He ushered in the Golden Age of Nalanda College
The demise or death of a veteran is an irreparable loss. Such men and women are rare. Gunapala Wickramaratne, who passed away on August 3, this year was a great educator and scholar, a renowned administrator and an exemplary principal and Director of Education. He dedicated his entire life to education, and produced responsible and productive citizens.
But what is education? It is the training, instruction and knowledge given to society, particularly young people. It is the development of mental and moral character, kindness and compassion to help them be productive citizens of their country.
For Mr. Wickramaratne, teaching was not merely a profession but a way of life, and it made him an intellectual visionary.
Mr. Wickramaratne possessed great agility of mind, which made him methodical, disciplined and strict. But he was also full of charm, manners and grace. When he entered a classroom or office, he brought a breath of the finest air with him that lightened the entire atmosphere. He was a man of honesty and integrity, which earned him a lot of respect.
He was born on May 19, 1926, to a family of reputed educationists in Pathegoda, Kottegoda. After a brilliant school career at Rahula College in Matara and Mahinda College in Galle, Mr. Wickramaratne was one of three students from the Matara district to enter the University of Ceylon in 1945. He successfully completed his Bachelor of Arts, and took up teaching while he completed his Masters degree.
He taught at his alma materRahula College, after which he assumed duties as the Principal of Ananda Sastralaya in Kotte and then finally as the Principal of Nalanda College in Colombo. It is here that he was responsible for ushering in the golden era of this great Buddhist educational institute.
Mr. Wickramaratne never cared for caste, colour or creed, and he always believed in a united Sri Lanka. He worked all over Sri Lanka, serving in Jaffna and Galle as Director of Education, the Head of Technical College Kuliyapitiya and as Commissioner of Examinations.
He was a calm and dignified man, possessing a photographic memory and many other admirable qualities. I consider him one of the greatest principals ever produced in Sri Lanka, in the esteemed company of other fine educators.
He always stressed the importance of preparing lessons before passing it on to students. As such, I have noticed that teachers who pass their knowledge on with full dedication and commitment gain true happiness seeing their students doing well as professionals in their fields. He always believed that children were an important future investment for the country.
Dear Sir, may the good angels warmly welcome you in the heavenly realm of Thusitha. May you teach the inmates, including the all-knowing Supreme Teacher Suraguru. When you depart the heavenly abode, may you attain the deathless state Nibbana. Good night sweet prince.
Premasara Epasinghe