Message from the President

The school at Karlshrue Gardens has past pupils scattered all over the world. There are associations of “old boys” in USA, UK, Canada, and Australia and of course in Sri-Lanka. The Australian branch has members in all States in Australia as well as overseas members in far-flung corners of the globe such as Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Texas and Hawaii(USA), Philippines, England, Canada, and Tokyo.

It is interesting to reflect that all these sons of Wesley belong to associations which bind them in “one fraternal band” – a band of double blue brotherhood. To be present at a typical gathering of these “old boys”, in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, London, Colombo, or anywhere else they may meet, is a worthwhile experience. The ages will range from 90 to 25, all shapes and sizes, various backgrounds and occupations, with a typical sample showing, motor mechanics, accountants, TV technicians, a hairdresser, an engineer, a printer, doctors, company executives, musicians, public servants, university professors, railway drivers and guards, stock brokers, businessmen, journalists, as well as the retirees. They are as diverse in ethnic and religious origin as the population of Sri- Lanka is, however they are all as ONE. This is the one common legacy bestowed upon all of us by our beloved Wesley.

In a world today where violence in the name of ethnic freedom or religious fervour is commonplace it is a wonderful statement on the understanding, tolerance and love of old Wesleyites to see them in true fellowship and camaraderie, with the only thought of colour being “double blue”. I fervently hope and pray that we could not only continue this for many more generations to come but by our example show the bigots and intolerant ones the true brotherhood of man.

The Annual Double Blue Ball is scheduled for the 18 of October and the Committee hopes to see as many of our “old boys” as possible make a special effort to attend and to bring their family and friends along to enjoy the evening.

ORA ET LABORA

Trevor Collette

Editorial….

A couple of months ago Mr Langston Joseph, an old boy of Wesley College, respected senior member of the O.B.U. in Melbourne, former Editor of this Bulletin and long time family friend, passed on to me two heavy cartons marked simply “Wesley College correspondence and archival material”.

The cartons remained unopened in my garage for several weeks until last Sunday evening when I decided to take a look at what Langston had entrusted to my care.

I came across lots of old photographs, letters, a Prize Day programme dated 1938, a copy of the Wesley College Magazine dated September 1935, newspaper cuttings, cricket fixture cards and press reports on inter collegiate cricket matches, all of which were many years old.

The cartons are like a Time Capsule from another era, which gives us a glimpse of what life at Wesley College must have been like when our Dads were still schoolboys.

I noticed that the sentiments expressed nearly a century ago are identical with the views we write about and speak of today. Very little has changed.

I believe that there is an urge within us – the need to preserve those things that we regard as important – to ensure that we pass on to future generations something of value which defines what and who we were.

That is why Langston held on to these items. He knew what they represent, and what they meant to boys of Wesley so many years ago.

We all possess this instinct, to perpetuate ourselves. That is why I also believe that the human race will survive. We are here for the long haul. We have already survived the Ice Age, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Space Age. We are facing a tough time, globally, right now but that also will pass. There will be hard times ahead, but we will overcome them.

“Past and present kindly meet,

Each the other proudly greet……”

We are the custodians of a mighty tradition.

A new look at old Books……..

“It was in the month of May, and before either railways or motors had carried their blessings into the northern plains of Ceylon, that a friend drove me in his pony trap along a grass road through the forest some twenty miles south of the buried city…………..”………….. MAGIC!

These words were first printed in January 1930, when the author’s travels took him deep into the jungle, looking for the sites of forgotten cities, lost in history and overrun by a thousand years of tropical growth.

It is a beautifully written work that has never been out of print. The copy on my shelves, to which I frequently return, is almost forty years old. John Still’s affection for Ceylon (as it was then), it’s village people, customs and natural beauty, all as they were before the onset of WWII, is a delight to read.

It is rare, almost impossible to discover contemporary works that are so beautifully expressive as the author describes travelling through jungle and plain in an ancient land for the first time.

This is an excellent book, so beautifully descriptive of a time that has long gone, but about places that still exist.

- Strongly recommended…. Get yourself a copy -

Here are some U.K. Press opinions:

Illustrated London News

“Mr Still combines an exquisite touch in word-painting and a power of vivid narrative…. …

His book is, indeed, a work of genius”

London Mercury

“At describing the jungles of Ceylon, and their inhabitants, and their buried cities, he has no living equal”.

Times Literary Supplement

“Both for the expert knowledge which it contains and for the care and workmanship put into it, it is a book to be read and returned to:.

- Editor -

“………if one perseveres and works on without minding the rest, if one tries honestly and freely to fathom nature and does not lose hold of what one has in mind, whatever people may say, one feels calm and faces the future quietly. Yes, one may make mistakes, one may exaggerate here or there, but the thing one makes will be original”

Vincent Van Gogh

(1853 – 1890)

Caring for the less-fortunate

Let’s give credit where credit is due.

The Eighty Club Melbourne Inc., was founded several years ago to provide financial assistance to folk living in Sri Lanka who, for various reasons, were no longer able to fend for themselves.

Over the years, membership has increased dramatically and, through the efforts of a dedicated committee who consistently come up with fresh fund raising events, plus generous voluntary contributions from members, the Eighty Club now regularly assists an increasing number of persons to meet the financial demands of education for school-age children, medical expenditure, house rent, provisions, and other various living expenses.

They also operate a programme of student sponsorship that provides free vocational training to students who have been successful at G.C.E. or other examinations.

A fund raising luncheon was held on Sunday 13 July, and it was good to see several members of our own Wesley O.B.U. among those present, especially as they had also patronized the O.B.U. Curry Night the previous evening.

We salute the Eighty Club of Melbourne Inc., for undertaking such a worthy cause and doing it so well.

We can all take lessons from these good folk.

All correspondence should be sent to:

The Editor

Double Blue Bulletin

Box 123 Glenway MDC

Mulgrave 3170

VICTORIA - AUSTRALIA

Dates to Remember:

2003 October 18^th - Annual Dinner Dance

November - Trip to NSW

December - Seniors’ Night

2004 February - Club Night

February - Cricket Tournament

Text Box: Your views/Ideas
We encourage letters to the Editor on any issue. Articles of interest, Births, Anniversary etc. Suggestions and new ideas we would like to hear.

Text Box: Your Committee 2003

President Trevor Collette

Tel: (03) 9706 1084

Vice President Bryan Wijeyekoon

Tel: 0409 554 582

Hony Secretary Dayantha Makalanda

Tel: (03) 9407 9416

Treasurer Kenneth Mahamooth

Tel: (03) 8707 2897

Editor George Robertson

Tel: (03) 9782 4789

Committee Reg Bartholomeusz

Tel: (03) 9949 3141

Rodney de Kretser

Tel: (03) 9848 4623

Daryl Koch

Tel: (03) 9408 7300

Keith Rozairo

Tel: 0419 312 849

Postal Address Box 123 Glenways MDC

Mulgrave 3170

Email obua@wesleycollege.org

Website www.wesleycollege.org

HSAT Peiris- a dyed in Blue Wesleyite

HSAT Peiris or Shelton Peiris to past and present Wesleyites can boast of a connection with Wesley spanning nearly 70 years. Perhaps, it was not entirely co-incidental that he was born on March 2nd, which is also celebrated at Wesley as Founder’s Day.

Shelton entered Wesley on the 10th May 1934, admission No 8812, when Rev John Dalby was the Principal. His class teacher was none other than the devoted Miss Rachel Lembruggan. His talents in public speaking were evident from those early days and he won the Class recitation Prize in the very first week of his admission and he continued to win the reading and recitation prizes, and English prizes on a regular basis.

During the 2nd World War, Wesley’s Buildings were commandeered by Military Authorities, and Wesley was literally dis-banded except for a small number of pupils, which included Edmund Dissanayake and Shelton who had to move to improvised accommodation at Kitiyakkara. Shelton, now a senior student was assisting the newly arrived Rev.James Cartman in 1945, taking on teaching tasks in the lower classes. Due to the efforts of Rev Cartman, Wesley was able to re-gain its legitimate premises, and Shelton along with Edmund Dissanayake, led the march back to hallowed original premises, on the 3rd December 1945.

Shelton was the Senior Prefect in 1945, Editor of the College Magazine, and not un-expectedly leader of the College Debating Team. His Christian upbringing was well founded and he was natural choice for the position of President of the SCM. He threw himself into many varied activities of the school, and one of which was becoming the Histographer, for Kenneth de Lanerolle organized tours of the ruined cities of Sri Lanka. His academic ability and all-round performance resulted in his being the first recipient of the Highfield Merit Award, initiated by Rev. Cartman.

To many in the mid 1940’s, two persons stood out from among the students, and that was Shelton Peiris, standing tall in his clean white starched suit as Senior Prefect, assisted by Edmund Dissanayake his Lieutenant and Cricket Captain. Many a boy froze with some fear when they encountered Shelton’s disciplining stare through his bottle rimmed glasses! But behind the glasses was a compassionate helping hand.

Upon leaving School Shelton was persuaded by Rev.Cartman to join the College staff. He functioned as the first Secretary of the Parent Teacher Association. He also initiated students into forming groups that attended Welikada Prisons and instructed inmates in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. He took charge as master in charge of Boxing, Prefect of Games, and functioned as the Chief Librarian. He was also the Scoutmaster 14th Colombo Group.

On leaving Wesley, his efforts continued unabated. He was the obvious choice to become the Editor- in- Chief of the Centenary Souvenir. His efforts in this matter can now be sufficiently appreciated as it was the time of limited funds, and above all the absence of Computers and Word Processors which has greatly simplified such work now. Shelton hammered out every single word all by himself on a manual type-writer. In the Centenary Year at the College Prize Giving he was selected to give the vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, the Hon.Sirimavo Bandaranaike, being the acting Honorary Secretary of the OBU.

He was always seeking out Wesleyites, to whom honour was due. Ranis Appuhamy the school attendant, who served Wesley for 60 years, was remembered by a plaque placed in his memory at the base of the south tower of the College Building. This was sponsored by Shelton.

He organized the Centenary thanksgiving for the life and work of Rev. Henry Highfield (1895-1995). Shelton drew attention to MH Mohammed a distinguished Old Boy who completed 50 years of public service and he was honoured by having his photograph un-veiled in the College Hall. Similarly, Fred de Mel a Head Master of repute at Wesley had his photograph un-veiled as result of Shelton’s initiative.

Once again when the 125th College Anniversary was celebrated, Shelton was the obvious choice to be the Editor- in- Chief of the Souvenir, to which he brought his wide experience from previous times. The writer had the honour to assist him in this arduous task. Edmund Dissanayake gave of his encyclopaedic knowledge of Cricket at Wesley over the years and edited the entire section on cricket. A very fine souvenir was produced mainly due the joint efforts, led by Shelton. As a part of the 125th College Anniversary celebrations, a tableaux

“From Dam Street to Karlsrhue” was staged with Shelton as the playwright, and was directed by Ranjani Fernando, and very successfully performed at the BMICH on two occasions before a large and appreciative audience. He also composed a 125th Anniversary Anthem that is set to music.

With regard to Anniversary Souvenirs, Shelton occupies a unique position, in being associated closely with the 75th, 100th and 125th, a record few will equal. In the 75th he was the official photographer with Prof. W.Justin F. Labrooy as Editor-in- chief. And as mentioned previously for the 100th and 125th he was the Editor-in- Chief.

Shelton initiated the idea of erecting a plaque to commemorate Wesley’s fallen heroes and he delivered a moving address at the un-veiling ceremony.

Shelton had a long and abiding relationship with Rev. James Cartman, bonded with respect, affection, and admiration. After his school career, Shelton enrolled at the Law College to follow studies in Law, but Rev. Cartman decided otherwise, and visited him at home and convinced him that his true vocation was to teach at Wesley. Shelton could not resist this call of duty and joined the Wesley staff. When Rev. Cartman was writing his thesis on Hinduism, he escorted him to several Hindu Kovils and obtained explanations of prevailing religious practices. Even after Rev. Cartman left Wesley, Shelton continued his contacts with him right up to his passing away in 1998. Whenever his daughter Christine and her husband Michael Weaver visited Sri Lanka they would unfailingly be in touch with him, and visit Wesley. In continued admiration for him he initiated the“James Cartman Memorial Trust Fund”.

He has been an active member of the Old Boys Union for several decades as a Vice President, and latterly as a Vice Patron. He has represented the OBU as a member of the College Governing Board. His most recent activity was to form the Past Teachers Fellowship of which he is the Founder President.

For a number of years he was active in the YMCA membership Secretary, and continues as a preacher to this day. He was an active chaplain and later President of the Gideons International. He was the Hon Secretary of the Denipitiya Medical Mission in the South and helped vigorously in their work.

Shelton’s wife Dolores has been his support over the years, and they have been blessed with two children, Charles Peter who is a Wesleyite, who was an active sportsman and athlete in College, and daughter Therese Rosanna, who is an old girl of Methodist College. She did much of the typing and secretarial work for Shelton when he was the Hon. Secretary of the OBU. We wish him many more years in the service of Wesley and that he will continue to enjoy life with his wife Dolores and children and grandchildren.

Yohan’s Mission to Mars

Former student of

Wesley wins Prestigious

International award……….

Twenty-one-year old Yohan Ferreira became the first Sri Lankan to attend the International Space School (ISS) at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. Yohan was among thirty-five students from nineteen countries that attended the prestigious school that provides space related academic instruction and an introduction to the space industry to international students. The foundation’s orientation emphasizes to these students the importance of the worldwide collaboration necessary to open the limitless frontiers of space. Students may use the experiences provided by the ISS in choosing and attaining their academic and professional goals, including those in non-space-related fields.

In an unrelated event, Yohan beat contestants from around the world to win the 2002 Hakluyt Prize, awarded annually by the International Mars Society for the best student letter to world leaders advocating a manned mission to Mars. Yohan sent his letter via e-mail to 319 world leaders and deputy leaders, members of the United States Senate Science Sub Committee, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. The Hakluyt Prize is name after Richard Hakluyt, the tireless pamphleteer whose writings convinced Queen Elizabeth I and the circle around her to take the policy decisions that made possible the British settlement of North America.

Yohan flew to London, from where he went on to the U.S. to attend the ISS and also to receive the Hakluyt Prize - a Bushnell Voyager telescope and an all expenses paid trip to the 5^th Annual International Mars Society Convention at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. He received a standing ovation from the gathering at the convention banquet after reading his prize winning letter.

Lecturers at the International Space School included legendary astronauts such as John Young (Apollo, STS-1), medical researchers, flight surgeons, engineers such as Max Faget (designer of the Space

Shuttle, Apollo, Mercury, Gemini spacecrafts), managers, and technicians from Johnson Space Center and companies associated with the space program. Lectures covered a wide variety of topics ranging from space law, aerospace medicine, astronaut selection process, space robotics, space science funding, space geography, space geology, logistics, orbital mechanics, interplanetary missions planning, life support system design, long-duration mission planning to rocketry and spacecraft design.

Students also worked as members of one of four teams on a simulated First Human International Mission to Mars. The four teams were: Logistics (Green), Getting There (Red), Living There (White) and Working There (Blue). Yohan was the Mission Control Prep Officer for the Logistics (Green) team and also responsible for the mission’s time line.

The program also involved several tours around the many facilities at JSC, including the world famous Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) used to train astronauts in a weightless environment, the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory (ASPL) to witness the latest in rocket technology – a plasma engine in operation, Space Shuttle simulator at the Jake Garn Mission Simulator and Training Facility, the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Mock-up Training Facility, the Sonny Carter Training Facility, Ellington Field where T-38 astronaut training aircrafts are based, Rocket Park, the Astrobiology and Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science Institute where meteorites are analysed , the Moon Lab where lunar rocks are analysed, the Space Shuttle Mission Control Center, the International Space Station Mission Control Center and the old Apollo Mission Control Center.

A memorable graduation ceremony was held at the Clear Lake Community Center with the participation of the students, host families and special invitees, including several astronauts. The ISS is a program that inspires and motivates students to achieve academic excellence in their chosen fields. The International Space School Foundation was founded in 1994 by Geoff and Annette Mules, and daughter Kathy Mules Grant.

Yohan has been a NASA volunteer, working as an Education and Public Outreach Coordinator for NASA Quest and several other NASA outreach programs via the Internet, since September 2000. NASA Quest is a Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) educational outreach website based at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. It is designed to interest students, teachers and the public in math, science, technology, astronomy and space exploration, and puts them in contact with experts working in the various programmes of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States. Yohan is the Q&A Lead.for NASA Missions at the NSA Quest Questions and Answers Project, and is responsible for answering questions from students, teachers and the public related to past present and proposed NASA manned and unmanned missions. He is part of the Q&A Smart Filter team.which liaises.between NSA experts and the public. Yohan is also the Moderator of the NASA Quest Discuss Group, a form for teaching space science in classrooms and distributing information regarding NASA. He is also the Assistant Coordinator of the Student Signatures in Space (S3) Program, sponsored jointly by NASA and Lockheed Martin Corporation and held annually on Space Day (First Thursday in May). The program gives 550 schools worldwide the rare opportunity of flying their students’ signatures in space aboard the Space Shuttle every year. His alma mater became the first school from Sri Lanka to participate in the S3 program in 2001.

Yohan, a past student of Wesley College in Colombo (1987-2000) is currently studying for a Higher Diploma in Computer Based Information Systems at the national Institute of Business Management in Colombo. He is also a substitute teacher of speech and drama at the Wendy Whatmore Academy of Speed and Drama in Colombo.

SRI LANKA NEWS IN BRIEF

By Victor Melder

The high death toll among the armed forces personnel has reduced appreciably since the signing of the MoU, with only 12 deaths reported for the past 18 months. More than 10,000 men from the three forces were killed during the previous six years of war. More than 28,000 were also disabled during this period and more than 3,000 were reported missing in action. (Sunday Observer 13.7.2003)

The Environmental Foundation Ltd (EFL) filed a Writ Application in the High Court of Appeal, on July 4, opposing the decision to build a new township in part of the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary. The politician from Katana is alleged to have set in motion a development project, with a modern township and a housing scheme for 20,000 families. Over 300 acres of the wetlands have been cleared and over 5,000 families have encroached on the lands in the Sanctuary. (Sunday Observer 13.7.2003)

In a decisive move the Muslim political leadership of the North-East have agreed to support a unified

interim administration for the region, but are likely to ask for veto powers and also autonomy for financial management. Some ideas in this connection have already been shared with the government leadership and a finalized set of proposals are expected to be handed over to the Prime Minister to be incorporated in the Government’s formula for the N-E internal administration. (Sunday Observer 13.7.2003)

President Kumaratunga has shot down demands by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) for the immediate abrogation of the Government-LTTE ceasefire agreement, cancellation of Norwegian facilitation in the peace process and the expulsion of Scandinavian truce monitors. The JVP had wanted to place these demands as part of provisions to be incorporated in the proposed joint agreement forming a political alliance. (Sunday Times 13.7.2003)

The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) has made a proposal to the Government to streamline Sri Lanka’s holiday calendar by introducing two weeks of holiday during April and December instead of the present indefinite holiday schedule. This will result in all manufacturing establishments being shut down and employees using their annual entitlement together with the statutory holidays to go on vacation. (Sunday Observer 20.7.2003)

Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Philip Ruddock will arrive in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit to continue dialogue with the Sri Lankan government on issues related to immigration, refugees and people smuggling. The Australian government had earlier proposed a joint ministerial statement on illegal migration in an attempt to stem increasing incidents of people smuggling between Sri Lanka and Australia. (Sunday Leader 20.7.2003)

Sri Lanka is all set to enter big time international ‘ peace keeping’ with its very own training center for United Nations Peace Keeping forces. The UN had already given the green light for the centre, which will train not only local soldiers but also servicemen from other countries in the Asian region. The Sri Lanka army has already identified Kukulegama bordering Sinharaja forest as the suitable location to set up the training centre. (Sunday Observer 27.7.2003)

The SLFP – JVP alliance appears to be collapsing but the Marxist-Nationalist party will back the PA at the next elections, it is learnt. In the wake of serious differences between the SLFP and the JVP regarding the proposed coalition, the JVP is looking at the option of remaining outside any formal alliance and supporting the PA for a change of power, political sources said. (Sunday Times 27.7.2003)

The Railway department is poised for strike following the establishment of the Railway Authority with no maintenance work being done at Ratmalana and trade unionists threatening that soon all trains will grind to a halt. The Railway Authority was established at midnight last Wednesday by a gazette notification released by the Transport Minister, vesting all powers and functions, properties and finances belonging to the Railway department with the Authority. (Sunday Times 27.7.2003).

A team of town planners from Singapore are in Sri Lanka preparing a master plan, redesigning the city of Colombo and its suburbs with industry, technology and entertainment components to make the city an attractive place to work and live. The 30-year plan is to double the population and make it like Singapore – the preferred destination of choice of living in the subcontinent. Potential sites for a racecourse are Muthurajawerla or Bentota.

The Scandinavian monitors are reconsidering their role in the peace process following continuous refusal by the LTTE to respect their ruling on a controversial camp in Kinniya, the SLMM’s deputy chief said. The SLMM also raised questions about freedom of movement for its officers after an SLMM vehicle was stoned by groups allegedly linked to the LTTE. (Sunday Times 27.7.2003)

"The Service I Render Others Is the Rent

I Pay for My Space on Earth"

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure correctness, the Wesley College (Colombo) Old Boys’ Union Australia Branch Inc. does not accept responsibility in whole or part for views, contributions or advertised products or services included in this publication

SPORTS section………

Mahroof to be honoured

by his alma mater

by M. Shamil Amit

One of the most outstanding cricketers to have come out from Wesley in recent times, 19 year old Farveez Mahroof is to be felicitiated by the school and the OBU of Wesley on August 16 2003 at the Old Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC). This was revealed by the Principal of Wesley M.A.P. Fernando at a press conference held at the OWSC on Friday.

Farveez who has been selected as the captain of the Under 19 national team for the forthcoming series against the visiting Pakistan Under 19 teams is regarded as the most successful player in the school cricket arena for the last two seasons. He started his cricketing career at a tender age, making his first appearance in the year 1995 when he represented the Under 13 team.

From there he never looked back and went on to lead the Under 13, 15, 17 and the Under 19 team. He captained the senior team for two years in 2002 and 2003. His first mentor was Russell Hamer who is a Old Wesleyite and a former Sri Lanka wicket keeper. Incidentally Farveez established a new record last year when he cracked a swashbuckling 243 not out against Richmond at the Galle International Cricket Grounds eclipsing Mervyn Hamer's (Russell's brother) record of 233 n.o. against Kingswood. This is the highest scored by a Wesleyite.

Apart from him representing his school, Farveez has played for the national team at all levels. In the year 2000 he went on a tour with Under 15 team to Malaysia for the Asia Cup. The same year he was the deputy skipper of the Under 15 national team that went to England for the junior world cup. In 2001 he was a member of the Under 17 national team that went to Bangladesh for the Asia Cup.

The same year he was a member of the Under 19 team that toured Pakistan. In the year 2002 he was a member of the Under 19 team that participated in the World Cup held in New Zealand. Early this year he captained the Under 19 national team that toured Pakistan. He was also the captain of the Under 19 team for the Under 19 Tri Nation series played in Sri Lanka this year.

His performances was rewarded when he was selected for a six month contract to England which was offered by the BCCSL for the most outstanding schoolboy cricketer and

he was selected to play for the Stanmore Cricket Club of Middlesex County. He made a name for himself in England with headlines in one newspaper in England giving the headline " Stanmore leading the way thanks to Mahroof magic.

But of all the best reward he got was when he was selected as the Schoolboy Cricketer of the year and the Best Batsman of the year 2003. With his selection as the captain of the Under 19 national Farveez was compelled to cut short his contract with Stanmore CC at the request of a letter sent by the BCCSL. Farveez is the second player from Wesley to be selected as the Best Schoolboy Cricketer. The first being Darrel Maye in the year 1963 which was the Lifebuoy award at that time. They will also be felicitating the rugby team of 2002 which was captained by Lahiru Boteju.

Keith de Kretser

Christopher Joseph made news after his team won the Veteran’s Cricket Tournament in Bundaberg, Queensland.

Chris an old boy of Wesley College, played cricket in the under 14 (XI for Wesley prior to leaving for Australia.

BUNDABERG veterans bowl big guns over….

CRICKET: Chris Joseph led the charge as Bundaberg won the Antiqarians Cricket Club Masters eight-a-side carnival.

Twelve teams from throughout south east Queensland contested the annual carnival at Buderim for players aged over 40 yeasr and Bundaberg was a surprise champion, wrapping up the title with grand final win over the Queensland Cricketers Club (QCC)) team.

Games were played as eight players a side, seven overs an innings affairs, with everyone bowling in each game apart from the wicket-keeper.

Bundaberg started in style with a 23-run victory over Sunshine Coast, scoring 60 runs to the hosts’ 37 for the biggest winning margin of the weekend.

They then qualified for the semi-finals, despite going down by two runs to Caloundra, before booking a grand final berth with a 19-rn dispatch of Loganholme, scoring 62 to their 43.

QCC advanced with victory over Uni Old Boys, and they started hot favorites as they chased the title for the fourth time in five years with the best bowling attack in the competition.

But after winning the toss, they were restricted by tight bowling, and an excellent fielding effort in which Les Bennett effected some superb stumpings.

Putting pressure on the fieldsmen with aggressive running, openers Patrick Logue and Pat Dennings then carried Bundaberg home without the loss of a wicket.

Joseph receive the player of the carnival award with a strong batting and fielding display, while Logue also shared the bowling award, but Denning said the remaining four team members – Steve Collard, Rudi Nieuwenhuizen, Mick Kettle and a Sunshine Coast player – each also made ‘significant contrbutions’ to the team success.

Wesley in 25-10 win

over Dharmaraja

Wesley College beat Dharmaraja College Kandy by 25 points (1 goal, 3 tries, 1 penalty) to 10 (1 goal, 1 penalty) in their Milo Cup “A” division rugby tournament match played at the Bogambara Stadium yesterday. At half time Wesley led 15-7.

Wesley College collected their points through Winger Niranjan Wickremaratne, fly half Anura Ariyaratne, Centre Nawan Sanith and Scrum half Samantha Lakshan who scored a try each. Full back Yasas Nonis added the extra points to one of the tries and also fired the penalty.

For Dharmaraja Scrum half Udyagna Lakshman scored the try, which was converted by full back Lasitha Udurawana who also put over the penalty.

A. Rankothage referred. Wesley also won the under 17 game 5-0).

Double blue rugby makes terrific impact

Wesley has produced several well-known cricketers and it is to cricket that the Campbell Park School is more associated with. But all that changed in 2002 when their rugby team came to the final of the schools A Division rugby competition and crashed to Royal.

Spearheaded by their Principal Mr. M.A.P. Fernando and the Old Wesleyites Sports club marshalled by Capt. Navin de Silva had been a source of encouragement to the rugby teams on and off the field.

On their way to the final Wesley beat Trinity for the first time. They also toppled St. Anthony's Kandy and St. Peter's. They left an indelible mark in the annals of Wesley rugby with their efforts in 2002. The team was led by granite hard Lahiru Boteju (No.8).

Two of the First XV players, namely Kasun de Silva and Zakir Badurdeen were picked for the Sri Lanka U-19 team for the Junior Asia staged in Hong Kong. This year it was sweet revenge for the Wesleyites. They defeated Royal for the first time in their 47- year rugby history.

Starting the game with a right structure at grassroots level paid dividends, said Mr.Fernando. The hard work put up by coach Dishantha Priyadharsha who coached the first XV and the junior teams - (Under- 15 and 17) is now bearing fruit. He was assisted by Rugby consultant S.W. Chang. The good work was started by Sanath Martis in the year 2001. He laid the foundation for others to continue.

The school held their Colours Nite 2002 last weekend at the College Hall, amidst pomp and pageantry. Former Sri Lanka ruggerite and the present president of the Rugby Union Mohan Balasuriya and his wife were the chief guests.

Balasuriya said, it was a great honour for him and his wife to be present on the occasion, that too to honour the young sportsmen, who have brought honour to the school, both on and off the field. Wesley has maintained its dignity and its steeped tradition for sports. The school has always played a dominant role in cricket.

M. Sathasivam one of the finest products without doubt was one of the greatest batsmen, who made a name for the country at home and abroad. They have excelled in other sports, too. But judging by the ongoing performances - rugby has taken firm root.

More competition at school level will help the game to make further progress. "Wesley is doing just that", said Mohan Balasuriya. At the Junior National level the following Wesleyites represented the country for year 2002. Farveez Mahroof (Cricket), Kasun de Silva and Zakir Badurdeen (Rugby) M.S.M. Riyas

(Soccer). Best team man - Danton D' Abrera Memorial Trophy donated by OWSC - ruggerites in Melbourne - Lahiru Boteju.

Best all round sportsman of the year - 2002 - Nuwan Samith. The Prefect of Games Kenneth de Silva did an excellent job and left no stone unturned for the success of the Wesley Colours Nite. Singer Sri Lanka sponsored the First XV Rugby team with a cash donation. BW

Rugby shock as Wesley humble Peterites

Wesley 19, St.Peter's 13

By M. Shamil Amit

Wesley inflicted the second defeat on St Peter's in the on going schools rugby season with a shock win by 19 points (2 goals, 1 penalty) to 13 (1 goal, 2 penalties) in the Under 19 inter-school rugby encounter played at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. Wesley led 5-3 at the short whistle.

The Peterites who went into the game as favorites fielding a stronger and experienced outfit unlike the Wesleyites who had been having mixed fortunes in their games played so far this season and going into this game as sheer underdogs. They played to a game plan and dominated the game during both periods of play.

The Peterites have to blame themselves for the poor ball handling especially by the scrum half. Nevertheless the Wesleyites played their hearts out putting the Petes under pressure and gave them the first shock when in the 12th minute winger Naushki Fareez gave the Wesleyites the lead when he went over for a corner flag try with the kick at goal for full back Yasas Nonis being out of reach. The Peterites replied with a penalty put over by full back Mohamed Sherrif and the sides were changed with Wesley leading 5-3.

Resuming in the second half the Wesleyites continued from where they left making sporadic and threatening moves and succeeded in the eighth minute through a try from number eight Tyronne Harrison with Yasas Nonis making no mistake with the conversion. Four minutes later the Peterites reduced the lead with a penalty booted by Mohamed Sherrif.

With a ding dong battle going on and no quarters asked or given, the Peterites were under pressure and the Wesleyites increased the lead when skipper and flanker Kasun de Silva who was recovering from a head injury planted a try six minutes away from the finish for Yasas Nonis to add the extra points and Wesley led 19-6. With two minutes left for play the Peterites scored a consolation try through centre Malith Perera with Mohamed Sherrif adding the extra points.

It was too late and the writing was there on the wall with Wesley providing the biggest shock in the ongoing schools rugby season with a well earned win against the reigning schools league champs. Referee: Piyal Navaratne

Wesley power too much for Ananda

Wesley 20, Ananda 3

A second half onslaught put in by the Wesleyites proved too much for the Anandians in the quarter-final match of the President's Trophy rugby encounter at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

Though leading 3-0 at the breather the Anandians succumbed in the second half to lose, with Wesley scoring 20 points through one goal, two tries and a penalty to a penalty. Wesley scored their tries through two from fly half Zakir Badurdeen and one from winger Niranjan Wickramaratne with full back Yasas Nonis converting one and booting the penalty. Full back Nadeesh Chaturanga put over the penalty for the losers.

Referee: Dilroy Fernando

Rounded Rectangle: Membership Subscriptions….
The Subscriptions for the calendar year January to December 2003 are due and should be paid as soon as possible, to:

The Treasurer
Wesley College (Colombo) OBU
Australia Branch Inc
Box 123 Glenway MDC
Mulgrave 3170

Rounded Rectangle: Membership rates

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* Members over 70 years of age are to inform the Treasurer of their age to qualify.

Wesley shatter Royal's unbeaten record

Records first ever win over Royal;

Royal’s 1st defeat on new ground

Wesley – 22

Royal – 18 By M. Shamil Amit

Royal who have been unbeaten since last year had their record shattered by Wesley when they were outclassed by 22 points (1 penalty goal, 1 goal, 1 try, 1 penalty) to 18 (3 tries, 1 penalty) in an enthralling Milo inter-school rugby tournament match at the Royal Complex grounds yesterday. At the breather the Wesleyites led 7-3. Wesley proved to all that the win against the Peterites last week was not a flash in the pan.

It was the Wesleyites that dominated the game from the word 'go'. Top-class rugby was dished out by both teams. For the Wesleyites this is their first win against Royal since the two schools began confronting each other from 1958. And it was also Royal's first defeat since they began playing on this ground.

The Wesleyites dominated play in the first half and drew first blood when in the ninth minute the Royalists were penalised for a collar tackle. This gave them a penalty goal which was scored by winger Naushki Fareez. Unfortunately Naushki who received a nasty blow was not able to continue for the rest of the game and was replaced by Saliman Buckman.

With the game being played at a hectic pace the Royalists succeeded to reduce the lead through a penalty put over by full back Shihab Bahudeen in the dying stages of the first half after which the short whistle was blown.

Resuming in the second half the Wesleyites playing with a different game plan increased their lead with a

fourth minute try when scrum half Rukshan Oumar dummied his way pass several defenders from a 25 metre scrum to score under the post. Full back Yasas Nonis goaled it.

As in the previous games the Royalists, who have won their last two games with some lightning play in the second half, replied in the 17th minute with a try scored by second row Dhanushka Rajapakse but the kick at goal by full back Bahudeen went astray.

Six minutes later Wesley made the challenge for the Royalists a bit tough when winger Niranjan Wickramaratne went over for an unconverted try. Royal not giving up, fought back with some sporadic moves only to be stalled by the Wesley defenders. In the 20th minute the Royal forward line clicked and succeeded with fly half Varuna Wijewardena going over for a try and again the conversion was fluffed. But Wesley kept on increasing their lead when Yasas Nonis booted over a penalty to give them a healthy nine point lead with five minutes to go. Wesley - 22 Royal - 13.

The Royalists made a last minute ditch and succeeded with a try by skipper and centre Rajitha Jayasundara but it was too late to prevent the Wesleyites earning a game that was theirs.

Referee: A.C. Tennekoon.

I hired a plumber to help me restore

an

old farmhouse, and after he had

just finished a rough first day on the

job, a flat tyre made him lose an hour

of work, his electric drill quit, his old

one-ton truck refused to start. As I

drove him home, he sat in stony silence.

On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. Upon opening the door he had undergone an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss. Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do at the little tree.

"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one things for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again." Funny thing is," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

Box 123 Glenway MDC

Mulgrave 3170

A leaf from the PAST

(from the Archives)

WESLEY COLLEGE (COLOMBO) OLD BOYS’ UNION

AUSTRALIA BRANCH INCORPORATED