He was an erudite scholar
View(s):Tribute to late Merril E. C. Fernando, former principal of Prince of Wales College Moratuwa at Holy Emmanuel Church, Moratuwa by Eng. B. R. O. Fernando on 9th September 2014
Merril Aiyah was my brother-in-law. He was not born with a silver spoon. He was the humble son of a poor carpenter from Puwakkaramba, Moratuwa. His mother died when he was still an infant and was then nurtured and brought up by his uncle the late F.W.Fernando and by his Loku Amma.
He was educated at Prince of Wales College, where he excelled in his studies and was an erudite scholar. He was awarded a scholarship by Dr. C.L.X. Muthucumaru for the entire period of three years for graduate studies at the Arts Faculty of The University of Ceylon at Peradeniya. After obtaining the Bachelor of Arts degree he commenced his carrier as a teacher at his old school Prince of Wales College.
After a few years he received his first appointment in 1959 as the Principal of St. Andrews College Nawalapitiya after marrying my sister Bermil. As she had to return back to Moratuwa for her confinement I was sent to Nawalapitiya to keep company with him and I received a casual appointment as a teacher for a month in the school where he was my first boss. In later years Merril Fernando received appointments as Principal at the Industrial School, Dodangoda Maha Vidyalaya, St. Anthony’s College Panadura and finally at Prince of Wales College Moratuwa his alma Mater.
He took it as a challenge to serve his old school with much vigor and interest and his heart and soul was dedicated to revive and bring back his old school to pristine glory following a number of set-backs that had taken place to his revered school a few years before his appointment as the principal. Although Mr. Tyrone Fernando who was then a Minister and the MP for Moratuwa was instrumental in selecting him for the appointment, yet Merril aiyah made it clear to him that he will not subject himself to any political pressure and that the administration of the school will be his primary forte to ensure that the progress of the school will be to the benefit of the students.
He developed a camaraderie to instill the unity among the teachers and old boys and stood steadfastly and ensured that he will not subject himself to any political pressure that could hinder the administration of the school. His courage to give of his best to his old school reaped a rich harvest. The old boys and the teachers stood by him to ensure that the ideas he hallowed and valued most bore fruits in abundance, and that the school was brought forward to an improvement in both education and discipline in an unprecedented manner. The principal became a popular figure and his efforts and talents were recognised by the politicians of all colours. He was always honest in all his dealings and improved most of the facilities in the school which included games. He retired at the age of 55years and trained his successor for two years before his retirement.
A large number of present and past pupils of different vintages paid respects to him today when he was laid in state in the college hall. Going down memory lane, 55years ago on the 7th May 1959, and his wedding reception was held at this very location. On this day this humble carpenter’s son was honoured when His Excellency Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Governor General of Ceylon proposed the wedding toast to the new couple, and I was the groomsman. Today he was accorded a royal farewell by the students of the school in an unprecedented manner.
Merril aiyah fell sick a year ago with a mild stroke and has been looked after very well by the family. Bermil akka never left him and his children were always there to nurse and look after his welfare. Murdu, Mithraka, Sasanka, Dilhani and the four grandsons you all have been very dedicated to the welfare of your husband, father, and father-in-law and grandfather. Your love and care to him is a very good example to many when in this modern age children take solace by keeping their parents in a Home for Elders to ease their own burdens.
Merril aiyah was a person whose integrity and accountability was unquestionable. I myself kept him as my attorney when my family and I were abroad for long spells on three occasions. I left with him my cheque book with signed leaves to manage various matters and was always vigilant to forward me with full details on my return. Such was the confidence I had of him. He never went after recognition by others. He loved his school and church with all his heart and held office on various societies. He was an ardent worshipper at the Methodist Church at Molpe and during the recent past was a worshipper at this Anglican Church. He rendered voluntary services to a number of organisations and was a Trustee, Vice President and Vice Patron of the Moratuwa Home for the Elders and Social service society. He also held office as President and Treasurer of the exclusive twelve member Factors Association Moratuwa which celebrated its 85th anniversary recently. He never was pompous and was satisfied with what he had and kept with him the Ford Prefect two door car 3 Sri 915 which he bought after marriage without going for the modern gear.
Now Merril aiyah, after passing the psalmist’s age and at 84 years God has called you now and we know that you are in the heavenly kingdom surrounded by Angels.
The passing away of late Merril ( M.E.C. ) Fernando, former Principal of Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa is a big blow to the school, as he was engaged in the welfare of the school even after retirement.
As a Vice Patron of the school OBA he contributed immensely attending meetings and extending his experience in the smooth progress of the OBA. He was also highly regarded as a Consultant to the OBA.
During his tenure as Principal, he developed the school to greater heights not only in the education sphere, but also in the school’s sports curricular. He took so much interest in sports, the school developed by leaps and bounds in cricket, rugger, and other sports disciplines.
He was at one time, the President of the Schools Cricket Association of Sri Lanka and represented schools in the EXCO of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka in the 1980′s. His active participation and contribution to cricket was amply rewarded when the BCCSL, Exco appointed him as Manager of the U19 schools team that toured England in the late 80′s.
He was a highly successful administrator, a disciplinarian and above all a good friend to all who knew him. Prince of Wales College, it’s OBA and his friends would certainly miss his services and it won’t be long before his absence would be felt.
His contribution to Prince of Wales College will be difficult to be filled by another easily.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory
An old boy – POW.