R60 Souvenir

RememberingSylvester Chandra Bibile ‘Appucha’, was born in to a family who are descendants of the indigenous community of Bibile (Maha Kaira Wanniya from the Welassa jungles). By the time Appucha retired from active employment from the Ceylon Transport Board (CTB) in 1982, he was the Chief Civil Engineer, and prior to that, had worked with a French multi-national engineering company in Colombo. ‘Appucha’ was a caring family-oriented man, doted on us and in particular his late mother and sister; and, in his spare time, Appucha loved to have fun and drive us around. We fondly recall the activity filled school-holiday trips around the Island. According to him, his last two most enjoyable and memorable trips were, visiting Switzerland, Canada and US with his two daughters (2002) and to Kandy in June 2005 with his favourite 60’s Richmond Club. ‘Appucha’was an avid dancer and a lover of music. He was quite adept at playing the guitarand the ukulele and together with our late mother Monica, a talented singer inher own right, we their three children formed a merry-family-band; in the 60’swe did sing-songs at parties and get-togethers at home, one of the highlights beingsinging their own composition “We Are The Happy Bibiles”!!!‘Appucha’ was a man of character, principle, and a strict-disciplinarian at home(so we the three children thought through the growing years), which made himquite an organised and methodical individual, be it personal finances or chores.His best qualities were Honesty, high levels of Integrity, and Ethics coupled withlove and concern for people in general. As we grew older and encountered ourown life's challenges, we were able to better realise, understand and truly45

appreciate the salient values and the good he inculcated during our childhood,which we now commonly refer to as “Best Practices” although a bit painful then,but very fruitful in our later family and work lives. He was a very clever personwith a few simple and basic but useful practical chores and/or routines, which welearnt from him most; are as follows:‘Appucha’ as an Engineer, taught us to be practical and handy, to lay bricks, paintand change oil, spark plugs and grind valves in a car, etc.‘Appucha’ as a Father, taught us how to cook, manage our pocket money well, andto keep track of expenses, to ride a bike, to always 'cut the coat according to thecloth', and to share what we have with others less-fortunate, etc.‘Appucha’ as a Musician, taught us how to make and play the improvised tea chestbass guitar made from an empty wooden tea chest, a rope and a wooden pole, playthe drums, guitar and ukulele, etc.We, as his children are proud to be a part of his heritage and connected to a manof such high calibre, integrity, and character. We dearly hope to be able to meethim again someday, just to let him know how much we appreciate all the guidanceand good deeds he taught us, that we now call - Concepts, Systems and Controlsand Methods - for which we could not say “Thank You” while he was with us. Wewish he would be born again in this world where we have lost so many good menof this nature and character in recent times. We will love him dearly always andMay He Rest in Eternal Peace.His Children: Suwarupa Manamperi (Canada),Erandathie Fernando & Mohan Bibile (Sri Lanka). 46

Remembering allDeceased brethren ofRichmond College Austin Fernando 47

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In Memoriam Percy Abeywardane and P. D. G. ‘Pat’ Nanayakkara Fondly remembered byTorrington Wickramaratne 49

Francis WannakukoraleFrancis Wannakukorale joined RCGStaff with his wife Soma, and youngfamily as a Scholar of Languages butwas a Teacher of Sinhala and provedhis ability by keeping up his classesfrom Form I to HSC in rapt attentionand willingness to improve themselvesby attempting to learn on their own, byexposing them to vast literatureavailable to them.He was a quiet and friendly personwho used to find the time and keep hisfriends among the staff duringintervals by conversing with themabout his life experiences. May he attain nibbana. Fondly remembered by his sons Vasntha, Rajah, Sarath, Nissanka , Jagath and Asoka 50

Remembering Shelton Wirasinha A salute to a great teacherThough he was the Vice Principal & later the Principal of the school,he liked to treat his pupils as friends. Whether he taught English orMath’s or conducted the choir or was Cricket Coach for various agegroups, his charges always remember him as the person who wasinterested in their welfare.He would always remember a boy’s first name and address him bythat name. He enjoyed taking children on cycle tours when ever hecould find time.Married to a very elegant Kandyan lady with a nice little daughterwho grew up on the Richmond Hill.“Blessed are those whose hearts are pure, they shall see God”. Fondly remembered by Nissanka and Arosha Wannakukorale 51

In MemoriamTudor JayasuriyaE. R. Jayasinghe Dr. K. B. R. Kulapala 52

Pasquel Don Owen Christopher ‘PDOC’ Wickremasinghe Many knew him as ‘PDOC’ or simply ‘Christopher.’ He joined Richmond College in 1946 and rose to the position of the junior school Headmaster after the late Mr. H. D. A. Gunasekera. He was a strict disciplinarian with a compassionate heart. He lived in the premises and was engaged in one duty or the other after school hours, especially in scouting. One could see him in a banian and a pair of khaki shorts with the cubs and scouts often. He was the Richmond College Galle Scout Leader and became the Galle District Assistant Scout Commissioner while at Richmond and in 1964, he became the District Commissioner.Apart from his love for scouting, he was a playwright and a musician in his ownright. He trained his pupils and produced several concerts, which was an annualfeature during the last term at Richmond. He took an active part in allproductions, played the tabla, and the serpina or the harmonium, and was a goodpianist. He taught Maths in school.In 1966, promoted as a School Inspector he left Richmond and went toBandaragama. He passed away on 24 January 1976 after a brief illness. May he rest in peace! Fondly remembered by daughter Priyani Wickramasinghe 53

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Yasapalitha W Nanayakkara Fondly remembered by Padmakumara Nanayakkara Born on 19th June 1940 in Galle to Francis and Irene Nanayakkara, Yasapalitha was the second in a pack often children out of whom the six boys, Vasu, Padma, Hema, Asanga and Nilmin are old Richmondites. This illustrious product of Richmond College, studied at Richmond from Grade 1 up to Higher School Certificate. At Richmond, he very keenly took part in drama and singing. His passion for literature prompted him to produce the magazine \"Ranrasa\" when he was still 17 years. Yasapalitha's natural tendency to get involved in artistic discipline of study was well pronounced from a very young age. Literature and Maths were his pet subjects. Miming, he was very good at and with his amazing sense of humour he kepthis colleagues in stiches. Great teachers of the college such as the late Mr. H D AGunasekera and others were imitated by him so effortlessly.He was tutored privately by Ms. Daphne Haththoutwagama, the sister of the lateUniversity Don Mr. Gamini K Haththotuwagama, who was also a famous productof Richmond College. Once, when she was about to sit down, mischievousYasapalitha decided to pull the chair back in fun and the poor lady ended up onthe floor. The charmer Yasapalitha though excused by his teacher, was taken totask by his mother.As he was not showing any interest in a university career, his parents, consideringhis ability in maths, sent him to Colombo to study accountancy. Little did hisparents realize that he was more interested in a career in the film industry ratherthan one in the accountancy profession. Soon it transpired that he was learningthe art of film directing instead of attending accountancy classes.In the process of his career in the film industry, he met his wife Manoshree. Hepersisted with his passion and directed Thushara which was a roaring success anda box office hit. This was his turning point as a film director and he went on todirect over 27 films including 2 Tamil films. Most of his films were box office hits.Multifaceted Yasapalitha developed an interest in politics too. At the firstProvincial Council Elections he decided to come forward as a candidate forWestern Province from the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party founded by his actor andfriend Vijaya Cumaranatunga. Yasapalitha romped home with the second highestnumber of preferential votes, second only to the late veteran Bernad Soysa.The philanthropist Yasapalitha, readily assisted many an old Richmondite in theirhour of need.The artistic talent and humour often displayed by his two sons, Ranjiva andHarshana is a legacy left behind by Yasapalitha. 55

RememberingM. L. Cyril Dharmawardene Dramatist, Entrepreneur, Politician and above all a passionate human being Fondly remembered by M. L. Dharmawardena 56

Amarasiri Widyaratna No one knows how much we miss you, No one knows the bitter pain we have suffered since we lost you Life has never been the same. In our hearts your memory lingers, Sweetly tender, fond and true; There is not a day, dear ‘Father and Brother’, That we do not think of you.Punsisi (son), Kokila(son), Daya (brother), Sunil (brother) and Gamini (brother) 57

Dr. W. Dahanayake He is one of our best-known andoutstanding Richmondites – a man whoachieved greatness by his singleness of purpose and an almost religious dedication to what he believed in. Unconventional but steadfast in what he thought and did, he rose to the top, becoming the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. May he attain the bliss of Nibbana! Dr. Buddhi Kaluarachchi 58

Jayasena Haputhanthri ‘JH’ GunasekaraHe was a good Mahindian but afterjoining the Richmond Staff later, hebecame even a better Richmondite.He served during the E. R. de Silva, Shelton Wirasinha periods andproved to be a very loyal member of the staff. Those were the days – hewas conspicuous in the hill with his Jaffna Cigar and the Umbrella. He rose to a high position in the Education Service becoming the Principal of Mahinda College.May he attain the bliss of Nibbana! Dr. Buddhi Kaluarachchi 59

In MemoriamR. D. Abeygunawardene Dr. Buddhi Kaluarachchi 60

In MemoriamR. L. de Silva Neil Dias 61

In MemoriamWalter Gurusinghe Neil Dias 62

Remembering Somasiri G. GurugeSomasiri G. Guruge born on 20th June 1941, ‘Loku Aiya’ to three girls and fiveboys. He entered the second standard of Richmond College Primary as a DayScholar and allocated to the Cambridge House. Later he moved to the Collegehostel.All of us looked to him as a father figure and he lived up to that image caring andinstilling discipline in his siblings, which would have taken a good burden off ourparents. He was a very quiet person and a man of few words. His younger brothers– Jayasiri, Weerasiri, Oliver, Dilip, and Sumith gained admission to RichmondCollege at regular intervals, and the youngest Sumith joined in 1963.Somasiri, our Loku Aiya, took part in College Cricket, Football, and Volleyballand represented his House and College teams. After his University entranceexamination, pending results Mr. Shelton Wirasinha the Principal entrusted himthe responsibility of coaching the College under 14 Cricket team in 1961.He entered the University of Peradeniya and graduated in the year 1965. Hestarted his Teaching career from Galle at All Saints College – Fort (formerly- GaluMadya Maha Vidyalaya) he was the Master in Charge of Soccer during, whichperiod they excelled beating the best schools in the island.He passed away prematurely on 12th January 1974 at a very young age of 32leaving a void that all of us felt very badly. May he attain nibbāna . Fondly remembered byJayasiri, Weerasiri, Oliver, Dilip, and Sumith G. Guruge 63

In MemoriamT. A. Wijedoru Cyril Halloluwa 64

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 65

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 66

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 67

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 68

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 69

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 70

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 71

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 72

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 73

In Memoriam T. B. A. B. Suriyarachchi 74

A. T. Ariyadasa Silva The Badminton Legend A. T. Ariyadasa Silva hailed from Mirissa, Weligama. His Father was a Head Master of a bilingual school in Mirissa. Both Ariyadasa and his brother Mahinda, after their primary school in Weligama and later at Mahinda College, Galle shifted to “Ananda College, Colombo 10 for their secondary education in the late 1930s. Ariyadasa Silva as an English and Civics teacher, had always been impeccably dressed, smart and Handsome. He married Laura de Silva, a niece of Mr.E.R. De Silva in 1956, an English teacher, who lived right across the school. As the Badminton Master, he introduced the game ‘officially’to Dharmasoka. During this period, Dharmasoka wonmajority of the titles at the Junior Nationals as well.Mr. Ariyadasa Silva came to Richmond in 1965, on the first day of the secondterm, after April holidays. Within a week of his arrival, he got every student of theentire Middle School to play Badminton in school uniform for about 5 minuteseach, at the Darrel Hall where a Badminton Court was laid (painted). He and theclass teacher with notebooks in their hands observed from the stage. He pickedthose whom he considered talented for further training and practice. To thesurprise of many, he never played Badminton. However, he had the propensity toidentify talent. From 1966 onwards began the glory years of RichmondBadminton winning practically every juniorand senior inter schools events in1966 and the trend continued up until 1972.From mid-1960’s Mr. Ariyadasa Silva was involved with the BadmintonAssociation of Ceylon. By 1970 Mr. Ariyadasa was a leading and a highlyrespected figure in Badminton. In September 1970, Mr. Ariyadasa wasinstrumental in the formation of the Schools Badminton Association of Ceylon.Today, thanks to his foresighted move, the game of Badminton has spread acrossthe island with over 250 schools taking part at Junior Nationals with over 7,000entries.The Badminton Legend, Mr. A.T. Ariyadasa Silva, passed away in 1983. A gratefulBadminton fraternity conducts “Ariyadasa Silva Memorial Open BadmintonChampionships’ annually since his demise. Gratefully remembered by The Badminton Fraternity of RCG 75

P. H. S. Ariyapala de SilvaHe was an excellent product of Richmond whodearly loved his alma mater. He represented hishouse in Cricket and was in the first eleven Squad.He was one of the pioneers of RichmondBadminton Squad who were trained under Dr. A.D. John.Mr. Ariyapala who joined the Richmond staff untilhe joined Peradeniya University ChemistryDepartment, became the assistant to Mr. A. T.Ariyadasa Silva who joined Richmond in 1965, andtook over Badminton. He acted as the Master inCharge, to Mr. Ariyadasa who was the Coach.Mr. Ariyapala was the Teacher who accompaniedRCG Badminton team for all its fixtures around theisland and was a tower of strength and a caringperson who looked in to the welfare of all membersof the team. He was in the staff of Department ofChemistry, University of Peradeniya till hisretirement. May he attain nibbana. Gratefully remembered by The Badminton Fraternity of RCG 76

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RememberingFlight Lieutenant Tissa JayasekeraTissa Jayasekera joined Richmond College Lower Kindergarten in January 1958as a hosteller. His brother Roshan joined 3 years later.Tissa was an outstanding sportsman having dominated Field Events [Discuss andJavlin] from the junior age as well as being a regular in the Table Tennis Teambut it was in Badminton that he excelled.Tissa was part of the Richmond College Badminton team winning its very first AllIsland Inter Schools Junior Championships for the ‘La Fabre Trophy’, in 1966after which the RCG dominated the Junior and Senior Team and IndividualChampionships until early 1970s.Tissa Jayasekera was invited to join the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) in theyear 1972, qualifying as a Pilot in the Transport Squadron. Since joining theRCyAF he could not continue his sporting career due to his obligations to hisprimary duty.Unfortunately Tissa met with a Motor Cycle accident in early 1980s, which forcedhim to abandon his flying career. Tissa was thus employed on Ground Duties andone would recollect how the Officers of Katunayake Officers Mess enjoying thebest of meals with Tissa, through his ingenuity getting the Rations, Meats etc fromthe outstations, China Bay etc cheaply thus serving at times two deserts whilstcharging only Rs. 4.25 for all three meals from an officer.After a couple of years being on a medical category Flight Lieutenant TissaJayasekera obtained his release from the Sri Lanka Air Force on a Medical Boardrecommendation.After leaving the Air Force Tissa became the most qualified during his time in‘Rock Blasting’ having been trained in Sweden.Flight Lieutenant Tissa Jayasekera passed away in the year 2004.“May he rest in peace” Fondly remembered by The Badminton Fraternity of RCG 78

RememberingD. G. Welikala Nihal Welikala 79

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Nagollage Simion Fernando Nagollage Simion Fernando, hailing from Kurana, Katunayake, popularly known as “NS” to his pupils and friends, served as a Sinhala trained teacher at Richmond from 1956 to 1966. He was our class teacher for three consecutive years from standard 7 to 10. He taught us Geography in standard 7 and 8. In as much as he was adept at Geography he was an excellent teacher in Mathematics and taught us Pure Mathematics instandard 9 and 10. He treated all of us as his own children. Our classroom wasthe envy of all. It was kept spotlessly clean and neat, with walls decorated witheducational material like maps, charts etc, all at his expense. He conducted extraclasses for us every afternoon.The hand written class magazine, “Ape Viththi,” was produced monthly. I was theeditor. I remember him writing to me during the April holidays instructing meabout the Wesak Kalapaya, which we published in May. He was a true Christian!End of the year prize givings in the class, where first three students in everysubject got prizes, was another novelty in the school. He was a friend of the lateMr. Lal Premanath de Mel, the manager of M D Gunasena’s in Galle and managedto get the books at discounted prizes, all paid for by Mr. N S himself. He made aspecial attempt to get to know the parents of all the children.Here was a teacher in the true sense of the word, who spent most of his salary forthe welfare of the pupils, and dedicated his life for that purpose. Later he went ontransfer to Colombo, and re-entered the Teacher Training School and qualified asan English Trained teacher and taught at Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, Moratuwa. Hegot married late in life. He died in 1978 after a prolonged heart illness. He issurvived by his wife and two children. May he rest in peace! Fondly remembered by his pupil,Dr. Sarath Gamini De Silva 81

RememberingD. W. Lionel Wickremaratne Major MonteguA. Wijeratnarajah JayawickremaD.W. Lionel Wickremaratne Errol JayawickremaChristy Gunawickrema P.G.PiyadasaHamza Saheed A. B. H.CammerWinton Peiris Haffice SaheedU. L. A. Gunasekera Linton De SilvaT. P. ‘Turin’ de S Kudahetty Agbo KarunaratneGurney Dias Chandra AmarasingheAbeygunawardene Justice Percy Colin ThomeVass Gunawardena Lorensz JanszHema Dias Abeygunawardene Wilkin DiasAllen de Saa Bandaranayake Abeygunawardene Remembered byA Richmond 60 Club Member 82

Lest we forget our TeachersMs. Rita Kale Ms. Mary Thome (Matron)MS. Elaine Jansz Mr. R. V. JanszMs. L.M.Jansz A. C. G. ‘IKEY’ AbeuwardeneS.I.Perera Major A. F. de SaaR.S. WickremasingheMajor F.A. de S Adhihetty BandaranayakeG. R. A. Fernando J.C.ThurairatnamW. A. Lanerolle E. F. Dias AbeysingheC. S. Gunaratnam K. T. KoshiGunasoma Nanayakkara Abrahim T. KovoorDunstan Fernando D. N. PereiraHarold Samaraweera A. E. Gogerly MoragodaMs. Alice Goonawardene G. P. MendisGratefully Remembered by aRichmond 60 Club Member 83

RememberingGoonetileke, Henry Alfred Ian Born on 5th January 1922 Studied at Richmond College from 1929 to 1939 Cricketer, Scholar, and a distinguished author Librarian of the University of PeradeniyaRemembered by Dr. Amara Wijenaike and Vincent Goonewardene 84

In MemoriamAll Deceased Brethren of R 60 Club Austin Fernando 47

In MemoriamPercy Abeywardene and P. D. G. ‘Pat’ Nanayayakkara Torrington Wickremaratne 86

In MemoriamTo be nominated Dr. Sena Charith Nanayakkara 47

In MemoriamTo be nominated Dr. Sena Charith Nanayakkara 88

In MemoriamTo be nominated Dr. Sena Charith Nanayakkara 89

In MemoriamTo be nominated Dr. Sena Charith Nanayakkara 90

In MemoriamR. D. Abeygunawardene Dr. Buddhi Kaluarachchi 91

In MemoriamR. L. de Silva Neil Dias 92

A. Shelton Wirasinha andG. K. Haththotuwegama de SilvaA. S. W1rasinha G. K. Hathtotuwegama de Silvaand the Minor staff – the Ayahs, the Appus, the Club and Lab boys A day will come when we all will go On a one way journey free of costDo not worry about seat reservations All done and confirmed and the flight will leave on time. The good deeds will be our luggage Humanity will be our passport Love will be our visa Make sure we do our best to Travel in business class to a place beyond! Gregory De Silva 93

In MemoriamWalter Gurusinghe Neil Dias 94