R60 Souvenir

In MemoriamH. D. A. Gunasekera Nuski Mohamed 47

Remembering My late teachers from 1948-1963 Misses. Rita Kale, Grace Bartholomeus, Dias, Senanayake,Kamala and Leela Nanayakkara, S. W. Fernando, Indrani PeiterzMessrs M. T. S. and W. S. and E. J. R. Fernando, P. D. O. C.Wickramasinghe, W. A. Lanerolle, B. A. D. Gunasinghe, H. D. A. Gunasekera, Tudor de Silva, G. W. S. Silva, E. R. de Silva, A. Shelton Wirasinha, D. G. Welikala, G. K. Hathotuwegama, BertieWijesinghe, Rev. Geo Weerasooriya, Dr. C. K. Menon, G Devadason, Nissanka Perera, and the ancillary staff members – James, Club Sirisena, Piyasena, Arthur, Dharmadasa, Lab Sirisena, and Handy, and many others whose names regrettably, I have forgotten. Dr. N. G. Yassus de Silva 96

Remembering My late class andteammates of 1948-1963 Justin Gunawardena, Tudor andReggie Jayasooriya, E. R. Jayasinghe, J. P. I. Abeykoone, Kalyana Ranasinghe, P. G. Upasena and Karunasena, E. V. G Hamilton, D. P. Senanayake, Jayantha Peris, R. P.Wannigama, G. G. Somasiri, Marzook Shaheed, Nismi Thassim,W. H. L.Dhanasiri, P. H. S. S. Ariyapala, L. R. S. Gunaratna, Asoka Amarasinghe, Rodney de Zoysa, B. D. Wimalawardhana, Nihal Perera, Nissanka and Nihal Piyadasa, Monty and Phillip Austin, Mahinda Sonnadara, Daya S. Wanigaratna, Sinnadurai and others I have regrettably forgotten Dr. N. G. Yassus de Silva 97

In MemoriamTo be nominated S. M. P. Munidasa and Susantha De Silva 98

In Memoriam To all deceasedbrethren of R 60 Club James Lanerolle 99

In MemoriamTo be nominated B. Sooriarachchi [Ranjan Wijeweera] 100

In MemoriamWhy did you go so soon?Akila Amarasinghe Isuru JayabanduDuminda Dahanayake Vajira de SilvaRemembered with sadness by the Richmond College 2008 batch 101

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Remembering Nathanialz Dias AmarawardhaneNathanial Dias Amarawardena, the youngest of the Amarawardenabrothers joined Richmond College Lower Kindergarten during theperiod of Rev. Alec A. Sneath.Nathanial took part in all sports at Richmond but he excelled atCricket. He was the Vice Captain and Wicketkeeper of the team thathad several outstanding cricketers of the era. Shelton Wirasinha andCaxton Njuki who were outstanding sportsmen were his teammatesamong others. He won Richmond College colours for Cricket,Football and Athletics.He was a dare devil wicket keeper, who had no fear in keepingwickets at close quarters and as a result lost one of his front teeth inthe match against Trinity College played in Asgiriya Grounds.He passed the London Matriculation with First Class Distinctionsand despite the advice of the Principal, Mr. E. R. de Silva to pursuefurther higher studies at the University, he opted to seekemployment due to personal reasons and joined the ExciseDepartment and retired as a Superintendent of Excise.He passed away on 16th May 2006. May he attain nibbāna Fondly remembered by Ruwan Lokuge, grandnephew 103

Remembering Daniel Dias AmarawardhaneHe was born on 19th February 1916 and had a distinguish career atRichmond College. He was admitted to the lower kindergarten atRichmond in 1923 studied until his London Matriculation in 1937and sat for the Cambridge Junior Public Examination in 1933.He actively took part in all sports and represented College in -Cricket, Football, Athletics, (representing the College in PublicSchool and AAA Meets) and his house too.He Captained the RCG Cricket First Eleven Team 1937 and becamethe Vice Captain of the Football team.A College Prefect he took part in debates being a member of boththe English and Sinhala Debating Teams. He took part in otherextracurricular activities of RCG as a Member of the Social ServiceClub and Perambulators Club. He was a keen Cadet and was theJunior and Senior platoon Sergeant-CCB. He sat for LondonMatriculation in the year 1938.He Joined the Ceylon Medical Corps, Department of Health, SriLanka Medical Corps after graduation; Worked during the WorldWar 2 with the Ceylon Medical Corps, retiring as a LieutenantColonel in 1972 after which he started a Private Practice inGalagedera till he retired in 1993. May he attain nibbana. Fondly remembered by Ruwan Lokuge, grandnephew 104

In MemoriamFounder President- RCOBA, Colombo CBO RCU Colombo 105

In MemoriamFounder Hony. Sec- RCOBA, Colombo RCU Colombo 106

In Memoriam Founder Hony.Treasurer-RCOBA, Colombo RCU Colombo 107

In Memoriam A. Vincent S.Jayawickrema Asoka Kularatne [Grand Son] 108

In Memoriam Edmund S.Jayawickrema Asoka Kularatne (Grand Nephew) 109

In MemoriamTo be nominated B. Sooriarachchi [Ranjan Wijeweera] 110

In MemoriamOf our Grandfather, and grand Uncles whowere at Richmond in the early years and ourdear father who coached Richmond cricketteam. Albert Dias-Jayasinha (RCG Cricket – Darrell era) Robert Dias-Jayasinha (RCG Cricket Captain 1908~1909) Charles Dias-Jayasinha Wilbert Dias-Jayasinha Marcus Dias-Jayasinha (RCG Cricket Coach 1974~1978) Ananda, Suneetha and Ranjan Dias-Jayasinha 111

In MemoriamA. Shelton WirasinhaNot dead to us who loved him, Not lost, but gone before; He lives with us in memory And will for evermore. Ranjit G. de Silva ‘ARG’ 112

In Memoriam Dunstan Fernando The years may wipe out many things, But, they’ll wipe out never this,The memory of those happy days Which we have spent together, For all you did for us you did your best,May God grant you eternal rest. Ranjit G. de Silva ‘ARG’ 113

In Memoriam Departed fellow traintravellers 1949-1958 era Those who are contentious haveforgotten that we all die, for the wise, who reflect on this fact, there are no quarrels... Dhammapada V 6 Angurukaka Wathura bibii nuwara duwana yakada yaka.... (wÕ=re lld j;=r ìî k=jr ÿjk hlv hld…) The coal burners came first,then came the diesel ones, we had good fun on board over the years. Thanks for the memories... Ranjit G. de Silva ‘ARG’ 114

In Memoriam E. R. de Silva A. S. Wirasinha W. A. Lanerolle P. D. O. C. Wickremasinghe Late Teachers, LateClass/Team/Boarding mates/Scouts Amarasiri Liyanage 115

In MemoriamT. A. Wijedoru Cyril Halloluwa 116

In Memoriam G. W. S de Silva Born: 14th June, 1922G. W. S. de Silva is a product of Richmond andhaving finished his education joined the RichmondStaff. He taught Singhala for some time and wasthe Hostel Warden who managed to keep theboarders in check. When ER wanted a bursar, theautomatic choice was GWS. Most knew him as theBursar although he was first a staff member.GWS was a prankster who spared no one andchristened many with nicknames. He playedpranks on all the boys and especially the hostellerswhere he was the Warden for many years duringhis bachelor days and was a strict disciplinarian.When it came to play pranks on people, he did notspare even his colleagues in the staff, the minorstaff or the kitchen staff. Speak of the Etamba Treeand the ghosts he would spring to mind at once.He was a bachelor for a long time but 'cupid' struckhim when young Miss. Daisy came and joined theRichmond office as its stenographer. His wife pre-deceased. Nimal de Silva 117

In Memoriam Daisy de Silva Born on 26th May 1934 She joined the Richmond Office Staff as a young girl andserved until she became indisposed, andDied on 12th March, 1975 Nimal de Silva 104

In Memoriam Maj. G. W. S. de SilvaHe was the younger brother of his namesake and an old Richmondite. By profession, he was a teacher and his name is more associated with Mahinda College than Richmond. Before coming to Mahinda he taught at Rahula College, Matara. The former Sri Lanka Captain Mavan Atapattu credits ‘GWS’ for coaching him for his technically correct batting.He was a Cadet Master and held the rank of the Major in CCC. He was a strict disciplinarian who did not brood any nonsense. Nimal de Silva 119

In Memoriam Herbert de Alwis EdrisinhaLionel de Alwis Edrisinha Percy de Alwis EdrisinhaLalith de Alwis EdrisinhaJoseph de Alwis Edrisinha Jayantha de Alwis Edrisinha Remembered by Mohan de Alwis Edrisinha 120

Late Mr. Chandra de Alwis An Entrepreneur par ExcellenceAn entrepreneur par excellence, he was a man who, lived life to the fullest,and although we were not part of any of his escapades, his stories and pastexperiences were colourful enough to make us feel that we were relivingeach and every incident with him.Being the rotund girl I am, I used to be the constant butt end of his jokes...\"Shevanthie get in to shape\". He would say, and I would quickly resort.\"Loku Thathie I am in shape, after all is a round not a shape\"? To whichhe would laugh and say you cheeky girl...Loku Thathie, was there for every one of us, in our times of personal strifeand also in our times of joy. Loku Thathie, was not the eldest in the familybut he certainly bore that mantle as the eldest of the De Alwis boys. Hemade it his objective in life to be the pivotal point for every family member,being the catalyst for creating unity amongst them. A role he took veryseriously and bore down on us. The younger generation to do the same. Ofcourse, the challenges, trials and tribulations of keeping such a diversefamily together were secrets he never divulged.As we the younger generation of the nieces and nephews look back on therich memories, of what love and care we have been given. We know wewere privileged not only to belong to such a family, but also to have sucha great personality in our life.His uncanny ability to relate to people of all walks of life made him apeople's person, and he was never a one you could say No to (believe mewe have tried). His friends were far and wide... it was through him that Icame to know the colourful personality of Uncle Deva a good friend of hisand partner in crime, who I still love and miss to this day, especially on hisbirthday the 01st of May and 25n December, when he celebrates hisbirthday and Christmas.Loku Thathie's acts of charity although known to few were felt by many.Many will continue to sing his virtues and praise. But what I will miss iswalking in to the house in Nawala and not seeing him seated with his armsat the back of his head, giving out a gruff welcome, of sorts whilst chewingon his cigar. 121

I will miss his larger than life presence on the arm chair of Kalahe, wherehe entertained villagers and people of all ranks, never letting them gowithout a meal or a drink.I will miss his pranks and his attempt at sarcasm when we arrive at hishouse late for lunch. But what 1 will miss most is the part he played in ourlives keeping us together, showing us unconditional love & care. We wereso lucky to know him and fortunate to have been his family .... A preciouscommodity sent by God. It is fitting then that I should conclude saying.If tears could build, a stairway, and memories were a lane, wewould talk all the way to Heaven, to bring you home again.I know you are by God's side looking down at us giving us that slow cheekysmile God Bless you Loku Thathie. We will miss you dearly.Shevanthie de Alwis140/5, Nawala RoadNugegoda In Memoriam C.V.SamarasingheWilmot Samarasinghe 104

FOND MEMORIES OF OUR MUCH LOVED BROTHER CHANDRA DE ALWIS, HIS WIFE RITA AND BELOVED BROTHER ELMO DE ALWIS “I THANK MY GOD EACH TIME I THINK OF YOU\" \"AND WHEN I PRAY FOR YOU I PRAY WITH JOY\" Nihal, Damayanthi, Shevanthi and Navin 123

APPRECIATION OF ELMO DE ALWISElmo was born on the 29th of November 1935, after my brother Vere. Hewas the cleverest out of the boys in our family. A brother who had a largeheart and generosity flowed from him even though his finances werelimited and even though he lived away from us in Germany. In his youth,he was a rebel in school. I recall many an incident when he disagreedwith teachers like Mr. Dunstan Fernando and argued his case. He triedto argue many times with my father but my father true to his sense ofdiscipline kept him in check. At home, too he had many disagreementswith my other brothers -Vere and my late sister Viola. But all these hewould forget within a short period and showed much concern and love toall of us. Elmo went to UK to further his education and came back to SriLanka. Late Mr. Victor Wirasinha interviewed him for the post ofMarketing Director at Lewis Browns. He displayed his knowledge andexperience in great measure by making Lewis Browns a profitableorganisation. His departure to Germany with his wife Hildegard andfamily in 1971 was indeed a great loss to us and mostly to my mother andfather who lived in Galle. Last years of his life saw him being a Lecturerat a University in Cologne and was very proud of his children, Ragna,Rohan, Varuni, Tara and his grandchildren. He was to visit us in the year2010 but God called him to his rest. He had great respect for Rev. A. A.Sneath, and Rev. W. J. T. Small was a frequent visitor to him whilst helived at Castle Street. He believed in truthfulness and I recall the saying,which is typical of him - \"TRUTHFULNESS IS THE FOUNDATION OFALL PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. IT EXHIBITS ITSELF IN CONDUCT,IT IS RECTITUDE TRUTH IN ACTION AND SHINES THROUGHEVERY WORD AND DEED\"May he rest in PeaceBrother Nihal25 July, 2014. Nihal de Alwis 124

In MemoriamA. E. Gogerly Moragoda Gone is the face I loved so dear, Silent is the voice I loved to hear; Too far away for sight or speech, But not too far for thought to reach,Sweet to remember him who once was here, And who, though absent, is just as dear. Ms. Nirmalee Wickremasinghe (Daughter) 125

In Memoriam Tudor De SilvaWhat would I give to clasp his hand, His happy face to see,To hear his voice and see his smile, That meant so much to me. Dayantha De Silva 126

In Memoriam Caxton Njuki and A. R. D. ‘Nanda’ AbeygunawardeneJust a thought of sweet remembrance Just a memory sad and true,Just the love and sweet devotion Of one who thinks of you two. Dr. Amara Wijenaike 127

In Loving memory of Hema DiasAbeygunawrdene A dedicated Member of Richmond 60 Club Fondly remembered byWife Babra, Son Navin, Daughter Chandi and Ever loving Grand Children 128

In MemoriamMajor Eshin ChandragupthaGoonewardene (Fernando) Major Goonewardene a Sandhurst trained officer, and two of his brothers attended Richmond before they moved to Trinity. Their father T. C. P. Fernando (1920 era) was in the tutorial staff at Richmond and the Cadet Master. Affectionately known as ‘Eshin’ he came to Richmond in the sixties when Cadetting was reintroduced and was the first adjutant of the1st Battalion, CCC. He introduced Rugby and Hockey andcoached both teams as well as Cricket. He did much forRichmond. He changed his name later in life due topersonal reasons. He passed away few years ago and issurvived by his Wife Dr. (Mrs) Goonewardene, sonViswajith and daughter Aswini, all domiciled in Australia.May he attain Nibbana!Dr. Mrs. Goonewardene (Wife), Viswajith (son) and Aswini (Daughter)129

We Shall Not ForgetAs pupils of Richmond had a good startRight through life you have been smartLeading useful lives playing your partAs nature demands you had to depart.Richmond produced men for every occasionThey were brightest stars in every vocationGave the country the father of free educationAnd a versatile prime minister for the nation!Memories of you we cherish so dearIn our minds your message is very clearFor the present or future we hold no fearCommemorating the past year after yearAs we tread on this worldly missionPraising the past in solemn renditionDoing good deeds without remissionAchieving goals of our forefathers’ visionIt is the duty of all of us who still remainContinue good work, memories we retainAnd pass on the torch in an unbroken chainGood name of Richmond we shall maintain.Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva 130

In Memoriam R. D. Abeygunawardene K. M. D. Liyanage Remembering Dr. Stanley Ladduwahetty Born on 30th May 1927, – at Richmond from 1933 to 1946. Private Medical Practitioner A true friend and a loyal Richmond 60 Club MemberWe miss you and we will never forget you May your journey through Samsarabe short and may you attain Nibbana Remembered by Ladduwahetty family 131

Caxton Njuki He came from Uganda and had his education at Richmond. He was a gentleman and an excellentsportsman who won the College Colours for Footballin 1938, for Athletics in 1939 and for Cricket in 1940.He Captained the Richmond First Eleven at Cricket, and the Football teams. In 1940 he became the firstCricketer of Richmond to score a century against St. Thomas’ College, Matara. He returned to Uganda after his schooling and met with a tragic. Dr Amara Wijenaike In Memoriam B. V. Samarasinghe 132

Nalin Wilmot Samarasinghe (Son) 47

In Memoriam D. K. L. Samarasinghe S. P. Liyanage THREE OUT OF FIVEAs a Richmondite I recall my eldest brother Bertie in College. He was the first person to hit asix in the newly opened Sneath playing field during a house match. In his 97th year, he migratedto UK. The second brother is Thilak left college in the late 1930s’ and took up planting. He wasin charge of Tea and Rubber estates in Deniyaya, Kamburupitiya, Bulathsinghala, andRatnapura areas. He lost a limb due to a motorcar accident and until his demise around 82years he maintained a plant nursery and a rice mill on our ancestral property at Katukurunda,Habaraduwa.The third Pandula joined Richmond in the early 1930, became a medical doctor, and is betterknown as ‘Dr Percy’. He was a bright student in college and won the class prize in every classand his name is in the boards’ hanging in the college hall. Entering Medical College in 1942, hepassed out with an MBBS and was stationed, in Anuradhapura and later at Bandarawela as theJMO. He had applied for a Smith Maund scholarship and was selected, but there were otherswho tried to prevent this. Ultimately, he resigned and went to Philadelphia University andreturned to the island after completing the course successfully. He served for about two yearsin government service and retired. He started a lucrative private practice and as aDermatologist was sought even by foreign countries. He passed away on 1st May 2010. Theyoungest Cecil attended St Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia but, during World War II went to AnandaElpitiya and then came to Richmond. Having completed his studies in college, he joined Amyas an apprentice and later proceeded to Bombay to follow a course in motor mechanism. Laterhe became an Examiner of Motor Vehicles in Galle and served in several stations and was apopular figure. After his retirement he passed away on 23rd February 2013. Wish them all thesupreme bliss of Nibbana. M. J. Sanath de Silva 134

In Memoriam To be nominated B. SooriarachchiWith deepest respect and in honour ofNissanka Perera James Lanerolle 47

In Memoriam V. L. Wirasinha Mrs. Rohini JayamanneBertram WimilasooriyaMr. Berty Wimalasuriya was a student of Richmond College during thetime of Rev. Sneath and Mr. E R de Silva. He joined the tutorial staffof Richmond College in 1946 and gained popularity as a scienceteacher. He served as the group scouts leader from 1948 to 1951. Hewas instrumental in forming the Photographic Club in the College. Heleft the school in 1951 for further studies. After graduation, he re-joined Richmond College Tutorial Staff in 1954. He assumed duties atthe Maharagama Teachers' College as a lecturer in 1956. After servingthere for some time, he completed his Masters in Science at theUniversity of Birmingham, UK and resumed duties at the TrainingCollege. Later he was appointed as the Principal of Teachers, TrainingCollege, Pattalagedera, Veyangoda where he was in the service from1971 until his retirement. Always smartly dressed and with genialmanners he was a sportsman who loved to play tennis in his leisurehours. He was a man par excellence. He passed away on 16 October2011 and is survived by his wife two daughters and a son. P. K. Senadheera 104



Remembering ?P. H. D. Waidyatilaka 138

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