes to return to Sri Lanka and provide medical and financial help to the poor starting his project in Badulla. We wish him well.
Prof. Ratnasamy Somanathan by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera
Neville S.Weerasekera by Shelton Peiris
Neville Weerasekera, was a student at Wesley from 1946-50, in the Cartman era. He was twice winner of the Gogerly Scholarship, and entered the University of Ceylon, Faculty of Engineering in 1950, and graduated with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering . He joined the Shell Company of Ceylon in 1955 and became Technical Manager. In 1968 he Joined the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and was lastly the Refinery Manager before he left to take up an Appointment as Project Director with Petromin in Saudi Arabia, in 1975. He returned to Sri Lanka in 1989. He is a Chartered Engineer and is married with two children.
Rienzie T. Wijetillake by Neville Weerasekera
The name of Wesley College has been prominently associated with this competition a& a part of its 125 years celebration of educational excellence. Rienzie Wijetillake had his early education at Christian College, Kotte and then moved onto Wesley College where he completed his secondary education. He was an outstanding student and carried away several academic prizes. He was also a College Prefect. On leaving school he joined the Bank of Ceylon, and he continued to pursue his studies and obtained a BSc(Economics) degree. By now his executive talents were being recognised and he was posted to the Bank's International Division London Branch in 1966. On completion of his assignment he returned to the Island, and in 1971 he joined the Hatton National Bank which was just incorporated. At Hatton National Bank his career has been nothing short of meteoric. In 1983 he became Manager of the largest Branch namely the the City Office in Fort. In a relatively short period he became the Managing Director and C.E.O. of Hatton National Bank which is one of the largest commercial private Banks in terms of assets, market penetration and customer base. Such a dominant position was achieved by the carefully planned strategy over the last ten years. He is also currently the Chairman of Colombo Stock Exchange, a highly prestigious and responsible position. He is also on the Board of several Companies despite his onerous duties and responsibilities at a top ranking Bank, Rienzie Wijetillake has found the time energy to devote his skills and talents to "Youth Welfare" special emphasis on the rural youth of our country. At a time when there is so much frustration amongst rural youth mainly due to the lack of job opportunities his projects have helped to alleviate such difficulties. The thrust of this work has been through the "Gam Pubudu Sevaya", by which means HNB has painstakingly developed strategy for assisting and developing youth to achieve their full potential and becoming useful citizens. Under his personal direction HNB has organised a special team of trained persons to visit chosen areas and implement their programmes. In addition HNB has also assisted in rehabilitating and reviving local bodies which have fallen into disarray, and bringing them back into performing their proper role. The success of such endeavours has deservedly earned for HNB many encomiums, including the World Bank which commended the Bank's work in this youth development sphere, and has held it up as an example for others to emulate. The beneficiaries of such programmes in the rural areas have been uniform in their praise of the benefits that have accrued to them. A feature of HNB's success has been their sustained efforts over several years, and not a flash in the pan venture. Too often in many such schemes of this type after the initial euphoria, there is a waning of attention and the project falls apart. But not so in HNB's case. Rienzie Wijetillake has also devoted his attention to the Temperance movement realising the havoc alcohol abuse inflicts on the poorer clauses. Again he has placed youth involvement in these movements as a primary focus. He has organised counselling sessions and attempted to revitalize youth, and lead them back to the Temple, Church, Kovil and Mosque as a primary source of guidance. He has been involved in such work from the horrendously troubled time of 1988/89. Rienzie Wijetillake has firmly stood behind the concept of a United Lanka free of religious and racial prejudices, where all persons have equal opportunities regardless of their racial or religious background. We are indeed proud and happy to record these achievements of an Old Wesleyite who has unflinchingly and unhesitatingly responded to Wesley's call. Addendum Mr
Rienzie Wijetilleke who is both a Fellow of the Chartered Institute
of Bankers, UK and a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, Sri Lanka
has been the Managing Director of Hatton National Bank Limited (HNB)
since 1988. Commencing his banking career at Bank of Ceylon,
H.J.V.I. Ekanayake The composer of the School song remembered by HSAT Peiris - From the 125th Anniversary Souvenir H JVI Ekanayake is perhaps better known to generations of Wesleyites as the composer of the rousing College Song, "Boys of Wesley through the land". Yet in his time he was an outstanding Scholar, Bard and Legal luminary. He had the advantage of family wealth and lineage but his intellect and leadership backed by hard work and dedication secured for him a high position in society. HJVI was enrolled at Wesley College during its location at Dam Street in 1882, when Rev. Arthur Shipham was the Principal. He made excellent progress at school both in the academic work and in sports, and came later under the influence of Rev.Thomas Moscrop, who further developed his innate academic skills.
Interest in the latter Languages was encouraged by the Rev. Thomas Moscrop's interest in Buddhism, as for a proper study of Buddhism it was necessary to consult Buddhist canons in Sanskrit and Pali. HJVI passed the Cambridge Senior with Distinctions, and was the winner of the Hill Medal in both 1888 and in 1889. HJVI had the good fortune to come under the influence of Rev .Henry ighfield during the closing stages of his school career, who immediately recognised his talents. He was also a keen sportsman and played for the 1st XI Cricket Team, and was the Secretly of the Cricket Club. On leaving School he became a teacher at Wesley for a short time, and put to full use his training in both Western and Eastern Classical Languages. He also inaugurated the Wesley College Cadet Corps. He decided to follow a career in Law, and won a scholarship awarded by the Board of Legal Education, After qualifying he was called to the Bar in 1900. He was later appointed as a magistrate and was held in high regard, and administered his judicial responsibilities with skill, justice and fair play. This was amply displayed at the time of the "Ambalangoda riots", which flared up primarily due to excesses on the part of the military. In 1906 he was promoted as a District Judge, and entered the ranks of the prestigious Civil Service, and his judgments earned him the sobriquet of "Daniel of the Bench". Despite his onerous official duties HJVI did not hesitate to play a leading role in Society, he was a Founder Member of the Sinhalese Sports Club, and was its Vice President, he was also Secretary of the Radella Club, and later Patron of the Wesley College Old Boys Union. He married Geraldine Louise May the daughter of Maha Mudaliyar James Amerasekera of Nattandiya. They had an only child, a son, Edward Stubbs Dewinton, so named after Sir Edward Stubbs, Governor at the time, who was the godfather. A plaque now marks the position of a tree planted at Ekanayake Walauwwa gardens in Kotte by Sir Edward Stubbs during a visit to the home of HJVI. Tragically this only child was lost at the age of 17 years in a drowning accident, causing considerable grief to the parents. His literary talents and skills are best displayed by the composition which later became the College song, his extempore" Boys of Wesley through the Land" sung after a farewell dinner to a Junior Master- An Old Boy- held at College Hall in Dam Street. This was an instant hit, which not only cites the brotherhood of Past and Present, but also makes a patriotic appeal, 'and for our dear Land we'd be, men of grit and Industry." Both the words and tune of this College Song has brought Wesleyites of several generations together, and now with Branch OBU's in the UK and Australia, its popularity has gone beyond the shores of Sri Lanka. HJVI is indeed a worthy product of Wesley College, and future generations can continue to be inspired by his outstanding performance and high standard of integrity. He was honoured by the School when soon after his death a Portrait was unveiled in the College Hall by the Principal Rev. D. lzzette at the Annual OBU Celebration in March 1941. A Prize named after him is also presented at the Annual Prize Giving. The Latin quote -' Non tetigil, quod non ornavil ' well describes his life's work - for he touched nothing which he did not a adorn! '
Sir Oliver - A Man for All Seasons by Neville Weerasekera Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke GCMG., KCVO, KBE,KSTJ, DLL, BA., Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke, is without doubt the most illustrious product of Wesley College. He was the only son of Mr. & Mrs. A.E.Goonetilleke, and one of eight children, born on October 20th ,1892 in Trincomalee. From humble beginnings he blazed a career to the highest position in the land, which can be described only in superlatives. His early education was at Wesley College at the time of the legendary Rev. Henry Highfield, and he was a brilliant student right from the start.
He was also a smart Officer in the Ceylon Cadet Battalion." Sir Oliver's first appointment was as an Assistant Teacher at Wesley, but this was a short stint, as he then joined a Bank, and subsequently Government service. Here his extraordinary ability and intellect took him to the very top, as Auditor General . Prof. Ludowyk describes him as the " quickest witted Ceylonese of his generation, which earned him this high position", which in normal circumstances at the time would surely have gone to a British Civil Servant. During the Second World War, he functioned as Civil Defence Commissioner, and Food Commission, responsible for securing food supplies at a time of extreme scarcity. In 1944 he became the first Ceylonese Financial Secretary.In 1947 he left Govt service and was appointed Minister of Home Affairs and Leader of the Senate. In 1947 began one of the most exacting assignments of his career, that of negotiating with the Colonial Office the New Constitution of Ceylon, on behalf of D S Senanayake, the Prime Minister. It was a perfect partnership in which neither could have succeeded without the other. OEG a calm, quiet negotiator with an analytical mind who clearly saw what had to be achieved. It was indeed an arduous and complex task, which culminated in the draft Constitution, granting full Dominion status to Ceylon. He spent many hours and days arguing line by line with Whitehall Officials the best terms he could get whilst keeping in close touch with his partner, D.S.Senanayake. The Soulbury Commission who were entrusted with the final negotiations visited Ceylon, and Sir Oliver handled this visit and the numerous contacts they wished to make at many locations. Sir Ivor Jennings in his book "The Constitution of Ceylon ", paid a handsome tribute to the services of DS Senanayake and Sir Oliver and makes the remark that if not for their efforts Ceylon would have remained a Crown Colony for a while longer. In fact he makes the remark "Well done OEG ". At the time, SWRD Bandaranaike was becoming a force to reckon with, whilst he initially opposed the proposed Constitution, upon further scrutiny with Sir Oliver and DS he relented and in fact moved the motion in Parliament to adopt the new Constitution. It was indeed a worthy victory. He was appointed Minister of Home Affairs in the first Cabinet and the leader of the Senate in 1948, and in the same year was appointed as the First Ambassador to the Court of St James, London. Then there was the death of his dear friend DS Senanayake, and he returned home, and was in charge of the arrangements of a befitting funeral. At the end of this sad event it is reported he walked all the way home alone. In the new Dudley Senanayake cabinet he was once again appointed Minister of Home Affairs and upon the former's resignation. Sir John Kotelawela the new Premier, appointed him as Minister of Finance in his Cabinet. At the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conference in Canberra in 1954, the Ceylon Daily News headlined, "Fireworks are expected from Sir Oliver with his demand that the social advancement in Asia, must receive top priority and not await long term solutions." Dr. Evatt of Australia described him as one "of the five best brains in the Commonwealth." His participation at the conferences was highly valued as he had the capacity to iron out differences and reach a consensus on complex and controversial matters. A noteworthy achievement in the time was the successful launching of a 5.0 million Loan in the London Financial markets to be used for the country's development. In 1954 budget he proposed a plan for attracting foreign investment to bring in capital and expertise. cardinal principles which reads like a recent BOI statement. Clearly these measures were ahead of its time and OEG's visionary plans did not come into full fruition. In 1954 in addition to being Minister of Finance, he was also appointed Minister in Attendance for the impending State visit of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Again Sir Oliver took complete charge and meticulously made all the arrangements for what turned out to be a highly successful visit Additional honours followed and he was appointed was the First Ceylonese Governor General in 1954. To this high office he brought his great experience and talents, and caused successive Premiers to turn to him for counsel and advice, which he impartially and freely gave. The very first public engagement after his appointment as to visit his Alma Mater, Wesley College . It was fortuitous that the Principal at the time was Cedric Oorioff, a former CCS, steeped in the classical languages, as was Sir Oliver. His welcoming speech was full of Latin quotations. Sir Oliver did not fail to recall with gratitude the education he received at Wesley, and that the bursaries and scholarships played a valued part. Sir Oliver maintained an abiding interest in Wesley and made Several contributions for its improvement. Despite his onerous duties he threw his heart and soul into the activities of the Old Boys' Union. He was its first President and always found time to attend committee meetings. He was the confidante of Principals, and befriended many an Old Boy and teacher, and was truly a friend of the school in good times and bad. He did not hesitate to welcome into "Queens House" Old Boys for meetings, and even during the time he was away in England he remained as its President, at the unanimous request of the Old Boys. Another institution which engrossed Sir Oliver's attention and support was the Diocese of Colombo. He addressed himself to the task of securing funds which the Diocese needed. He satdown day afterday and signed scores of appeals to Church people, thereby obtaining the necessary funds by voluntary contributions and was also involved in the YMCA and was active in the forum. In 1956 SWRD Bandaranaike became Premier but he retained OEG as Governor-General: However, the Opposition Left -wing group moved a motion to -reduce his emoluments, but SWRD responded with great dignity as follows. To quote "It is only fair on my part to state that H.E. the Governor General, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke has placed his knowledge, experience and Constitutional powers at the full disposal of the present Government, and as constitutionally proper has been most helpful, and given great assistance to many pressing problems. " The motion was defeated in Parliament. In May 1958 in Sir Oliver's words ," A cataract of looting and public killings ruined the fair name of Ceylon, and unasked I took over the task of saving Ceylon from the flames of racial conflict. Commenting on this action Prof.. EFC Ludowyk said " His action was without constitutional precedent , and had he not taken action many more hundreds of lives would have been lost." According to Prof Ludowyk, Sir Oliver paid the penalty " for superior powers of mind, which cause a continual reproach in self esteem of small persons". Tarzie Vittachi, described him as "the most interesting Sri Lankan who had ever lived since the West came to Ceylon. " In 1962 came the end of is term as Governor General, in which high office he had spent 8 years. After 40 years of unbroken service to his country, at the age of 70 this loyal son of Lanka retired to England. There his mind was active as ever, he became a member of Lloyds, and indulged in his favourite sport Racing. He traveled in the winter months, which included a visit to his life long friend Pandit Jawarhal Nehru. In the evening of his life, he returned to Sri Lanka and passed away on the 17th December, 1978, at the age of 86 years. A large and appreciative public erected a statue to honour his memory at Kanatte road roundabout. Yet his huge contributions in the service to Sri Lanka will remain an even more permanent memorial in the annals of this country, surpassing either marble or bronze. Addendum Sir
O E Goonetilleke (1892 - 1978) His greatest interests were horses and racing them. His horses ran at Epsom and Ascot just outside London. The Ceylon Turf Club honoured him by calling one of the principal events of the Colombo August Race Meet the 'O.E.Goonetilleke Cup'. H.A.J. Hulugalle has said: "Sir Oliver Goonetilleke reached eminence by a combination of mental ability, physical energy and a happy knack of being always there".
Fred Abeysekera by The Editor 125th Anniversary Fred was a student at Wesley during the Cartman and Oorloff eras from 1945-51. He was a College Prefect, Troop Leader, Senior Hostel Prefect, Editor- Double Blue and Captain of the College Hockey XI. He graduated from the Ceylon University and taught at Wesley from 1957-60. He was a highly successful teacher of English and also actively promoted the game of Hockey. Addendum by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera I have known Fred Abeysekera since my very early childhood being a family friend living near Nugegoda -Then as a school prefect and thereafter as an English teacher. He was a superb teacher and I learnt many tips and skills of Engish essay writing. Fred made English interesting. In addition to the classic text "Treasure Island" he introduced us to the many aspects of English poetry. Fred's insight into the various nuances of the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge "THE RYME OFTHE ANCIENT MARINER" still lingers in my mind. After I left Wesley I have met Fred many times. Welfare of his beloved school is foremost in his mind. Always soft spoken and kind I will remember him as an excellent teacher and a good friend. We wish him a long and happy retirement.
L.Vivian Jayaweera by The Editor 125th Anniversary Souvenir Vivian began his career at Wesley and is a product of the Cartman era. He is the donor of the LV Jayaweera Memorial Trophy for the St.Anthonys v Wesley Cricket match awarded in memory of his father who was an old Antonian and former All Ceylon Cricketer. He was Wesley's honorary Boxing coach during Rev Cartman's era. Vivian has been responsible for promoting sports at Wesley for many years. He was an Officer of the Mounted Police. His deep and abiding concern to be associated in perpetuating the memory of his Principal Rev. Cartman is exemplary.
Tissa Chandrasoma by Malinda Seneviratne Manikkuwadumestri Chandrasoma Is probably one of the oldest if not the oldest survivors of the Ceylon Civil Service, that august collective of which members of the present day incarnation, the sri Lanka Administrative Service , speak with awe, but with hardly a tinge of guilt. At 87 he has lost none of his eloquence and the capacity to laugh at himself, although by his own admission he has trouble remembering names. He was the eldest in a family of 7 boys and 2 girls, and was born in his mother's village Hennatota, Dodanduwa in 1913. The family had later moved to their father's village of Arachchikande, off Hikkaduwa. Chandrasoma, Tissa to his colleagues and friends, claims that his family name, Minikkuwadumestrige, means "master carpenter" or builder of boats and ships. His father: MWM.de Silva, was a government contractor specialising in bridge building and apparently built the Chilaw Puttalam railwayline. Chandrasoma himself had heard about this very recently and said he couldn't confirm the story, although he did recall having spent a lot of time in that area when he was very young. He had his early education at the Hikkaduwa government school. Later he had been sent to the section of Ananda Vidyalaya that was later to become Nalanda College. Since Ananda did not prepare students for the Cambridge Junior Examination largely influenced by his uncle Chandrasoma chose to go to Wesley College where he excelled both as a student and an athlete. Since he was very young, he had to sit the Cambridge Junior three times."the first time I got honours and distinctions, the 2nd time I got honours and the last time I just passed" he said laughingly. . He was a member of an elite relay team which broke all three major relay records in one afternoon,100, 220 and 440yards. Speaking of his days at Wesley Chandrasoma said that Mr. Moscrop,the son of a Protestant Missionary in Jaffna,who was his English teacher had a strong influence on him. In fact he said that he owed much of his writing skills to this teacher, who had made him write endless essays and had encouraged him to read one verse of the New Testament everyday as a way of improving his English. Moscrop had been a friend of Joseph Conrad and would receive that authors latest books which he would pass on to his disciple. His uncle had got together with Mr.Kularatne to persuade him to sit his Matriculation examination from Ananda. This he did and got a first division pass. In 1932 he entered the university and later passed the Civil service examination joining the service in 1938. here he had a brief but eventful tenure. In 1952 at the age of 39 he was appointed as the Principal Collector of Customs and was the 1st Sri lankan to hold that post. Chandrasoma had acted on behalf of his predecessors when they had gone on leave. It was Sir John who made his appointment. By 1957 he had become disillusioned with the Service. For 6 years after that he worked as operations manager at the Shell company. In 1963 he again joined the Port Commission. After leaving the Civil Service he worked in the Private sector until he was 60. Chandrasoma has written 4 books. His "Vignettes of the Ceylon Civil Service 1938-57" was published in 1991.
The above article was first published in the OBU (UK) souvenir by Ananda Thevathasan.
Hon M.H.Mohamed joined Wesley in 1926 and spent the entirety of his student life at Wesley.When asked why Wesley? Mr Mohamed replied that at Wesley "their were no racial or religious lines drawn and the education was secular".Hon Mohamed was at Wesley during the era of Rev A.Huchinson and Rev John Dalby.All his brother also went to Wesley students of Wesley will remember M.H.M.Munas the donor of the Botany/Bio Lab M.H.M.Munas is the elder brother of Hon M.H.Mohamed.Hon Mohamed's five sons also went to Wesley college and are actively involved with the Union. Hon M.H.Mohamed on leaving Wesley took up business established by his Grandfather and took a keen interest in politics he was elected to the Colombo municipal council in 1945 and went on to become the First Muslim Mayor of Colombo.During his tenure of office he got the Campbell park lease extended and when Hussain Mohamed his eldest son became Mayor Campball park was handed to Wesley. Hon M.H.M |