Appreciations
View(s):Sri Sumangala Girls’ School will forever be in debt to this pioneering principal
Malini Ranasooriya
Malini Ranasooriya – the first Sri Lankan Principal of Sri Sumangala Girls’ School, Panadura, who passed away on January 28, was one of Panadura’s distinguished personalities.
She was born on September 25, 1926, a few days before the Sri Sumangala Girls’ School itself was established. She had her entire school education there, proceeded to the University of Colombo and after graduation joined the staff of her alma mater. She succeeded Mrs. L. Vinson, the last European Principal in 1958. Mrs. Ranasooriya served in this position until her retirement on September 25, 1986. It seems as if Sri Sumangala Girls’ School was established for Mrs. Ranasooriya. Mrs. Ranasooriya was always elegantly dressed, her saree draped in Indian style. The fall of the saree was pinned in place on her left shoulder with a matching brooch. Her endearing smile and gentle ways won her the admiration of the staff and students.
Her mild exterior camouflaged the disciplinarian. I recall how firmly she acted when one day during the period of civil unrest in the country, the children were forced to participate in street protests during the interval. The school bell was rung to notify the children that the interval was over and the children were instructed to go to their classes. Then she calmly announced that anyone who wished to go to the road would leave the school gates never ever to return within. All the students went back to their classes calmly.
Mrs. Ranasooriya was very keen to develop the reading habit among the students. She developed a well-equipped library for the school and continued to improve the collection of books in the library. Every six months or so she and the writer would visit the well-known bookshops in Colombo and buy books for the library. It was compulsory for students to borrow an English and Sinhala book weekly. The librarian was instructed to question the student about the English book to ensure that the book was read.
English and Sinhala Literary Association meetings were held alternately every Wednesday after school. The activities at the meetings were varied and enjoyable. Spelling Bee competitions, Do You Know Contests, short plays, poetry contests were some of the events at these meetings. At that time the school had a set of dedicated teachers who devoted their time to train the students in these activities. Mrs.Ranasooriya was always there to guide them. Not to be outdone were the Western Music and sports activities. The drill squads too need special mention as the school won many first places in the All Island contests. She was interested in promoting the arts and literature as well as sports. The school presented a successful public performance of an opera named, ‘Nala – Karaya’ – an adaptation of the ‘The Pied of Hamelin’ by Robert Browning. The school won many first places in the Inter-School Drama and Poetry Competitions in the Kalutara District held in 1969 to mark the centenary year of the establishment of the Ministry of Education.
Mrs. Ranasooriya was a devout Buddhist and a daayika of the Rankoth Viharaya as well as the Welipitiya Temple, Nalluruwa. The day after Poya, she would invite a monk to deliver a sermon at the morning assembly. On important Poya days, such as Vesak and Poson a ‘sil’ campaign would be organised with the help of the Buddhist Society of the school. For the Esala Poya, the teachers and pupils would sew baby shirts for the new-born babies at the Maternity Ward of the Panadura Hospital. The well rounded education yielded results. Thus during her tenure as Principal, the school produced many eminent professionals, doctors, lawyers, scientists among others.A highlight of her career was when she had the rare opportunity to walk and talk with royalty when Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Sri Lanka in the early 1980s.
May her sojourn in Samsara be short and may she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Charlotte Wickramasinghe
Even 60 years on the gentlest of memories of you still linger
Subadhra Monarawila Keppetipola Vidurupola
On April 29, 1962, Subadhra Monarawila Keppetipola Vidurupola, beloved wife of late Chandra Vidurupola, left us suddenly at the age of 24. You left behind grieving relations and your worldly treasure of three baby children. Leaving us to mourn forever, you dimmed that Vesak mood, as nature too grieved on that day of your demise while millions of jasmine flowers offered to our Lord Buddha added fragrance to the air.
We wept and the flowers faded away, just as my dear sister-in-law lost to us, like the jasmine fragrance to the devotees.
Dearest cousin, friend and sister, you left us all with only the gentlest of memories woven in gold thread lingering in every area of our lives . You were too precious to lose, always like a full moon lighting up all the dark corners of every life you touched. We blossomed together in your caring ways and graceful generosity always accompanied by a smiling dimpled face. Fondly remembering your captivating personality brings joy to me every dawn.
It was a sudden shock to your father Victor Keppetipola and Padma Dias Keppetipola whose grieving knew no bounds – their lives were never the same again. You left behind Shiam, Dilanthie and Arunie whom we treasure as our own, with every second reminding us of you.
Of course, no other can take the place of a mother, but we tried our best.
Sixty weary years have elapsed very slowly since your voice went silent, but to date I still remember that music to my ears and dreams of our childhood follies.
With silent tears we accept that you are no more. My brother, your husband, too left to be with you 35 years ago deepening our grief further.
As you two rest in peace, your three lovely children constantly bring me fond memories.
Ever-loving sister Nalini Vidurupola Aluvihare
Lawyer- diplomat whose courtesy and patience won many hearts
R. C. A. Vandergert
Thirteen years have lapsed since the passing away of R. C. A. Vandergert. The lawyer- diplomat joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1961. He first functioned as Assistant Secretary, Deputy Director and Director in various divisions in the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs, and also in different capacities in Sri Lanka missions abroad.
I came into contact with him in the latter part of the ’70s when he was the Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was a pleasure to have worked under him, as he was a gentleman par excellence. He held two high diplomatic appointments as our High Commissioner to Canada, and later as Ambassador to China. Also, he held high positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs such as Director, United Nations Division, Director General Political Affairs and later as Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. He was comfortable and relaxed even in problematic situations. His courtesy, patience and friendliness won the hearts of all who worked with him. He never spoke in an aggressive tone, or used harsh language. His face was always lit with smiles.
Rodney Vandergert was a Christian who practised what he preached. His high degree of honesty plus integrity of character with devotion to duty and simplicity in no small measure earned the respect of all who came into contact with him.
May he rest in peace.
Vivian Fernando
The noble man with compassionate qualities
Angelo Neville Peries
It is six years since the demise of Angelo Neville Peries, husband of Mauline and father of son Dilan and daughter Shiran (UK). He still lives in the hearts of those near and dear to him.
Born in August 1950, he was the youngest in the family of nine in Kandy.
He became a civil engineer and first took up employment at the State Engineering Corporation. He left for the Sultanate of Oman in mid-1975 for a job at the Dhofar Municipality in Salalah where he continued to impart his knowledge and skills for more than 25 years.
Angelo became a popular figure among his colleagues and expatriate friends in Salalah. At the Dhofar Municipality, he served with dedication and assisted countless people who sought his support and assistance. He was also a consultant to several construction firms in Salalah as his service was well recognised in the construction field.
We admired his humane qualities and were fortunate to associate with him during our short stay in Salalah. Though he was a well known quantity surveyor and engineer, he never boasted about his achievements. He was a simple man who led a simple life.
Angelo was blessed with an incredibly happy disposition and charming personality. His kind face and smile touched many. He passed away after a brief illness at the age of 66 years.
We miss Angelo, the noble man with compassionate human qualities and will always remember him. May his soul rest in peace.
U.P.S. Pathirana
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