Appreciations

Dr. Rev. W. G. Wickremasinghe, former principal of Carey College, Colombo, was a great and distinguished person. He led an exemplary life, embracing a simple lifestyle and serving God. He taught us basic values that helped us become disciplined students and law-abiding citizens.

His contribution to the development of Carey College was unprecedented. As an educationist he worked tirelessly to improve the standard of teaching, and he introduced extra-curricular activities for the students’ all-round development. We Careyites feel proud and privileged to have known Dr. Rev. Wickremasinghe, a principal par excellence.

Dr. Rev. Wickremasinghe had a charismatic personality. We were in awe of him. When he made his daily rounds, classrooms noted for being noisy would maintain a pin-drop silence at his appearance.

The student population at Carey College comprises Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Chinese, Malays and members of the Indian and Maldivian communities. The students come from different social and religious backgrounds – Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu. Dr. Rev. Wickremasinghe ensured that all students were treated equally. He gave priority to merit, so we all made a genuine effort to succeed according to our capabilities, skills and commitment. He ensured that under his leadership Carey College functioned as a united family.

At morning assembly, we would be inspired by his wisdom and academic brilliance. As a junior student I remember him telling us that determination was the key to success. These words had a strong impact on me. Thanks to our principal, I developed a success formula based on the four Ds: Determination, Dedication, Discipline and Dependability. I have used this formula in training programmes to impart knowledge and develop skills. He also warned us that time lost could never be regained, and stressed the importance of good time management.

Dr. Rev. Wickremasinghe was a visionary leader. The school’s buildings and facilities, including Wickremasinghe Hall, bear witness to the great work he accomplished. He led from the front and delegated educational and administrative functions to able teachers for better results. Today’s students enjoy Carey’s facilities thanks to the foresight and efforts of our dear principal.

Dr. Rev. W. G. Wickremasinghe’s heart was with Carey College. When the Old Boys’ Union organised a memorable Carey Walk in 2003, he accepted our invitation without hesitation and walked with us, thus displaying his solidarity with the students. It was a joy and privilege to organise a felicitation ceremony in 2002 to honour him and note his lasting contribution to the school.

Dr. Rev. Wickremasinghe lived a simple life, according to Christian teaching. Life is a journey and has to reach an end. Past and present students extend their deepest condolences to Dr. Rev. Wickremasinghe’s family.

A father figure to united family of Careyites