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Obit: Dr M
Satchithananthan, London, UK – Feb 16 2024 Tissa
Jayaweera, May 9, 2023 Geethapriya
Salgado, May 14, 2023 William
Solomons, Australia May
they Rest in Peace! * AGM 2023 President: K K Amaradasa
Daya Weerasekera,
Rajan Sivasubramanim, Sarath (MS) Fernando, Akram Fernando, M Chandraprasad,
R Rajasooriyar
Mazher FazleAli – Jan 21 2023 – Colombo, Sri Lanka,
From Him do we come and unto Him we return! Tuan Ariff Kitchil
– Jan 17 2023 – Colombo, Sri Lanka, From Him do we come and unto Him we
return! GEC Jebanesan – Aug 23 2022 in
Australia. May he Rest in Peace! NM Fernando – The death is
announced of NM (Nandadeva Mahinda) Fernando. His remains will be available
for viewing at Lihiniya Florists, 530,
Galle Road, Ratmalana (0779901088) From 8am- 9.30 Am On Fri 15 July 2022. Burial at The Public Cemetery,
Rawathawatte, Moratuwa At 10.30 Am. May he Rest in
Peace! AGM 2022 at the Capri Club held on Sat May 7 2022 President:
M Chandraprasad (re elected) Secretary: Rajasooriar (re elected) ***** OBIT M Ranjan Perera – Passed away on Feb 7 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. May
he Rest in Peace S Rathnathicam – Passed away on Feb 4 2022 in California, USA. May he
Rest in Peace Russell Geddes – Passed away on Jan 18 2022 in Australia. May he Rest
in Peace Shirzad
T Aziez (Susu) – Passed away on Mar 24, 2021 in Colombo.
May he Rest in Peace OBITUARY/MEMORIAM From: skanda485 <somaskanda21@gmail.com> Gentlemen, please
feel free to share with your network of Royalists. Blessings Skanda The new year
greetings of hope for 2021 were marred by the news that “Master “
Weerasingham, an English teacher of excellent repute at Royal College who
subsequently settled in Canberra had passed away at age 92 ! Tiddy Wijeratne , Don Abey, Beryl Dias Abeysinghe ( widow of a
former High Commissioner ) and “Master “, as he was fondly referred to were
the Canberra senior seniors who graced all our Mission functions
regularly inspite of being handicapped by mobility issues that are normal for
those beyond four score and ten ! They graciously lit
the Lamp to celebrate events and their
blessings stayed with us throughout the year. Don Abey , a mountain of knowledge, Tiddy a cricket
connoisseur and gentleman player in his time, and Beryl , gracious and
elegant right up to to her 99 th bday, have all passed on to the heavens
above and with Master joining them, our community in
Canberra will bid farewell to yet another of its much
respected elders. To me “ Master “was more than a teacher. A very dear friend
whose deep affection was shared mutually to the extent that we spoke on the
phone almost every week end after my return home in May 2019. He was compassionate as he was wise and a meal at his home
was always a joy because he insisted on cooking for his guests. On such
evenings the Master Teacher not only excelled as a
Master Chef but was also the perfect host to his guests ranging
from grateful students to prominent members of the community. His dedicated
physician Dr Sivakumaran was often a special guest ! Rest in Peace Dear
Master. You have more than fulfilled your purpose on Earth and your legendary
legacy as a teacher, counsellor, and a deeply caring friend will I am certain live on in Canberra and in the hearts of all
who knew you. Needless to say there will be his students the world over who
will be paying their respects in an appropriate way to a Guru they loved and
respected very much. A final word of
appreciation for his daughter Sulochana
and son in law Saravanan for their unconditional love and care of
Master at their home even though they had the option of placing him in elders
care in his final challenging years. Bless them both. Although a familiar
week end voice has been stilled for me, the happy memories will remain. “Skanda” Haputale ********* OBITUARY: Nihal Abeyasena – Sun Feb 23, 2020
in Colombo. Interred at Kanatte, Borella May he Rest in Peace ********** Scouting Award by KPGs son Scout's Award Ceremony 2019 was held
at RC Main Hall. The Chief Guest of the event was Admiral Thisara
Samarasekara, former Navy Commander and Guest of Honour was Mr Palitha
Fernando, President's Counsel- former Attorney General. KPG Fernando Memorial
Award for the excellence in conducting Programmes was Awarded for the 1st
time by the Chief Guest.
Annual Dinner 2019 – Taj – Nov 30,
2019
Obituaries****** Ananda
Mallikarachchi Passed away in Kalutara, Sri Lanka – Dec 3 2019 – RIP my
friend
Vishwa Vedage, Passed away in London, June 4, 2019 – RIP my friend Mahadeva
Balakumaran, Passed away in London June 2, 2019 -
RIP my friend **************
AGM Mar 10, 2019 The AGM was held at
the Capri Club at 730 pm with a large gathering present. New Committee
elected uncontested for 2019/20 Mazher FazleAli -
President Fazli Sameer -
Secretary AU Suraweera -
Treasurer General Committee: MBM Naizer Nihal Canagasabey Upali de Livera Library Committee: Sunil Wimaladharma Dr AN Guneratne DER Hapuarachchi Mar 7, 2019 ST Aziez suffered a
massive heart attack and was warded in the ICU at Durdens Hospital, Colombo.
We wish him a speedy recovery. Dec 30, 2017 Ranjan Madanayake
passes away. May his Soul Rest in Peace! June 6, 2017 We have just
received the sad news of the demise of L Lathpandura in USA in 2015. May he
Rest in Peace! May 21, 2017 Announcing the
passing away of Asoka Waranasuriya in Colombo after a brief illness. May he
Rest in Peace! Jan 6 2017 We regret to
announce the death of Suren Chitty today. Details of the funeral arrangements
will be announced when received. May he Rest in Peace! Mar 18 2016 Obituary: Dear '59 Group Sad News of the
demise of our colleague H. P. Kariyawasam I am sure you would
have already read the mail from Manchanayaka informing the sad news of the
passing away of one of our batch mate H.P.Kariyawasam.
As Manche was telling he was a nice guy we associated very much at college
and even later when he was at Galgamuwa. However
I lost touch with him during the later years possibly
because he was working in Kandy. Sarath has just found out the
details of the funeral arrangements. The Funeral would take
place tomorrow (Saturday 19th) at 5 pm at Balagolla
Cemetry, a place along kandy- mahiyangana road passing pallekelle stadium. He leaves behind his wife and
daughter Shanika. Residence Telephone 0812421258 mobile 071 8011468 Pullaperuma Dear ’59 Group, I got this email from a Colleague of mine Tilak
Nikapitiya who was the Director of Irrigation, Kandy Range. Our Batch Mate H.P. Kariyawasam has passed away on
the 16th. Kari was an extremely nice guy whom I got to know when
we entered RC in 1959. He was a very quiet person. I could remember he had
his own group of people like Pulleperuma, Andradi, LVK De Silva, GSC Perera,
Ganepola etc. I do remember Kari was a very decent guy. He was not
a stir character. After finishing the TA Training School at Galgamuwa, Kari
served the Irrigation Department as a Technical Assistant for many years.
Then he got his promotion and served as
Irrigation Engineer (Kandy) for a long time. I am really saddened by his demise. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana! Regards Palitha Manchanayake From: kat nik [mailto:nikapitiya42@yahoo.com] Dear Palitha I have to announce about the sudden demise of Mr.
H.P Kariyawasam IE our neighbour and for long time friend of mine even before
we both got married. He served in ID, since his training from Galgamuwa and
also worked with me at Makandura Scheme with 7 other TAA. We lived in the
same private house as bachelors in a long dormitory there. Lastly he served
at Kandy IE’s office and involved in protecting the Kandy lake banks with
Gabions. He was promoted as an IE and served many years in that capacity too. After retirement he joined a private consultancy
firm and working till his last date. He has gone to Badulla on inspection on
previous day( 16th) and after return had his dinner
and slept at his home here. At the dawn at about 3.30 am he was taken to Kandy Hospital by his co officer . He
passed out on the way. He was having a Kidney problem for few years. One of
his daughters (out of 2) has got married 1 ½ years back to a boy from
Australia one Rambulwella and after marriage they both left SL. We were told
a month back they got a baby. I think he is your classmate at Royal with Lakshman
Kiriella. He is a nice, honest and devoted officer. I am sending this
because I think once you told me that he was your classmate at Royal. May he attain Nibbana. If you need there Tel No is
94 81 2421258 Tilak Nikapitiya *** Mar 17 2016 MINUTES OF THE 23RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE
ROYAL COLLEGE ’59 GROUP HELD ON 10TH MARCH 2016 QT THE CAPRI AT 8.00 P.M. The meeting was called to order at 8.00
p.m. by the President, Mr. Charitha Ratwatte. 1. Two Minutes silence was
observed in memory of the Late Sidney Gunaselara and Gamini de Silva. 2. President’s Address: The President outlined the progress made by the
Library Committee and the other activities of the Committee. He thanked the
Committee Members for their co-operation in carrying out the activities of the Group. He made special
mention of the support received by the ’93 Group in completing the Library Project, with our
Library Committee. 3. The Minutes of the 22nd
Annual General Meeting which were circulated in advance were taken as read,
and proposed by Dr. P A Gunaratne and seconded by Mr. Preman Soysa. The
Minutes were approved unanimously. 4. The Secretary’s report too which was circulated in advance was proposed
by Mr. Anil Kannangara and seconded by Mr. Sunil Wimaladharma and was
approved unanimously. 5. The Audited accounts for the
year which were circulated by the Hony. Treasurer, was proposed by Mr.
Padmaperuma, and seconded by Mr. Nihal Canagasabey. The Accounts were
unanimously approved by the membership. 6. Election of Office Bearers
for the year 2015/16 – The President remained in the Chair since he was not
seeking office and conducted the election. President: The Name of Mr, Sarath Perera was proposed by
Mr. Nihal Canagasabey and seconded by Mr. M B M Naizer. The anme was
unanimously accepted by the House. Hony. Treasurer: No Names were proposed and the Chair
proposed that the new committee meet and decide on the Treasurer. Mr. Sunil Wimaladharma Mr. L,V. Talagalle Mr. M Rajasooriar Mr. Sarath Perera, addressed the
members and said that he was taken by surprise and thanked the membership for
the confidence reposed in him. There being no other business was terminated
at 8.45 p.m. Charitha Ratwatte Mazher
Fazleali Oct 12 2015 Obituary: Gamini de Silva (Ketty), Colombo,
Sri Lanka Sep 27 2015 obituary: Sydney K Goonesekere, Colombo, Sri
Lanka Mar 12 2015 obituary: Bandula Kulatunga, Mar 12 2015 in Australia [reported by Jeremy Perera]. May
he Rest in Peace!
Bandula
Kulatunga on his last visit to Sri Lanka in 2010 with Prasanna Mendis, UC
Jayasinghe & Livera Jan 6 2015 <hr size=2
width="100%" align=center> Dec 9 2014 obituary:
<hr
size=2 width="100%" align=center> July 25 2014
May he Rest in Peace
A
fine and fitting tribute to a man of great courage, determination, and
compassion may he Rest in Peace! - Fazli Sameer KPG was a good friend ever since we started college
together in 1F. So sorry to have been away from the country and not see
him during his last stages. Thanks Sunil, Nizar and Nihal for writing this
fitting tribute. -Sube *** Office Bearers of the
Royal College '59 Group 2014/2015 Hony. Treasurer: Upali Suraweera Committee Members. M.Chandraprasad Library Committee Sunil Wimaladharma July 13 2014 Fazli Sameer's Mum moves on Mrs Ryhan Sameer, 95+ passed away on Sunday July 14 and
was buried the same evening at the Dehiwela Muslim burial grounds. May
she Rest in Peace!
APR 29 2013 Upali
de Livera’s Brother moves on
Dec 12 2013 Athula Senanayake Moves On ***
Ando's Father Passes Away July 26, 2012,
10:37 pm DIAS
– NANDA NISSANKA (N. N.). Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur V. Dias,
beloved husband of late Dayadari, loving father of Ajith, Naomal
and Neelakanthi,
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 I just got the news about Prasanna.
Fortunately I was able to see him last week. I
then called a couple of others eg Jiggs, Huna etc and asked them to go and see
Prasanna as soon as possible. Prasanna was a real gent and we
will all miss him. Upali, please give Subarshini my
deepest sympathies if you happen to go to the funeral Regards Firoz Nilam Now that we are all passing through
64 the rate of movement to the other side will certainly accelerate and I do
hope and pray that we have all lived our lives well to be content and pleased
with our contribution towards humanity, our families, and the world in
general. Its been a long 6+ decades on the
planet and lets hope we can all meet on the other
side, someday. Regards Fazli -------- Some have been there early and some
will be dead on time and a few will be, as usual late. What ever it is let us
think of the good we did,do and will be doing in
future (provided always, if time permits). Summarizing the 6 decades we have
not done bad. Only a few (Less than 5) have failed in their duties. Out of
36x6=216 only about 5 have failed. Work out your first form arithmetic and
see the percentage.(2.3148%) right or wrong? Among many achievements, the latest
is Lukshman Samaranayaka.(King James IV Professor). Have we failed? NO! Let us do more to help the needy. Love Hapu Yes, Daya ndeed a very sad moment!!
He was a decent bloke, and tried hard to taech me to play tennis!!! Did call on him, about 2 months
ago, but frankly in a way it was a merciful ending. May he rest in peace!! Mazher May he Rest in Peace! ---------------------------- Jan 26 2012 Tribute to Rama by Vela In a message dated 24/01/2012 18:11:08 GMT Standard Time, kvelupillai@gmail.com writes: Dear Vipula,
May 25 2011 Upali de Livera's Mum moves on May she rest in Peace! OBITUARIES 2011.05.26
Thursday, 26 May
2011 00:00 DE LIVERA, HAZEL
MURIEL – Beloved wife of late Terrance Glenville de Livera, mother of
Upali, Nihal, Indrani and late Dr. Mangalika, mother-in-law of Ursula,
Sasaleka, Senerath Colombatantri and Dr. Nimal Warnakulasuriya, grandmother
of Shiyara, Eranga, Thulan, Dushan, Dulip, Geshan, Yasura, Sameera and Chathura.
Cremation at 3.00 pm General Cemetery Borella on 26th May 2011. Cortege
leaves residence at 1.45 pm. 282/8, Sriyakantha Gardens, Waragoda Road,
Kelaniya. AGM Feb 26 2011 Royal College ’59
Group 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 17th Annual General Meeting of the Royal College
’59 Group held on 12th June 2010, at the VIP ROOM of the Colombo Oval 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
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 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 Confirmation of the minutes of the
16th AGM held on 13th 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
SENTHIL
MOVES ON Dear '59 Group, --- 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 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 S Muthulingaswamy London, UK ---
---
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 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 ---
---
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. --- 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
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 ---
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 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 --- 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 Please covey our
sincere condolences to Sentil's family. Please let me know the date
and time of his funeral. Best Regards Ranjan Chandrasena --- 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 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 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 --- 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 5th
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 15th 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.
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. ole
chaps, with their spouses, had met for a grand buffet Luncheon get-together. 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.worldgenweb.org/lkawgw/rcpa01.html AGM 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 *************** SEP 2009 OBIT They nurtured us through our Right
Royal Days and May God Be Pleased with them on their return to Him. In Loving
hearts they will live on forever. Our prayers and
supplications are with Nihal and Muthu in these trying times of emotion and
grief CANAGASABEY
- NOELLE Relict of the late W A S Canagasabey
C.C.S., much loved mother of the late Shanti and of Carmel, Nihal and
Therese, devoted grandma of Sanjay, Shara, Naren and Kishan and beloved
sister of Leo Wijesinghe and Marie Pereira, expired on 15th September 2009 and
was laid to rest the same day. The family wishes to convey their sincere
gratitude to those who helped in numerous ways and sent messages of
condolence. A requiem mass for the repose of her soul will be held at St
Mary’s Church, Lauries Road, Bambalapitiya at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 1st
October 2009. *************** AGM July 2008 New Committee. 2008-2009 President: S. Skandakumar COMMITTEE: A.U.C. Suraweera LIBRARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS K.P.G. Fernando AGM 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. MBM Naizar, PH Wickremasinghe,
DG Wickremasinghe, LC, Senthil Kumar, and Anil Kannangara. Tissa
Jayaweera reporting from Colombo for RC '59 Group Goss. Oct
17 2006 Personality
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. Sep
3 2006 It’s more
than a Bradby at stake 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 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 From Ando in Colombo Dear '59 Group
member, Our committee has
decided on the following events. 1. Bradby 9 Sept.
Saturday, in Colombo - get together in the evening 2. Bradby 23
Sept. Saturday, in Kandy - subject to sufficient numbers joining, the plan is
to arrange for match tickets and
hotel accomodation in Kandy. 3. 16 Dec. -
dinner (with spouses) in Colombo - venue to be decided We are very encouraged by the
contributions made to our 3 projects and those who have not yet contacted
Jeremy, Niki and Firoze, please do so at your earliest. For those who want to contribute in
Sri Lankan Rupees, please make out a Cheque in favor of
ROYAL COLLEGE '59 GROUP" and post it to me at 116 Lake
Drive, Colombo 8. Kind Regards Ando May 22 2006 From: Dias, Ajith Dear '59 Group
Member, At the AGM held
recently, I was appointed as the new Chairman for the '59 group for the
current year. Whilst I thought this position was bestowed on me due to
my being clever in school and my business
acumen etc, I was politely informed
by all that it was only due to the non availability of another sucker! In view of the serious
deterioration in facilities at Royal, most agreed that we should get involved
in a few more projects, now that the library is in good shape and also with sufficient funds to maintain the
standards and infrastructure for quite a while. The great efforts put in by
Chari/KPG and the committee ,has
made the library, one of the best , and is demonstrated as a show piece to
all the other college groups. The new
executive committee identified the following 3 projects as the most useful. 1. the
hostel 2. cricket
facilities 3. skills
development As a target we are trying to
collect between Rs 1 -1.5 million for these projects by way of contributions
and also a special souvenir which will incorporate several advertisements
etc, which should bring in a large portion of our requirement More details will be forwarded in
due course. It would be greatly appreciated if
you could contribute a minimum of US$100 or its equivalent towards funding of
this project. I hope you agree that this amouint
is not too much to request considering what we all gained by being at Royal
and the immense benefit our projects will
provide to the present generation of
Royalists. It would be greatly
appreciated if your
contributions are sent to one of the following, who will make
arrangements to remit the funds to our account in Colombo. 1. Firoze Nilam - email
is firnil8@aol.com, office:
firoz.nilam@parexel.com. tel .home 8583503101
cell 98870035. home address :
5543 Meadows Del Mar East, San Diego, 92130 CA, USA 2. Niki Kumarage - email
nkumarage@yahoo.com
mobile 07971090041 home 0208 863 5054. 3. Jeremy Perera -
email jerry@haycarb.com.au
tel home 03 98024761
office 03 95447199, mobile 0413880027 I will contact you with a program
of events planned for the rest of the year and would be delighted to see you
at some of the se occasions. kind regards Ando Apr 9 2006 From Prasanna Mendis in OZ: Just to update you
boys of happenings here in wintry Melbourne. The OBA here put on an
avurudu celebration at an ornately dressed-up new reception hall
half-owned by a Royalist, Malik Deen, (who I think is a good decade
jnr). We had four distng'd guests from Ceylon with their wives, who
should be labelled more-disting'd for various reasons !)
- Judge W'mantry, Ken Bala, Ratna Sivartnam, and our own putha a year jnr to
us 59ners, Vassa de Silva, Lennie's son. The business magnates were at
Lorenz 'Lollo' Pereira's table, while Vassa was with us at Jeremy P's. I was the only fool
in full suit, having mistaken the injunction 'smart casual' for lounge,
as is the case with most do's. Naiya deKretser didn't let me forget it ! He's become a superbly warm human b, and a
great lover patriot of SL in any convers'n abt cricket, esp re Perali
Murali. And there was also Brian 'the champ'
Lieversz and wife at table. That's a Dutch girl, and Naiya's is
an Italian damsel - all reconciled to curry, but not sure if so to the
sweetmeats which was the dessert for the night - kavum, kokis and mungkavum. The main meal of rice with about
ten curries and relishes was cooked by Sarath Mendis and family - a doughty
trooper of the 1960 group - who has done this before. And this time,
though the OBA had planned only to have 200 guests, 300 had to be
accommodated due to severe and persistent demand in the last week. All smokers had a chance to meet
and have a moment to reminisce with the magnates, who were our seniors by not
too much time; the twain cut a good figure for
the way they conducted themselves. I have dried out great pals, so will stop befo disgracing
self. Best wishes for Avurudu and /or Easter ! __________Pras... 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 Dear 59’ Group member, It is
appropriate to pen down a few words in memory of our colleague, and history
maker in many ways.
Sarath was a lone fighter and laid
down his life for Justice and Principles he loved and valued most, as a true
Royalist, while many Royalists still remain alive covered in apparently Lion
like skins but their skin really belong to Sheep or Foxes. First of all
the state (Not this govt. or Previous govt. but the Sri Lanka State whoever
is the President or Prime Minister – Of UNP or UNF or present UNDF) is to be
made responsible for THIS cowardly assassination as no protection whatsoever
was given or even thought about for a valiant fighter of Terrorism, Narcotics
Trade, Human Rights abuse by State Military apparatus and Child Abuse just to
mention a few.
If one has visited Saraths residence,
he will wonder how fortunate he was to live so many years, unprotected,
isolated and neglected, at the mercy of his opponents, and would be assassins
before falling a victim. This is a miracle.
The population of Sri Lanka should be
ashamed of and made responsible for saluting and garlanding and bowing down
to all those cowards called politicians who manipulate the state machine and
judiciary to reach their political dreams and destinies by accommodating all
types of Terrorists, Drug dealers, Betting centre Operators, Arms dealers and
Human rights abusers and leave the Law Enforcers, Judiciary, Security Forces
exposed and vulnerable to punishment by assassination. The politicians must be held
responsible for by not supporting them in their day to day official business
matters and lives, spent among criminals and Mafia gangs trying to prosecute
and meter justice.
To fight against these principles,
the whole nation is challenged and called upon to wake up from the dream they
enjoy now and get rid or eliminate all those politicians who are paid
servants directly or indirectly of the terrorists, drug dealers, and the
mafia who run this Island state. The only way to honour Sarath
Ambeypitiya in his own humble way and tradition, the Royalists
(of 59’ Group and else) if they are really, should think
seriously about the disease affecting Sri Lanka and lead the rest to get out
of this bogey if the future generations are to live like humans and to
prevent them from being called 2nd generation cowards following the path
taken by their forefathers. Our School song gives us the spirit
to sing and also to act the correct way……but we still loudly sing a different
version and practice accordingly. - Daya 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 |
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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 News update from new Secy Livera - Oct 2003:- For your information Indra
Lokubalasuriya was in Colombo recently. We were happy to meet him at
"Giggs" place on the 10th evening (10.10.2003)
for dinner hosted by "Giggs" Lambert Wickremasinghe too
was present on this day. Earlier this year we (Amaradasa)
hosted Rev Roger Herft at his residence. Our guys also met M.S. F'do and Dr. D.C.P Karunaratne this year. What news about you,
would you be coming to Sri Lanka on holiday in the near future. Good luck in your endeavours, regards, Upali de Livera - Hon Secy '59 Group This will be copied
to Indra Lokubalasuriya. Thanks for being in
our midst. Great to be with 59 ' Group members.
cc. Dr. Lal
Karunaratne. My thanks for the trouble you took to contact me during my short stay. Pl. let me know details of your intended visit to
Sri Lanka next year. ps. It is better you send
email's to my above address (Home) with copy to ctppexp@lanka
.ccom.lk |
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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. 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 I'm
sure that you'd be happy to hear that the RC '59 Group is actively
engaged in the RC Library development project after we got a new Principal at
the end of October 2003. He set-up a new Computer Lab for the
Primary School (wired for 40 terminals -- over 20 already available) within
one month of assuming duties. Parents are contributing towards the
balance! A second computer lab (for the Upper School) was opened
on January 30th -- former Staff Room opposite the Armoury. This one is
wired for 75, and 40 already installed. The
Principal suggested that the '59 Group assist in automating the RC
Library, which challenge we've accepted; this project is making
steady progress. Software (incl. barcode software) already
installed. Data entry begun -- students awaiting O/L results engaged
in this. Till now, a few terminals at the new Primary School Computer
Lab were being used for this purpose. The server was shifted to
the Upper School lab last week as this is much closer to the
library. There are four (old) computers already in the
library -- only two in working order (yet very slow!).
A technical report reveals that it is not worth repairing the other two,
and we are hopeful of securing replacements as donations, as we need a
minimum of four for the library. '59 Group funds amounting to
approx. Rs. 375,000 are to be released towards payment for installation of
software, purchase of a laser printer, barcode scanner, and a digital
camera, etc. Library Membership Card would finally carry the member's
photo as well. Could
you kindly pass the message to other Old-Royalists over there in
the Gulf Region that any Educational Software they could contribute would be
welcome, as we are starting such collection from scratch -- for
Primary, Middle, and Upper schools. ***************** 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. |
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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' 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 |
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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
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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 |