Coming of age in colonial Ceylon
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Not many can impart insights into life as a student of three renowned schools in Sri Lanka but Ranjit Ameresekere who studied at S. Thomas’ College, Royal College and Wesley College does so in his ‘Memories of my Ceylon Schooldays’. The book, recently released, is an autobiographical account chronicling his days as a schoolboy in colonial Ceylon from 1944 to a newly independent nation in 1956.
Home-schooled until the age of seven, while his peers had already had the benefit of the school system for two years, Ranjit was eventually enrolled first at S. Thomas’ College, then later moved to Royal College and finally to Wesley College.
The story of his family, extended family and school life unfolds against the historical events both local and international taking place thus providing a more expansive snapshot of the time and conditions in the nation. Some of the highlights are Sri Lanka’s debut on the Olympic podium with Duncan White taking Silver in the 400m Hurdles in 1948 and more sombre events like the bombings of the Colombo and Trincomalee harbours during the Second World War. The focus however, remains on the adventure and camaraderie of public-school life when free education was first introduced to the nation during British rule.
Highlighted throughout are anecdotes of school friends – kindred spirits, charismatic acquaintances and a devoted collection of family members all of whom have left an ineradicable impression on Ranjit’s life.
Older readers may well find shades of their own school experiences and episodes of mischief like the crudely orchestrated escapes from the school grounds in avoidance of corporal punishment and resultant pulse-pounding sendoffs to the Vice Principal’s office. Other facets of life in those days like leaving the comforts of home to board with relatives and then with friends at the school hostel, the weight of exams and insights into some of the country’s memorable sporting events are all encapsulated.
Many circumstances echoing the predicaments of today are sure to draw attention with accounts of food and petrol rationing and nationwide vaccination programmes owing to the smallpox epidemic of 1943. These are juxtaposed humorously with other daily happenings of a bygone time like disputes over 60 rupee rent charges, bullock cart travel and fresh turtle eggs delivered to your doorstep.
A section which may strike a chord especially with readers who have experienced the same is the author’s description of the growing strife between himself and his father over his lack of interest in pursuing a career in medicine. The pressure further intensified by his father being a medical school hopeful himself is telling of the culture of parental expectations still very much present today. Despite this disagreement which would last several years, his writings of his family, both immediate and extended, tell of an overall contented upbringing.
Despite being urged towards medicine, the author’s own inclination towards other passions was reflected in his performance at school. When the time came to pursue his higher education, he was encouraged by a former teacher who recognised his future lay elsewhere to remain at the Bank of Ceylon where he had gained employment while awaiting the results of the University Entrance examination. Failing to enter university, Ranjith would go on to enjoy fulfilling careers in both Banking and Information Technology. He moved to the UK in 1962 with his wife Ruth and now lives in retirement in Eastbourne.
All these reminiscences make ‘Memories of my Ceylon Schooldays’ both a nostalgic peek into the past and an interesting read for anyone curious as to what coming of age during colonial Ceylon might have been like.
Anoushka Jayasuriya
| Book facts | |
| Memories of my Ceylon Schooldays- by Ranjit Ameresekere Published by S. Godage & Brothers (Pvt) Ltd Price: Rs. 600 |
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