R60 Souvenir

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Richmond 60 ClubCommemorating our deceased friends,13th September 2014





Forever in Our Hearts Gone, yet not forgotten, Although we are apart, Your spirit lives with us, Forever in Our hearts. Today we remember you! ~ The Richmond 60 Club ~ 1



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MARSH DODANWELAFounder President ‘Richmond 60 Club’Born – 24th November 1917 Departed – 4th September 2004Cricketer, Athlete and PrefectFounder Member and the First President of the Richmond 60 ClubFounder Chairman and Managing Director of Steuart Group of Companies May he attain nibbāna ! Richmond 60 Club 3

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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT - RICHMOND 60 CLUBLast year in 2013, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee, where we commemorated ourPast Principals. At the Annual General Meeting held on 7th December 2013, it wasproposed that we commemorate our deceased members during the ensuing year,2014. This proposal was unanimously accepted.One may ask why we commemorate these members. It is an expression ofgratitude for what they thought and did in forming the Richmond 60 Club. ThisSouvenir is the joint effort of their friends, relatives, and schoolmates, and isdedicated to their fond memory.It is my earnest hope that ceremonies such as this will be held as deemedappropriate in the years to come.Thank You,Amara Wijenaike,President,Richmond 60 Club.September 2014 5

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C. W. W. KANNANGARA Father of Free Education, Minister,MP and a distinguished Richmondite 7

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Dr. W. DahanayakeDistinguished Richmondite, MP andfirst Prime Minister from the South 9

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL, RICHMOND COLLEGERichmond 60 Club, membership of which forms an elite group of very loyalRichmondites, has been setting standards for others junior in age to emulate.Commemoration of its deceased members and publication of a souvenir to markthe occasion is a timely gesture indeed. Richmond College has served thecommunity well offering a wholesome education, which Plato defined as the firstand fairest thing that the best of men can ever have.Many a member of Richmond 60 Club have done justice to their alma mater byserving the society in many ways, both here and abroad. Richmondites are everso grateful to their alma mater for giving them that solid foundation to servehumankind.It gives me immense joy to respond to the request made by the OrganisingCommittee to send a message to the Souvenir published in Commemoration of itsdeparted brethren.A Souvenir dedicated to those who had laboured untiringly in the past, is a tributeshowing the gratitude and perpetuate the Richmond name. Each succeedinggeneration could use this souvenir as a documentation of the history ofRichmond. It will also provide a guide in doing their duty in future.I sincerely wish to extend my best wishes to the organizing committee and alldistinguished members of the Richmond 60 Club. I am certain they will have thestrength to carry on with their valuable contribution to its alma mater, and theyounger generations will always look up to them for rightful guidance.E. M. S. Ekanayake,Principal,Richmond College.1st September 2014 11

MESSAGE FROM A FORMERPRESIDENT AND PRINCIPAL 12

Message/Reflections from Chairman Organizing Committee 13

In Fond Remembrance of All Our Friends of the Richmond 60 Club\" Who shared with us The Ideals and Traditions of RichmondBut who are no more with us “They had spent their youth at RichmondAnd Her Spirit Gladly Caught J. H. L. 14

RICHMOND 60 CLUBDECEASED BRETHRENA Cammar, A. B. H Cader, Dr. ZainAbeygunawardene, Clarence Colin-Thome, Hon. PercyAbeygunawardene, GurneyAbeygunawardene, R. D. DAbeygunawardene, WilkinAbeywardena, Hope Dahanayake, Dr.W.Abeywardena, J. S. P. Dodanwela, Marsh HAbeywardena, Percy Dassanaike, Ivor ChrisanthaAdhihetty, Berty De Alwis, Chandra F. P.Adhihetty, Percy De Alwis, ElmoAmarasekera, C. H. S De Lanerolle, KennethAmarasinghe, Marcus De Mel, WaddyAmarawardena, D. D. De Saa Bandaranayake,Abeygunawardene, Hercules BertremDias De Silva, CecilAbeygunawardene, A. R. Dias De Silva, Cyril‘Nanda’ De Silva, Dr. M. J. P (Percy),Abeygunawardene, Hema De Silva, H. L. C. RoyDias De Silva, K. V. JustinAbeynaike, M. N. De Silva, P. H. S. S. AriyapalaAttapattu, D. C. De Silva, RanjanAbeygunawardene, M. C. Dias De Silva, Rev. Shelton De Silva, UpathissaB Dissanaike, Prof. George A. Dissanaike, EdmundBalasuriya, T. W. BenjaminBandaranayake, Alan De Saa Dissanaike, VernonBarrie, A. R. H. Domingo, H. L.Bibile, Chandra Dias, G.R.WBandaranayake, Bert Dodanwela, Willie Dharmadasa, M.AC De Silva, G. W. S. De Silva, TilakCassim, M. C. T. De Silva, K.V.NewtonCorea, Malcolm De Silva, Merle 15

De Alwis, Mervin Jayawickrema, Major MontegueE Jansz, LorenszEdirisinghe, Dr. Vere Jayasekera, Arthur Fredric Jayasinghe, D. A.F Jayasinghe, E.R. Jayasinghe, M. A.Fernando, Eardley Jayasinghe, Stanley Jayasuriya, E. P. P.G Jayasuriya, Tudor Jayawardena, ChildersGoonethileke, Kingsley Jayawardena, IvanGunetilleke, Richard Jayawardena, QuintusGoonetileke, Dr. Ian ‘HAI’ Jayawickrema, ErollGunaratne, H. D. Jayasundera, D.MGunasekera, Edmund DiasGunasekera, H. D. ‘Harry’ KGunasekera, Justice W.Gunasekera, Sarath Kahaduwarachchi, UpasenaGunasekera, U. L. Krause, H. V. AGunawardena, B. O. W. Kudahetty, T. P. ‘Turin’ de SGoonewardena, Walter E. L SheddenGurusinghe, Oliver Ladduwahetty, Dr. StanleyGunasekera, Gunasilu Liyanage, Claude Liyanage, Dr. HectorH Lanerolle, W. A.Herath, E. B. MHerath, Eric John HenryHerath, Ernie Mendis, E. P. Mohamed, A. B. NI Mohotti, E. S. Munasinghe, ArthurIsmail, M. S. Magdon Munasinghe, T. D. Moragoda, A .E. GogerlyJ Munasinghe, S.K Mendis, Ivor 1

N UNanayakkara, P. D. G. Uragoda, Dr. H. C.Nandasena, W. D. Uragoda, S. L.P VPathirana, P. U. Vijeratnasingham, V. A.Peiris, Donald Fredrick Vithana, GodwinPeiris, WintonPerera, Ignatias Sextus WPerera, Isaac BoydPerera, Nissanka Waidyaratne, NormanPhillips, George Warusavithane ,Piyadasa, P. G. TerrancePiyasena, M.E Weerasinghe, L. U. Weerasinghe, W.R Weerasooriya, Bertram Weerasooriya, HubertRanaweera, D.D. Weerasuriya, R. D. S. Wickremasinghe, DerrickS Charles ‘Dickie’Silva, P.H.William Wickremasinghe, S.Sahabandu, P. G. Wijedoru, D. P. M.Saheed, M. Marzook Wijegunawardene, UpatissaSaheed, A.M (Hamza) Wijeweera, D. O. C.Samaranayake, Melville Earl Wijewickrema, Dr. D.Samarasinghe, J. C. Wimalasuriya, BertySamaraweera, Harold Wimalasuriya, M.Senaratne, Daphne Wirasinha, V. L.Sirimane, Douglas Wickremasinghe, IndraniSiriwardena, Godwin AbeywardeneSiriwardene, Dr.Jeewa Withana, Godwin-?Subasinghe, J. W. Wanigatunge, JimSuriarachchi, S. M. Wirasinghe, IvanSeneviratne, B.S Wickremasinghe, StephenSyms, D.G Waidyaratne, S. A. D. K 3

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Remembering Norman James WaidyaratneBorn 20th February 1917 Deputy SpeakerMember for Parliament BalapitiyaFondly remembered by Dr. M. A. J. Mendis 19

Remembering Tudor JayasuriyaRichmond College Cricket Captain 1961 Attorney-at-LawDr. Nisantha Bandaranayake 20

Remembering Mohammed Marzook SaheedMohamed Marzook Saheed, born on 10th June 1942 joined the LowerKindergarten (LKG) of Richmond College on 22nd January 1947 as a Day Scholarto Winchester House. By then his elder brothers were already at Richmond.Popularly known as Marzook Saheed, he was an outstanding personality andmade an impression on teachers and fellow students alike with his all-roundabilities. He won the Sinhala prize regularly and was a good Sinhala orator and amember of the College debating team. He prided himself calling the “SinhalaThambiya”. He took part in almost all sports for his house- Winchester in theearly days and later on, the Sneath House.His contribution to the College Concerts and Drama was outstanding in that hewrote many a scripts during the period of Mr. G. K. Haththotuwegama.Marzook Saheed loved to boast that he had the distinction of being the firstMuslim to be the Senior Prefect and won the prestigious ‘Colombo Old Boys Prize’in the year 1963.However, his contribution to the Richmond College Union Colombo isoutstanding as it was Marzook Saheed giving leadership, along with a handful ofOld Boys in Colombo, who revived the ‘Richmond College Old Boys Association –Colombo Branch’ in the mid-1970s at a time all activities had come to a stand stillfor few years.Thereafter he took an active role in the RCOBA and RCU Colombo activities andwas the President of Richmond College Union Colombo in the year 2004. ‘May he find peace in his eternal rest’. Fondly remembered by Oliver G. Guruge 21

In memory of all those departed friends who are being memorialised in this publication; and in celebration of thelives of the following great Richmondites that I was privileged to know, and who inspired me, as teachers, teammates, schoolmates, or distinguished old boys: Gamini Haththotuwagama, Lalith Edirisinghe, Nanda Dias Abeygunawardene, Percy Adhihetty, IndraniAbeywardena, R. D. Abeygunawardene, Berty Adhihetty, Hema Dias Abeygunawardene, Percy Abeywardena, C. H. S. Amarasekera, T. W. Balasuriya, Alan Bandaranayake, Marsh Dodanwela, Cecil De Silva, Kenneth De Lanerolle, Elmo de Alwis, H. L. Domingo,Dr. W. Dahanayake, Rev. Shelton De Silva, Cyril De Silva, Viola de Alwis, Chandra de Alwis, Ranjan De Silva, Dr. Ian Goonetileke, Harry Gunasekera, Oliver Gurusinghe, Justice W. Gunasekera, Sarath Gunasekera, M. S. Magdon Ismail, Eroll Jayawickrema, ChildersJayawardena, Quintus Jayawardena, Ivan Jayawardena,D. A. Jayasinghe, Stanley Jayasinghe, Tudor Jayasuriya, E. R. Jayasinghe, Dr. Stanley Ladduwahetty, Claude Liyanage, K. M. de Lanerolle, A. E. Gogerly Moragoda, E. P. Mendis, Yasapalitha Nanayakkara, Winton Peiris, Boyd Isaac Perera, P. G. Piyadasa, Nissanka Perera, Shermin Perera, D. D. Ranaweera, Daphne Senaratne, P. G. Sahabandu, M. A. Saheed, J. W. Subasinghe, J. C. Samarasinghe, Harold Samaraweera, A. M. Saheed, Justice Percy Colin-Thome, D. P. M. Wijedoru, Berty Wimalasuriya, V. L. Wirasinghe, Norman Waidyaratne, Herbert Weerasooriya, Godwin Vithana, and Terrance Warusavithane. Nandasiri Jasentuliyana (J.L.N. De Silva 1949-1958) 22

Remembering A. D. AmarawardenaBorn on 14th Dec 1913, Mr. Andrias Dias Amarawardena studied up to Yr. 3 at theRippon Girls Boarding School. He joined Richmond in 1922 during Rev. A. A.Sneath’s tenure as Principal and left the school after Cambridge Senior in 1933.At school he took part in many extracurricular activities and was a member of thesenior football team. The fact that he lived in the premises adjoining Richmondobviously made it easier for him to spend more time at school. All five of hisbrothers attended Richmond. One brother, D. D. Amarawardena (later Lt. Col.and a medical doctor), was the cricket captain in 1936.The article he wrote in the 125th anniversary magazine of the College in 2001 givesa good insight to the life at school in its early days.He joined the Railway Department in 1945. He was known to many train travelersas the long serving Station Master of Richmond Hill until his retirement in 1975.His love for the school and sense of discipline was such that if any truant schoolchildren were found in the station during school hours he used to detain themand hand them over to the principal!For many years he was a patron of the RCOBA. He has been the President of TheLions Club of Hikkaduwa and the Principal of a Dhamma school in Kumbalwella.He was a close friend and confidante of my father. They took part in variousreligious activities together. At the time of his demise in 2011 aged 98 yrs, he wasthe oldest living Richmondite.Born and brought up in the shadows of the Richmond Hill, receiving hiseducation in the Richmond College and spending greater part of his working lifeserving mostly the Richmondites in the railway station at the foot of theRichmond Hill, he was a true Richmondite indeed.May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.I dedicate this page to the memory of Mr. A. D. Amarawardena. Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva 23

RememberingH. W. Bandusena de Silva Period at Richmond College: 1948 – 1959 From Standard 4 to HSC & UE Represented RCG under 14, 16 and First XI Cricket Teams Represented RCG 1st Eleven Foot Ball team Took part in RCG Athletics His contemporaries were S. Kariyawasam, U. P. Vaidyaratne, H. S. B. Fernando, P. K. Senadheera etc. Remembered by his three Brothers who were all Richmondites; H. W. Amarapala de Silva H. W. Mahindapala de Silva H. W. Ariyapala de Silva and H. W. Gunasiri De Silva (Mahindian) and the three Sisters. 24

May all the deceased Members and their spouses of the Clubattain the supreme bliss of ‘nibbāna ’ Remembered by Percy Gunawardene 25

All the deceased Members and their spouses of the Club –May they ‘Rest in Peace’ Remembered by Percy Gunawardene 1

May all the deceased Members and theirspouses of the 60 Club Find Peace in their eternal rest. Remembered by Percy Gunawardene 27

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Nissanka Perera(1932 – 2008)Richmond’s dear memory cherish when youmen becomeIn greater field of life, strive to overcomeFight against all wrong and evil, and you shallnot failRemembering Richmond’s motto you will everprevailThe last verse of the school song that was sung many atimes, at the school that made him a man and was so near and dear to his heartuntil death did them apart.Nissanka Perera was the second in the family of five children one elder sister twoyounger and a kid brother. Before he could reach the age of 13 years, disaster stuckthis young family, when they lost both parents. Thanks to the kindness and thegenerosity of his maternal uncle the late Mr. E. R De Silva and maternal Aunt Mrs.Elen Peiris he was guided through the formative years of his life.In 1944 after the demise of his mother, he entered Richmond College Galle, aftera few years at Prince of Wales College Moratuwa.His entry to Richmond College was not only a stepping-stone for a happy and amemorable school career but also the beginning of an illustrious career in the fieldof sports.He was the Senior Prefect, and also had the honour of leading the CollegeAthletics and Football teams and was unfortunate to have missed out leading theschool team in his favourite sport cricket, when an under 19 rule was imposed inwhat would have been his last year. However, he had the honour of securingcolours in all three sports.He was fortunate to have donned the boots for Richmond College for 4 years fromthe 1948- 51 in his favourite sport cricket. His first match for the school 1st XI wasagainst the mighty Thomians where he batted one-drop scoring 15 runs as a 15year old, a memory that he used to recall many a time. Another significantperformance was taking 5 wickets for 22 runs against Royal College, Colombowhere Richmond secured a first inning victory.The 1950 Richmond-Mahinda cricket encounter, was a memorable one for him,this match was termed as Nissanka’s match by the Richmond College Coach.An extract from the Richmond College magazine of 1950 on this game is asfollows.The last match the ‘Big Match of the South’ superseded all others ofthe series firstly on account of its thrills and secondly for the fieldingof our team. Victory in this match could not be assigned to ‘winning 29

the toss nor was it by ‘mere chance’ that it was won. It was won onbrilliant fielding of our team. It was not a match of tall scores – bothsides did not exhibit their real batting ability. What seemednecessary then was first rate fielding and this our team did indismissing Mahinda for 69 and 68 respectively. Never in the past 5years did Richmond field so well so many impossible catches wereattempted and taken never did any keeper of Richmond do his jobmore impressively as did diminutive Yapa. In the 1st Innings, theopponents were re accounted for thus 4 bowled 5 caught and 1 runout. In the 2nd Innings 2 bowled 6 caught 2 stumped. Yapa the keeperand Nissanka Perera shared the fielding honours. Nissanka alsobowled well returning an average of 3 for 21 in the 1st Innings and 3for 18 in the 2nd. He was also the highest scorer on both sides. His 43runs were invaluable as Richmond were on the verge of a collapse intheir 2nd Innings. It was really ‘Nissanka’s’ match.The final match for his Alma Mater was the Big Match of 1951. He and his cousinthe late Lynton De Silva figured in an unfinished stand of 86 and Richmond were198 for 4 at close of play on the first day in reply to Mahinda’s 69 all out, and bothbatsmen were set for big scores the next day. The Richmond captain, on the adviceof the Principal declared the innings closed on the overnight score and Mahindateam was bundled out for 49 runs just 1 hour and 16 minutes into the second day,soon after which, the heavens opened and everyone was amazed at the decisionto declare on the overnight score which eventually secured a win for RichmondCollege, which otherwise would have ended in a draw.An extract from the Richmond College magazine of 1951 on this game is asfollows.In the Mahinda match, all batsmen gave excellent accounts ofthemselves. Abeywickrema as pioneer scored a patient 46. WassGunawardena was the other pioneer so to speak, as Desmond did notsurvive more than an over. Wass had scored 30 runs when he got out2-59 Winton joined Abeywickrema and separated at 105, when thelatter got out Winton and Lynton De Silva were joined in a briefpartnership Winton scored 30 – 4 for 112. Nissanka joined Lyntonand raised score to 198 when bad light stopped the first days play 45minutes earlier. Mahinda who had the first lease of the wicket scoredonly 69. Wass Gunawardena accounted for 6 wickets. His averagewas 14 overs 3 maidens 16 runs 6 wickets. Winton andAbeywickrema captured two wickets each. The second dayRichmond decided to close the innings at and sent the opponents tobat taking advantage of the slightly helpful wicket which had beenwet by the overnight’s rain. The opponents were bundled out in 1hour 16 minutes for 49 runs. Richmond won the match by an innings6 wickets and 80 runs.The cherished memories of these encounters were recalled often, whichdemonstrated his passion for the game at large and also remembering theCricketing Giants of Richmond College in the era of 1948- 51. Arnold Adhihetty, 1

Winton Peiris, Wass Gunawardena, Saheed, Sugathadasa Abeywickrema,Ranaweera, Ernest Kulasuriya and Shermin Perera were those remembered.He led the Richmond College Athletic Team, to win the Southern Group AthleticMeet in both Senior and the Junior categories in 1950. He won the prize for theBest Performance at the Meet. During the same year he was placed second, in HopStep and a Jump at the Public Schools Athletic Meet, missing out on Public SchoolColours by a mere half an inch.Richmond was so near and dear to his heart for many reasons, the main reason Iguess is the friendships he developed and treasured that lasted a lifetime. Someof them pre deceased him while the rest closely associated him until his demise.Former Principal of Richmond Buddadasa Sooriarachchi and Arnold Adhihettywere two of his buddies who had close contact with him until his death.He was a person who enjoyed the company of his friends and treasured hisfriendships at Richmond College, in the University and thereafter in the PublicService. I recall the gatherings at our place when his dear friend, and cricketcaptain Arnold Adhihetty visited Sri Lanka. Most of the Richmond Collegecricketers in the era of 1948-51 in no time would be in high spirits going down thememory lane. He did not forget to invite one or two from the rival MahindaCollege cricket team and Neil de Silva who captained Mahinda College too hasbeen present at these functions, which demonstrated truly the “LOVERSQUARELL” which the Century old Richmond Mahinda cricket encounter is, andeven referred to as, to date.His visits to Galle would eventually end up at Richmond College where he wouldproudly show us the dormitory in which he spent his formative years and wouldshow us the place where Mr. Shelton Wirasinha would give them fielding practice- high catches. We have been told that Mr. Shelton Wirasinha had greatlyinfluenced his life. The habit of reading and the love for music, which he enjoyedup to the very last, were inculcated by this great teacher of his, which he oftenspoke about. Major Adhihetty, Mr. G. W. S. De Silva too were spoken of veryaffectionately, remembering the strict disciplinarians they were and how theyinstilled discipline among the schoolboys of that era.His friends told me, that he was very good at climbing coconut trees and plucking(Hora) Kurumba, a phrase that I am sure is very familiar to the Richmondites.He had related to us, how he was caught trying a Hora Kurumba act, while hewas at the sick room, hungry and was kept starving when he had mumps at veryyoung age and while in the junior school. He would have mastered the art overthe years and the friends too would have enjoyed the hora kurumba.In the early 1950’s after leaving school, he joined the tutorial staff of RichmondCollege during which time he coached the Richmond College Cricket Team. Heread for the university entrance during the same period, and entered thePeradeniya University and upon passing out in 1958, joined the Public Sector,where he worked until retirement from the Sri Lanka Administrative Service(SLAS) in 1988 and his last assignment was at the Ministry of Finance. 3

He was actively involved with the work of the Richmond College Union, ColomboBranch where he had the honour of serving as the President for two years.Subsequently, he was a member of the Richmond 60 Club until his demise inDecember 2008.He was a calm and a levelheaded individual, be it in office or at home. He was aloving, caring, and a supportive husband to my Mother, a devoted Fathersometimes even a Mother, a Brother and more than all a Friend to my brotherand me.He was a strength to the family, friends, people known and unknown, wheneversomeone needed help. Be it in his personal or official capacity he would go out ofhis way to help anyone. Most incidents of him lending a helping hand to manyhave been told after he fell ill or after his demise. He has never mentioned whathe did. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand did would have beenhis policy or he would not have imagined that he was helping someone, the latterwhich I presume being more appropriate.He had time for us and would play cricket in the garden in the evenings aftercoming from office. He was very consistent with his walks which helped him to bephysically fit until he fell ill, after completing 75 ½ years of a happy, contendedand a healthy life.He was cheerful and having meaningful conversations with the family and friendswho came to see him in spite of his illness. Never did he complain about theillness. He accepted whatever good or bad that came his way and never spoke ofthe end but was ready for the final call, while thankfully accepting each day givento him on earth.The last lesson he taught us was not to fear death. When the timecomes, you have to accept the call and end your life’s journey.I thought it would be appropriate to end this message with a quotation from thefield of sport considering that he was a sportsman who always played fair be it onor off the field.For when the One Great Scorer comesTo write against your name,He marks-not that you won or lostBut how you played the game.Indeed, he played the game of life to its fullness, undoubtedly - A true Son ofMother Richmond. Chitrani, Nishan and Dishan Perera 1

Ranjan de SilvaPages donated by his wife Premini and daughter Ruwanthi Ranjan De Silva was the eldest son of E R and Hilda de Silva, born on the 12th of June 1934. As his father was then a teacher at Richmond College, Ranjan grew up in Galle. As he was the eldest child, he was admitted to the Kindergarten at an early age so that he will have the company of other little children. From then on he became a student at Richmond until his University Entrance class. While his Father moved from Teacher to Head Master to vice Principal to Principal, moving from Bope to Richmond Hill and finally to the Principal’s Bungalow, Ranjan grew in the traditions of Richmond. He would oftenrepeat the words of that great teacher, Major Adhihetty …ගති ගුන ඈති හ ොරහ ොරු නෑති ඈත්හෙ යුත්හෙ රිච්මන්ඩ් හ ොඩ්හ ො “Gathi Guna athi, hora boru nathi,aththe, yuththe Richmond poddo.” Ranjan was a scout who followed theseprinciples.A quiet unassuming boy, life was not easy for him, growing up in the shadowof a father with a very strong personality. It was not easy for him to be the sonof the Principal. In an article that Ranjan wrote in 2001 as a tribute to hisfather he states that he was not allowed to criticize any member of staff orstudent as that could prejudice his mind. He explains his curtailments asfollows “ with my speech thus censored, I used to envy my young sisterNayeni, eleven years my junior who used to imitate some of her teachers atSouthlands much to the amusement of all at home, especially my father, asshe was not subjected to any censorship”. However, he successfullymaintained his relationships in school and, in a certificate given to him by theformer Principal Mr. Shelton Wirasinha, it is stated that “Ranjan maintainedthe finest relations with the staff and the boys.” 33

The Sinhala Richmond Anthem “Pembara Richmond Maaniyeni” wasintroduced to Richmond in the 75th Jubilee Year 1951. Ranjan was one of thefirst to learn the song. He would keep singing it at home so much that I as a 6year old and a student in the Upper Kindergarten at Richmond very quicklylearnt it too. To this day I love to sing that Anthem, and it brings backmemories of my late brother singing it lustily while walking up and down inthe back verandah of the Principal’s bungalow at Richmond hill. He was alsoa very interesting storyteller. My cousin Lakdasa and I would listen in raptattention to him describing Long John Silver, coming “knocking at the old inndoor” in Treasure Island. Our hearts would race, mine in fear and Lak's inexcitement, as the pirate came to life under the skilful narration of mybrother.We also remember an incident related by my father, regarding his efforts athandwork. As instructed by his teacher he had scraped a coconut shell,painted it with silver paint and pasted some silver paper to make it into anashtray. The handwork teacher gave him naught out of ten. The next twoweeks he had gone to class without doing his homework and on beingquestioned by father, as to why he did not do his homework, he replied, “I getnaught anyway so it is better to get naught without wasting my time”. He washowever instructed to keep trying.His achievements in school life were many. He captained the RichmondCricket team, the Athletics team, was elected Senior prefect. He was a colours-man in Cricket and Athletics. He was a good student and won the Queen’sJubilee Scholarship prize for English. His achievements in the field ofAthletics were outstanding. He won his events, 100 yards, Long Jump andHop step and Jump (as the triple jump was then called) at the College sportsmeet and the southern group meet for many years as a junior and seniorathlete. At the Public Schools meet of 1952, he was defending the title in HopStep and Jump, which he had won in the previous year. Based on theperformances at various competitions that year it was generally felt that thehonour of improving on a long-standing record would be his. He made thefirst attempt and from the markings at the pit and subsequent confirmationfrom officials he had gone over the record but had lost his balance and fallenbackwards. In sheer desperation he overstepped the mark at take-off on thenext two attempts and found himself ending up even without a place. At theend of the meet he had walked up to father with tears in his eyes and wantedto be taken home without staying with the team at Wesley college, as he couldnot face up to the obvious questions of “what happened to you”. However, hewas told that “success and failure are both experiences in life and in the eventof failure one must have the character to stand up to it.”Ranjan’s work life was almost exclusively at the Ceylon PetroleumCorporation. Joining at its inception as a sales supervisor he climbed all the 1

way to the post of Secretary Petroleum Corporation, which post he held untilhis retirement. He was loved by his fellow workers and maintained a quietdignified presence.He was a dutiful son. After Father passed away in 1970, Amma became quiteill. During that period which was quite a long time, Ranjan who lived inBambalapitiya drove down to Moratuwa every single day, to see her andcomfort her.He was a loving family man and was very proud and happy about theachievements of his family members. He was dearly loved by his 2 sisters,Chithrani and Nayeni and their families and also his wife’s family. His suddendemise on the 28th of September 2004, just 3 months after he celebrated his70th Birthday left a void that could not be filled. His parting devastated hisbeloved wife Praemini and the apple of his eye, his lively and loving daughterRuwanthi. However, life must go on and we are thankful that we had the joyof being a part of the life of this simple yet wonderful man.In the article that he wrote for the 100th birth commemoration of Thaththi in2001, Ranjan wrote “When I think of those days on that beautiful hill, how Iused to sit on the steps leading to the Principal’s bungalow on a moonlit nightI remember noble men and women who taught and guided us, the lastingfriendships we formed. I yearn for those days belonging to an era dominatedby E.R. de Silva who influenced every aspect of school life for 17 years as thefirst Sri Lankan and longest serving head of the school we Richmondites pastand present love so much.”Ranjan, a true son of Richmond, may you Rest in Peace.Premini de Silva 3

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In Treasured Memory I took charge of the school in 1940. I then saw the opportunity of paying back to her a part of the great debt, which I owed her. Having seen the School through periods of stress and strain, growth and progress, I remain now a grateful and a bigger debtor both to man and God. I know how readily the old boys, parents, well- wishers and the students have helped me in my work. I know how great has been God’s grace to me and how bountiful His blessings. The School handed to my keeping I hand back rejoicing in the comfort of, “What I aspired to be and was not,” more than of any completed task. (E.R. de Silva’s Last Prize Day Report, 1957)Mr. E. R. de Silva ‘His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, “This was a man!” (Written by A.S. Wirasinha to the Richmond College Centenary Souvenir, 1976)Mrs. E. R. de Silva One has of course little opportunity to talk about Mrs. E.R. Much of the personalness of Mr. E.R. one would associate also, and inevitably, with this never-failing source of his inspiration and encouragement. This lovable, charming and unassuming lady, always seemed to provide a quiet and tempered background that relieved the harsh tones of the exacting life of a head of a school. She was the ideal hostess during her stay here, and like Mr. E.R. commanded the respect not only of the students, teachers, old boys and parents, but in an intimate way, the special affection of Richmond’s village neighbours.(Written by a Young Old Boy to the Richmond College, Magazine, 1957)Page donated by daughters Chithrani and Nayeni 37

We will not forget Sarath Gunasekera Born 23rd February 1928 At Richmond from 1939 to 1946 Charted Accountant, Ceylon Petroleum CorporationHony. Secretary – Richmond 60 Club 2003-2005Hony. Treasurer – Richmond 60 Club 2005-2006 Died on 26th September 2006 A very active and a loyal Richmond 60 Club member May he attain the supreme bliss of nibbāna  Fondly remembered by friends Dr. Amara Wijenaike and B. K. Goonesekera (DAS) 38

We remember with gratitude and LoveOur beloved Late FatherLionel U WeerasingheA Past President of the Richmond 60 Club From Daughters Amal and Devika 39

A TRIBUTE TO LIONEL U WEERASINGHEONE OF OUR PAST PRESIDENTSL U Weerasinghe was one of our very committed and dedicated past Presidents.He was a man of principles. Though he had many years of experience as a Planter,who should have ideally managed the work force with an iron fist, he was soft andkind hearted and very emotional. I, as his Hony. Secretary always felt that he wastoo soft to accept strong and unreasonable criticism. Often he used to chat withme and ask me some pertinent questions in respect of certain hurtful remarksmade by some about him. Since I was used to these remarks, I advised him thatthis world is made of many types and it is best forgotten and forgiven and that hedid it in great measure. He was much loved by his two daughters Amal and Devikaand not forgetting their husbands and children. Lionel always spoke about theachievements of his two daughters and loved being with the grandchildren. Heknew that he had a serious illness. But his attitude was 'so what'. He once said\"Nihal one doctor says I am having prostate cancer and the other says 'no', whatdo I do?' Even if I have cancer it is best to enjoy the little time I have and take itthe way it comes'. This is why I believe he decided to join his eldest daughter Amalto proceed on holiday to UK, where he breathed his last.Lionel had accomplished what he desired and was blessed with loving childrenand faithful sons-in-law and loving grandchildren and that had helped him toaccept life in its entirety.To me Lionel was an epitome of a father and a very sincere and loyal Richmonditewho had indeed absorbed the great values from the Missionaries and thededicated teachers of Richmond.He reminds me of the saying by Franklin P Jones - \"Nothing makes it easier toresist temptation than a proper bringing-up of a sound set of values andwitnesses\".May he attain Nirvana.Nihal de Alwis23 July, 2014 40

Remembering K. V. J. de SilvaPresident – RCOBA Colombo Branch 1975 to 1978 Fondly remembered by Nihal Rajapakse 41

Malcolm Jayasekera the First president of the Richmond College Union (UK)It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I write this appreciation on my dearfriend Malcolm Jayasekera, the first President of the Richmond College Union inthe United Kingdom.I recall the time when Malcolm was a student at Richmond, later to become theprefect of the school. He was a fine athlete and held records for the shot-putt,javelin, and discus. He also represented Richmond at cricket and was a very ablewicket keeper. He could not only sense the ball but also the direction and line.Being a talented footballer, he represented the school and also excelled as aswimmer winning many medals and was a colours-man in many sports. Often thePrincipal Mr E R De Silva would send Malcolm to an unruly class when a teacherwas absent and he would keep the students spellbound by relating stories aboutpolice work and crime detection.Malcolm had a burning desire to join the Police and did so after leaving school.He joined as a sub-inspector and was later bodyguard to Sir John Kotalaweladuring his office as Prime Minister of Ceylon. Latterly, he enlisted for the Navyand after a stint, he emigrated to England with his wife and family. At his placeof residence in southeast London, he frequently conducted prayer meetings andwas closely connected to church work. This came as no surprise because he was acommitted Christian and served as head organiser at All Saints' Church in Fort,Galle.In the UK, he worked for the Port of London Authority until his retirement in 1991after which he returned to Sri Lanka. Sadly, before a year elapsed, he passedaway. I am positive he will be missed by all who knew him both here and abroad.Malcolm was committed to his alma mater and in him, I saw a sense of dedicationand leadership and when the Richmond Old Boys' Association in the UK wasformed, I proposed his name for the President's post. During his tenure, heworked extremely hard towards helping his old school.Let the turf lie gently over him whilst wishing him divine happiness. L B Goonetilleke Founder & Ex General Secretary Richmond College Union (UK) 42

RememberingGATE MUDALIYAR HARRY OBEYSEKERA JAYAWARDHANEHe was the Mudaliyar of the Governor Gate and an old boy of Richmond. Hisseven grandsons, Quintus, Oscar, Childers, Michael, Justine, Ivan, and Osmandwere all Richmondites and so was his great grandson Gamini. QUINTUS JAYAWARDHANE All-round sportsman who took part in Cricket, Football, Athletics and Swimming. A Scout and a member of the Apollo Club and Farmers Club. A Planter in the Kalutara District and served in Royal Ceylon Air Force.Quintus JayawardaneOSCAR JAYAWARDANEHe was in the Windsor House and represented the house in all sports activities.A Scout and a Member of the Apollo Club. He migrated to Germany – MedicalPractitioner. He served the Royal Ceylon Navy. CHILDERS JAYAWARDANE He was in the Winchester House. A Prefect, an all-rounder in sports representing the College in Cricket, Football, Athletics, and Captain of Football XI. He won the Bronze and Silver Medals of the Royal Life Saving Society. Member of the Apollo Club, Scout and Farmers Club. Deputy Director, Department of Wildlife Conservation.Childers Jayawardane MICHAEL JAYAWARDANE He was in the Winchester House. An all-rounder in Sports, representing the College in Cricket, Football, Athletics, Swimming and a Member of the Apollo Club, Farmer’s Club and a Scout. He was employed by the Postal Department.Michael Jayawardane IVAN JAYAWARDANE He was in the Windsor House. Due to a head injury, he had to keep out of other sports and only Swimming was permitted. Station Manager – Air Ceylon, Ratmalana, Katunayake and Maldives Islands. 43

Ivan Jayawardane GAMINI JAYAWARDANE (Son of Justin) Studied at Richmond and went to Dubai as the Manager Dubai Airport Free Zone. Died at the young age of 42.Gamini JayawardaneD. G. SAHABANDURepresented Richmond at football. Leading Planter in the Southern Province.P. G. SAHABANDUHe was a sportsman and a Leading Planter in Southern Province and migrated toCanada where he passed away. Justin Jayawardane Atadahe Watta Maha Walauwwa, Kathaluwa, Ahangama Mr. Sena WalaweSir, you were a bright star in the school! Whoelse other than our beloved ‘Guru’ was in theeverlasting ‘karadiya’ with maestro Chithrasena! You taught us to admire arts and admire life through that! You helped us to mould our attitude and motivated us to lead a fuller life! You were the symbol of simplicity and grace! MAY YOU ATTAIN THE SUPREME BLISS OF NIBBANA Fondly remembered by Channa Wijesekara 44