Tribute

Mr. Hillary Costa

We cherish our A/L first year class in 1984 with Master Hillary Costa who had by then just served around 2 years at St. Benedict's College, Kotahena.

This master had got through his A/Ls in the Commerce stream in 1976, in the 1st batch to follow commerce and accounts at A/Ls at St Mary's College, Chilaw. Master Hillary Costa had gained admission to the Peradeniya University in 1978 and passed out in 1981 with a Bachelor of Commerce, Special Degree. In 1990 he had earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and in 1996 successfully obtained a Diploma in Master of Education, both from the University of Colombo.

No sooner had he passed out from the university, than he joined the tutorial staff of St. Mary's College Chilaw on a temporary basis. He served at St. Mary's until April 1982 where he won College Colours for his dedication and commitment to help weak students gain successful results at the O/L classes.

In May 1982 he joined the tutorial staff of St. Benedict's College, Kotahena and we were privileged to have our A/L education in the commerce stream under him. He was young and strict and committed to impart his knowledge and experience to us in the simplest method of professional teaching which moulded us into honorary citizens. An exceptional character of this master was that he never allowed any weak student to fall out. He got round all students and we all passed the A/Ls successfully.

We are very grateful to him for patiently nurturing us to become the successful citizens we are today. He not only wanted us to follow the syllabus, but at the same time groomed us with leadership qualities. Based on his idea, we the boys of 1986 A/L class at St. Benedict's College, Kotahena formed the Bens 86th batch with the motto "stand we together".

This excellent educationist after long years of professional teaching of 27 years has now retired since April 2009 from our great school. Even after his retirement we understand he has initiated a "retired teachers' welfare society" of St. Benedict's College, Kotahena.

The Bens 86 Batch has readily rallied round this great Master to help him in whatever possible way to accomplish his endeavours. We quote his home address - No. 2/144 Alwis Town Hendala, Wattala and contact No. 011 2930935, so that any interested Old Boy or retired teacher could get in touch with him to harness his great idea of fostering the welfare of retired teachers. May God Almighty bless him with good health and long life.

By Bens 86 Batch