APPRECIATIONS
View(s):The epitome of a S. Thomas’ alumnus in every way
Sriyan Jayasekera
The passing away of Sriyan Jayasekera is a profound loss for the Thomian Freshmen of ‘59 (the batch that joined S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia from Forms 1A and 1B in 1959).
It is no exaggeration to say that he was the cornerstone of our group, shaping and nurturing our bonds of friendship with a dedication and commitment that few could match. The early meetings we had were all due to his tireless efforts to locate our batchmates across the country and worldwide. Thanks to this loyal stalwart our Thomian community was kept ‘alive and vibrant’ and without his sturdy efforts, we might not exist as the close-knit group we are today, with Dr. Nalin Jayasuriya taking over the leadership of our batch.
Sriyan was the epitome of a S. Thomas’ alumnus in every way. His unwavering dedication to the college was not just remarkable, but inspiring. He not only raised funds for various college activities but also worked relentlessly to bring us all together in the pursuit of those objectives. His persuasive, and at times forceful, approach ensured that everyone participated in some way. Sriyan never accepted “no” for an answer and once involved, he made sure that each of us felt welcomed and valued.
While at S. Thomas’ College, Sriyan captained the under 14 Cricket B team and was in the senior Sinhala debating team. He was Head Prefect of Wood House and a College Prefect in 1971. In 1972, Sriyan was appointed Head Prefect.
Even after leaving College, Sriyan never forsook his teachers. He involved the teachers in our group gatherings and treated them with admiration and respect just as we all did.
We vividly recall the strong stance he took at our meetings on behalf of staff members of yesteryear who had moulded us in those early days. He persistently reached out to each of us for assistance to offer tangible appreciation to them and many benefited from his relentless efforts.
Sriyan was a disciplined man and was a source of encouragement to our batch mates. He was a loving husband and grandfather.
In the past year, when a few of us were weighed down by various health challenges, Sriyan remained a constant source of support even when his own health was failing. Despite our offers to assist him in any way possible, we found ourselves unable to do more than offer our love and concern.
Sriyan, your absence is deeply felt. We will miss your friendship, your love, and your unwavering commitment with loyalty. Each of us has been enriched by your presence, and we will carry your memory with us.
K. Ravindran and Arun Bandaranaike
(Representing the Thomian Freshmen’59)
Treasured memories of encounters with an illustrious personality
REV. FR. PETER PILLAI
September 27, marked the 60th death anniversary of Rev.Fr. Peter Pillai, a renowned intellectual and one-time Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo.
Fr. Peter Pillai was born on October 19, 1904 in Wennappuwa, to a distinguished family. Three members of his family had joined the Catholic Religious order – Bishop Dr. Emilianus Pillai (the first Sri Lankan Bishop of Jaffna), Rev. Fr. Cajetan Pillai and Rev. Bro. Luke Pillai. The fifth member of the family, Stanislaus Pillai, was the only lay member. According to historians, Rev. Fr. Cajetan who was Prefect of the Boarders at St. Joseph’s College, died whilst ministering to students infected with the plague.
Fr. Peter Pillai was the first Sri Lankan Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and his tenure of 21 years from 1940 to 1961, was the longest in the history of the College. He was also the founder of the Aquinas University College.
He was a brilliant student. In addition to many of his accomplishments, he obtained his PhD at the relatively young age of 28. The answer scripts of many of his exams are reported to be preserved at the University of London.
He was gentle and humble in spite of his intellectual acumen.
Rev. Fr. Peter Pillai, who is affectionately remembered by a large section of society, was very close to our family, especially to my brother Dr. M.A.V. Devanathan, one-time Director of the Tea Research Institute, Talawakelle.
I moved to St. Joseph’s College, in 1954, after completing my montessori education at St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo. Fr. Peter Pillai who was the Rector at the time, was instrumental in my entry to St. Joseph’s College. I was privileged to receive my First Holy Communion from him.
Much has been written about his illustrious life but I wish to recall a personal encounter that reveals his personality. During the years of Fr. Peter Pillai’s Rectorship at St. Joseph’s College, there was some construction work going on at Aquinas University College. Fr. Peter, used to visit Aquinas every evening to check on the progress of the work in addition to his numerous other responsibilities. I vividly remember he used to travel in an old green Hillman car with his chauffeur after school hours, almost daily. At Aquinas, he used to meet my brother Dr. M.A.V. Devanathan, who was a visiting lecturer, in addition to his own assignment at the University of Colombo.
My brother always made it a point to meet Fr. Peter after completing his lectures. It was this association which prompted Fr. Peter, who spotted me, a Josephian seated and waiting at Aquinas for my brother, to offer to bring me in his car every evening after school to Aquinas to save my brother time in picking me from St. Joseph’s. This magnanimous offer was greatly appreciated by our family.
Whilst travelling in the car with Fr. Peter, almost every evening, he always occupied the front seat and I very vividly remember not only his deep conversations with his chauffeur but how he never failed to recognize the back seat passenger, who was just a primary student of the College.
Our association with Fr. Peter Pillai continued and grew stronger until his departure on September 27, 1964. In later years, I realized the value of my encounters with him and took pride in having had the opportunity of interacting with such a highly respected intellectual. It is a treasured memory.
May this illustrious personality who stood for national unity rest in peace.
M.C.V. Rajanathan
She was our inspiration
Hemamala Weerasinghe
I was deeply saddened by the news of the death of my cousin, Hemamala Weerasinghe or “Hema Akka’ as we called her after a long life of 94 years. Her death snapped a memorable link with the distant past. A calm and cultured person, Hema Akka faced many unexpected changes in her life with equanimity.
Hema Akka was the eldest in a family of six children of which four were girls and two boys. They were the children of my maternal uncle W. A. C. Sirisena – JP UM – Crown Proctor Balapitiya, a leading lawyer in the South. Hemamala Akka’s mother was Dulcie Kohomban Wickreme, the daughter of an enterprising southerner, who had settled down in the Kandyan Provinces and capitalised on opportunities for civil contracts offered by the Colonial government.
Hema Akka was the eldest of the children of the Sirisena couple. She had a somewhat conservative upbringing in Induruwa. “Sri Ramya” was the original name of the residence which however does not now belong to the Sirisenas any more but is now a tourist guest house called Coyle Villa.
The writer has fond memories of Induruwa and ‘Sri Ramya’ having spent many delightful school holidays in this mansion comprising 14 rooms and a ‘meda midula’ or garden in the centre. It had near two-acre garden with sweeping lawn that was an ideal location for games like cricket for us teenagers. It was typical of upper class walawwas of the colonial era.
Sri Ramya also had a good library with stacks of English novels and books on history. As a teenager this writer developed a love of books and the habit of reading in Induruwa. We also enjoyed the sumptuous food available at Sri Ramya.
Since my uncle also had established a big legal practice at his residence, there was a flow of his clients coming to Sri Ramya. Thus the house was well known in the district.
Hema Akka married Piyadasa Weerasinghe, an ex-Darrel Scholar at Richmond College in Galle who went on to became a professor of Mathematics at the Moratuwa University.
The Weerasinghes produced six talented children, five of whom graduated and eventually became professionals.
Prof. Piyadasa Weerasinghe died comparatively young at 58.
The overall leader of this family was Piyadasa Sirisena, a great patriot who made not only Induruwa but the Southern province proud with his deeds of valour against the British and also his books, the newspaper ‘Sinhala Jathiya’ he published and other contributions to this country.
We bless the memory of Hema Akka for being an inspiration to all of us when we were young. May her journey in Sansara be peaceful.
Jagath Savanadasa
You left too soon
A. V. Kasthurirathne
I missed you quietly today Thaththi,
So quietly that no one noticed…
I keep hoping you’ll walk in through the door
Silently praying you’ll come back once more …
The pain within is veiled from sight,
A silent struggle through the night …
I wander through memories, laughter once shared,
A heart that feels heavy, words left unsaid …
You left too soon, when I needed you near,
And now each day is a struggle to endure …
No one knows the depth of my dismay,
In these endless three months, I’ve lost my way…
Ruth Kasturirathne (daughter)
Well known writer and down-to- earth person
Dr. Wilfred Jayasuriya
It is with immense sadness that I’m penning this appreciation of our loving Wilfred Aiya who died on July 30 after passing his 90th birthday. He was my husband’s sister Cynthia’s husband.
My sister-in-law Dr. Cynthia Jayasuriya was a famous ENT surgeon who is remembered for promoting manioc generally considered as the poor man’s food as a miracle nourishment that could hold the secret to curing cancer.
Wilfred Aiya was from Kalutara. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Jayasuriya. He had four sisters and two brothers. His primary education was at the Maris Stella College in Negombo. Prof. Carlo Fonseka was one of his classmates.
He was a government servant cum teacher and at one-time, Commissioner of the RMV.
He had his higher education at the Colombo University, Oxford University and the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale, gaining a doctorate in the English Language. He taught at the American College, Australian and British universities and also at Aquinas College in Colombo.
He was a well-known writer and won the Arts Council award for the best novel 1996 for his book Libyan Episode. He also wrote other books such as Time Traveller, Sri Lankan Modern English Literature, A Study in Literary Theory among others.
He and Cynthia had four children – two sons and two daughters. Except for their son Saliya who lives in Colombo, all the other children live in the US. He was the proud grandfather of Lauren, Michael, Jessica, Amy, Sophia and Juliette.
Wilfred Aiya was an affectionate, down-to-earth and caring person. Cynthia and he had a happy life together, travelling a lot, visiting their children and grandchildren overseas. They also made a trip to the Holy Land.
Cynthia’s passing during the COVID lockdown was a sad blow for everybody and particularly for Wilfred, who missed her a lot.
The management of Aquinas College organised a special requiem mass for Wilfred, as a tribute and it was well attended by his students, family and friends.
May the good Lord take care of him and let light perpetual shine on him.
Nalini De Livera
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