“REMEMBERING AND HONOURING MR. A J WIJESINGHE, OUR BELOVED FORMER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AT ST. THOMAS’ COLLEGE MATALE, ON HIS 98TH BIRTHDAY.”
View(s):On 12th of October, we celebrate the 98th birth anniversary of a remarkable soul, Mr. A J Wijesinghe, an inspiring individual who transformed the lives of many through wisdom, dedication and an unending love for education.
Born on October 12, 1925, in the quaint village of Madakumburumulla, within the Kurunegala district to parents Wijesinghe Arachchilage Gamarala and Handunpathirannalage Ranmanika, Mr. Wijesinghe’s journey began in humble surroundings.
From a very young age, Mr. Wijesinghe displayed a deep passion for knowledge and education, embarking on his academic journey by attending Kuliyapitiya Government School for his early education.
As he grew, so did his thirst for knowledge, leading him to Kurunegala Maliyadewa College and later to the hallowed halls of Ananda College, Colombo, for his higher studies.
In 1950, the world bore witness to the emergence of a scholar when Mr. Wijesinghe earned his undergraduate degree from the prestigious University of Colombo. However, he didn’t stop there; his pursuit of knowledge led him to a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Psychology and Philosophy in 1957.
In the tapestry of his life, the threads of love intertwined with destiny. On January 12th, 1959, he exchanged vows with Chandra Hewavitharana, and together they nurtured the love that brought forth two beautiful daughters, Dushyanthi and Mayura.
A turning point came in 1961, when he obtained a special teaching diploma from the University of Sri Lanka, focusing on the English language. Little did he know that this was the key to unlocking a future filled with educational excellence.
On the 15th of May, 1950, Mr. Wijesinghe took his first steps into the world of education as an assistant teacher at Bernadette College, Polgahawela. It was here that his journey began, and his passion for shaping young minds ignited.
On October 1st, 1951, his path led him to St. Thomas’ College, Matale, where he would sow the seeds of transformation.
His ascent to greatness continued as he took on the mantle of Principal at St. Thomas’ College, Matale, on June 1st, 1965, a position he held with unwavering commitment until his well-earned retirement on December 10th, 1985. Under his leadership, St. Thomas’ College, Matale, thrived, becoming a beacon of excellence in education, sports, and extracurricular activities.
Mr. Wijesinghe’s dedication knew no bounds. In 1972, he resurrected the highSchool science course, breathing life back into an educational cornerstone that had faltered.
With sheer determination, he established a state-of-the-art laboratory and recruited renowned teachers, sowing the seeds of curiosity and innovation in countless young minds.
His legacy extended beyond the classroom, nurturing talent like Obstetrician - Gynecologist, Dr. Neil Seneviratne, who represented the first science high school team at Peradeniya Medical College.
Mr. Wijesinghe was not just an educator; he was a cultivator of dreams. Discipline and sports excellence thrived under his watchful gaze. St. Thomas’ College Matale because the cradle of national and international hockey players, athletes, and sports champions. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing the holistic development of his students.
Many who passed through his doors went on to become pillars of society – professionals, military officers, police officers, diplomats, civil servants, legal experts, university professors, writers, planters, and banking industry executives- all contributing to the growth and progress of their beloved Sri Lanka.
Noteworthy figures who rose to prominence during their era include Anura Dissanayake, the current Prime Minister’s Secretary; General Shavendra Silva, the Chief of Defence Staff; Kaushal Navaratne, the Chairman of the Bar Association; Lakshman Dehideniya, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Human Resources Council; and Late Karunatilleke Amunugama, the former Secretary to the Department of External Services to name but a few.
Sadly, on the 7th of January, 1988, at the age of 63, Mr. A J Wijesinghe departed from this mortal coil, leaving behind a legacy that echoes through the hearts of Matale and St. Thomas’ College. His memory remains etched in the chronicles of time, a testament to a life dedicated to the betterment of countless lives. As we celebrate his 98th birthday, let us remember the man who ignited the flames of knowledge in generations of students.
May his spirit find eternal peace in Nirvana, knowing that he illuminated the path to a brighter future for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Lalith Karunadasa
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