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Jan 25, 2012

Prasantha moves on

DIAS ABEYGUNAWARDENE, PRASANTHA NIMAL (ex Deputy Director SACEP) - Loving son of late Norman & Daisee Dias Abeygunawardene, precious son-in-law of late Ernest & Ruby Muthuvaloe, beloved husband of Subashini, darling father of Sulakshana, brother of Dushyantha (Dinko), brother-in-law of Mano, Emmanuel & Jo, Kamalini & Freddie, grandfather of Aevahn, Ayrron & Syesha & father-in-law of Elmo Anthony. Cortege leaves residence No. 09, International Buddhist Centre (IBC) Road, Colombo 6 at 4.30 p.m. on Thursday 26th January for Burial at Kanatte Borella (Roman Catholic Section). 023680 DN Wed Jan 2005 2012

Tributes from '59 Group members:

May he Rest in Peace!

----------------------------

Jan 26 2012

Tribute to Rama by Vela

Dear Vipula,
Thank you for informing me, too, about the interesting event, with its noble concomitant - of remembering Rama with the generous gesture of dedicating a Rama Sellamuttu Memorial Trophy.  I am sure Rama's spiritual blessings will be in abundance for the success of the event.

Rama was easily my oldest friend, although we drifted apart long before I left old Ceylon, as we had to, when we grew and matured and our interests changed and diverged.

But my earliest memories of friendship, going back in fact to my first year at RPS, in 1953 (our class teacher was a Mrs Rajakariayar), are vivid. We used to sit next to each other and one day, the Head Master, the very lovable A.F. de Saa Bandaranaike, came around to our class, bringing with him a tall, mightily-built, black man and asked us whether we knew who he was. I nudged Rama, because I thought we knew who he was, partly because we were already collecting cricket pictures from the Daily News and The Hindu and this mighty man was in our scrapbook. He was, of course (then) , Learie Constantine, later Lord Constantine.

Rama grew up, as you would know better than I, as the son of his 'real' Father's eldest brother. His natural Father was Balendra Sellamuttu, the youngest son of old Adikhar Sellamuttu. Balendra Sellamuttu's childless eldest brother, Somasundaram, decided to bring up Rama, partly because Balendra was a bit reckless and the home he was able to offer Rama was less than stable.

In a very distant sense we were also related: Nagendra and Sangarappillai Sellamuttu, two elder brothers of Balendra, married two sisters, Kamini and Gnaneswari Tambyah, my Maternal Grandmother's brother. One of Balendra's sisters married Alfred Tambiaiyah, then MP for Kayts, when my Father was the MP for Chavakachcheri and they were both together with GGP first in the TC and, then, for a short while, also in the UNP. 

Rama was brought up in a very protected way, perhaps even overly-protected. He used to be sent to spend the day with me, during a weekend or two, every month, when we were living down Madangahawatte Lane. Old Mr Somasundaram always - in those days - had a large, shining black, American car, which, if I remember well was a Buick in the old-style of a curved/slanting rear. They also had a loyal driver, who we called, interchangeably, Kaka or Nana (he was a Muslim) and was also fiercely protective of Rama - and the car! When Rama was sent home to us to spend the day with me, the car would stay, with the driver. So, we had also to feed and look after the driver.

Our home was not as palatial as that of Somasundaram Sellamuttu's, at 22 Queen's Road, but we were too young and too absorbed in each others' pranks to think of such things.
Rama's home had a talking parrot; his adopted Father owned award winning horses - one of which was called Joshua!

One day, in the very early 1960s, I spent the day at Rama's home, invited by the family, to meet a distinguished American athlete. I was not told who this distinguished person was, in advance. While we were playing with various of the luxury items in Rama's room and home, this handsome man, a little like Lord Constantine in appearance, turned up. It was Rafer Johnson, who had won the gold medal for the Decathlon at the Rome Olympics! Many years later, in the early 1990s, when I was a Visiting Professor at UCLA, my host there, Professor Axel Leijonhufvud, told me that the preacher at their Church was Rafer Johnson! I told him and his wife, Earlene Craver, the above story and asked them to enquire from Rafer Johsson whether he remembered his visit to 22 Queen's Road. Axel asked, as I requested, the following Sunday and Rafer Johnson had told him not only that he remembered his visit very well, and with much pleasure, but that he maintained contact with the family for many years!

Rama was a very special (and generous) person, who almost always had the courage to choose his own path, even when it was not easy to do so, coming from such a wealthy family. One manifestation of this - in the context of the trophy in his memory - was the kind of cricketer he chose to be. He was thoroughly unconventional, a very special kind of leg break bowler, which was always a difficult art. I remember with absolute and crystal clarity his run up to the wicker and his idiosyncratic action. 

In those young days, in the 1950s, I was always invited to his birthday parties at 22 Queen's Road - and his birthday, if my memory serves me well, was in October - where one always met and shook hands with the majestically clad old Mr Adikhar Sellamuttu, always in immaculate sherwani and a pocket watch running across the lapels of it.

At least in all the years I knew Rama well, I was never allowed to sit anywhere but the front seat of the family car, micromanaged by Kaka/Nana! No 'outsider' was allowed to 'contaminate' the backseats, where Mr and Mrs Somasundaram sat in splendour. 

I always thought Rama very intelligent, bordering on extreme cleverness, but it was rampantly undisciplined. Had his undoubted natural talents been harnessed and channelled in effective ways I have no doubts whatsoever that he would have achieved academic greatness.

By the early 1960s we had drifted apart and I lost all contact with him for over forty five years - and, then, suddenly, I received a most wonderfully sculpted e-mail from him, just bef0ore his untimely death. He attached a photograph of himself with his current wife; the illness that had consumed him and that eventually brought him down was written all over the way he had grown thin and wane. But the happy and mischievous face and glint in the eye was evident even in a photograph, sent by these less than perfect means. I wrote back, reminiscing fondly, and hoping we would soon get together again - which was, alas, not to be.

Ironically, I had been invited to spend several months at the University of Technology Sydney, as one of its ten Distinguished Visiting Scholars for this academic year and was, actually, scheduled to spend January to March in Sydney. However, as the time for departure neared, I did not feel like making the long journey and spending so many months away from what has become my intellectual and cultural base, here in Italy. Had I mustered the courage to spend the time in Sydney it would have given me the chance, finally, to pay homage to an old and valued friend.
 I know you were very close to him and I salute you for your selfless act of remembering a good, generous, friend. It was a blessing to have known him, and to remember the times I shared with his playful, joyous, generous ways. 

I am copying this to some of my almost equally old friends of times gone by.

Warmest, even if melancholy, wishes,
Vela
-- 
Department of Economics
University of Trento
Via Inama 5
381 00 Trento
Italy
Tel: +39 0461 282379
http://www.assru.economia.unitn.it/

"You have not converted a man because you have silenced him."
Viscount Morley, 'On Compromise', 1874.
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May 25 2011

Upali de Livera's Mum moves on

May she rest in Peace!

OBITUARIES 2011.05.26

 

Feb 26 2011

Office Bearers elected for 2011/12

President:                        Mr. Charitha Ratwatte

Hony: Secretary:               Mr.  J.U. de Livera

Hony: Treasurer:               Mr. Anil Kannangara

Minutes of the 17^th Annual General Meeting of the Royal  College ’59 Group held on 12th June 2010, at the VIP ROOM

Meeting commenced around 8.35 p.m. on 12.6.2010, with Mr. C. Ratwatte, occupying the Chair (in the absence of Mr. S. Skandakumar - ).

Attendance:  at the AGM and the Dinner  12th June 2010. AGM/Dinner 

1        D.B.J Wickremaratne 

2 3     Shiran Gunaratne & wife

4         D.E.R.  Hapuarachchi 

5        M. Ranjan Perera 

6         Sisira Wickremaarachchi                         

8         M.   Chandraprasad

9 10    M.B.M  Naizer & wife

11 12  Nihal Canagasabey & Therese

13       Ranjith Pulleperuma

14 15   Akram Dawood & wife

16      J. Kudahetty

17      R.L. Perera

18 19  Charitha  Ratwatta & wife

20       U. Suraweera

21        Anil Kannangara

22        KPG Fernando  

23  24  J.U. de Livera & wife

25        DG Wickremasinghe

26        Tissa Jayaweera                      

27        U.Jayasinghe

28        L.C.C. de Silva

29        Preman Soysa

30        M FazleAli

31        S T Aziz

32 33   Panna & Saro

34        JLD de Silva

35        SN Jayasinghe

36 37   Nande Palihakkara & wife

38        P.V.Perera          

39        P.G. Perera

40  41  Sarath Perera & wife

42        P. Dias Abeygunawardena

43 44   Sarath Prera  & wife

45 46   Sunil Wimaladharma & Dulani

47       K.M. Totamune   

48       M. Hassim                

49       KAR Perera,       

50      Ananda Mallikarachchi

51      S Athukorale

52      Y.M. Silva

53 54 S.K. Goonasekera & wife

55      S. Suriyasinghe

56      Prasanna Mendis  from Australia

Notice convening the meeting was read by the Hony. Secretary.

Hony Secretary tabled the following

Regrets/Excuses

1     S.  Skandakumar  

2     MGH Salgado  

3     Dr. Lal Karunaratne

4     Dr. MJM Peroos

5     Nicky Kumarage. 

6     Ajith Dias

7     Lal Abeysekera

8    Gamini de Silva  

9     Sanath P Mendis

10   Rajan Siva 

11   Metha  Abeygunawardena 

12   Upul Kulasinghe  

13   Ranjan Dandeniya.. 

14   S.R. Jayasinghe…

15.  H.R. de Silva

16   N. R. Senanayake

17   Daya Weerasekera

18   Suren Cooke,

19   C. Abeywickrema

20.  Edward de Silva,

21.  R. Rajasooriyar

22   Nimal Gooneratne

23   Rohantha Samarajeewa.

24   Padmaperuma 

25.  CPBT Jayasundera

26   PH Wickremasinghe

Tribute to the deceased members ..  two minutes silence was observed.

R.G.A. de Silva,  W. Koch, S. Selliah, M.N. Jaimon, Rohan M. Perera, R.S.R. Gunawardena,

D. Mahinda Jayasinghe, Naveen D. Rajapakse, R. Rajaratnam, Hema Bamunawela, , Jeeva

Satchithanandan, P. Chandrakanthan, Sarath Ambepitiya, C.J.L. Wijeratne and Rama Sellamuttu. Priyanath Dias  S.L. Gunasekera
Sunil Abeysundera  

Mr. Anil Kannagara invited members to come foward to replace/relieve  the members who have been serving as office bearers/Comittee members for a very long
period. [Unfortunately there was no response]     

Confirmation of the minutes of the 16th AGM held on 13^th June 2009 at the Board Room of the Colombo Oval had been circulated.

Mr. R.L. Perera proposed and Mr. S.K. Goonasekera seconded for adoption and was carried out unanimously.

Account/Treasurer's Report : Dr. Panna Gooneratne proposed and Mr. Sunil Wimaladharma seconded for adoption and was carried out unanimously. 

Election of Office Bearers

Mr. K.P.G. Fernando proposed  that   Mr. S. Skandkumar  continue as President for the ensuing year.

Mr.Sunil Wimaladharma proposed and Mr. Anil Kannangara seconded that the rest of the office bearer's too should continue for the ensuing year..

There being no other nominations this was duly adopted.

 President:                         Mr. S. Skandakumar

Hony: Secretary:               Mr. J.U. de Livera

Hony: Treasurer:               Mr. Anil Kannangara

Committee Members:

                                          Mr. M.B.M. Naizer

                                          Mr. D.G. Wickremasinghe

                                          Mr. Sisira Wickremaarachchi

Library Committee             Mr. Charitha Ratwatte

                                          Mr. K.P.G. Fernando

                                          Mr. Sunil Wimaladharma 

There being no other business meeting adjourned for Dinner

Feb 10, 2011
THAMBA's WIFE PASSES AWAY - May She Rest in Peace!

THAMBAPILLAI - LOLITTA JEYAPOOVATHY (nee EMERSON). Dearly beloved wife of the late M.T. Thambapillai (Bertie),
loving mother of Bertram, Deutram, Elmo and Nirmo, mother-in-law of Chithra, Arunthathy, Ratna and Savitri, loving and
devoted grandmother of Shanthi, Tishan and Ashani, Samantha, Sasha, Ravin and Stefan, great grandmother of Savanna,
was called to rest with the Lord on Tuesday 8th February 2011. Cortege leaves residence No.12, Elvin Place, Nugegoda
on Saturday 12th February at 3 p.m. to Holy Trinity Church, St. Lawrence Road, Wellawatte for service at 3.30 p.m., and
thereafter for burial at General Cemetery, Kanatte (Anglican Section).

Jan 10, 2011

SENTHIL MOVES ON
Condolence Email Received from ’59 Group Members on hearing of Alvapillai Senthilkumaran’s passing away today, Jan 10, 2011

Dear '59 Group,

I just got the sad news of the demise of our class mate Alvapillai
Senthilkumaran. I spoke to his daughter a little while ago, and she said
that he has had a heart attack early this afternoon at home. The funeral
arrangements will be notified later.

Senthil was a very soft spoken person and truly a gentleman who never spoke ill of others. He was very keen to meet anyone from our '59 Group visiting Sydney,
and he never missed attending any of our get-togethers. I have attached a photo taken on the 15th December 2010. 

My wife Sriyanie and I are much saddened with this sorrowful news, and we do really miss him.

Regards
Palitha Manchanayake, Australia

---

While I received Palitha’s message I was busy looking at  photos Palitha  sent me a few weeks ago as Muthu had already passed the sad news to a few of us.

Attached here are two edited /enlarged (not very sharp because of under exposure) photos of Sentil. The best I could do to  dark originals

Long live his cherished memory.

Daya de Silva, Colombo
---

Senthil lovingly called Appu by his mates was a very sober and decent guy. He was one of the pillars of the DP club in colpetty and he would tell us off if we
disturbed  young girls passing by. That is why he was called Appu ( In Tamil,  father).

When I saw him in London  2years ago I was not happy with his condition and I did tell him to take care and  then when I saw the photo Mancha sent a few days
back I was really saddened to see that he had not changed.

S Muthulingaswamy

London, UK

---

I am very saddened to here that Senthil is no more. What you mentioned of him is very true.  I remember with gratitude Senthil unhesitatingly lending me his notes
when ever I missed a class during college days. He is a fine human being. I happened to meet him few times in Sydney.

My sympathies goes to his family.

Thank you Manche for informing.

Regards
Edward (Jiggs) de Silva , Colombo

---

Guys,

The sadness is truly inexplainable. I just called his home in Sydney and spoke to his son in law, R Thiagalingam. They also wanted the link to the Group website
and I sent it to his email address. While we are all turning 63 this year we do surely know that every moment that passes only brings us closer to our next home
where Senthil and some of the others have already departed to. Remembering some of the little incidents and times we spent together at College is really moving.
I guess we will all have to succumb to these feelings as and when one of us moves on?

Will update the website on his passing, this evening. He will be the 26th out of the RPS Class of 53 (known) and RC '59 Group fellers who have departed.

May his soul rest in Peace!

Fazli Sameer, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

---

Dear Palitha

Thank you, as always, for keeping us informed about our friends.
I too, like many of our other '59 Group friends, was looking at the photo you sent of Senthil with the Palihakkaras just recently, thinking how nice it would have
been if I could have been there too..

Since you are close to the family, could you kindly convey my deepest condolences to the surviving members of Senthil's family.

One feels so helpless and useless from afar...but the knowledge that Senthil lives on in our hearts may be some small consolation.

Regards...
Monte Cassim, Japan

---

How very sad indeed….yes he was very much a gentle giant . God rest his soul. Skanda, Haputale, Sri Lanka

The bulb of the group of 59 will stay lit at Royal College even after the players have all gone…..such has been the magnitude of our contribution. Skanda

---

Very sad indeed to hear Senthil's sudden demise.
I hadn't seen him since we left school, but few days ago i was
recollecting memories about Sentil while looking at photos Mancha
sent. Mancha, may I request you to please convey my deepest condolences to
his wife and daughter.
M H Subasinghe (Sube), Dubai, UAE

---

Dear Upali,

                  Thankyou  for advising me of the sad passing of Sentil, although I have had no contact with him since leaving Sri Lanka in 1968, he will be fondly
remembered.

                  Please give my condolences to the family.

Suren Goonewardene

UK

---

Very sad indeed.  I recall Senthil very well as we were together in the Tamil class at Royal.  I have also worked with the elder brother Dr Vijayaragavan
who was a Surgeon in Ratnapura in the early seventies.  True.  We are here only for a very short time.  Please convey our deepest condolences to Senthil's family.

Peroos and family / UK

---

This is the nature in the Universe. Nothing is permanent.

Vish Vedage

---
 

Shall tressure this machang Fazza.  Sthuthi.  Damn decent bloke no?  Snr civil servant's sonnaboy, but no pakum nil.  Often at that Deanstone Pl kadey
with the recently deceased Muslim boy - and punt in hand.

Sthuthi again_______________Prasanna Mendis, Australia

---
 

11/1/11

Well guys,what else can one say at this sad moment,but condone with his wife and daughter.

When i see the wickets gradually falling,it only reminds me that we are all in the departure lounge awaiting that final call.

Rgds’

Suren Cooke

---
Dear Palitha, 

Thank you for taking the trouble to convey the sad news about Sentil.  Yu-Hua and I were very sadened to hear of his sudden demise. 

I had not seen Sentil since the time I left College until about 5 years ago when I started to turn up for the regular dinners with the 59'ers
who came to Sydney.  Sentil never missed any opprtunity to catch up with anyone  from our group.  He was a soft spoken, quiet and a very
sincere mate who we will sadly miss and fondly remember. 

Please covey our sincere condolences to Sentil's family. 

Please let me know the date and time of his funeral. 

Best Regards 

Ranjan Chandrasena

---
Thank you for those photos Fazli,

I was hoping to catch up with the Sydney mates on my next trip possibly next year. Very sad I missed him.

Love

Sam.

Dr.Sidha Sambandan

---
 

We have 26 down now from a total batch of 225+ almost 45 years since leaving College

No doubt the frequency will probably increase as we move through time since life expectancy gets shorter with increase in time (no different to
Bella's Boyles Law of Pressure and Volume)

The beauty of it all is that we are still connected (thanks to technology), basically, due to our firm commitment of coming together with hearts and minds
based on the wonderful memories we have spent together at College.

There will probably come a time when only a few will be left behind to share and reminisce similar thoughts as and when our time comes up to move on.

I am sure the gallant voices are absolutely unanimous in the fact that they were the best years of all our lives?

Fazli 

---
WITHOUT A DOUBT FAZLI ……WITHOUT A DOUBT…..that is why we stay so well connected as we await our own individual call.
God Bless in the interim. Warmly, Skanda

EULOGY DELIVERED BY PALITHA MANCHANAYAKE

I’m Palitha Manchanayake, a class mate of Senthil.

I got to know Senthil about 58 years ago when we  entered  Royal Primary  School in 1953,  as 5 year olds.  I could still recollect,  how  we  used to play, in  the school play ground, during the interval.

We were at Royal Primary for 6 years,  and  then joined Royal College in 1959, thus forming  the ’59 Group.

Senthil was always there at the  College   Cricket matches on Fridays and Saturdays during the Cricket season.  He never missed out  any of the College Rugger matches, may it be Royal-Trinity, Royal-Thomian or any other matches.

In the  5^th Form, we both opted  to follow the Maths  Stream, and we were in Mr. Arasaratnam’s class where we completed a 2 year syllabus in 1 year.

Senthil  entered  the  Engineering Faculty at  Katubedda Campus and graduated as a  Mechanical Engineer in 1974.  He then joined the Walkers as a Project Engineer and continued to be there for very many years.  Senthil subsequently joined the Browns Group,  and  thereafter,  migrated to Australia with his family in 1989.

As an  active member of our ’59 Group in Sydney,  he was very keen to meet any of our guys visiting here. He never missed out  any of  our get to-gethers. The last occasion we met,  was on the  15^th of   December2010, where he enjoyed thoroughly,  talking about  the College days  and the fun we had.

Senthil was a  soft spoken,  mild,  calm  and  well-composed  person.   Over the years,  I have noticed,  that he has never  spoken  bad  of  any one.  He  had a very good rapport  with  everybody.  He  was truly a fine  gentleman,  and a sincere friend.

When we heard of Senthil’s sudden demise,  I sent an email around to our ’59 Group, and all were deeply shocked.  Messages  of  Condolence  came pouring in  from  all parts of the world  asking me to pass them on to his wife  Jeyamali  and daughter  Uma  and  son-in-law  Ramesh, which I did.

So on behalf of the ’59 Group,  also  of  the ’58 Group  ( I know Senthil had closer  links  with the  ’58 Group, some of them are present here today),  also  on  behalf  of  the  Old Boys’ Union of  Royal  College  in NSW  & ACT,  I should  mention that we  all  miss  Senthil  very much  and  our  fond memories will remain in our hearts.

Sep 8, 2010

DANIEL - ROBERT SHANTIKUMAR  Passed away peacefully on Tuesday Seventh September 2010 surrounded by his loving family in Melbourne, Australia.

Beloved husband of Beatrice Ranji Daniel, cherished and adored father of Sharon and Anne, father-in-law to Wilhelm and Richard and loving grandfather to

Michael, Kayne and Ave. Viewing Service will be held on Thursday 9th September, 7.00 p.m. at John Allison Monk House, Melbourne, Australia. Funeral Service

will be held on Friday 10th September, 2.00 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, Melbourne Australia. Telephone: 0061-3-88027765. 

May he Rest in Peace!

@@@@@@@@@@

June 30 2010

’59 GROUP AGM 2010

AGM of the ’59 Group was held   at 8.20 pm. on  the 12th June 2010, at the the VIP Room of the Colombo Oval (Tamil Union).

Folllowing were elected as office bearers.

President:                        S. Skandakumar

Hony. Secretary              J.U. de Livera

Hony. Treasurer              Anil Kannangara

Committee Members.      D.G. Wickremasinghe

                                      Sisira Wickremaarachchi

                                      M.B.M. Naizer

                                      Sunil Wimaladharma

Library Committee.         K.P.G. Fernando

                                      Charitha Ratwatta

                                      Sunil Wimaladharma

Tks/regds,

J.U. de Livera

Hony Secetary.

Apr 30 2010

Jan 14 2010

IN MEMORIUM – SUNIL ABEYSUNDERA

From: sue

To: 4s7cf@sltnet.lk

Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 12:34 AM

Subject: Demise of Bill

I wish to inform you with a sense of sadness of the demise of my husband Dr. Bill Benson [Sunil Abeysundera]. He passed away recently( 12 th April) and was cremated at a private ceremony according to his wishes.

Prior to his passing he provided me with a list of those he wished me to inform via email.

If you know of any others who may wish to know of Bill's passing please inform them.

Some of you may have known him as "NibiruET" on the Internet forums he participated in. If so kindly notify the membership, particularly the "PCLOS Backroom Forum" members.

Sincerely

Sue Benson

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apr 30 2010-04-30 Top honor for Sri Lankan professors in Hong Kong

Professor L P Samaranayake,  Professor Malik Peiris

Two Sri Lankan Professors were awarded the highest academic honor of the University of Hong Kong through bestowal of Endowed Professorships.

They are Professor Lakshman Samaranayake (awarded Tam Wah-Ching Professor in Dental Science) and Professor Malik Peiris (Tam Wah Ching Professor in Medical Science.)

Each endowed amounts to US$2.6 million and the interest proceeds will be utilized for research and development purposes by the recipient.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jan 14 2010

IN MEMORIUM – S L GUNASEKERA

It is with sadness i intimate to you the passing away of our beloved colleague S L Gunasekera (Sarath Lakdas Gunasekera) last night of a heart attack.

SL was an outstanding boxer in college and won the Junior Best Boxer's cup at the Stubb's Shield meet on his first appearance. Since leaving College he had a brief stint with the Sri Lanka Navy and there after took up management of his coconut property in Kuliyapitiya. He leaves his wife Padmini and two sons.

Cortege leaves residence - Pallewela Mills, Kurudelpotha Estate, Kulipitiya on  Saturday 16th January, 2010 at 2.00 pm for burial at Andiambalama Cemetry (Methodist Section) at 3.30 pm.

May he rest in peace!

Dec 25 2009

IN MEMORIUM - PRIYANATH DIAS

It was truly sad to receive an email notification from Colombo this mornming on the passing away of one of our Group Members,

Priyanath Dias of Panadura.

Priyanath had attended the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the '59 Group at the Galadari Meridian on Dec 20, where almost 80 of the

ole chaps, with their spouses, had met for a grand buffet Luncheon get-together.

Priyanath died in his sleep on Friday (Dec 25) night and his funeral will take place on Sunday Dec 27 at Panadura.

They leave us, one by one, surely we will follow suit, sooner or later, where we can all yell R*O*Y*A*L, in one voice, together, as we

have done over five decades ago.

MAY HE REST IN PEACE!

Dec 20 2009

50th Anniversary Celebrations held at the Galadari Meridian Hotel in Colombo

80 "young" '59 Groupers gathered together with their pretty wives at the Galadari Meridian Hotel in Colombo to meet again and enjoy a sumptious buffet lunch in celebrating the 50th Anniversary

of having joined Royal College, Colombo.

See pics at this link: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/rcpa01.html

October 2009

2009/2010 Office Bearers

President: S. Skandakumar

Hony Secretary:  J.U. de Livera

Treasurer:  Anil Kannangara

Committee Members

 M.B.M. Naizer

 D.G. Wickremasinghe

 Sisira Wickrema arachchi

Library Committee Members

K.P.G. Fernando

Charitha Ratwatte

Sunil Wimaladharma  

September 2009

July 2008

New Committee. 2008-2009

President: S. Skandakumar
Hony Secretary: J.U. de Livera
Treasurer: Anil Kannangara

COMMITTEE:

A.U.C. Suraweera
D.G. Wickremasinghe
Sisira Wickremaarachchi

LIBRARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

K.P.G. Fernando
Charitha Ratwatte
Sunil Wimaladharma

 Royal College ’59 Group AGM and Dinner at outgoing President G S C Peperas' Residence – June 2008

1.  Lal Abeysekera

2.  Metha Abeygunawardena & Wife

3.  Mrs. Vajira Ambepitiya (wife of the Late Justice Sarath Ambepitiya) & Son 

4   S.W. Athukorale

5.  S.T. Aziz & wife

6.  Sajee Bahar

7.  Nihal Canagasabey & Wife

8.  A.W.S. Cooke & wife

9.  M. Akram S. Dawood & wife

10. J. U. de Livera & wife

11. G. E. S. de Silva & wife

12. Gamini de Silva & wife

13. N. K. N. G de Silva

14. A. N. Dias & Wife

15. M. Fazliali & wife

16. Bryce Fernando & Wife

17. K. P. G. Fernando 

18. Panna Gooneratne & Saro

19. Nimal Gunaratne

20. Shiran Gunaratne & wife

21. Edward Hapuarachchi & Ramani

22. M. Hassim

23. U. C. Jayasinghe & wife

24. C. P. B. T. Jayasundera & wife

25. Sarath Jayatilaka & wife

26. Anil Kannangara

27. L. B. Kiriella & wife

28. Jayantha Kudahetty 

29. N. B. L. Lieverz - Chief Guest Colombo Leg of the Bradby

30. B. S. P. Mendis & Wife

31. M. B. M. Nizar & wife

32. D. Y. Padmaperuma

33. Nanda Palihakkara & Anoma

34. Jeremy Perera

35. Sarath Perera & Ranji

36. M. R. Perera

37. P. G. Perera

38. P. V. Perera

39. R. L. Perera

40. Sheila (Wife of the Late Mr. Rohan M. Perera) & Daughter

41. D. R. Pulleperuma & wife

42. R. Rajasooriyar

43. M. G. H. Salgado & wife

44. Rohantha Samarajeewa & wife

45. Preman Soysa

46. V. Satchithnandan

47. A. U. C. Suraweera

48. K. Suriyasinghe

49. Milan Silva

50. L. V. Talagala

51. K. M. Thotamune & Nirmali

52. Preman Soysa

53. Daya Weerasekera & wife

54. D. G. Wickremasinghe

55. Sisira Wickremaarachchi

56. Sunil Wimaladharma & Wife

57. Mrs. K. D. S. Wijesundera [Retd. Librarian]

58. Miss Maya Wijeratne Asst. Librarian

59. Miss. Ranjini Perera Fornmer Assistant

60 Vasasntha de Silva - RC'60 Group

Sunday Feb 11, 2007

A group of ‘59ers in Colombo came together at the Great Wall Hotel in Bambalapitiya to fete one of the group, D R Pulleperuma on his appointment as General Manager

of the Ceylon Electricity Board in Sri Lanka. 

P N Dias Abeygunawardena was the first to arrive at the Hotel at 1930 followed by Ruchi Perera and Tissa Jayaweera. Chief Guest Pulle walked in with Lady Pulleperuma

at 20:10 Hours.

Others who attended were Charitha, Panna & wife, Amaradasa & wife, Sunil Wimaladharma alias Bake & wife,  UC Jayasinghe & wife, Hapuarachchi, Chandra Prasad,

MBM Naizar, PH Wickremasinghe, DG Wickremasinghe, LC, Senthil Kumar, and Anil Kannangara.

Tissa apologizes if he has missed out any names since the spiritual levels may have exceeded their limits.

Ladies were treated to cooking demonstration of a Chinese dinner in 15 minutes by the Chefs of The Great Wall Hotel.

Spiritual upliftment contributions were made by Hapu and Pulle himself to ensure the gathering were all serenely content.

Additional contributions were made by Annil Kanna and Tissa J towards Chasers and other miscellaneous needs.

Regret was made by Sarath Perera in advance and Ranjan Madanayake at 2130

Thanks to Livera for conveying the event details verbally to those who are not on E Mail

Thanks to all those who attended. We had a good reunion on a proud occasion.

Tissa Jayaweera reporting from Colombo for RC '59 Group Goss.

Oct 17 2006

Personality
Portrait of an idealist's son

Suren Wickremesinghe

Both Suren's parents have planted their footprints firmly and surely in the sands of time in our country's history.. His father, Dr. S.A. Wickremesinghe, led the Ceylon Communist Party for many a decade.A doctor, by profession, from an affluent family in the South, he chose to devote his life,  to better the lives of the underprivileged. Suren's mother, Doreen, was British, and was the first foreign woman to be a member of an Asian Parliament, when she won a seat here in 1952. Dr. Wickremesinghe, as I remember him, would breathe fire and fury on election platforms, but was a most refined gentle softspoken man, who was on the best of terms socially with political opponents and those who held diverse political views. That was a time when that was common practice among politicians of all hues.

"Our lives did revolve round politics, and  wherever we were, we all rallied round my father at election time, going down south to participate in election campaigns, canvassing for him and so on. our home in Colombo too, was always full of politicians and political discussions, Classes were held there too, and we were encouraged to participate and to listen to them. My father was an idealist, had his views but always encouraged us to have open minds and make our own decisions about our careers and future." 

I recall a time when you were a keen artist, and President of The young artists group. Do you find time now for painting?  "Well, drawing and painting are very much a part of architecture. Both these and sculpture too, were part of my architectural course in Moscow right up to the 5th year. Attitudes to art were entirely different at that time. We would get the hall almost free for our exhibitions, and get  a lot of publicity from people like the late Denzil Peiris, who encouraged us. There would be no VIP openings. I recall walking up and down the street with large banners advertising our exhibitions and flagging people down to visit our exhibitions. The interest in art today is most heartening. It is so good to see artists from all walks of life exhibiting their work outside Viharamahadevi Park.Their work reflects modern thinking. Some paintings carry a serious message; the visitors too and buyers are from various strata of society. Some arrive in their Prados complete with gold bracelets and thick chains round their necks but the important thing is that they do buy art, which didn't happen so much when we were young."

Art is more important than the individual; even more important than the painter who creates it. A painter needs his gestalt - the peculiar combination of circumstances which enables him to express his particular version of the universe. We all search for truth, every writer seeks truth, every painter looks to interpret his vision, every musician seeks purity. That surely is the aim of mankind; the pursuit of the absolute through this world and the next.

 Was it your art which took you into the fascinating world of architecture?  " Actually, my first choice was motor engineering which is a far cry from art. Immediately after leaving school, I did a 4 year apprenticeship at Richard Pieris's motor workshop, going on to study this further at Moratuwa and Katubedde, through which I got a professional qualification from The Institute of Motor Industry of London. I was offered a  job by Richard Pieris at this stage but I opted to go to Moscow, for which I got a scholarship.   While there,  I found there were  53 different specialities of motor engineering to choose from. This resulted in some confusion, and  I finally decided on the Institute of Architecture, which   appealed to my aesthetic sense. The course was a six year one and I decided to do it."

Suren met his wife Tanya, a fellow architectural student in his first year, and I suspect it was  a  'coup d'foudre' (love at first sight)

"As you know, the rest is now history. We married in Moscow, our first baby, Maya, now a fully fledged architect who works with us was born there and we returned here in 1972. My intention was to join Town and Country planning, to be part of a UNDP team doing a master plan for Colombo. But my good friend from schooldays, the late Gemunu Fernando, persuaded me to start an architectural firm, Suren Wickremesinghe Associates together with him, Suranjith de Silva, Anura Ratnavibushana, Ashley de Vos,Tudor Sirisena and Tanya. A few years later, Tanya and I decided to go on our own and began Tanya and Suren, which still exists. Sasha, our son is studying architecture too, while Sonia, who is in Britain, is a pianist"

I recall Tanya and you doing a vast housing project at Hantana. Can you tell me something about it." That was a most satisfying and wonderful experience. President Premadasa was Minister of Housing and had a 1,000,000 houses project. We heard about his plans for Hantana and submitted our plan which was immediately accepted by him and I must stress that he was a most dynamic person to work with. Our plan showed how staggered, terraced modular houses could be built on hill slopes without cutting and filling.  We had a team of the best experts and every aspect for infrastructure including soil, sewage, water, electricity  was all gone into thoroughly. It is a source of pride for us that none of these houses have shown any signs of cracking. A three-bedroomed house on six perches which went for 265,000/= then is going for 6 million now."

Have you done any more housing schemes.? "We did a middle class housing scheme in Crows Island in Mattakuliya of 300 houses for  a Singaporean company  These were semi detatched houses  and we have done several interiors at The World Trade Centre. We are currently doing a project in Hambantota for the Ports Authority. Tanya and I do the design together and we have a team working for us. I do most of the running around"

I find these High-rises coming up all over Colombo, and feel most of these are rather haphazardly  planned. Many residents in the vicinity complain that their walls and foundations are cracking as a result. Another blot are offices being permitted in residential areas. Some of these are let to international organizations who are the worst offenders and use parking facilities which do not belong to them with no respect or regard for longtime residents. Would you like to comment on this as a former Chairman of the UDA.?

"The largest and most significant task undertaken by the UDA in my time was the Colombo Metropolitan Region Structure plan. This was the first comprehensive multi-disciplinary and inter-ministry plan undertaken. The study included active participation of many Ministries There was a zone system for building high rises and special residential areas where building could not go above ground and two floors. In spite of the turbulence around, the building trade is still booming which is why prices are so high."

Suren enjoys his role of grandfather to three lively toddlers,  looks forward to vacations with his family, in the ancestral home in the South and in Nuwa Eliya, where he is President of The Hill Club.There's always a sense of space with Suren, freedom and limitless horizons. He has both Honour and Integrity at a time when these two words seem to have lost their meaning.

Sep 3 2006

It’s more than a Bradby at stake

By Shamseer Jaleel Sunday Times 3 Sep 2006

It’s Bradby time once again. The talking point is on Royal and Trinity and how they would perform at this all important. encounter. Unlike in the past this year’s counts more than the “Bradby plum alone. The winners of this game will be in a higher plane next season while the other will languish in the ‘B’ division for another whole season. All three top teams in the division “B” Isipathana, Royal and Trinity are having equal chances for their promotion to the top league next year.

In the past on so many occasions, the team, which is weaker, has ended up turning tables. Intriguingly this year both sides are equally balanced with some hardy forwards and are set on a mission to hold on or to capture the custody of their cherished shield. The first leg of this Bradby encounter will be also a tournament game. But this year is a special one for the “Lions” as they are celebrating 100 years of rugby and this will be an ideal opportunity to finish their season on a winning note cemented with a promotion to the top division.

The match will be on September 9 at the Royal Sports Complex and following is the schedule for the games.

Under 12 - 2.15 pm
Under 14 – 2.40 pm
Under 16 – 3.00 pm
Under 18 – 3.45 pm
Under 20 – 4.45 pm

Bradby was on offer for the first time in 1945 when one of the Royal Principals E L Bradby (1939-1945) offered the trophy. Meanwhile Trinity was administrated by C E Simithrarachi offered for the under 17 trophy. In the initial game Royal was led by D L Fernando and the Trinitians were under R G Sourjah. Though Royal won the initial leg 3-0 Trinity came back strongly to take the Bradby when they beat the Reid Avenue school 6-0 in the second leg.

Trinity enjoyed the best series of wins from 1952-57 when they won the Bradby on 6 consecutive years. Royal’s best series of wins were from 2001-2004 winning for 4 years in-a-row. The 100th encounter between the two schools was played in 1983 in which Ashan Ratwatte led Trinity and Royal was led by Sriyan Cooray. Trinity won 20-16 on aggregate in this centenary encounter.

Only once in the history of the Bradby Shield has both games ended on equal points. In 1992 the first leg ended in a nil all draw and even the second leg too dead locked at 3 points a piece. Himesh Gunatilake led the “Lions” and Harindu Wijesinghe led the Reid Avenue School

Royal’s best victory in the series was in 2002 when they outclassed their arch foes in a two match series by 83 points to nil. Zulki Hameed led the Royal outfit in that year. The “Lions” hit back strongly after 4 years wait in 2005 when they simply outclassed and outplayed Royal in all the departments to aggregate 69 points to 13. Trinity was led by B N R Fernando with playmaker Pushpakumara being the architect behind their victory. This tiny scrum half will be remembered by the rugby lovers for may years as he looked a carbon copy of Michael Jayasekera (present Vice President –SLRFU).

Trinity are leading the tally with 33 wins to Royal’s 27 with one game ending in a tie.

Trinity under national youth player Imalka Maddumapatabendi opened the 2006 season with a warm up against St Sylvester’s beating them 21-7. Next they beat Army also in a warm-up at 20-14. Their preparation for the Centenary game against Kingswood was hampered when St Peter’s pulled out from their annual encounter without a valid reason. Though they lost to the defending league champions Kingswood 10-16 they crossed their opponents’ line on no less than two occasions. The major setback for Trinity in this game was place kicking, which cost them many a point that should have come their way. In their next encounter they retained the Canon de Saram trophy when they beat the Thomians 12-0. Then they ended the seven-year hoodoo by beating the Katugastota Antonians convincingly by 24 points to 13. While participating in the “B” division they recorded the highest points for the season when they rampaged to a 112-3 win over a shell-shocked Science College and continued their good form by inflicting defeats on Joes 38-20, Vidyartha 34-3 and Rajans 36-0.

The Royal outfit enjoyed a consistent year of rugby this season. They are led by nippy scrum half Chammika Sandaruwan. They opened the season against St Peter’s in a friendly encounter beating them 13-6. Then they followed it up with convincing wins over Science College (42-0), St Joseph’s (39-0), Vidyartha (31-7) and Dharmaraja (37-12). Finally they met their waterloo in their tussle against Isipatana in their own back yard by crashing to a 22-7 defeat. And thus lost the custody of the Maj Milroy Fernando Trophy. Without any doubt the finds of the season are the hooker Bilal Hassen and crack and dynamite number 8 Diran Warunakularusiya who have out fought their opponents time and again.

May 22 2006

May 22 2006

Apr 9 2006

Mar 2006

Guys, do take a look at the blog created for Kadalay of Royal at http://kadalayroyal.blogspot.com which is meant to capture, collect and record all the wonderful stories, events and sayings about good ole Kadalay.

Nov 2005

Indira Samarasekera, wife of Harsha (HDP) Samarasekera (Sam) has been appointed President of the University of Alberta in Vancouver BC, Canada. This is, indeed, a great achievement and a moment of pride for all of us as well as the rest of Sri Lanka

http://www.president.ualberta.ca/index.cfm

TENNEKOON - ASHLEY (Formerly Staff St. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa) (Librarian Royal College, Colombo) (Lake House). Son of late Mr and Mrs. E.V.W. Tennekoon, dearly beloved brother of Mignonne, Indra, late Yvonne, Stanley, Wensley, Rukmani and Malini, expired. Cortege leaves Mahinda Funeral Parlour, Mount Lavinia on 8th Saturday at 10.00 a.m. for Cremation at Galkissa Crematorium. Service at 9.30 a.m. Remains will lie at funeral parlour from 3 p.m. on Friday 07th to 10.00 a.m. on 8th Saturday. 11/4, Uyankelle Road, Panadura.

DN Obituary Sat Jan 8 2005

'59 Group Get Together: sent in by JL Daya de Silva from Colombo Mon Dec 13 2004

This is specially to those who were abroad and couldn’t make it while in Sri Lanka. 

59’ Group news. 

Day before (2004-12-11) night an informal get together of 59’ Group was held at GSC (Sarath) Perera’s residence where a large gathering of members and their spouses attended. 

Sarath hosted the dinner and special invitees were 10 of the surviving masters including Madam Weerabaddana together with incumbent Principal Mr. Gunasekera a Young one. 

M/s. Bogoda Premaratne, RIT Alles, L. Samararatne (Pol Tokka) ,G.W de Silva (Kota Silva) , Wickramasena, Viji Weerasinghe, Wariapola, Tosai, TDSA Dissanayake and Madam Weerabaddana were present. 

Cost of Entire Dinner was borne by GSC and the Group collected donations LKR 500/- upwards and presented with a token Gift Voucher of LKR 5000/- each which was a symbolic appreciation of the great service rendered by the teachers. 

KKS Amaradasa, Lucky Kiriella made speeches on behalf on 59’ G and Mr. RITA, Bogoda Premaratne  returned with appreciative orations. Mr. Premaratna’s one was very interesting and lengthy and well received. 

It was an emotional night spent with the notable absentee Sarath Ambeypitiya whose heroic death reverberated sentiments of varying nature and everyone was willingly or unwillingly forced to look back where we stand in the degradatory march to oblivion.

Sarath Ambepitiya - High Court Judge

While expressing deep sympathies on the killing of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya:

We will not be deterred by such cowardly and insidious acts - High Court Judges' Association Secretary

by Sarath Malalasekera

"We will assure the nation as a whole that we will not be deterred in performing our duties by such cowardly and insidious acts of those who operate outside the boundaries of decency, humanity and compassion," said High Court Judges' Association Secretary Ms. Rohini Perera yesterday.

The Colombo High Court Judge Ms. Rohini Perera said that the High Court Judges are shocked at the cruel and insensitive way in which the life of Justice Sarath Ambepitiya was lost in broad day light near his official residence.

This is no doubt a mean and insidious way of threatening the Judiciary from performing their duties in the way they had always performed for the protection and security of the nation.

"It must be clearly stated that the judiciary can never be threatened in any shape or form whatsoever and are determined to maintain the high standard in the dispensation of Justice which we have always maintained without fear or favour or partiality," the High Court Judges' Association Secretary added.

Judge Ms. Rohini Perera emphasised that the implementation of the death penalty as from yesterday, November 20, 2004, is no doubt a firm signal which President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga using her Executive Power has sent to those who may in the future contemplate laying of rash hands on the ark of Justice.

On behalf of the High Court Judges Ms. Rohini Perera extended the deepest sympathies to the family of the late Justice Sarath Ambepitiya.

The Royal College '59 Group in a message said: "We deeply regret the loss of a dear friend and a colleague, High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya, who has sacrificed his life for being an honest, upright and fearless judge and a citizen of Sri Lanka".

Sarath Ambepitiya High court judge shot dead in Sri Lanka 's capital

It is with deep regretand much sorrow that we bring to your notice the  Brutal Killing of our dear friendand colleague of the '59 Group, Sarath Ambepitiya.

As most of you are living abroad for your information Late Sarath Ambepitiya was a High Court Judge in Colombo.

In 2002, Ambepitiya sentenced the elusive leader of the Tamil Tiger rebels to 200 years in prison after convicting him in absentia of planning a 1996 bombing that killed 91 people in the Sri Lankan capital.

The judge issued an arrest warrant for Tiger head Vellupillai Prabhakaran, 47, whom he found guilty of conspiracy in the truck bombing of the Central Bank. The explosion also wounded 300 people while destroying the bank and other buildings in the city center. 

Bandu Dissanayake

Monday, Oct 25, 2004: This appeared in 'Interact' a two-monthly newsletter issued by The Committee for Sri Lanka, edited by Shyamon Jayasinghe, (the original narrator of Maname') who is now here in Melbourne. It is about our very own '59er, Bandu Dissanayake, sometime a hosteller. His family produces the weekly SL TV hour . It goes to air on a Sunday morning, premium watching time here, which is no mean triumph considering how competitive different ethnic and interest groups are in demanding good timeslots for TV. Am only sorry I can't reproduce his picture for you. His wife Mihiri puts the news footage obtained from SL together and reads the news, while his son Tharake, a budding doctor, is front man and anchors the show with a charming young lady of their acquaintance. 

OUR FOLK IN THE MAINSTREAM

By Esjay

Interact features two Sri Lankan Australians for their special demonstration of working successfully with the social mainstream in this country:

GALLILEO OF GLEN WAVERLEY

Who in the Sri Lankan community of Victoria hasn’t heard of Bandu Dissanayake? Everyone would say “I have”. But have you ever known Bandu as a star gazer in the tradition of Galileo? Only a handful would say “yes”

The first thing that touches you these days when you visit Bandu’s palatial home in Glen Waverley are the telescopes-large as life in his lounge. His very capable and talented wife, Mihiri, does not mind this location for Bandu’s toys.

Bandu Dissanayake has many achievements in the Australian mainstream. He was recently elected Supper President of Dandenong Lions Club- a position held all these numerous years by an Anglo-Celtic Australian. As president, Bandu has many projects in the stream- all connected toward improving the quality of life for Dandenong school playgrounds, childrens’ playgrounds, and heart walkers for kids.

Bandu Dissanayake came to Australia in the year 1981 having spent 12 years in England where he qualified as a Chartered Engineer. He presently works as Manager Systems Development at Nissan in Melbourne . He is also Member of the Institute of Marketing and Member of the Astronomical Society of Melbourne. As far as the local Sri Lankan community is concerned, Bandu had been founder member of the 3ZZZ Community Radio, founder member of the Sinhala Cultural and Community Services Foundation, President SCATS, founder of SCATS Elders’ Welfare Society (SEWA), and founder of the Dandenong Buddhist Meditation Society. He is known to contribute generously toward community charities.

Bandu Dissanayake lives with his wife and two sons

Wednesday June 23 2004

OBITUARY: FERNANDO - C.T.M. (Former Principal Royal College, Colombo 7, Retd. Director of Education & Consultant National Institute of Education). Dearly beloved husband of Kusuma (Principal Buddhist Ladies College & former Principal Girls High School, Mt. Lavinia), loving father of Harsha (Attorney General's Dept.), Pabhashi (Cambridge University, UK), and Yuresha (Attorney General's Department), loving brother of Quintus, Pearl and Aloy. Remains lie at 51 A, Bogahahena Road, Battaramulla. Funeral arrangements will be notified later.

Former Royal College Principal passes away

Former Royal College Principal, Mr. C. T. M. Fernando passed away on Tuesday the 22nd after a brief illness.

Mr. Fernando, a leading educationist, graduated from the University of London offering a unique combination of subjects - English, Sinhala and Pali. He received his postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Peradeniya and also studied linguistics and phonetics. He continued his studies in Edinburgh.

He commenced his career as an Assistant Teacher in English language and literature at St. Mary's College, Matugama in 1952 where he later became Vice Principal.

He was one of the youngest to be appointed as a grade 1 Principal, serving in Weeraketiya Central College and thereafter at Karawita and Seevali Central Colleges.

He later functioned as a Regional Director of Education, Hambantota district from 1975-1980.

He was appointed as the Principal of Royal College in 1981. Mr. Fernando's tenure at Royal from 1981 to 1986 coincided with the 150th anniversary celebration during which period Royal experienced major educational, institutional and infrastructural reforms.

He was acknowledged as an independent and a strict disciplinarian and a high standard of discipline was maintained during this era and Royal excelled in academic and extra curricular spheres.

His contribution to the field of education continued even after retirement. He authored a large number of publications on different aspects of education and school management.

Post retirement he was the founder principal of Scarborough International School, Ratnapura, Principal, St. Nicolas International College, Colombo and an Education Consultant to the National Institute of Education where he was serving as a Member of the Academic Affairs Board at the time of his demise.

He leaves behind his wife Kusuma, Principal, Buddhist Ladies College, son Harsha, State Counsel, Attorney General's Department and two daughters Pabhashi, PhD student at University of Cambridge, UK and Yuresha also State Counsel of the Attorney General's Department.

His remains will leave his residence No. 51A, Bogahahena Road, Battaramulla on Thursday June 24 at 11.30 a.m. to lie in state at Royal College and thereafter the cremation will take place at General Cemetery, Borella at 3.00 p.m.

Thursday June 17 2004

Received by e-mail from G Salgado (retired Librarian) in Colombo

Monday Mar 8 2004

E-Mail from HDP Samarasekera (SAM) in Vancouver, Canada

To: Tissa Jayaweera <tissa@itmin.com>

Dear Tissa: 

Greetings from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This has been my home since 1977. Prior to that I spent two years in Davis, California, USA. I left Sri Lanka in 1975. There aren’t too many Old Royalists in this part of the country, and hardly any from the ’59 Group. Following are a few names that I know from our batch that resides in Canada/ USA:

P.Chandrakanthan –Toronto, Ontario, Canada  - Deceased. 

P.T. Chandrasoma (Para) – Pasadena, California, USA 

O.K.P.Gunasekera – San Diego, California, USA 

C. Krishnarajan (Krish) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

Firoz Nilam – New Jersey, USA 

C.L.A.K. Perera – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

R.M.S. Perera – California, USA 

A.P. Ponanbalam – New Jersey, USA 

S.Rathnathicam – Portland, Oregon, USA 

S.L.Samaratunga – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 

J.Satchithanandan – South Carolina, USA – Deceased 

I.R.Thurairatnam (Mousy) – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 

H.R.Dandeniya - London, England 

G.E.C.Jebanesan - Sydney, Australia 

A.Senthilkumaran - Sydney, Australia

Harindra Samarasekera (SAM) <samarasekerah@telus.net>

Note; Some of the others of the Group who live and work overseas, as per my records are as follows:- Fazli Sameer

Dr S. Sambandan, UK

Shah Jahan Bahar, Australia

Muhammad Monty Cassim, Japan

R Chandrasena, Australia

Maurice D Chapman, Australia

A F Nigel de Kretser, Australia

B Dissanayake, Australia

Muhammad Fazli Sameer, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

M Sarath Fernando (Goiya), UK

Russel A Geddes, Australia

V B Godamunne, Australia

Rev Roger Adrian Herft, Australia/NZ

S R Jayasinghe, UK

Graham Koch, Xian, China

D C P Karunaratne, UK

A B Kulatunga, Australia

Kamaludeen Irshad Mahmud, Germany

Palitha Manchanayake, Australia

D P G Mendis, Australia

Prof A Suri Ratnapala, Australia

S Rama Sellamuttu, Australia

Muhammad Arooz Sheriff, LA, USA

Anthony Don V Walpola, Australia

Ravi Wickremaratne, Australia

R G Wickremasinghe, UK

Monday Mar 1 2004

Royal College '59 Group Get-together 2004
 
Our Class Mates as given above have confirmed they will be in Colombo for the Royal Thomian Cricket Match.  They would like to meet as many as possible as they have not met most of us for  a very long period .
 
We have decided to invite them for dinner at the TAMIL UNION CRICKET CLUB ( P Sara Stadium)  on 10th March 2004. (venue changed from Otters Aquatic Club to P Sara Stadium)
 
In order to have maximum participation, prices will be kept at a lower rate .. Rs. 350/- per person.
 
A cash bar will also be made available , but if you like you could bring your own liquor.
 
If you have other engagements please drop in even for a few minutes.
 
We have experienced difficulty in reminding over the phone and it would be of great assistance, if you will kindly confirm your participation before the 5th March , to the undersigned  be return e mail or on telephone: 4812470 (res) or 2916832 (res)
or to D.G. Wickremasinghe on 2588919 

Anthony Walpola (Polos), S.J. de Silva (Jaani), from OZ will be present at this occasion and we are aware that Jeremy Perera (OZ) and C.J Weerasooriya are expected to be in Colombo and any member who has contact with them , please invite them to be present on this occasion.

E-Mail Addresses of the Gang:

Sep 2003: A new Committee of Management was elected comprising the following:-

President: A KODIKARA, 19A Deal Place, Colombo 3 - Tel +94-11-257-7515

Secretary: J.U. de Livera, 282/8, Sriyakantha Gardens, Waragoda Road, Kelaniya. Tel. Res. +94-11- 2916832 or +94-11- 74-812470.

Treasurer: Upali Suraweera,  25 A, Prathibimbarama Road, Kalubowila, Dehiwala. Tel. Res.  +94-11-276-4978

Committee: Ranjan Madanayake,  D.G. Wickremasinghe, M.H. Subasinghe

Library Committee: Charitha Ratwatte,   K.P.G. Fernando, Sunil Wimaladharma

E-Mail received from the new Secretary, J U de Livera jusel@zeynet.com

Aug 2003 Group Reunion

Several members of the Group participated in the 2003 '59 Group Reunion which was held in conjunction with the first leg of the Bradby Shield Rugger match held in Colombo. One of the long lost mates who graced the occasion were HDP Samarasekera, all the way from the Western Coast of Canada. The event was organized by none other than the dynamic Ranjan Madanayake together with the committee of management of the Group.

Jun 2003: Obituary

NAVARATNAM THAVANEETHARAJAH   Retired Teacher Royal College and Jaffna Hindu College; Cricketer and Rugby Player of Royal College expired on 22­06­2003. He is the beloved husband of Uma and dearly loved by his son Pretheeban (Student, Veterinary Medicine Peradeniya), dear brother of Doctor Navaneetharajah and brother­in­law of Dr Beatrice Jessie and uncle of Sanjayan (Air Lanka) and Doctor Prithiva, beloved son of the late Mr C. Navaratnam (Divisional Superintendent of Post Offices) and Katpaham of “Kurukaddu” Urumperai East, son­in­law of late Mr & Mrs Thambimuttu. Remains will lie at   Barney Raymond’s Funeral Parlour, Borella from Tuesday to Wednesday evening, thereafter at  267/11, Galle Road, Kollupitiya from 8.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. on Thursday. Funeral will take place according to Hindu Rites from 1.30 p.m to 3.30 p.m Cortege leaves at 4.00 p.m. for Cremation at 5.00 p.m. Kanatte Crematorium, Borella.

Joyful coming together of 'Royal family'
By Sajeewan Wijewardana
This year's Royal College Parade will take on a novel air as the College Union plans to instill a carnival atmosphere with elephants, horses, army band, racing carts and the whole student body from year one to 13 hitting the streets of Colombo on September 6.

RCU chairman Rizan Nazeer told a news conference yesterday that this would be the fifth walk and the second parade.

It's main objective is to collect funds for the construction of a Career Guidance Centre and a Scout Centre for the students and is sponsored by National Savings Bank and National Lotteries Board.

"As usual we expect the Prime Minster to flag it off as last year and the walk would commence at 4 pm from the college premises, proceeding along the Flower Road to Galle Road, Bullers Road and ending up at the sports complex at 6.30 pm. We expect over 10,000 students, old boys, parents and well-wishers to participate including some parliamentarians as well".

The parade would end with a food and musical extravaganza with Bathiya and Royalist Santush in concert with a retinue of other stars to finish off the eventful day in style.

A fireworks display and a children's area are also on the cards.

RCU Assistant Secretary Abaya Amaradasa said that they hope to collect about seven million rupees.

"Last year we collected six million rupees, this time we hope the public will fund this noble cause as they did last year," he said.

Principal of the Royal H. L. B. Gomes said that the event would bring the "Royal" family together once again and urged everyone to take part.

"This is a chance to repay the debt to your Alma Mater," he said.

Mar 2003: E-Mail received from Prasanna Mendis in Australia prasman@bigpond.com:

Just to let you know that our good pal Hema is no more, as informed by one of the many batch mates who gave a helping hand to him in the last year and a half when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. This note to me is from Nihal Canagasabey. Friends in SL, please excuse me letting you know something which you may have known better than me.    Still, Nihal's note is a warm one which is good to read. Regards    ______    Prasanna. Sent: Friday, March 21, 2003 1:18 AM 

E-Mail from Nihal Canagasabey: nihal@slt.lk 

Dear Pras,   Trust you received my previous email regarding Hema Bamunawela.  This is  just a short update to say that Hema passed away at 7 pm last night.  It was  a merciful release from, in his case, this wicked world. He is going to be  missed by many of us.   In case anyone needs to know his residential address was:-   1/1 Fernando Place  Off Waidya Road  Dehiwela  Tel: 722 562   He leaves behind a Sister and niece, for whom he cared very, very much. To  say he lived 'for them' would not be incorrect.  In fact I always felt that  his being a bachelor was so that he could do more for them.  That was the  Hema some of us loved.   regards   Nihal

Obituary: BAMUNAWELA, HEMA    

Beloved brother of Chamindra, loving uncle of Kalani, expired. Cortege leaves Mahinda Funeral Parlour, Mount Lavinia at 1.30 p.m. for Cremation at Galkissa Crematorium 2.00 p.m. on 22nd Saturday.  No. 1/2, Fernando Place, off Waidya Road, Dehiwela.  22-03-2003

The death of Mrs Leelawathie Beatrice Bandara-Kiriella, mother of Lakshman Kiriella, Minister, was also announced in the SL newspapers in March 2003 as follows:-

BANDARA KIRIELLA LEELAWATHI BEATRICE (BETA)  of Weedagama Walawwa. Wife of late Eustace, mother of Nirmanee, Palitha (P.B), Nihal (N.B), Lakshman (L.B), Rohan (R.B) and Malkanthi, mother-in-law of Anandan, Khema, Jennifer, Charmaine, Rosemary and Nihal Marambe, expired. Cortege leaves residence   159, Alakeshwara Road, Ethul-Kotte on Saturday 15th at 4 p.m. for Cremation at Borella, Kanatta at 5 p.m. 15-03-2003

Jun 2002: Obituary

The death of Jayantha Kudahetty's father has been announced in the Sri Lanka Daily News of Friday May 7, 2002 as follows:-

KUDAHETTY - T.P. DE S. (Turin)   Dearly beloved husband of late Nancelia (Dinky), loving father of Jayantha & Rukmal, fatherin-law of Visakha & Nirantha, grandfather of Dilshan Dinesh, Sachini & Avanthi, expired. Cortege leaves at 9.00 a.m. for Cremation at the General Cemetery, Kanatte at 10.00 a.m. on Saturday 8th June.   37A, Raymond Road, Nugegoda. No flowers please. 

All Group Members in Sri Lanka who are able to attend the funeral are kindly requested to convey the condolences of all the others who are unable to make it to the funeral. Several e-mails have been received from Australia expressing their condolences.

Jayantha is currently the Director of Marketing of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL).

May 19 2002 - Obituary

True Tales of Terror from the ‘59er Days 

A palm-sweating experience of finding self and a pal seated right next to Nondi Senaratne, Kataya's bunching pal, at the Majestic Theatre at a matinee.  Luckily, he was full of approval for our taste , and never dobbed us in. – Prasanna Mendis /Australia

Many times have encountered loose-neck Gunaratnem at places in school time,

but never bothered, and he too would have been too far away mentally to know or care. - – Prasanna Mendis / Australia

Cutting college during the 2:10 interval wasn’t I surprised to bump into Dudley driving past on Thurstan Road when he pulled up by the curb and had me get in the car and brought me back to College and almost suspended me from my O levels). – Fazli Sameer / Riyadh, Saudi Arabia