Wesley College Colombo
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
Sir
Ivor Jennings, the then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ceylon,
in his book on the Constitution has stated if not for Messers D.S.
Senanayake and Olver Goonetilleke Ceylon would have remained a Crown
Colony for a larger period of time. We all know that Rt. Hon: D.S.
Senanayake as the "Father of the Nation "who gained independence
for Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) from the British Empire. It seems that
all of us have forgotten the great person who was responsible for
the birth of that independence. He is none other than Sir Oliver
Ernest Goonetilleke who became the first Ceylonese Governor-General.
The leading role played by Sir Oliver Goonetilleke is unique in
the gaining of independence for Sri Lanka in crucial negotiations
with the British officials. The trio D. S. Senanayake took office
as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Ministers of which the Chairman
was the British Governor, when Sir Don Baron Jayatilleke took office
as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in New Delhi in December 1942. Sir
Oliver Goonetilleke was the Commissioner of Civil Defence and the
Control Room of the Civil Defence Department under Sir Oliver Goonetilleke
served as the focal point in the independence movement. I must state
here the name of Sir Ivor Jennings for his hearty assistance extended
to the duo Messers Senanayake and Goonetilleke in constitutional
matters. All these led to the British Rulers to issue the 1943 Declaration
in order to grant entire responsible Government to this country
in all the matters of civil administration. However, the trio Senanayake,
Goonetilleke and Jennings feeling little satisfaction over this
as they Considered it was far below their expectation triumvirate
drafted a fresh Constitution for the country. This Draft Constitution
which came to be known as "Ministers' Draft "was submitted to the
British Government in February 1944. Commissioner It was at this
juncture Sir Oliver Goonetilleke who was appointed the Commissioner
of Food went to England to discuss an urgent Food supplies to this
country. On his journey Mr. D.S. Senanayake wanted Sir Oliver Goonetilleke
to do his utmost to iron out any differences between the British
Government and the Ceylonese Ministers over the "Ministers' Draft".
He was warmly received in London and he could discuss with the British
Officials over all the matters in concern. Further he was directed
to meet Lord Soulbury who has been assigned to lead a Commission
to visit Sri Lanka to find out the views of the Ceylonese at lunch
on the following day. At the luncheon Sir Oliver impressed Lord
Soulbury. The latter asked the former "tell me Sir Oliver, in confidence,
want is wrong with the "Ministers' Draft" Sir Oliver promptly responded
"Nothing whatever is wrong with it." Sir Oliver who came back with
much hope, the first task which he attended was to pacify the angry
Mr. D.S. Senanayake and to advise on some important matters in good
faith. As the advice of Sir Oliver, D.S. Senanayake met socially
and unofficially the members of the Soulbury Commission which arrived
in Sri Lanka on 22,12,1944. After the Report of the Commission was
presented to the Secretary of State for Colonies Mr. Oliver Stanley
in London, he invited Mr. D.S. Senanayake to London for discussions.
At the time when Mr. D.S. Senanayake arrived in London the Government
had been changed as a result of a General Election and Mr. Oliver
Stanley had been succeeded by Mr. George Hall as the Secretary of
State for Colonies. Mr. Senanayake presented him a fresh report.
Mr. Senanayake had to return as a disappointed and a disgruntled
person, as it was not accepted by the Secretary, and he continued
his struggle for independence. Again Mr. Senanayake decided to reject
a proposal made by the British Government to grant a Dominion Status
to Sri Lanka. At this juncture, it was Sir Oliver Goonetilleke who
intervened and explained to Mr. Senanayake that it was reasonable
to accept what was granted and then fight for the rest in an atmosphere
and goodwill. Further he persuaded Mr. Senanayake to present this
proposal to the State Council. Since the proposal was accepted by
the State Council, there had been a series of discussions in London
for the purpose of deciding how it could be implemented. Sir Oliver
who held the post of Financial Secretary by that time, represented
Mr. D.S. Senanayake for these discussions. After the conclusion
of discussions the first of the necessary orders of Council was
enacted on 15.05.1946. In 1974 Sir Oliver had much arguments in
London with Mr. Greech Jones who succeeded Mr. George Hall as the
secretary of State for Colonies. After all Sir Oliver realised that
he had the goodwill of the Secretary of State and the Colonial Staff.
Finally in June 1947 the British Cabinet of Ministers decided to
introduce the legislation necessary to confer independence to Sri
Lanka. Victorious Sir Oliver came back victoriously with a draft
for independence which referred to Sri Lanka the receiving of full
responsibility the status with the British Commonwealth of Nations.
04.02.1948 was fixed the Independence day. The Duke of Gloucester
representing the King, delivered the Throne Speech at the opening
of Parliament on 10.02.1948. Although Sir Oliver was made to propose
the Address of Thanks, he volunteered to give the opportunity to
Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike who did his best which hailed as one of
the most brilliant in his life time. One of who contributed to build-up
of Sri Lanka during the post independence days Sir Oliver Ernest
Goonetilleke was born on 20.10.1892 to Mr. Alfred Goonetilleke who
held the post of Post Master in the Trincomalee Post Office and
Mrs. Goonetilleke as the 5th child and the only one son of the family.
A product of Wesley College, he firstly joined the staff therein
in 1911. After a short spell of time, he resigned from the teaching
profession and in 1921 he began to serve the Public Service as a
Railway Auditor. From that position he stepped higher to become
the Auditor General at the age of 38. He got a new appointment as
the Chairman of the Salaries and Cadres Commission. He was appointed
the First Civil Defence Commissioner. At that time the Japanese
were surging forward South East Asia and an attack on Sri Lanka
was expected at any moment. Further he became the first Sri Lankan
and Sinhalese Finance Secretary of the Country. After Sri Lanka
regained independence from British he resigned from the Government
Service and Became the Minister of Home Affairs and Rural Development
under the Premiership of Mr. D.S. Senanayake. He later resigned
and was appointed the first High Commissioner of the United Kingdom.
Again he returned and became the Leader of the Senate and the Minister
of Food and Agriculture. On 17.07.1954 he succeeded Lord Soulbury
as the Governor-General. He served in this post till march 1962.
He passed away on 17.12.1978 peacefully with a full accomplishment
in life at the age of 86. May he attain Nibbana. -
FROM THE LANKA LIBRARY FORUM
Sir Oliver Goonetilleke
Quote:
Reminiscences of Sir Oliver Goonetilleke
In his book Glimpses of the Public Services During a Period of Transition
1927-1962, (Kandy Books 2005), A. E. H. Sanderatne includes brief histories
of the most important services of the public administration of Sri Lanka
from the inception of British Rule in 1796 till 1962. The book provides
insights into the working of the administration and the lives and character
of public servants. It visualises the working of the bureaucratic system in
a bygone era. We publish an excerpt from the book that recollects the early
life of Sir Oliver Earnest Goonetilleke as a public servant.
Sir Oliver was perhaps the only colourful personality among those who
functioned as Auditor General during a period of nearly a quarter century,
from 1921 to 1946. The others did not get such publicity as Sir Oliver. No
other Auditor General brought the work of the Audit into such limelight and
publicity. In every Audit Report of his he was able to spotlight the various
irregularities and frauds discovered by Audit officers. He saw to it that
these revelations were given the widest publicity. People began to speak of
these disclosures and therefore Sir Oliver gained a reputation for his
ability. He was classed as a clever watchdog of the public purse.
Original ideas
Sir Oliver had his education at Wesley College, Colombo during the times of
then Principal, Rev. H. Highfield and the Headmastership C.P. Dias, M.M.C.
Both of them gave him every encouragement and saw in him great
possibilities. The late Mr. Dias used to say of him “If you want an original
idea, you better go to Oliver”. His intelligence, tact and ability to please
his teachers and companions were seen in his school boy days.
He taught at Wesley for a few years and later passed the London B.A. and the
London Inter Science (Economics). Rev. P.T. Cash the Vice Principal too gave
him much encouragement and helped him in his studies. He had the innate
understanding to deal with all sorts of people and get on with them in
friendliest of terms.
He got employment as an Accountant of the now defunct Colombo Bank but left
it before its closure. He had realised that the Bank would not be able to
continue its activities very long. He took up the appointment as a Manager
at Lake House. When the post of Assistant Auditor for Railways fell vacant,
he was an applicant for the post. Sir Oliver’s father had also worked under
Sir Wilfred Woods when the latter was the Post Master General. O.E.G. took
up this appointment with great enthusiasm and ambition to make it a stepping
stone to higher appointments in his career in the public service. From the
commencement of his work in the Audit, he did not fail to show the
indispensability of his services to the Colonial Auditor Sir Wilfred Woods,
who found him ever ready to be very useful to him. He took up every work
entrusted to him with very great zest in displaying his abilities.
Investigative mind
O.E.G. was an able writer and Sir Wilfred himself was a very clever writer
of reports and communications on administrative matters. Sir Wilfred
appreciated his reports, which were a marked improvement on the normal
reports from the staff officers in Audit. O.E.G. was also fortunate that the
accounts of Railway Extensions Department came under the scrutiny of Audit.
It proved to be a very fertile field for O.E.G. to show his mettle in the
investigation of the irregularities and misuse of government funds.
There had been a colossal waste of money and officials and contractors made
easy money as a result of the callous manner in which the extension works
were supervised. There was hardly any proper supervision.
He went into this work of investigation with an unusual zest, knowing fully
well that this was an opportunity which he must exploit to the full and
establish for himself a name in the Department. He made a lasting mark by
the disclosures he made by personal investigations and scrutiny of the
accounts of these extensions. Money had been wasted on unnecessary items of
work or money had been paid in excess of work actually done.
The public were made aware of this waste of public funds and the Legislature
too was grateful to O.E.G. for the able manner, in which he brought to light
the waste of public funds. His work in the Railway Audit helped him to
establish himself firmly above all other staff officers of the Department.
The Assistant Colonial Auditor at that time was an Englishman, who did his
normal work but was not so useful as O.E.G. Sir Wilfred recognised this fact
and often very important papers were referred to him for his study and
comments. When therefore Mr. Gentle left the Department there was no
question that O.E.G. would succeed him. He was appointed Assistant Colonial
Auditor on February 27, 1925. His meteoric rise in the Public Service is so
well known that it needs hardly any mention here.
Enterprising mind
What were the chief characteristics of this man, which were observed by the
officers, who had worked with him during the period of nearly a quarter
century from 1921 to 1946? What were their impressions of him? There are
people living today who had known him at Wesley, at Lake House, in the
Audit, Civil Defence, Treasury, Home Ministry, and at Queen’s House. They
are the people who can truly speak of him from personal experience of the
man in close relations with them. What was his real self?
First of all one must not forget that he belonged to a middle class family.
His father had been a Post Master who had served in several outstations with
his family. O.E.G. is said to have been born in Trincomalee. His father gave
all his children a middle class education. He was the only son. He had five
sisters. The family had difficult days but all of them did well in school.
It is true that O.E.G. had to supplement the income of the family by giving
private tuition during the period he taught at Wesley.
In 1914, he was living in a house adjoining the Campbell Park. He became the
mainstay of his family and had to help his sisters in many ways, especially
at the time of their marriages. Early in life he faced difficulties. He
therefore maintained a sympathetic attitude in life and that was the most
redeeming feature of his life, which the officers who worked under him
appreciated. At the time he joined the Railway Audit, a senior officer who
worked with him was asked whether the Sinhalese in particular could expect
much from him. He made a very shrewd observation about Sir Oliver then. “I
doubt very much whether the Sinhalese as such will have any distinct
advantage. He will spare no pains to attain his ambitions. He is not the man
who will jeopardise his future in the service by going out of his way to
help the Sinhalese in any special way.”
There was no doubt that he was very ambitious and left no stone unturned to
achieve the highest positions open to him in the Public Service. He was
aware of his capabilities and was shrewd enough to spot the weaknesses of
the higher-ups in particular. He also realised that his future lay with
those who exercised power not only in the bureaucracy but also in the
political life of the country. He was a prominent member of the Turf Club
and also at one time the Secretary of the Orient Club. He was also said to
have been a Free Mason. He was also a prominent Churchman in the Diocesan
Council and at one time President of the Central Y.M.C.A.
He knew very well that the contacts he gained in public life would be very
useful to him. He saw in D.S. Senanayake a prospective leader of the people.
He lived close to his residence and one could have seen both of them on
horse back in the mornings going round on their usual riding exercise. In
the early days of D.S.’s political life he proved himself to be a great
helper to D.S. both as adviser and friend. This friendship did bear great
fruit in the future career of O.E.G. Another great friend of his in the
early days was Sir A.E. De Silva. He had accompanied him to India and was
close to him when Sir Ernest was stricken with Small Pox.
Valued friend
It was no secret that Sir Ernest proved to be a very valued friend of his in
many ways during his career. Although at one stage the estimation of him may
have suffered in some ways, his determination to face difficulties won the
day for him. He was no doubt astute and another in his position may have
failed to make a success of his career. But he was always prepared to take
great risks to achieve his ambitions in life. He did not shun the use of
external influence when ever he found it necessary to do so. He was a master
of compromise and diplomacy. For the most part of his life in Audit, he was
generally considerate to subordinates. He showed sympathy to officers in
distress.
The Tamils very soon realised that they need not fear him as he had no
communal bias in favour of the Sinhalese. He very clearly made them
understand that as long as they did work for him, he would not go out of his
way to help the Sinhalese. The Tamils found their position quite secure
during his regime.
From about April till July, each year he spared no pains in the preparation
of the Annual Report. He expected the officers to work wholeheartedly during
this period. A good number of officers took special care to please him at
this period. They would stay after hours and work on Sundays, whether it was
quite essential to do so or not. He saw to it that the Report was published
expeditiously.
It was a common sight every evening to see a box load of papers being
carried to his home in his car for attention. This trunk was known as the
“Hamu’s Pettiya”. These papers generally dealt with subjects on which O.E.G.
thought it a matter of wise policy to delay giving immediate orders or
ignore them wholesale in process of time. Some assumed that the box went to
and fro with the same papers and remained locked up in the same condition,
untouched by hand. The officers did not actually know what was the ultimate
fate of those papers!
Society man
He was very social by nature and was lavish in treating fellow officers,
friends and visitors. When officers were specially called to work after
hours he saw to it that they were provided with refreshments from the Pagoda
Tea Rooms at his own expense. At times he utilised the service of officers
to help in the counting of collections on Flag-days and he insisted that
these officers should be looked after in the matter of refreshments and
other facilities. He had been helping officers in financial distress. On one
occasion a Class 3 officer was unable to meet the funeral expenses of his
father. He approached him and O.E.G. gave him the money. The officer
undertook to pay it back in instalments, but this officer after a few
payments did not bother to pay the balance. Generally he was particular to
attend the functions of subordinate officers when invited.
He also had a keen sense of humour and appreciated fun and laughed quite a
lot on hearing humorous anecdotes concerning people. Once, a Railway Audit
examiner was sent to check certain items in the Railway Stores. He had to do
a test check. After checking, the list was duly submitted to O.E.G. He
called the Head of the Branch and the Audit Examiner and questioned him as
to why certain items were not checked. The officer felt rather hurt that he
was so insistent and said in desperation “Facile Dictu, Difficile Factu
(easy to say but difficult to do)” O.E.G. stopped further questioning by
asking the Head of Branch whether “facile dictu etc.” were also instruments
in the Railway Stores. That ended the matter; both O.E.G. and the Head of
Branch laughed over the reply given in that manner.
It was usual to see almost daily a good number of people of various walks of
life, coming to interview him. The Heads of Departments sometimes came on
matters connected with important queries raised. Jockeys came from the Turf
Club. Merchants and businessmen too visited him. There were Muslim and Borah
merchants too. A Mudalali (dressed in coat, cloth and comb) used to come
very often to see him and he was known to be a most trusted man of his. His
sudden death was a very sad blow to O.E.G.
Once Terence De Zylwa, the leftist of the Suriyamal Campaign days, who was
with him at Wesley, visited him. Terence had explained to him about the
greatness of the Communist ideologies and his efforts to bring about a
revolution in Ceylon. He had listened to him very patiently. Terence came
out very much satisfied and told us that O.E.G. agreed with him and wished
him every success in his work. He also had told him that he himself had to
fight against imperialist forces in his career in the Public Service. No
doubt even the Imperial England valued O.E.G. for his services in trying to
make Ceylon a “little England”.
D.S. Senanayake was a frequent visitor; one saw them both walking out from
his room smilingly enjoying some kind of joke or other. On race days, there
was no doubt that bookmakers were the ones who saw him frequently.
Y.M.C.A. officials too come to discuss matters connected with its activities
for he was at that time the President of the Y.M.C.A. It was rumoured that
the General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. spent an hour with him one morning
espousing the cause of an aspirant to the post of Chief Audit Examiner.
Old friends of “Wesley days” were also seen coming for help and advice. No
one went away without being at least satisfied with a friendly word. Even
Christian padres and Buddhist priests interviewed him. He was very
particular to give very great respect to the Buddhist priests and they
always had a very good word to say of him. He always stood up humbly as the
Priest advanced to him and he received him with the usual veneration. “He
was all things to all men”.
O.E.G. lost his wife in 1931. That was a heavy blow to him. His wife had
been a great source of strength to him in every way. From that time his
house was kept for him by his brother-in-law Col. C.P. Jayawardena and his
wife.
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
Soma
first joined the boarding in 1956 having had his early education
in Badulla. He soon came into prominence because of his skills in
the football field. He represented the school in First XI Soccer.
He entered the University of Ceylon Peradeniya in 1963 and completed
an honours degree in Chemistry. After research posts in the UK Soma
emigrated to the USA and now is the Adjunct Professor of Organic
Chemistry in the San Diego State University. He has numerous publications
to his name. Soma was my closest pal in the boarding but we haven't
seen each other since leaving school. We have vowed to correct this
sometime soon.
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
Of
the many items scheduled for celebrating the 125 years Anniversary
of Wesley College, one that will become a landmark, because of the
widespread popularity it has already achieved, is Hatton National
Bank's "SINGITHI PATHUM" which is associated with an All Island
Art Competition open to all Schools. The thoroughly apposite theme
of this art competition is a "United Sri Lanka". 'Already 100,000
entries have been received, and students from the remotest villages
are participating. Not only does it demonstrate the appropriateness
of the theme and the widespread interest it generates but also the
organisational skills and publicity which Hatton National Bank has
extended to this programme. The entire publicity and thrust for
this stimulating project, with a theme focused on a major problem
besetting this Nation, has come from Hatton National Bank, under
the vibrant direction of the Managing Director & C.E.O- Rienzie
T. Wijetillake.
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,
he counts over 40 years in the industry. He joined HNB during its
formative years but left in 1983 to work for the British Bank of
the Middle East in the UAE (presently HSBC). He was invited back
to
HNB in 1987 to be the Bank's Chief Executive.Mr
Wijetilleke joined the DFCC Board in May 2001. He is the Chairman
of Jardine Fleming HNB Securities (Pvt) Limited. He is also on the
Boards of the Colombo Stock Exchange, People's
Merchant Bank Limited and CF Venture Fund Limited.
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.
He
participated extensively in the activities of the school, and had
a prominent position being an eloquent speaker. He was Secretary
of the College Literary Association, and the first Editor of the
Wesley College magazine which was published in 1898. In an Editorial
he wrote " We do not apologise for our existence, we will try to
justify it." In a Prize winning Debate , in which his oratorical
skills shone, he pleaded for " Oriental Languages in a Collegiate
Course", at a time when English Language held supreme pride of place.
He was a keen student of the Classical Languages of Greek and Latin,
but did not neglect the Oriental Classical languages of Sanskrit
and Pali in which he achieved a high degree of proficiency.
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.
His
school career ended with his receiving the Hill Medal, (which he
won for a third time, a record unsurpassed to this day), Gogerly
Scholarship and several other prizes. With regard to OEG's involvment
in sports, one could quote Headmaster, Eric A Gunasekera's article
in a Double Blue Magazine, " Few people will believe that OEG ever
wielded the willow. As a matter of fact he captained a third eleven
team against Royal College. Even in those early days, in the classroom
and in the field of sports he showed signs of leadership, a brilliant
mind, and great versatility.
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)
Public Servant and Race Horse Owner
Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke, son of A.E. Goonetilleke, was born in
1892. He had two daughters Sheila Sathanandan and Joyce Wijesinghe.
He studied at Wesley College, in Colombo. He achieved a Bachelor
of Arts Degree at London University in England. He was a teacher
at Wesley College for a time and later worked as an Accountant at
the Bank of Colombo, Manager of the Ceylon Daily News, Director
of the YMCA and also held high office in the Diocese of the Anglican
Church.Entry in to Public Service was when he was appointed as Assistant
Railway Auditor. Under the Donoughmore Constitution he worked as
Auditor General. He was appointed Civil Defence Conunissioner at
the outbreak of the Second World War. He was vested with great authority
in many fields of civil government. In the years immediately following
the war, he played a major role in laying the political and economic
foundation of the island. His negotiations with the British government
enabled Ceylon to have a greater share in the prosperity of tea,
miter and coconut industries. His action in imposing export duties
brought the government considerable revenue. As Financial Secretary,
under the Donoughmore Constitution, he gave his assistance to introducing
the Soulbury Constitution and Independence. He was knighted.In
Ceylon's first Cabinet he was appointed Home Minister. He was then
made Ceylon's High Commissioner in London. In 1954 he became Ceylon9s
Governor General. In retirement, he lived and worked in London,
England.
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.
A
Distinguished Old Boy of Wesley College Hon Mohamed Haniffa Mohamed
was born on 15 June 1921,at Dematagoda in Colombo his father N.M.M.Haniffa
was one of the first muslims to attend Wesley under Rev Samuel R.Wilkin.
Proctor Haniffa's father was the uncrowned King of Colombo's vegetable
trade it is said that it was Proctor Haniffa father A.M.Nagoor Meera
who was one of the those philanthropist who helped Rev Henry Highfield.When
the latter went around the country on his bicycle.
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