75th Birth Anniversary and 4th Death Anniversary of Emeritus Professor J.N.O. Fernando commemorated
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Professor Oleap Fernando was born on 29th February 1944. This great scholars who dedicated his life to the advancement of chemistry and chemical sciences in Sri Lanka, passed away on 2nd March 2015. He was an educationist, lecturer in chemistry, and academic administrator in several institutions in Sri Lanka as well as abroad. It is due to the efforts of this great personality, the College of Chemical Sciences of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, which produces professional chemistry graduates has progressed to the level of an advanced academic Institution dedicated to chemical education in Sri Lanka. The College of Chemical Sciences in Rajagiriya which was built and expanded due to his far sighted vision has many facilities such as chemical laboratories, air-conditioned lecture halls, fully equipped library.
Prof. JNO Fernando began his professional career as an Assistant Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, and thereafter served in the same capacity at University of Ceylon, Colombo. In 1984, he assumed duties as Professor of Chemistry at the newly formed Department of Chemistry of the Open University at Nawala. He then served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science for two terms. He retired in 2009 as a Senior Professor of Chemistry. He was a member of the Senate and the Council of the OUSL. Professor JNO Fernando also served as the President of Sri Lanka Association for Advancement of Science (SLAAS), President of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon and Hony. Rector of the College of Chemical Sciences during which time he brought these organisations into high standards. He was also a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences in Sri Lanka.
Literally and figuratively, Prof. J.N.O. Fernando was a man of great stature. His rapidly striding figure, his booming voice, his hearty laugh and his vigorously and fearlessly expressed opinions as well as his mentoring of students, his advising of staff, his dedication and his hard work have been greatly missed and very hard to fill the vacuum created by his loss at the College of Chemical Sciences, which is his brainchild.
He was very straightforward in his ideas who presented them forcefully and fearlessly, without malice towards anybody. Principles and policies guided his way of life – these are rare traits in the present world. He always used to say “whatever we say, we do and whatever we do, we say”. (“Api kiyanade karanawa Karanade Kiyanawa”). He was a good Counsellor in student affairs and commenced several programmes such as Australian Chemistry Quiz, Interschool titration competition, Inter university debate competitions and social activities such as sports festivals, Open Days, Avurudu Asiriya and religious programmes such as Poya Bana, Annual Christian Mass, Navarathri, Id-ul- Fitr, etc, where the students of all faiths participate. His student friendly approach where he attentively listens to the suggestions, comments and grievances of them had been praised by the student community as well as the course evaluation teams.
He commenced the ground work on celebration of International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011) activities as early as in 2009 and due to his efforts the celebration became one of the most successful events in the history of the Institute, which brought national as well as international fame.
It may be significant to mention that he had just turned 71 years on 1st March 2015 (we call this his “theoretical birth day” since he was born on 29th Feb). He passed away on 2nd March 2015 leaving behind his beloved wife Mandrupa and his son. He will be remembered by thousands of his students, scientists, lecturers and employees of the College of Chemical Sciences of the Institute as well as the members of the Institute.
Since his untimely demise in 2015 the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon launched several programmes for the commemoration of his death anniversary. The 75th Birth Anniversary and 4th Death Anniversary of Emeritus Professor J.N.O. Fernando will be commemorated by the Institute on 8th March 2019. An alms giving has been organised by the staff and students of the Institute and the College of Chemical Sciences for the maha sangha at Sri Gnanawasa Thripitaka Vidyayathanaya Temple at Rajagiriya.
A special programme will be held from 3.00 pm to 6.20 pm on the same day commencing with a Hindu and Christian religious activities followed by a documentary titled Recapturing the Life of an Epitome”. The documentary will be launched by Mrs. Mandrupa Fernando, beloved wife of Professor Fernando. The Commemoration Oration titled “Development of 21st Century Skills through STEM Education” will be delivered by Prof G. Bandarage, Professor in Chemistry, Open University of Sri Lanka. Welcome address will be delivered by Prof. Sudantha Liyange, President of the Institute. The commemoration ceremony will be attended by the Members of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, 100s of College of Chemical Sciences Alumni, academic and non academic staff and students of the College of Chemical Sciences and, family members of Professor JNO Fernando as well as his close associates.
A.M.Jayasekara
Additional Registrar