Lt. Col. Senaratne first appeared in the corridors of Zahira College, Gampala when we were growing into our teens. Not a person to show off, he earned the respect of the students and the staff by his simple but highly disciplinary conduct. Our college was open to boys and girls from all communities.
Apart from being our art teacher, Lt. Col. Senaratne was our cadet master. He was able to mould a bunch of mischievous young boys into one of the smartest platoons among the schools. The key to his success was his dedication and no-nonsense approach. The values we learnt from him have given us the confidence and courage to face the world today.
The camping trips to Diyatalawa were much looked forward to by those who were brave enough to endure the rigours of on-the-field training in the hot sun. We had much fun travelling in the train exclusively for cadets. It started from Colombo and reached Diyatalawa after midnight.
Lt. Col. Senaratne taught us how to spit and polish our shoes and belts and wear the uniform correctly as it all was part and parcel of being a good cadet. Always stiff and upright, Lt. Col. Senaratne was a first-class cadet master. He was respected by all in the service as a distinguished officer. On special occasions, he was seen in full uniform with a shining sword with which he conducted the guard of honour. His personality was a huge influence on us. To emulate his style, we did try, but he was unique.
I can recall, we had in our midst cadets Seneviratne, Radhakrishnan, Talwatte, Samad, Pelpola, Marzookdeen (Sergeant), Sisira Gunawardena, Zaveer, Hussain, F.D. Jayah, Razik Ismail and many others, whom I cannot name due to lack of space. Cadet Seneviratne confused left with right. When the sergeant shouted ‘left turn’, Seneviratne turned right going on his own when the platoon had turned left. It was all high fun.
When I saw Lt. Col. Senaratne’s appreciation in the Sunday Times, I felt sad that I had not met him ever since I left college even though I wanted to so many times. I write this tribute on behalf of all those Gampola Zahira College cadets who were fortunate to have been trained by him. We owe him at least a few words of gratitude for moulding us into men who are able to stand on our own. Lt. Col. Senaratne has left an indelible mark in our lives.
We salute you Sir and may you have peace.
Akram Mukhtar
Memories of rain holidays and melt-in-the-mouth toffees
Pathmasany Manickavasagar( nee Paramanathan)
Memories of my dear cousin Pathma go back to the early 1930s when Father left for UK to do his M.Sc. Mother and us children were left with our grandparents. Pathma's family too was living there, so we grew up together.
On Father's return he was transferred to Jaffna. At that time Pathma joined us as it was difficult for her to travel to school from her home in Puloly. When we were living in Jaffna, Father admitted my sister Kamala, Pathma, and myself to the Chundikuli Girls' College. At Chundikuli Pathma’s dramatic talent was recognized by Miss. Niles and she was chosen for the priest's role in the play "Harichandra Nadagam" which she played with great aplomb. The play was also taken to Colombo and was a great success.
When Father assumed duties in Galle, we joined Sacred Heart Convent where the nuns apart from the academic side introduced us to various aspects of sewing especially cross-stitch and smocking. Her interest in sewing remained with her.
Subsequently, when Father was transferred to Colombo we entered Methodist College and Pathma completed her secondary education there. While she was at Methodist College she made many friends and enjoyed her schooldays. On rainy days it was the custom for the teachers to ascertain the actual number of students who had turned up to decide whether a "Rain Holiday" should be declared.
Pathma and her classmates being well aware of this practice would hide themselves in the long wooden boxes that were meant for the storage of hats, as well as in the toilets to reduce the head count. Once the "Rain Holiday" was declared they would all come out and run riot getting wet, till they decide to go home.
Pathma also had the ability to get on with people and enjoyed their company as much as they appreciated hers. As such, she acquired many lifelong friends among her school friends and neighbours.
One of her many interests was cooking and her specialities which we all remember with nostalgia are the flaky perfectly made "Boli" and the melt-in-the-mouth milk toffees.
Her strong will power, sense of humour, devotion to Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and above all faith in God gave her the ability to meet the challenges which she had to face in life.
When Pathma passed away it was an irreplaceable loss not only to her beloved children Ragu and Selvi and their families but also to her brother Satchi, his wife Sivapackiam and nephews, nieces, numerous cousins, friends and neighbours.
To the members of the Subramaniam clan and the Arulnandhy family it was the loss of a beloved sister and we pray for her Athman to repose at the Holy Feet of Lord Shiva.
Manie Thiruvathavoorar (nee Arulnandhy)
Role model mentor who fought to make Matale Science College a model school
T. D. Hannan
We were greatly saddened by the news of our dear teacher Mr. T. D. Hannan’s demise. The funeral was held on a week day, within 24 hours of his passing away, so none of us, his former students at Matale Science College, were able to pay our last respects, except to say a silent prayer in his memory.
As I sat down to write this tribute, and place on record my heartfelt gratitude to my teacher, many thoughts flashed through my mind. It was Mr. Hannan who came in search of me, along with my elder brother, when I suddenly left my boarding to stay with a friend at Galewela. I had been missing from school for several days.
Mr. Hannan brought me back and helped me regain my confidence. Through his wise counselling, and under his guidance, I was able to resume my studies, despite my strong dislike for academic work. I remember drawing diagrams on the blackboard while he took the Advanced Level biology class. As a junior student, I was proud to display my skill at his request.
Mr. Hannan was one of the people who drew out the potential in me at a time when I was confused and straying aimlessly as a youth. He even worked behind the scenes to have me appointed as a school prefect. Truly, becoming a prefect was a turning point in my life.
Such seemingly little things went a long way to form my character. Mr. Hannan was a disciplinarian, an honest person who acted true to his conscience, and carried himself with dignity, and never went after money. His influence has contributed in no small measure to helping me carry out my duties as a public servant and judicial officer.
It was Mr. Hannan who, as Director of Education in Matale, cited me as a “worthy product of Matale Science College”, when he took a stand against a move by the authorities to amalgamate the school with Vijaya College. He wanted to protect the MSC identity, and hold up the school as a model educational institution.
Some of us, his former students, were planning to visit him again at his residence, but fate prevented that from happening.
Mr. Hannan was an exemplary teacher, an educationist of high repute, sought after by many, including the former Minister of Education, Badiudeen Mohamed, who appointed him Principal of Gampola Zahira College, where the Minister himself was the Principal at one time.
At a time when our society is experiencing a decline in values, persons of the calibre of our guru – the late Mr. Hannan – should be remembered. Such people are role models for the younger generation.
U. Mapa
Young at heart, life and soul of the party, and a life dedicated to service
Elana Seneviratne
Elana Seneviratne passed away a few weeks ago, at the age of 90. I am proud to say that her adult life was wholly dedicated to the service of others.
She was a founder member of the YAH (Young At Heart) CLUB, Mount Lavinia. Later, when the club took shape, she became its leader and guiding force. She would arrive every Monday, dressed in smart, colourful kits. She would start the day by getting the members to say a brief prayer, and this would put everyone in a good mood.
After the one-word prayer, there would be a string of interesting activities: the singing of hymns and old songs, the reading of jokes, and the performing of skits. Elana encouraged all to take part. She did not want to be the centre of attention all the time. She took a personal interest in all who came to YAH. Thanks to Elana’s warmth and generosity, several members who were shy and retiring by nature overcame their shyness and took great pleasure in participating in the Club’s activities.
At 10.30 a.m., everyone was served a nice cup of tea. Very often, Elana would serve treats in the form of cakes. Her generous example inspired others to do the same, and treats were brought in to celebrate birthdays.
So Monday morning became an enjoyable treat for everyone who came.
No money was charged, and only voluntary contributions were accepted.
To me, the YAH Club symbolised Elana. When she passed away, these words came to my mind:
“When you are gone, Elana,
There’ll be many days of grief;
Many will remember, And only a few will forget. And at the YAH Club on Monday There’ll be a gap none can fill.”
Gertrude de Livera |
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