Wesley College Colombo
Headmasters have powers at their disposal with which Prime Ministers have never yet been invested.
Winston
Churchill
Contents
WESLEY COLLEGE PAST TEACHERS’ FELLOWSHIP
List with names,
addresses and phone numebrs
(AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2002)
01. I. Lakshmi Amaratunga (815884) No. 1/1 Kandawatta Rd, Nugegoda.
02. 2”. Fred. Abeyesekera (7I-5867) 4. Fernando Road Mt. Lavinia.
03. R. E. Abraham (075515643) 7. Vivekananda Rd. Colombo 6.
04. Dr. Louis Z. Adihetty Wagenhaldel. –I.8I62 Steinmour-C. H. Switzerland.
05. Ranjini Bulumulla
06. Pastor Bertram Casinader (02622386) 58/4 Arunagiri Raod Trincomalee
07. Ms. Vasana Carthelis (646227) 14. De Soysa Road Moratuwa.
08. Edmund Dissanayaka (774433) 290/4C. Weerasekera Mw. Talawatugoda
09. N. A. Sunil Dias (648563) 29. Charles Place Moratuwa.
10. Dulcie De Mel Jaddhanapala (03361995) 4144.
11. Norma De Silva (623312) 166 Perakum Mw Borupana Ratmalana.
12. Lynette De Silva (646042) 91/8 Ernest Pl. Laxapathiya Moratuwa.
13. Rev. Shelton De Silva ( ) T. 27. Twin Terraces Pittugala Malabe.
14. Lyn. De Mel (654537) 135, De Soysa Road Moratuwa.
15. Mude S. Kalupahana (693196) 59. Dematagoda Place Colombo-9
16. A. K. Suppiah (591653) 21/2/5. De Kretser Court. Kretser Pl. Col. 4.
17. Shirani Edema (345000) 288/97- STF Housing Complex Maligawatta Road.
18. Patric Edema
19. Ms. R. V. Fernando (691086) Principal’s Bungalow Wesley Colloge Col. 9
20. Nirmali Fernando (773756) 23 Sripura Housing Scheme Talawatugoda
21. B. Angela Fernando (866286) 28/2, 3rd Lane Baddegana Rd Kotte
22. Dunstan Fernando (648736) 303/8. Hyacinth Meadows Jubilree Rd. Laxapa/Moratuwa.
23. P. G. Romulus Fernando (579722) 244/7 Kaduwala Rd. Pittigala Malabe
24. Marshall Fernando (581289) 490/5 Havelock Road Colombo 6.
25. Cyril Fernando (03247325) Sembakutty Estate Madampe.
26. Ms. S. L. Fernando (685576) 150 St. Anthony’s Kadalana Moratuwa.
27. M. A. P. Fernando (691086) Principal Wesley College Colombo 9
28. Kat. E. Gurushinghe ( ) 52. Stalmaj. Housing scheme Oruwela. Aturugiri.
29. Ms. N. Gurusinghe (256744) “Sirimathi” Thampala Raddolugama.
30. Ms. Rohini Fernandopulle (691694) 17/1 Karlsruhe Gardens Colombo 10
31. I. M. Haniffa (694588) 57/ 8th Jayah Mw. Maradana Road Colombo 10.
32. Ms. Selvarani John (761916) I. Simon Abeywickrema Mw. Mount Lavinia.
33. Lionel Jayasooriya (940169) 35 Jayasinghe Home. Kerawalapitiya Rd
Wattala Hendala
34. Dr. Frank Jayasinghe (580542) I Ester Place Colombo 5
35. Dww. Jayawardana (956211) 87. “Jayapiyawasa” Elpitiwela. Mahabage Road.
Ragama.
36. Ben Jayasinghe (033233283) 73. Vijaya Road. Gampaha.
Teachers’ Guild
President/ Secy. – Mrs Perera 695761 (Wesley)
Past Teachers Fellowdhip(Cont’d) (2)
37. Ms. B. Jayawardena (790824) “Vindiya" 737/2. Thalahena Rd Malabe.
38. (Rev.) S. Kathrigama (03482289) Methodist Manse Atura Bulathsinhal
(112300)
39. S. K. Kodikara (923276) 90A/17A Wanigasoriya Rd. Kadawatta. Mirihana.
40. Ravi Mayan (673673)(670440.R) 317. Jumma Masjid Rd. Maligawatta. Col 10.
41. Gamini Mayadunna ( ) Pangiriwatta Mw. Mirihana Nugegoda.
42. Sarath Nanayakkara(JP) (0992929) Hamm-Eliya Haddagama.
43. K. G. Nissanka (345683) 58/3 (3rd Road) Pangiriwatta Lane
44. Ms. S. Nranjankumar (527118) ”Duwarakai”, 95/23. Modera St. Col-15
45. M. T. M. Niyas (878794) 213/1. Obeysekerapura. Rajagiriya.
46. Ivan Ondaatje (930851) 366. Hendala Road. Wattala.
47. D. A. Pakianathan (584719) 5. 2/7. Francis Road. Colombo 6.
48. Ms. Isla Perera ( ) C/O Ms. Sherine Perera Wesley Colloge.
49. H. Shelton A. T. Peiris (862597) 25/5 Jayapura Mw. Baddagana Rd. Kotte
50. Ms. Suneetha Pinto Jayawarina (873789) 8. Moragasmulla Road. Rajagiriya.
51. Felix Premawardana (861298) 617/8. Rajagiriya Udyana. Rajagiriya.
52. R. L. Piyasena (875690) 27/28. Obewatta Road. Madiwela. Kotte.
53. W. K. Premadasa ( ) 1/400. Mullawatta. Githatuwa. Angoda.
54. Ms. Aruna Rajgopal (843559) 88/3. Eliehouse Rd. Mattakkuliya. Col 15.
55. E. L. Rodrigo (255090) “Priyadarshana” Mukalangamuwa Siduwa.
56. Gamani Rajapaksa (843559) 72/9°. Dewala Rd. Pamunuwa. Maharagama.
57. S. Rajaratnam ( ) 346. Dematogoda Road. Col 9
(Ditto) ( ) Thrugnana. Sampantha School Lane
Vaddu West. Vaddukoddai Jaffna.
58. P. F. R. Samaranayaka (723273) 18/2. Aponso Avenue. Dehiwala.
59. Ms. B. Nirmali Samaranayaka (723273) 18/2. Aponso Avenue. Dehiwala.
60. F. D. Serasinghe ( ) 8. Malikaramaya Road. Dehiwala.
61. Chrishanthi Salgado ( ) 248. Nayaka Road Katunayaka.
62. S. Sivanayagam (381247) 104/54. Sangamitta Mw. Colombo 13.
63. Charles Silva (645537) 4. Galle Road. Moratuwa.
64. Annie M. Smith (713191) 24. Marian Home. Malwatta Rd. Dehiwala.
65. Gamani Samarakoon ( ) P. R. O. Land Reclamation Bd. Col 4.
66. Ms. Kamala Saravananda (589555) 5. Collinwood Place. Colombo 6.
67. Ms. E. Thiyagarajah (440606) 21/1/1. Jampettah Street. Colombo 13.
68. Ms. Cythia Tambimuttu (862119) 29. Welikadawatta Nawala Rd. Rajagiriya.
69. C. Vidyaratne (695014) Block B./Nhs. Sri Dhamma Mw. Colombo 9.
70. Ranjani Weerasinghe (872432) 245/ 5. Ratnayaka Mw. Pelawata.
Battaramulla.
71. Chandra Welikala (864990) 15/35. 2nd Lane Nawala Rd. Rajagiriya.
72. R. R. Weerasiri. ( ) 115/2. Kaldemulla Road. Moratuwa.
73. Bertie Weerasinghe (734795) 28/A Perakum Mawatha. Dehiwala.
74. Ms. Manthri D. Zoysa (803108) 3/2. 2nd Lane Egodawatta Rd. Borelasgamuwa.
75. Alfred David. (807529) 46/7. Gemunu Mw. Senanayaka Ave. Nawala.
76. Rev. Prasan Wijesinghe (856381) 36. Galwala Rd. Mirihana.
Edmund Dissanayake - Wesley's Genial Personality By Shelton Peiris
I first knew Edmund as the brother of Bertram Littia, and Donald. Graham had not yet appeared on the scene as this was many decade ago. It was in the time of the Second World, War and Wesley had been displaced from its proper abode, and functioned with a handful of students in the afternoon at Carey College when Revd. Spillet was the Principal and later in a sprawling dwelling houses called Kittiyakkara. Then the war ends and in comes Rev. James Cartman, an indefatigable leader who resuscitates Wesley and leads it back its proper home.
I
remember clearly the 3rd of December 1945 when a procession of teachers
and students wind their way to Wesley College, and who is at the
head of the line? none other than Edmund, in his hand a silver key
with which he enters the stately College Hall, with sunlight filtering
through the stained glass windows. It was our good fortune, as two
Senior students, to be handpicked by Rev James Cartman to help and
assist him in the task of rebuilding Wesley. An area he first picked
was Cricket, to provide an intial thrust around which other activities
would also flourish. Edmund emerged as the obvious leader, his latent
talents indeed received the constant encouragement and challenge,
of Rev. Cartman. As the Cricket Captain he occupied a special position,
and will be remembered as an outstanding leader, who spurred his
team into achieving the very best in cricketing performance. He
was indeed a hero to Wesley boys of his time. His genial bearing,
his fair and understanding treatment of fellow students, indeed
made him a much loved and respected Senior Prefect and Cricket Captain.
Two incidents will ensure him a permanent place in the cricketing
history of Wesley.
One was his smart detection that Royal's declaration in the 1946 March against Wesley was outside the rules, by five minutes and was upheld, and later affirmed as correct by M. C. C. The other indeed a sad incident when whilst fielding at the mid-off position he was grievously hurt by a ball struck hard by Ronnie Weerakoon of St. Thomas' For weeks on end each morning the Rev. Cartman led the school Assembly in prayer. Edmund's recovery was considered a miracle. The School was inundated with telephone calls and letters inquiring about his condition day after day and Bertha Weeapass was hard put to deal with this high volume of work. After his recovery he assumed a low profile at Cricket as desired by his father who was indeed a great admirer of Wesley. In deference to his wishes Edmund chose to become a teacher at Wesley, and indeed completed over twenty five years of loyal service. Many a Principal came to rely on him as a confidante and a source of impartial advice, and a reposi- tory of the traditions and standards at Wesley. At the end of his teaching career, he took law examinations successfully and was admitted as an Attorny-at- law, Edmund continued without a break in his association with Wesley as an Old Boy actively involved in the Various activities of the Old Boys' Union, the Old Wesleyites Sports Club and on many committees dealing with College affairs.
He is now a Senior Vice President of the OBU, a Member of the Governing Board, and a sub-editor of the 125th Year Souvenir. Edmund has an Encyclopaedic knowledge of Wesley's cricketing history and has compiled a variety of interesting statistics for the Souvenir and posterity. Edmund's genial outlook and altruism, his unobtrusive assistance of both students and colleagues is worthy of emulation. Over many decades of association on a variety of matters I have never known him to be ruffled or overawed. He always seem to have the answer even before the question is posed! For many years he was a valuable contribution to the the work of Sumithrayo in guiding persons in distress and disarray, skillfully assisting such persons to get on their feet once again. As a Senior Lawyer, Edmund is respected for his quiet dignity and integrity by his colleagues and commands the confidence of his clients, in his sphere of work. His wide exposure to many aspects of work at Wesley and the legal field makes him a much sought after person, and whether then in the classroom and now in the courtroom his demeanor and bearing makes him the genial personality he is.
Lionel Jayasuriya - an unbeaten century- by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera (Feb 2001)
So Lionel Jayasuriya, the grand old man of Wesley, is 100 years old (January 2001) and never out. He taught my dad just after the 1st World War at Carey College and then taught me in Form (1) in 1954 in the then "new block" by the tennis courts. A century is a wonderful achievement for distinguished teacher. On my many visits to Wesley I have always inquired about him. Edmund Dissanayake could only tell me he was alive and well. How can one forget "English with a smile by W.H.Samaranayake" the book he read with us many times over. I still remember the superb account of the history and splendour of Sigiriya in that book. When I was working at Kurunegala Mr. Samaranayake was my patient having retired from his duties as principal of a school in Polgahawela. What a small world indeed!! As L.J. taught he kept his foot on the nearest desk showing off his well polished brown shoes and the cracked skin of his ankles which gave him his nickname "Kabaraya".
In those days I was in the hostel and was a hungry boarder always scrounging for food.On many occasions when he lived in the Vice Principals bungalow called me in the evening for a meal. Mrs Jayasuriya always dished out lavish portions to his starving student. In return I added up marks for him and did the errands which we felt was a part of our duty. Mr. and Mrs J. then moved to a house opposite All Saints' church behind the school pavilion. I recall once when Mr.Jayasuriya sent G. De S out of the class for breaking wind. He asked me to check by smelling him and the expression in my face said it all. Since I left school I often thought of him for the kindness he has shown me and wanted to meet him one day. When I qualified and was working at the General Hospital Colombo I saw him parked near the OPD. He was beside his favourite Morris Minor. I must confess being off duty I was dressed like a vagabond. I promptly went upto him and introduced myself but he could not recognise me. I was most disappointed not being able to thank him for teaching us so well. Infact he was mentioned in my article of the 125th College Souvenir. Who can ever forget him? Sadly my dad isn't with us to honour him. On behalf of myself and my dad and the many students who benefited from his wisdom I wish to thank him for the honesty and integrity he has shown us and the many years of teaching at Wesley College. May the Good Lord protect him in the years to come. Our best wishes to his daughter who I can remember from my school days.
Addendum
A
hundred up - well played sir By Uthpala Gunethilake He was born
in the first month of the first year of the last century of the
last millennium. He lived to see the end of that century, and heartily
greeted the beginning not of a mere century but of a brand new millennium.
And the clock hasn't stopped ticking yet. How is that for an eventful
life? Indeed, Mr. Lionel Jayasuriya who turns 100 on January 25
is a rare specimen, a miniature canvas reflecting the bigger picture
of the last hundred years on the island. Born in 1901, to a much
more laid-back time than ours, in the 'village' of Veyangoda, Mr.
Jayasuriya is the youngest of a Baptist minister's 13 children.
"When my eldest sister married, I was too small even to be a pageboy.
Now I'm the only surviving member of my family," he reminisces.
The years have dulled his physical faculties -he is frail and unable
to see and hear properly- but he suffers from no severe illnesses,
and his memory, and spirit remain amazingly clear. Having lived
a full life, even at 100 he hasn't stopped earning titles; his latest
is the 'oldest old boy' of Wesley College.
Mr. Jayasuriya's life mirrors not only a lifestyle much different to our own, but a different country too. "Life was much different those days, and certainly better," he comments. "There were no buses. The bullock-cart reigned. Once, when I was nine we came by cart from Bandaragama to Panadura- seven miles. We went up to Bolgoda Lake in the cart where they changed the tired bull. Then, with a fresh bull we pulled onto Panadura. That day, for the first time in my life, I saw the sea; I was thrilled!" His family later moved to Panadura, and Mr. Jayasuriya studied for some time at St. John's College, Panadura, during its founding principal, Mr. Cyril Jansz's time. Later he entered Carey College where after his studies he joined the staff as a pupil-teacher, a breed that is no more. In 1917, at just 16, he joined the Government Teacher Training College and after training, returned to Carey as a teacher later becoming the Lower School headmaster. Cricket and church, he says have been highlights in his life. "When I was at St. John's College I'd form a team and play against other schools in the area.
Later I played for the second-eleven of SSC. I was a fast bowler-only fast but not very good! But once I scored ninety-nine not-out versus Nugegoda Sports Club and that was my best!" However, his plans to become a skilled violin player suffered due to cricket. "I loved playing the violin till I gave it up for cricket! One day I went without practising the violin and my excuse was that I had cricket practices. My teacher said, 'Mr. Jayasuriya, either you give up cricket or give up this violin!' I gave up the violin. I was around 35 then." In 1949, he joined Wesley College where he taught till he retired. Upon retirement, in 1962, he returned to Carey College as master in charge of cricket. "When the foreign teams came to play here, like the Indians and Englishmen, I would take the boys at my expense to watch the matches," he says. He even got famous coaches like Brian Close to speak to his own team. Having also been a keen Scout Mr. Jayasuriya remembers how as a Senior Patrol Leader of the 12th Colombo Troop, he was among those selected to line up at the late Governer Sir John Anderson's funeral procession.
He remained a pillar of the church all his life. "I was a member of the YMCA, active in the YMCA Forum. In 1937, I was part of a delegation that went to Rangoon, for a Student Christian Movement conference." Mr. Jayasuriya admits to being quite a Don Juan in his days. "I loved many girls!" he says, with a twinkle in his eye. "Every time I loved a girl I prayed that God would give her to me. But when she moved house, I would follow her for sometime and then fall in love with some other girl!" However there was one girl he didn't give up. "Her parents didn't want a schoolmaster for her; they wanted a doctor. But she and I carried on 'horen horen'! "Once she had to go to Nuwara Eliya. She told me which train she was taking, and she had a pass. I bought my ticket. Of course I had to pay first-class fares, but all the same I got first-class enjoyment!" The parents couldn't stop the two, and finally Mr. Jayasuriya married Nesta Kannangara, also a teacher. They had one daughter. Nesta passed away in 1997. The couple lived in Mirihana and Mr. Jayasuriya recalls how during World War 2, they often entertained RAF soldiers at their home.
He remembers seeing Ceylon gaining Independence in 1948. "It was a school holiday and we were all part of the celebrations. As part of it all the hostellers at Carey took a group photograph." Some of his most memorable experiences are of the many class trips he took his students on. "Sri Lanka was one of the safest places and we could go anywhere in the island without getting into trouble_ Trincomalee, Anura dhapura, Yala and Batticaloa. In Batticaloa in 1951 it was raining heavily and the roads were flooded, and we had to push the bus. Later several of us went to hear the singing fish. We waited and waited but the fish didn't sing that day!" Mr. Jayasuriya and daughter Kaminee now live in Moratuwa with Kaminee's cousin, Rev. Mervin De Silva of St. Emmanuel's Church. He is grateful to his daughter who looks after him, and says he spends his time listening to the radio when he can, but mostly, he says, remembering the past. And what does he think of the world today? "My word, we are living on top of a volcano!" he exclaims. " But, in spite of all that, I believe the world is still getting along under God's guidance." "I take no credit for having lived to be a hundred. I just lived, taking days as they come," he says reciting a few lines by H. W. Longfellow,
"Tell me not in mournful numbers, 'Life is but an empty dream!' ... Life is real! life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal..."
Lionel Jayasuriya celebrates his 100th birthday
by Herbert Jayasuriya Transcribed from the Ceylon Daily News 19th February 2001
The Baptist Church in Sri Lanka consists of a small congregation, but in this congregation there are exceptional members who can be called the salt of the earth. One such member is Lionel Jayasuriya, who celebrated his 100 years on January 25 this year. Lionel Jayasuriya is the son of a baptist pastor. He was educated at the Mecca of learning of the Baptist church - Carey College, Colombo. Thereafter, he joined the teaching profession and became a trained teacher. It was his privilege to serve on the tutorial staff of his alma-mater for a period of almost 30 years. He was promoted to the office of Head Master of Carey College in 1946 and up to 1949, he served this school in this capacity. My parents who were ardent Baptists sent me to Carey College to receive my primary and junior education during the period 1945 to 1950. Before me, my father and two uncles received their education at this school. During the period I was at Carey College as a young student, I vividly remember Lionel Jayasuriya who was the Head Master. He used to come to school each day in his Baby Austin car. He was always smartly dressed in a perfectly cut Tussore suit which was well starched. His shoes were well polished and he wore a matching tie. He was a man who spoke softly and never lost his temper. In any stormy situation he remained cool and calm. Mr. Jayasuriya was an excellent cricketer. He was a right-handed medium-pace bowler and a very good right-handed stylish batsman who at one time, played for the Sinhalese Sports Club. I had the pleasure of seeing him play in several Old Boys vs. Present Boys matches where he fared very well. I also recall that Mr. Jayasuriya was the Master-in-Charge of cricket and he was in addition, the coach of the cricket team. In fact, because of his interest in cricket, in 1948 or 1949 Carey College won every single cricket match they played with rival schools. Further, during this period, Carey College produced cricketers of the calibre of Bertie Alwis, Douglas Meerwald, Valentine Daniel, the two Felsinger brothers viz. Herbie and Allan and G. D. Bertus. One of the incidents during the period I was a student, will always remain in my memory. I recall when I was a student in the 3rd Standard, my teacher was a lady. If a student committed a misdemeanour which could not be handled by her, she reported the student to the Head Master, Mr. Jayasuriya. On one occasion, I had committed a misdemeanour and the teacher reported me to Mr. Jayasuriya. Mr. Jayasuriya summoned me to his office which was located behind the College Hall in the Upper School Section. When I went to his office, he was seated at his table and there was a cane hanging on the wall suspended from a string to a nail on the right-hand of his table. When I entered his office, he stood up, took off his coat and took the cane to his right hand and he spoke to me as follows: "You are Herbert Jayasuriya" I said "Yes Sir!" He continued... "Your father is Sonny Jayasuriya" I said "Yes Sir!" "Your uncles are Wally and Peter" I said "Yes Sir!" He said "You know, I had the pleasure of caning your father and your two uncles and now I have the pleasure of caning you." He asked me to stretch my hands and he gave me six cuts with great power. Up to today, I have not forgotten this painful meeting with Mr. Jayasuriya and the caning he gave me. As a cricketer Mr. Jayasuriya was very good at wielding the willow, but I must say as a Master he was better at wielding the cane. It must be remembered that in that era, Masters never spared the rod and spoilt the child. Mr. Jayasuriya left Carey College in 1949 and joined the tutorial staff of Wesley College. He taught at Wesley for about thirteen years. After leaving Wesley College in about 1962, he returned to Carey College where he continued to coach the cricket team for a few years. It is said that when "The Great Scorer comes to write against your name - He writes not whether you won or lost, but how you played the Game!" One can be absolutely assured that Mr. Jayasuriya always played the game with a straight bat. It is very rarely in the modern world that you come across Masters of the calibre of Mr. Jayasuriya who have led exemplary lives. I am certain Mr. Jayasuriya was able to score a Century in life due to the high principles he upheld and the disciplined life he led. It is the wish of all those who know Mr. Jayasuriya that the Good Lord will bless and keep him for a number of years to come!
Centenarian cricket coach now exercises on bed
Last week the Centenarian Friendship Association centenarian study team visited another centenarian in Wattala, in its study programme in progress in association with the Health Watch. The centenarian in this case was David Lionel Jayasuriya (101) a former cricket coach and teacher at Carey College, Colombo. Having had an attack of flue from which he was recovering we found him on bed, yet keen to do simple keep fit exercises with arms and legs while on bed. Centenarian Jayasuriya in the study scored 70 percent marks the performance of daily activities independently. Dr. Viraj Peramuna in the study team who headed the study has written in his report. "Mr. Jayasuriya degree of independency in daily activities is 14/20 x 100 + 70% based on the Borthels Activities Index.
Life story
Born in Veyangoda, he was the youngest of a 13
membered family studied at Panadura St. John's College and Colombo -
Carey College, he involved actively, in the school cricket team. He
wanted to be a violinist, but he has given-up the violin for cricket!
Also, he has actively involved in scouting where they have played a
part in the Independence Celebration in 1948. Then he played in the
2nd eleven of the SSC cricket team followed by becoming a teacher in
Wesley College. He recalls, how he enjoyed in school trips with his
students. His wife died in 1997. All the brothers and sisters have
dead and gone. (Nobody lived more than 100 yrs). His daughter is
unmarried and looking after him kindly. Now both of them are staying
in retirement house for elders. Now, the things remaining with him
are, his loving daughter and the unforgettable past!
Those Happy Days At Wesley by D. F. Abeysekera (125th Anniversary Souvenir)
My thoughts go back with great joy to those hectic days we spent as students at Wesley, fifty years ago! Inretrospect, they have been the most carefree happy days of our lives. They were days crammed with mirth and laughter; fun and frolic; camaraderie and bon homie- the very substance of boyhood. The name of James Cartman has been synonymous with Wesley to many of us who were students at the time. A charismatic leader, he inspired us to give of our very best, in whatever we attempted. Only excellence would do, and many of us responded well. Of my batch (Upper Sixth) eight were emitted to the University of Ceylon on the results, of both, a written examination, as well as a viva voce. Those were the days (with Sir Ivor Jennings at the helm of our only University) when excellence was expected of scholars; and Wesley responded magnificently. The previous batch had two entrants, so this was a great leap forward. The credit for creating such an intellectual climate goes to James Cartman, primarily , as Wesley's great leader, and to those magnificent men and women who taught us not mere "subjects", but unfolded vistas of knowledge - triggering off creativity and inculcating in us sound values during our sojourn as students. Buddhist and Hindu, Moor and Malay intermingled well with the Christian core of the College, resulting in a rich, diverse , harmonious whole. These were the very ingredients of Nationhood. These values that have stood us in good stead, giving us a vibrancy and dynamism that have been invaluable in later life. Cartman once again looms in legendary proportion when one thinks of Sports at Wesley. He not only created the greatest enthusiasm for sports but taught us how to meet victory and defeat, with an unique blend of good grace and humility. They were wholesome values and Wesley was the anvil at which many a good life was forged. Wesley's War Cry, ZAM ZAM ZAKE..... devised by James Cartman -which has become synonymous with Wesley and epitomises our uniqueness as it welded together all the segments that constituted the Wesley of our time, in particular; and down the years since then. It has also served as a rallying point for Wesleyites scattered around the world . No "Double Blue" gathering in Melbourne ends without Cartmans's war cry shattering the tranquility of the night.
Dick Hensman will always be remembered as a great teacher of English. He made alive in us a "feel" for the language- a sensitivity to words; subtle shades of meaning; imagery; innuendo and nuances- that mere mortals like us could so easily have missed! Passages of prose and verse were diligently analysed, under, sense; intention; feeling and tone. Was there too much (slushy) emotion in a passage of writing ? Was emotion well controlled ? Was it totally lacking ? What of the writers intention ? Has it been economically achieved ?
Maurice Weerasuriya was another master who inspired us immensely. He was our Botany teacher in form IV. Botany with Maurice became a very exciting and living science. Many trips to the gardens at Wesley where be identified plants and discussed their features still remain in our minds. We had grafted many a plant in Carty's garden.
David Wilson was a delightfully mischievous saint (not Simon Templar). His sense of humour was boundless. He is, perhaps, the greatest Chaplain Wesley has ever had. An outstanding Athlete of his time with several public schools' records to his credit ( four in one afternoon alone !) was a brilliant medical student , a course of study which he abandoned to become a great Christian Minister in the widest and most acceptable _ sense of the term. His life of simplicity and staunch and steadfast values of being fair and reasonable at all times gave great depth to Wesley's spiritual life in our time.
John Isaac was also Master in charge of Hockey- a coloursman fresh from the University of Ceylon. He worked hard at giving the team the finer points of the game and produced stalwarts such as Natty Prins, Harold Matthysz, Bertus Perera (JVB) and Brian Jacotine.
Eric Gunasekera was Headmaster. He was in turn feared, and respected; respected and feared. One trembled at his awesome presence. Dressed in an immaculate white suite (sometimes with Jaffna Cigar in his hand) he held the Scales of Justice, admirably. One was either right or wrong. There was no middle path. " You will end up' there, my lad!" was one of his devices to get us to give up our slothful ways and do our homework. 'There" meant the Welikade Prison right opposite Wesley ! He was in addition a good teacher of Latin. As we grew older (and wiser ? Not necessarily) came to know him better and found him a good teacher of Latin. He was a great Headmaster who did not compromise on the high ideals he strove hard to inculcate . His philosophy once discerned was simple. Good behaviour - loosely called " discipline' was a prerequisite, an essential prerequisite - to all Wesley's endeavours. Every achievement of value stemmed from this concept
Dick (R.A.Honter): was the lifeblood of Wesley spans. He was the Prefect of Games or its equivalent. His unbounded bursts of energy propelled us to the very zenith of Wesley's prowess in Athletics. He also coached us in Hockey, whilst also coaching our junior cricketers, admirably fielding first. Catches on the run; catches at ankle and belly level ! If one could not field, one had perhaps to take to Volley ball. That's how he looked at "suitability". Batting and bowling came thereafter, and the training was gruelling. Amongst the hundreds of athletes which Dick Honter trained were Nalin Wirasekera (sprints), Brian Jacotine (Hurdles), M.AM.Sheriff (Hop Step & Jump and Long Jump) - Sheriff represented Ceylon at the Empire Games in Auckland ,New Zealand in 1949- T.Alalasunderam (sprints) , Norman de la Harpe ( High Jump) and lan Campbell ( High Jump) and those of the ilk of Neil Joseph, who "also ran"!
J. E. de Silva (Blue Feather) and B.R.Blaze (Bruised Reed) were our enthusiastic Scout masters. We got immense pleasure from roaming the misty hills and mountains and valleys, following trails in densely wooded land -roughing out- always beaming and self reliant. I recall specially the hikes to Horton Plains (7000 ft) in biting cold and crisp penetrating winds; often in dense mist Our devouring hot buns by the dozen at the boutique by the tunnel at Ohia, as the sun rose to give us a brand new day of enthusiastic living - breathing the fresh mountain air and drinking from crystal clear streams. A subsequent hike was combined with following a blazed nail to Pidurutalagala (8281 ft). This was memorable. We may have devoured a week's rations on the way up, washed down with a drink made of powdered lemon purchased from Mabel Stores (ex British Army)
L.B.Fernando: was our mentor in Form 111, having succeeded Cyril Beach of Australia who was class master for a tern. Beach wrestled for twenty minutes or more daily to mark the attendance register. There were Upp- senas (Upasena), and Absh-seeka (Abeyesekera) and Vijras (Wijeyeratne) to name a few, and Ish-mael was as far he got with near accuracy. The production of the a Third Form Class magazine, "silver Strands' ( LB's initiative) enthralled us. Cover designs; mottos; articles preoccupied us. Finally it was by-LB that the Motto was finalised - " The truth shall make you free". I recall writing an article for it about my first voyage outside Ceylon from Talaimanner Pier to Dhanushkodi, on the steamer SS Goshan and the "Breeju -Oberador". I wonder if any my class mates has a copy of this magazine.
My description of the shorelines of Ceylon and India seen midway from the Gesham had greatly excited me. The closeness of the two countries being dramatically brought home to me. My classmates I recall vividly were Derrick Mack ,Neville Weerasekera, (later My Bestman) Archie Singham, Mahroof Ismail, N.R. Perera, Trevor van Rooyen, Errol Juriansz, Edward Roberts (alias Colebrooke) T.B.Kitchil. R.Nalliah, W.R.G.Fernando, W.L.C.Perera, J.V.B.Perera, M.H.M.Meeran, N.S.Jayasundera, Norman de la Harpe, Mahinda Upasena, Gladwyn Wijeyeratne, D.P.Ekanayake, Haleem Ishak, Elmo Juriansz J.E.Gunasekera, Aubrey Passe, lan Campbell, S. Sooriyarachchi.(dubbed the only 100% male in the Class) Maxwell de Alwis and Austin Salgado joined us much later. Other unforgettable moments are when Harold Matthysz ( wicket keeper ) opened the bowling in Wesleys second Innings against Royal on the University Grounds, Thurstan Road, to capture two wickets for zero runs (Royal were 2 for 0).He was then asked to resume his wicket keeping, by Captain Edmund Dissanayake.
Then later there was the unfortunate hard hit on Edmund's head , which caused grievous injury, by a ball driven by Ronnie Weerakoon, on the STC grounds. Edmund had bowled brilliantly upto then taking six Thomian scalps for a mere fourteen runs. For three months we prayed at assembly for his recovery lead by James Cartman, who spent innumerable hours by his bed- side till he recovered. My reminiscences will not be complete without a reference to Ranis, who was loved dearly by all Wesleyites who knew him. I recall his characteristic stance- arms folded - standing in the entrance to a classroom , waiting for the teacher to stop and invite him in -as he always carried important announcements from the Principal's Office.
On one such occasion, as he was called in, he abruptly strode out, saying he was watching how the class was taught! WCB Perera was the Master and he was not pleased at all; unlike the rest of the class, seismic with laughter. This happened when I was a Teacher at Wesley in the fifties, myself. On another occasion he went round confiding in the Old Boys on the staff that he will be ringing the 3.15 [end of school sessions] bell at 2.45! They were to go home and not make undue fuss of this ! Eric De Silva rushed out of his office and was politely told to " go home!" The sessions for the day had ended at 2.45 pm ! He had earned this privilege after 55 years of service to the school.
Charles Yesudian - a Gentle Genius by Dr.N.D.Amerasekera
A Photo taken in 1955 - Colombo
He was one of many fine South Indian teachers who came over to Ceylon in the 1940's and 50's to share their knowledge. Wesley fortunately had 2 of the best, D.P.George for Chemistry and Charles Yesudian for Biology. Visakha Vidyalaya had the illustrious Botanist Miss Pulimood who wrote the famous book on the subject which became the text for the GCE 'O' Levels. Mr.Yesudian was from the Southern tip of Cape Cormarin in Nagercoil. Mr.Yesudian was recruited to teach at Wesley by Rev. James Cartman , the Principal, on a visit to South India. Once I remember asking him whether it was the lucrative pay in Ceylon that attracted him to this job. He answered without any hesitation that he came because he wanted to work at Wesley College.
He was a successful teacher who, inspired by a love of biology took immense pleasure in educating young people. Mr.Yesudian was always smiling and had a benign and calming effect on everyone. His amiable sense of humour was always close to the surface, and he was enormously self-satisfied. Popular and respected, he taught with authority and dictated his lectures, which all the students copied down. It was well known that if you could get a full set of his lecture notes you would all pass with flying colours. Senior students would handover these notes to the juniors. We were immediately impressed by his considerable intelligence, ability and above all his energy. He set tremendously high standards for himself and for his students. His transparent enthusiasm for Biology was quite contagious and always extracted the best from us all.
I first came across "Yesu" in January of 1956 in the 4th Form when he took our biology. We were all struck by the calmness and serenity he brought to the class. There was pin drop silence except for his lovely rolling South Indian accent. "Yendoderm and Yectoderm" in the differences between plants and animals still remain in my mind with an image of this gentle genius. He gave us copious notes to cover all aspects of the subject. He also taught us how to study and remember facts and to present our knowledge. In the end of term exams, those in his class never got more than 60% and never less than 30%. The former often got a distinction and the latter an ordinary pass in the GCE exam. Yesudian earned the respect of the whole class. I still recall his account of the life cycle of the butterfly and the diagrams which he drew with utmost care. These fine detailed coloured drawings were masterpieces of art. His knowledge of the fauna and flora of Ceylon had no bounds. I remember vividly the field trips to the school garden identifying the plants and animals with their botanical and zoological names. He gave life to the specimens in his descriptions. His enthusiasm made us want to be biologists. His lectures on Darwin's theory of evolution were memorable classics.
Those who studied Biology for GCE and proceeded to Botany and Zoology in the 6th Form had Yesudian for 4 years continuosly. As a result we all got to know him well and he became a father figure to many of us. He always had a kind word to those who fared badly in exams with invaluable advice for the future. We spent many happy hours in the Zoology labs doing our practicals, dissections and tackling past papers ably guided by his immense knowledge. Because of his dedication to duty he had wonderful results in all the subjects that he taught specially in the extremely competitive University Entrance Examination. Mr.Yesudian spent hours collecting specimens for the laboratory and labelling them. I saw some of his specimens still being used by students when I visited the School in November 2000.
Mr.Yesudian lived in the hostel in a dimly lit room at the senior end of the dormitory corridor. His neighbour was A.J.Vethanayagam. Yesu always kept a low profile and showed his immense kindness to those in trouble. Being a good Physiologist he gave advice about food and the importance of vegetables and a balance diet. His walkabout during mealtimes was a regular feature in the boarding which many will remember.
I can still picture his smiling face and ivory teeth. The jet black curly hair was parted in the middle and he had ebony skin. Yesu was modestly but elegantly dressed in his gaberdine cream coloured suit and matching tie with polished brown shoes. He walked briskly and always wore a smile on his face. His civilising effect on those with whom he came into contact was profound.
He was a deeply religious man and a committed Christian but kept it mostly to himself and basically lived the life of a hermit. Yesu was always helpful and kind but never was a regular Church goer. In all my years with him I have probably seen him angry no more than twice. This in itself a remarkable achievement as we were all in our difficult teenage years bustling with energy and mischief.
A Photo taken recently
Mr.
Yesudian left Wesley in December 1961 after 12 years and we were
the last to have him as the class master of the 6th Form. Saying
goodbye to him was an occasion steeped in emotion as I recall it
most vividly. When we returned after the University Entrance Exam
in January 1962 it was the loneliness that hit us not seeing him
in his favourite chair in the biology lab. I firmly believe that
without his initial help I would not have entered the Medical College. Yesu has shown immense kindness to generations of Wesleyites. I
have often wondered how life treated him on his return home. He
deserved nothing but the very best life could offer. I am reliably
informed the passage of years was not kind to him living well beyond
the biblical age of three score years and ten in reasonably good
health.
Post script: When a long serving member of staff leaves, the sentiment prevails that they will be sorely missed. Rarely is this actually evidenced. The most charismatic and personable members have been relegated to the dim and distant mists of the past. Not so with "Yesu" there was a little less soul particularly in the 6th Form, a little less compassion and little less warmth. The difference was tangible enough to be noticed by all who knew him.
I have been surfing the internet for years trying to locate Mr.Yesudian or his relatives to get information about the great man and I received this letter in reply to an email I sent to Dr.C.A.K.Yesudian on 12/08/2002
Dear Dr. Amerasekera,
I am the son of Mr. Charles Yesudian. My father is still in Nagercoil and is 86 years old. He is quite frail and just recovered from a serious attack of Pneumonia. Today, I will talk to him on the phone about you.
Professor C.A.K. Yesudian M.A. (Madras); Ph.D. (TISS) Takemi Fellow (Harvard)
Professor and Head of Department of Health Services Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Bombay
Dear Dr. Amerasekera,
It is very heartening to hear that you remember your teacher. Yesterday I talked to my father about your e-mail. He was very happy. He asked your name three times and tried to recollect but could not remember. I will mail a copy of this e-mail to him.
After he left Colombo, he worked for a year in a town in Tamil Nadu as Head Master of a school. Then came back to Nagercoil and joined as science and English teacher in Scott Christian High School. There he worked till retirement. Even in Nagercoil, most of the top doctors are his students and they have great respect for him. Whenever he goes for treatment to hospital, the doctors come out and take him in immediately for treatment. He was keeping good health till my mother's death 2 years back.
His address is, Mr. Charles Yesudian, 11, Marsden Street, Nagercoil -629001, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel. No. 91-04652-234796. In my next e-mail, I will send you his recent photograph.
With warm regards.
C.A.K. Yesudian
Dear Dr. Amerasekera,
I was trying to contact you since June 23 but I have lost your e-mail
address. My father passed away on June 23, 2006 at 09.20 hours at home in
Nagercoil at the age of 89. I was at his bedside at the time of his death.
His funeral took place at the local Church of South India church on 24th
afternoon.
I was going through all his photos of Ceylon , which he cherished so much. I
came across one photo, which you may recognize. Please see the attached
photo and the signatures behind it. It seemed to me a farewell photograph.
With warm regards.
C.A.K. Yesudian
Farewell Signatures and Photo for Mr. Yesudian December 1961
Back row: R.Somanathan, LAFA's nephew !!, DM. Arandara, Sarath Ranasinghe, NJNonis, CH De Alwis Jayasinghe, L.S.Jayasinghe, AS Ratnam, Gnanakrishnan,, Rohan Wijesinghe, Siyamala Carson, Ranjith Alwis, Sarath Wickramaratne
Seated: LCR Wijesinghe, Daya Perera, Sheriff Fallil, Mr.C.Yesudian, Ranjith Jegasothy, Hamilton Amarasinghe, C.Sathyanathan, ND Amerasekera
Addendum by Dr.C.S.Kumaranayake now living in Canada
Mr.
Yesudian was indeed a great teacher and I owe my admission to the
Medical Faculty and my professional life to him. A few years ago
I tried to get his address when I went to Sri Lanka, but was unsuccessful.
From your account of him it appears that he has passed away. It
was only a few days before I got your initial e-mail that I was
thinking of him. I thought that he must be old and that I should
send him some money in appreciation of what he has done for me.
Mr. Yesudian was a good tennis player and he had a blue blazer with
a MCC crest - Madras Christian College, for which he played tennis.
I can picture him like now.
Addendum by Rev.Rohan Wijesinghe now in Canada
I remember our first lesson in Zoology in Form vi (Lower Sixth). Mr. Yesudian asked us to open our note books and write on the inside page of front cover "KNOWING THE BETTER, DOING THE WORSE." Then under it, he asked us to write: 'ALL FLESH IS GRASS." Those were valuable sayings for life. The first was a doorway to understand what we were doing with our lives as youngsters. Somehow quite often our choices proved that statement true. Mr. Yesudian intended us to reflect on this statement in terms of how we lived our days and in terms of how we applied ourselves to our studies. The second, was his attempt to help us keep ourselves in perspective that without vegetation animal life would not survive. How true it is today when we consider the massive environmental catastrophic possibility we, as the human race, are flirting with. Behind his sternness there was honour, dignity and compassion.
He was often heard to make remarks which were funny but at the same time which gently reminded us not to fool around when it came to class work. He would say ANY UNNECESSARY REMARK WILL BE THROWN OUTSIDE THE WINDOW." He would look so stern and serious when he said it. And out of sheer respect and awe for him we would all settle down very soon to the work in hand. What patience he had with us! Mr. Yesudian was a sort of Foster father to many students. I know that when I had a serious matter bothering me, it was quite natural for me to turn to Mr. Yesudian. It was different man you met then. He would take a genuinely keen interest in you and speak to you as a father does with his own son. I had always thought that back in Nagarkoil in South India, he was a Methodist Lay preacher. We loved him because he respected. Few people have evoked a sense of awe and respect from me as Mr. Yesudian has done. I used to send him a Christmas Card for a few years after I left school. He always replied with a kind letter. I shall be grateful to Mr. Yesudian for as long as I live and thank God for God's gift of Mr. Yesudian to so many generations of students at Wesley College.
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 or "balli" for his rather unusual manner of speech. Vetha left the hostel after marriage but never failed to greet us with a smile on the corridor. 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.
Recollections 1947-74 by Wilfred Wickramasinghe
I
joined .Wesley in January 1947. The strength of the school was 400
with 25 members of the staff. Rev. James Cartman was the Principal.
The first Term of the year was the cricket season. Being a cricketer
the Principal took a great interest in the game. Campbell Park had
just been vacated by the Forces and the grounds were not ready for
use. Our cricket practices were held at the Railway grounds at Mount
Mary. Edmund Dissanayake was the Senior Prefect and the Cricket
Captain. It was a very successful year where games were concerned.
Athletes like M. A. M. Sheriff, Ian Camp- bell and Van Rooyan shone
at Public Schools Meets The majority of our boys spoke English and
debating teams and "Do You Know", contests were of a very high standard