Floreat Issue_September 2017

FEATURED
The Great Inter Collegiate Matches

PHOTO GALLERY
Indoor Cricket
Melbourne High
Over 50 Lunch
Royal Dance
Royal Thomian

Rugby Triangular

From the Editor’s desk

Our esteemed principal John Henry Harward’s final resting place in Warwick Cemetery, Queensland, was
recently found by Royalists from Brisbane. This led us to find out more about Harward’s life in Warwick
where he lived, and more about him generally. John Henry Harward and his sister Mary moved to
Queensland for reasons of his health. Their brother Theodore lived at Jondaryan Qld. and they chose
Warwick, where for a quarter of a century they were very much a part of Warwick society. John Henry
Harward became an expert in the geology of the area, so much so, that even visiting geologists came to
see him when investigating the area. John Henry Harward died in 1932, Theodore in 1935 and Mary in
1937. In this edition of Floreat, we include a tribute to Harward that was published in the Warwick Daily
News a few weeks after his death and an article about Harward by E H van der Wall, who was a teacher
at Royal College.

During the turbulent war years, Royal College had to vacate its premises in Reid Avenue and some of the
students were sent to far-off Bandarawela to continue their schooling. The school was established in a
property known as Glendale owned by an English planter. We are very grateful to

D L O Mendis for his article about the Glendale years – a remarkable period in the history of Royal College.

We always have something to say about our “Great Inter Collegiate Match”. This time, a well-researched
article about those heroic cricketers and their families awaits you.

Our splendid Dinner Dance, Aynkaran Sivaratnam tells us, brought together 450 Royalists and their
partners. The photographs tell the story of this marvellous event. Moneys made from this dance will
continue our pledge to help financially disadvantaged students at Royal College.

A large gathering of our seniors, enjoyed an afternoon full of fun at the Golden Oldies luncheon. We thank
Hugh Karunanayake for sharing his enjoyment of this event with us.

Our sporting events are featured in this issue, including the rugby 7’s triangular tournament and cricket
matches played by RCOBAA against Melbourne High School old boys and current students at the MHS
grounds. Our collaborative sporting fixtures with Melbourne High School continue to enhance our bond
with them.

Fred Kreltszheim, our Vice Patron, gives us at least a glimpse of the upcountry rugger playing fraternity
and their beloved Dickoya Club with historic club photo included.

We include a tribute to Azad Rahim who passed away earlier this year. A staunch old Royalist, he will be
sadly missed. The tribute was written by Sunil de Silva, Azad’s class-mate.

George Fernando

[email protected]

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Discovery of Principal John Henry Harward’s final resting place

Inji Wijegunaratne, President, RCOBAA
Rohan Jayaratne, Founder President, QORA
It is with a great sense of achievement that we announce the discovery of Principal

Harward's place of final rest. A
collaborative investigative effort
by the QORA (Queensland Old
Royalists Association) and
RCOBAA (Victoria-based Royal
College Old Boys Australia
Association) has succeeded in
locating Principal Harward's grave
in the cemetery of the Queensland
country town of Warwick.
John Henry Harward was Principal, Royal
College from 1882 to 1902. In retirement he moved to Australia,
settling in the country town of Warwick, Queensland.
Early attempts by George Fernando, a resident of Victoria and a
long standing member of RCOBAA, to locate the principal's grave
in Warwick were unsuccessful, despite a visit to the cemetery
some years ago. Earlier this year, Inji Wijegunaratne (President)
and George Fernando from RCOBAA alerted Rohan Jayaratne
(Founder President, QORA).
QORA, having contacted the Warwick cemetery authorities, then organised a three-man expedition (Rohan Jayaratne,
Shan Attygalle, Kalum de Silva) on 14th July to locate the grave, which, we are proud to announce, was successful.
RCOBAA and QORA plan to erect a small plaque on the grave.

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We thank Rohan Jayaratne for this article.

Warwick Daily News (Qld. : 1919 -1954), Wednesday 12 October 1932, page 4

National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177452595

Transcription of the original news article

THE LATE MR. JOHN HARWARD

Miss C. Mackness writes the following appreciation: -

A few weeks ago Warwick Queensland, indeed lost one of its most brilliant and cultured citizens, in the person of Mr. John
Harward, of Dragon street. An obituary notice at the time drew attention to his brilliant academic career, his work as
Director of Education in Ceylon, and the value of his scholarly translations of Greek works, but something more surely
remains to be said. We Warwick people knew the late Mr. Harward for only the concluding years of his life, his years of
retirement; sadly, most of us have not enough Greek to estimate aright the value of his translations, except insofar as we
can admire their readableness.

But the man we knew, and to know him was to regard him with esteem and affection. He was certainly the ripest scholar
in our district. His knowledge of the classics, modern literature, and world history, in particular, was very full and very
exact, for his scholarship was of that kind that is becoming increasingly rare, as the field of knowledge widens it was always
thorough. The breadth of his interest was surprising too. It was almost impossible to find a subject in which he was not
interested and about which he was not well informed. After coming to Warwick for instance, he took up as a hobby

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geology, a science hitherto unknown to him, made himself very soon an authority on the geological formations of our
district and was frequently consulted by University specialists. Yet, so kindly was he, so ready to share his information that
many a local school child has had the privilege of seeing his specimens and being helped by him. Young teachers in the
town, from whatever school they came, found him equally ready to advise and instruct.
Yet it is not for his ripe scholarship that the late Mr. Harward will be longest remembered, but for the charm of his
personality. He combined with a rare unselfishness a dignity and courtesy that were not just the product of good breeding,
but the natural expression of an inborn refinement of soul. So far was his nature removed, from all pettiness that what
was mean or little slank away naturally from his presence; no unkind gossip, no supercilious sneering could live there. And,
above all and beyond all, was that indefinable element of personal charm, a thing of the spirit, of the modest, eager,
genial, wise and kindly spirit that informed his frail body.
Any town could ill afford to lose such a scholar and such a man.
We thank Hugh Karunanayake for this article.
Ceylon Causerie illustrated published by Plate Ltd, Volume 3 No.1 – May 19th 1931.

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Transcription of the above article.

THE ROYAL COLLEGE - THE DAYS OF HARWARD.

By E. H. van der Wall.
On the day preceding the opening of the second term in May 1892, a slight, youthful looking figure, clad in white flannels,
was seen walking down the slope from the Principal's bungalow to the cricket field. It was John Harward, the new Principal,
who had arrived in the holidays and taken up residence in the Principal's bungalow.

There was also a notice put up on the notice board and signed “J. Harward, Principal," in a curiously irregular hand with
which we were so familiar later. Speculation was rife as to what manner of man he would turn out to be and all eyes were
fixed on him when, clad in cap and gown, he stood at the Principal's desk to open school with prayers.

His enunciation was clear and distinct and his voice had a great range, dying off at the end of his sentences in a number
of low notes. He looked very slender, almost fragile, and on his pale face there sat a quiet air of authority.

A great reputation had preceded the arrival of the new Principal. Harward had taken a first in Classical Moderations and
a second in Greats at Oxford and had done excellent service as an assistant master at Brighton College.

At his first prize distribution, Bishop R. S. Copleston announced that Harward had been recommended to his notice by a
valued friend and a competent judge as “a thoroughly righteous man." But not even these first impressions, which were
all to the good, gave a correct measure of the man.

Harward settled down to work immediately on arrival. His ceaseless activity set a standard which none could follow but
himself. He investigated and reorganised all departments of work and gave them a healthy tone. His rare insight and
judgment enabled him to select the right man for the right place, while there was nothing he tolerated less than
inefficiency.

Have you had a deal with him? “Was Harward's inquiry when I mentioned a man's name to him one day. “Paper
qualifications," he added,” reveal very little. To know a man thoroughly it is important that you should have had a deal
with him."

Harward was pre-eminently a schoolmaster and loved his work. He taught classes for 20 hours of the 25 provided on the
school timetable, and the remaining 5 hours represented the first hours of each day which were devoted to receiving fees,
listening to complaints, &c. Most of the administrative work of the College was done out of hours. As Principal, Harward
was in charge of the English and the Classics of the Sixth Form. But, in addition, he regularly took some of the lower classes
in practically every subject, and there was no member of the staff who did not find his class teaching both suggestive and
inspiring.

He never took a lesson even in the lowest class without due preparation, sending a note to the Form master, for the text
books necessary. Frequently, he called for a full set of exercise books, in some particular subject and his blue pencil
unerringly discovered any remissness on the part of the teacher responsible for making these.

Once a week he went round to every class in the lower school making a record of the weekly position obtained by each
boy, and commending, warning and sometimes punishing as occasion demanded. He knew every boy by name and all
about him, in some cases forming a more correct estimate of a boy's progress and achievement than the form master
himself.

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To the senior boys of the sixth form work with Harward was an intellectual delight, which is gratefully remembered to this
day. Harward took a great interest in games and always addressed the school before it closed on the great Inter-collegiate
cricket match. One unfailing portion of his address was as follows: “And if the Thomians miss a catch—and I hope they will
miss many—mind you do not cheer."

Harward always umpired at these matches as did the Principals of the various Colleges concerned, whether or not they
had a sufficient acquaintance with the game for the purpose. Harward was a proficient Sinhalese scholar and spoke the
language excellently, though like Robert Knox he spoke it with a marked English accent. He was examiner in Sinhalese for
the Civil Service examinations for many years.

Although he had to battle frequently with ill-health, which temporarily incapacitated him from work, and even when the
doctors forbad all movement or speech, he would be seen lying on a couch marking papers. Harward acted as Director of
Education on several occasions, being eventually confirmed in that office in 1903.

His eleven years of work at the Royal College are regarded by his own staff and pupils as its golden age. Certainly they
were not inferior to any other period in the great heritage of the Royal College, either before or after.

Now, at the age of seventy-three, John Harward still lives a useful life in Queensland, Australia. It would be difficult to
describe in fitting terms the great services rendered by him not only to the Royal College but to the progress of Education
in this island. There is happiness in retrospect and that happiness is his.

-------------------------- ------------------------------

The Great Inter- Collegiate Matches

thepapare.com By Thilina Galappatti -
March 7, 2017

The Royal – Thomian, a tradition worth
138 years has earned a special place in
many families. Since its inception in
1879, it has been a tradition for certain
families to take part in the event while
passing on the pride to the next
generation. For these families, the
‘Royal – Thomian’ has been deep
rooted, becoming a household affair.

Representing Royal

There are more than 30 instances of both father and son playing for Royal with the latest being Ronuka Jayawardene son
of Rochana Jayawardene, a well-known name in Royal-Thomian folklore for almost single handedly taking them to victory
in 1983.

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There have been only two occasions where both father and the son captained Royal and that distinction goes to Churchill
Hector Gunasekara (1912) / Channa Gunasekara (1949) and D.W.L Lieversz (Snr)(1926) / D.W.L Lieversz (Jnr) (1962).

H.C Dharmaratne (1925-26) and B.N Dharmaratne (1951) both were wicketkeepers for Royal.

Other famous names include G. Heyn and Bertram Heyn. The famous Ceylonese Cricketer Bertram Heyn was known for
taking Don Bradman’s wicket in his last visit to Ceylon during the All Ceylon vs Australia unofficial test match at Colombo
in 1948. He later served as the commander of the Ceylon Army from 1966 to 1967.

Hardly anyone can forget Sumithra Warnakulasuriya’s marathon 197 in 1980 which is also the series record for the highest
individual score. His son D. Warnakulasuriya represented Royal in 2007.

F.J de Saram’s three sons F.C, F.R and F.J (Jnr) also played for Royal in the 1930’s. Many regard F.C de Saram as one of the
finest Ceylonese cricketers of all time. He captained the Ceylon team from 1949 to 1954. F.C de Saram guided the Royalists
from 1968 to 1974 and later coached the Thomians at the centenary encounter in 1979.

There are a few rare instances where brothers have captained the teams at the Royal – Thomian. Churchill Gunasekara’s
brother E.I Gunasekara captained in 1906 while F.C de Saram’s captaincy in 1931 was followed by the captaincy of his
brother F.R de Saram in 1932. T. Nirmalingam, brother of the 1948 captain T. Parathalingam, led the team in 1954. Ajitha
Pasqual’s brother Sudath Pasqual played in the 1979 centenary encounter for Royal. In the same year he was selected to
represent the national side at the World Cup, thus becoming the youngest ever to play in an ODI for Sri Lanka. Later in
1980 he led the Royalists at the big match. Ajitha Pasqual captained in 1973.

Brothers Anura de Alwis (1975) and Nalin de Alwis (1980) both represented Royal as wicketkeepers.

The encounter has witnessed over 50 instances where brothers of the same family took pride in wearing the Blue & Gold
Blazer. Among them are D.W.L Lieversz (Snr) and his brother E.G.L Lieversz who played between 1925 and 1927. E.G.L
Lieversz’s son E.C.L Lieversz led the winning team in 1969.

Dai Pathmanathan’s brother, late Gajan Pathmanathan played for college between 1971and 1972. Later he represented
both the Oxford and Cambridge Cricket teams, which is a unique, extraordinary feat. Dai Pathmanathan’s son, Devind led
the Royalists to victory in 2013.

C.E Corea’s grandson N.D.P Hettiaratchy played in 1969 and 1970, a rare occasion where the grandfather and the grandson
both played for Royal. C.E Corea, who played from 1882 to 1885 was involved in the famous 9-run match.

The Gunasekara family holds the rare distinction of a ‘family hat-trick’ for Royal. D.B Gunasekara’s (Snr) (1889-92) two
sons D.B Gunasekara (Jnr) and A.L Gunasekara played from 1929-30 and 1931-1932 respectively. D.B Gunaseakara’s (Jnr)
son A.R Gunasekara represented Royal from 1966 to 1968 while A.L Gunsekara’s son L.D Gunsekara took the field in 1975.

Representing S. Thomas’

Turning to the Thomian camp, Premalal Goonesekara (1964) and Suresh Goonesekara (1992) hold the distinction of being
the only father-son combination of captaining S.Thomas’ at the Royal-Thomian.

P.B Bulankulame (1919-20), Patchy Bulankulame (1956) and Suresh Bulankulame (1989-90) achieved the rare feat of three
generations of opening bat-wicketkeepers for the Thomians. Patchy Bulankulame also had two other sons, Dhammika and
Anura Bulankulame who represented the Thomians in the 1980’s.

Ronald De Alwis who played in the 1946 encounter as the Thomian wicketkeeper had two sons who were also the
stumpers for the side, Guy De Alwis (1976-77) and Ken De Alwis (1978-81).

Michael Tissera played for S. Thomas’ from 1954 to 1958 and was the captain in 1957 and 1958. His sons Graeme Tissera
(1983-84) and Dirk Tissera (1990-92) too gained the opportunity to wear the Blue and Black Blazer.

Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (1910-12) and his sons C.S Saravanamuttu (1944-45) and B.S Saravanamuttu (1941) all played
for S.Thomas’ at the highest level.

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Orville Abeynaike’s son, late Ranil Abeynaike played for S. Thomas’ from 1971 to 1973, also captaining in his final year.
Orville Abeynaike represented college in 1941.

The first prime minister of independent Sri Lanka Hon. D.S. Senanayake played in the Royal-Thomian in 1901 and 1902
while his sons Dudley Senanayake (1927-29) and Robert Senanayake (1928-32) too had the honour of representing S.
Thomas’.

Former Test captain Duleep Mendis, who also led Sri Lanka to their first test victory in 1985, captained the Thomians in
1972. During his career from 1970 to 1972, he scored two centuries including the record score for a two-day Royal-
Thomian encounter: 184 in 1972. Twenty years later, his nephew Manoj Mendis (1991-94) scored two consecutive
centuries (in 1992 and 1993) sealing the only occurrence where two relatives scored consecutive centuries. Manoj Mendis
also captained in 1994. Duleep Mendis’s son Sanjeev Mendis (2003-05) was Vice-captain of the S. Thomas’ side in 2005.

There are two instances of brothers captaining S. Thomas’ at the Royal-Thomian. Paikiasothy, Manicasothy and
Saptaranajyoti Saravanamuttu captained the Thomian camp in 1914 and 1918 respectively. Sasi Ganeshan, the Thomian
skipper in 1976 was followed by the captaincy of his brother Ajith Ganeshan in 1977. Ajith Ganeshan acted as deputy in
1976.

Dhammika Bulankulame (in 1984) and his brother Anura Bulankulame (in 1987) hold the distinction for scoring centuries
at the big match. Anura Bulankulame also led the Thomians to victory after 24 years in 1988.

The Thomians hold six ‘family hat-tricks’ at the Royal-Thomian. J.S De Saram’s (1879) two sons J.G De Saram (1911-1913)
and the late Warden Cannon De Saram (1915-1917) and grandson M. De Saram (1945) all had the privilege of representing
S. Thomas’.

Ashmore Peiris (1923) along with his son Mevan Peiris (1964-65) and grandson Nilanka Peiris (1994-95) took part in this
historic battle too. A.H Molamure’s (1907) son A.F Molamure (1940-41) played for the Thomian side while his grandson
F.Molamure (1981-82) did so too.

E.A Elapata (1886-89), the captain in 1888 and 1889 had a son Sam Elapata who represented S. Thomas’ from 1915 to
1917. E.A. Elapata’s three grandsons S. Elapata (1941-44), E. Elapata (1945) and Upali Katugaha (1945-47) too played for
college.

W.B De Saram’s (captain of the Thomian sides in 1884 and 1885) son C.F.W De Saram (1923) and grandson W. Jayatileke
(1935-37) all represented college.

P.B Bulankulame (1917-1920)’s son P.B Bulankulame (Jnr) (1954-56) and three grandsons Dhammika, Anura and Suresh
all had the opportunity to play at the Royal-Thomian.

An instance of 4th generation representative is very rare and the distinction goes to Arthur Bulner (1892) and his
grandsons P.I Pieris, David Pieris (1950-54) while his great grandsons Johan Pieris (son of David Pieris) and Ranil Pieris (son
of P.I Pieris) also played for college from 1979 to 1983.

Representing both Schools

Some families carry the rare distinction of representing both schools, resonating the strong bond between the two
institutions.

P.B Bulankulame’s brother L.B Bulankulame captained Royal in 1910 while P.B Bulankulame led the Thomians in 1919 and
1920. P.N.S Kariyawasam’s brother P.L.D Kariyawasam led the Thomian side in 1969 and 1970. P.N.S Kariyawasam was
the Royal skipper in 1975. The youngest, P.G.S Kariyawasam played from 1977 to 1979, as the Vice-captain of the Royal
side at the centenary encounter.

Out of the 14 occasions of father-son combinations representing the opposite schools, perhaps the most famous is the de
Saram family. F.J de Saram’s two sons F.C de Saram (1928-31) and F.J de Saram (Jnr) (1939) represented Royal while F.C
de Saram’s son D.L de Saram (1967-69) played for S. Thomas’. F.C De Saram’s grandson Malik Samarasinghe played for
Royal in 1982 and 1983 while his father Maithree Samarasinghe played for S. Thomas’ in 1953 and 1954. F.J de Saram
(Jnr)’s son F.J. De Saram (Jnr)(Jnr) represented S. Thomas’ in 1972 and 1973.

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Royal captain of 2003, Rochana Wijeratne was the son former Thomian cricketer Sunil Wijeratne (1969-1971). He was only
the second Royalist son of a former Thomian cricketer to captain the College cricket team with the first being P.C.D
McCarthy (Royal captain – 1938) whose father W.G. McCarthy played for S. Thomas’ in 1897.
Without doubt, these families have carried the Royal-Thomian tradition in their blood, passing it on from a generation to
another. They have established the rich history of a 138 year old heritage that has created one of the greatest rivalries in
Sri Lankan cricket and a strong brotherhood between two prestigious institutions.

Annual Touch Rugby 7’s Triangular 2017

By Athula Ratnayake

The annual touch rugby 7’s Triangular this year was played off at the Mulgrave Reserve in Wheelers Hill on the 20th May.
As the STC OBA did not field a team this year and it turned out to be a Bradby Shield play off between RCOBAA and our
Bradby rivals, TCK OBA. The match was played on the day of the first leg of the Bradby in Sri Lanka. The format this year
was changed to include two teams per OBA , one game for the over 35’s and the other an open game .As usual, both sides
featured many star players who had donned the blue and gold with pride during their school days and were keen to show

that they were up to it against their traditional
rivals. The games at both levels saw some fast
and exiting moves and fantastic ball handling
skills and bursts of speed.

The Open game was won by the Trinitians with
a t final score of 7 – 3 with some superb
individual performances by Naresh and Danesh
Perera and DL Jayawardena. We managed to
salvage our pride by winning the over 35’s
game with a score line of 5 -2. The chief Guest
was former Trinity rugby legend and skipper of
1966 Mr. Glen Van Langenberg who presented
the trophy to the winners.

At the annual Brady Night that followed, we
were outnumbered but walked away with our
heads held high as we watched our boys win
the first leg in Kandy via a live telecast!

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Dickoya Rugby Team 1962

Fred Kreltszheim

Fred Kreltszheim played rugby for Royal College in 1954, for the Havelocks and Low country in 1955, for
Dimbulla/Dickoya and Upcountry in 1956, Kandy and Upcountry from 1957 to 1961, captaining the side in 1961. He also
played for Ceylon in 1957, ’58 and ’61.

The Dickoya Club better known as DMCC or Dickoya & Maskeliya Cricket Club is situated at Darrawella, a few miles from
Hatton. The club was founded in 1864 and the first cricket match between Dickoya and Dimbulla was played here in 1870
and rugby in 1894. Sir Jack Hobbs played here in 1930.
DMCC has a very long history and the grounds also has a 9 hole golf course, plus tennis, squash and badminton courts.
The photograph (above) is the 1962 Dickoya side captained by David Parker. This was my last year at rugby before hanging
my boots up and handing the hooker’s position to Manik Jayakumar who captained Royal in 1963 before moving onto
planting. All 15 members of the 1962 Dickoya team were Tea Planters. The History of Ceylon website also shows the 1956
Dimbulla/Dickoya combined team that participated in the Clifford Cup tournament that year. That was my first year
representing an Upcountry side. I moved on and played for Kandy Sports Club for 5 years.

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Royal Ball 2017

Aynkaran Sivaratnam
The Royal College Old Boys Association in Melbourne held its annual dinner dance at the Grand on Cathies, Melbourne, in
May this year.
The “Royal Ball 2017” was yet another successful event. In 2016, we introduced the two-band concept in the OBA dance
scene. This year, Be Sharp, a dinner dance band supported Rukshan Perera, who flew in from Sri Lanka. A fusion reggae
band with artists from the Caribbean and Mauritius also performed. In addition, guests were entertained by Marvin Priest,
a guest artist from the UK, the son of the world-renowned reggae legend Maxi Priest.
There were more than 480 guests, of whom approximately 450 were Royalists and partners. We believe that this is by far
the largest gathering of Royalists for a dance outside of Sri Lanka! Continuous positive feedback assures us that the
audience enjoy our dances. The dance made a good profit thanks to our guests and our three major sponsors – OYOB
Property Group, De Silva Accounting and Kerr and Thomas Lawyers. This income enables us to support and make a
difference to 14 or more disadvantaged students at College. It’s an absolute privilege being part of their lives and being
able to help them till they enter university or their chosen careers in 2021.
As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Enjoy the photographs and feel free to view the entire album on our
website www.rcobaa.org.au or face book page - Royal College OBA VIC AUS.

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THE GOLDEN OLDIES LUNCH

By Hugh Karunanayake Hugh Karunanayake is from the 1946 Group having joined
Royal in that year from the Royal Preparatory School (as the
The Annual Luncheon for Senior Old Boys of Royal College in Primary School was known then). He migrated to Australia 33
years ago and lived in Sydney till he moved to Melbourne last
Melbourne took place as customary at the Glen Waverley year. Very much an antiquarian with a degree in Sociology
Community Hall on Sunday 30 July, with a large assembly of senior from Peradeniya, he is better known as the founder (in 1997)
old boys and their wives in attendance. It was a convivial gathering of the Ceylon Society of Australia which publishes the quarterly
that included quite a number of octogenarians but largely consisting journal The Ceylankan.
of the over sixties and seventies. Age differences were no barrier,
however, as it was the”old Royalist” spirit that prevailed and there
was bonhomie in abundance all round to go with the festive nature
of the occasion.

The President Indrajith Wijeyguneratne in a brief address
welcomed members and guests and set the tone for a dignified
afternoon’s relaxation among friends. Nihal de Run was Master of
Ceremonies and conducted the “Bingo” session with much aplomb
and levity that made one wonder whether it was not his real day
job! $500 was realised from the Bingo session. Thank you Nihal. A
beautiful water colour painting of the front facade of the Royal
College building by Darrell Lieversz was on display as a raffle prize
to be drawn at the Annual Dinner. Raffle tickets in advance were on
sale and eagerly snapped up. There were also several prizes on offer
at the Bingo session. One table with Nihal De Zoysa and Tharin Peiris
and friends cornered many of the Bingo prizes. Is there some secret
formula there? There were also freebies that were thrown around
and one missed its mark and knocked down Aubrey Van
Cuylenberg’s glass of wine leaving him “wine splattered” and in a
state of mild shock and not a little annoyed. The gift throwing culprit
being the MC, Aubrey was duly compensated we gather with much
more than the wine he lost!

A mouth-watering spread of dishes served up for lunch courtesy of
Vindhi Foods Caterers kept guests well fed and ready for more
entertainment. Arnie the entertainer filled the bill in here, dishing
out some old favourites, and a bit of clowning relished by the
audience. We thank Indrajit and the hard-working Committee for a
delightful afternoon among friends, and look forward to the next
one with much anticipation.

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By Athula Ratnayake

Our annual Inter Batch Indoor cricket tournament was
played out for the 3rd year in succession on the 27th Feb
2017. Due to the increasing popularity
and member participation we moved to a new venue this
year. 12 batches were in the fray for the much coveted
Trophy and it was on for young and old. From 2 teams of
Vets (over 50’s) to fresh faced younger folk were out to
prove their mettle in true Royal spirit. A larger than
expected crowd witnessed some scintillating and keenly
fought games between the batches. At the end of the
elimination rounds it was left to the year 2001 batch
the Mahasona Balkaya to battle it out for the honors with
the year 2000 batch aptly named Munta Loose. In a close
and thrilling game Munta loose came out winners once
again, in a repeat of last year final.

This event has grown in popularity to be the second
biggest drawcard in our events calendar and the
organizers are looking forward to a repeat very soon.

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By D. L. O. Mendis

My story begins from the start of my secondary school days planting. Sadly, he died soon after in a road accident. Four
in January 1943 in Royal College (RC) first form, during the Glendalites in the class of 1943, qualified as University
Second World War. Japanese air raids in Colombo and Professors outside this country. In Australia, Sociology
Trincomalee in April 1942 had caused panic on account of Professor Laksiri Jayasuriya also received an Order of
fears of an invasion to follow, but this did not happen. Australia, and Gehan Wijewardena who was interested in
Nevertheless, several buildings in Colombo were journalism, while in school, eventually became a Professor
commandeered by the (British) military authorities, and of Sociology in Canberra; while in Malaysia Professor
alternative arrangements had to be made for schools. Royal Rohan Wickremasuriya’s subject was Agriculture. Ralph
College, Colombo, was re-located in private residences of Wijesinghe, another student in the class of 1943, settled in
loyal old boys, and a new junior boarding school was also Canada, qualified as an engineer, and wrote a book on the
set up in an up-country tea estate bungalow “Glendale”, Bandsaw. He also competed regularly in motor cycle racing
about 4000 ft above mean sea level. It was near Kinigama in Ceylon before emigrating, after which he competed
village, a couple of miles beyond Bandarawela railway often in the famous Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motor
station, itself 161 miles from Colombo on the main cycle races, riding a Gold Star BSA, as I recall.
upcountry railway line. The school-house was a row of
classrooms with plank walls and manna grass roof. It had Glendalite Arichandra Coomaraswamy, emigrated to
four forms, each with about 25 boarders, and a handful of Canada where he practiced Law. As far as I know he never
day scholars, making a total of about 120 students in all returned to Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. Two others in the class
four forms. There was also an orchard from the estate that of 1943, who took to the practice of Law in our country
was out of bounds for students, except under supervision. were Walwin Goonatilake and Gamini (Gama) Wijesekera.
I was a day scholar living with an uncle Mr Bernard Mendis, There were also two who followed medical careers FSN
the senior Fourth form teacher in Glendale, next to the (Francis Simon Nihal} Perera, a boarder, nicknamed
Warden, Mr J T R Perimpanayagam. The Warden was a ‘Shape’, and a day scholar, Horatius Don Stanlislaus Victor,
truly dedicated teacher, if something of a martinet, who known as Horace. I also remember two other Pereras, JLS,
worked very hard to ensure that his students excelled in Sepala, who emigrated to Germany and kept in touch with
academia as well as in extra-curricular activities. me in Colombo till he passed away a few years ago, and H.R.
Perera (Rohana) who dropped out of Royal after the fourth
At the end of the fourth-year Glendale boys had to join the form at Glendale.
fifth form in Colombo, if they passed the 4th form
examinations, which most of us did, a few even topping the Finally, my closest friend in Glendale was Jeganandaraj
batch to win the prestigious Rajapakse prize, or the Old Amalendran Arulpragasam, known as Jega, who remained
Boys prize for the second place, proxime accesit. Of the less my lifetime’s best friend. He taught for a short time in RC
than thirty students in the Glendale class of 1943, five later Colombo before emigrating to England, where he joined
joined the newly created armed services in the 1950s, and IBM and immediately made a special mark in the emerging
two became Commanders, Lt. General Nalin Seneviratne, world of computers and Information technology, in
Army commander, and Vice Admiral Asoka de Silva, Navy London. His eldest son Rajpal was a victim of what was
Commander; while Surgeon Commander Dr Milinda called ‘paki-bashing’ which made Jega, Lilamani and their
Amerasinghe, headed a medical unit in the Navy. Roger four kids emigrate from London to Toronto, Canada, where
Modder who won the First form prize in 1943 at Glendale, Jega became a close friend of my youngest brother Eustace
whose father, Vere, had fought in the first world war, whom he had taught in RC Colombo, before emigrating to
himself joined the army but retired early and took to England. The family later moved to USA, and Jega finally
passed away in Boston, about ten years ago.

It is generally agreed that the greatest all-round scholar-
sportsman produced by Royal College in its long history was
Upali Amerasinghe, a Glendalite from the class of 1940. In
sports, he won five schools colours, and inter-schools

athletics colours, played rugby for Ceylon Barbarians, was the Assembly. I recall just once when the Warden showed
best loser in inter-house boxing to D V Boderagama who less appreciation when Editor, Gamini Salgado, a future
had won a national title at that time while yet a schoolboy; tenured English Professor, read his own original
captained the under sixteen cricket team, but gave up composition which went:
cricket thereafter as it was too time consuming; and finally
earned a rare First class honours BA degree in English in “There was a gal, her lips were red, her eyes were blue,
Colombo University. He followed this with an even rarer
Cambridge PhD in English, and passed away in Malaysia at her teeth were white, and her hair was of a golden hue!
the incredibly young age of 30 years. He was truly a
Rennaissance man, a latter day Leonardo da Vinci. It was But now, alas! her eyes are red, her lips are blue,
also said of him that he had not joined Ceylon University as
a teacher, choosing Malaysia instead, so as not to her hair is white and her teeth are of a golden hue!
embarrass his former University teachers, none of whom
had a Doctorate in English. For Father Time, the mean old thing

Another Glendalite, English language scholar, Gamini has changed the local colouring!”
Salgado, (also, class of 1940) also had an unique career. He
A number of artists blossomed in Glendale, whose pictures
worked his way to England as a deckhand on a ship in the were first seen in the Glendale Gazette. They were inspired
early 1950s, and worked in a coal mine before joining by Nature, and were fortunate to be guided by Aubrey
Nottingham University. He announced his arrival with a Collette, the famous artist who was Art master at Glendale
for a time. He had an extraordinary talent for drawing
prize winning poem “I have known another Sun”, that won cartoons that brought out an impish sense of humour with
him the first of his many literary distinctions. In due time, a few strokes of pen or brush. Sadly, he emigrated to
Australia when in his prime. Many Glendalites who became
he was the only Ceylonese to become a tenured Professor lawyers, doctors, architects, engineers and so on,
of English, in a British University, and he gave a Prize lecture continued to relax as artists. Some became members, even
“Shakespeare and myself” that was also hailed in founders of the well-known 43rd Group. (Not the RC 43rd
Group!).
academia. Of his brothers, the eldest Kenneth, after
graduation, taught Physics at Royal for a while before To conclude these reminiscences I have kept for the last,
becoming a Science professor in Malaysia. Another brother Moragoda Christopher Walter Pinto, whose father, Walter
Pinto, Crown Proctor, Badulla, sent his only offspring to join
Ananda, became an Emeritus Professor of Sinhala, in the the RC Class of 43, in Glendale. Chris later became Head
University of Peradeniya. Ananda who used the surname Prefect of RC, Colombo, and graduated from the Law
Kulasuriya, was a classmate of Christie Weeramantry at Faculty in Peradeniya University. He then went to
Cambridge University where, he met and married Neliya
RC, while a younger brother, my Glendale classmate Tissa Jayewardena, only daughter of the first local Governor of
Salgado in the RC Class of 1943, did engineering in England the Central Bank of Ceylon, famous N U Jayawardena. They
before returning to Ceylon. had a daughter and a son, Milinda Moragoda, well known
in business and in politics, today. He was a Minister of State
One of the Glendale Warden’s ideas was to have a daily when the Sri Lanka government was losing ground in the
Assembly under a pair of large fir trees at the end of the long drawn out civil conflict, described in the recent best-
long drive to the school, at which he would read from selling book ‘Road to Nandikal’ by Major General Kamal
different religious Scriptures. Once a fortnight, there was a Gunaratne.
presentation of the ‘Glendale Gazette’, a students’
Newsletter that included original writings and a student By D.L.O.Mendis,
painting, in water colours, or oils, on the front cover. One Royal College, Class of 1943 - 43rd Group.
of the two Editors of the Glendale Gazette would read it at

18

By Shanaka Perera

On a typical gloomy

Melbourne autumn day at
Banjo Patterson Reserve in
Lynbrook, Royal won the toss
and took first lease on the
synthetic strip. Royal openers
Varun Wijewardene and ever
green Channa Gunawardena
started cautiously. After few
overs, they got on with the
job with Channa taking the
aggressive approach of
increasing the scoring rate.
Royal lost the first wicket in
the 14th over with Channa
getting out after a well-made
56 with the score of 94 on the
board. Young Randev Pathirana
went in at number 3 to continue the
momentum for Royal. Varun who was playing the supporting role in the opening partnership took on the bowlers and
accelerated the scoring rate. Varun fell for 46 with the score at 128 in the 20th over. Royal lost a few wickets in trying to
increase the scoring rate. In the end, Lochana Premarathna and Umesh Gunawardena hit some lusty blows and ensured
that Royal ended up with a commanding score of 6/213 in 30 overs. The Thomians had a very strong and deep batting line
up. Royalists had to take early wickets to halt the run chase. Channa opened the bowling with unpredictable Sanjeewa
Udumalagala at the other end. Channa took 2 early wickets to put the Thomians under pressure in their chase. Sanjeewa
supported Channa by keeping a tidy line and built more pressure on the Thomians. After a brief Thomian partnership,
Channa struck twice in his last over to have the Thomians reeling with 4/54 after 12 overs. The Thomians recovered their
innings with a good partnership between Nuwan and Pramu Rodrigo as the pair added 40 runs for the 5th wicket. Lakmal
Abeysekera who came in to the attack as the second change bowler, snapped up 3 quick wickets to break the Thomian
momentum. In the end, the Thomians were bowled out for 124 and Royal won the Open game after 4 years. Channa
Gunawardena was awarded the Man of The Match and Varun Wijewardene took the Eddie Gray Memorial Trophy for the
Most Outstanding Royalist of the day.

19

OBITUARY

AZAD RAHEEM (14th October 1940 - 1st March 2017)

Sunil de Silva

We lost an astute lawyer and a loyal friend when Azad Raheem moved to the next stage of his life on 2nd March 2017. We
take solace in the assurance that Azad now lives in an existence outside the human body in a form of intermediate spiritual

resurrection.

I first met Azad in 1952 when we joined the boys of the “First Form” as
Year Six was then known, at Royal College, Colombo. I continued as a
class mate for four years till we bifurcated, Azad in to the science stream
and I into languages and Arts. We met again in 1959 when we joined the
Ceylon Law College. We have remained friends since then.

Azad had gained three distinctions in Double Math and Physics, a sure-
fire path to a degree in Engineering. But his father M.M.A. Raheem had
other plans for his brilliant son. As you are probably aware, the nine
Raheem siblings – six boys and three girls, each qualified in a different
profession.

The father was a Senior Proctor [Solicitor] with an extensive clientele of prosperous Pettah businessmen and wished Azad
to join him with a view to taking over the flourishing practice. Azad had no choice, when MMA had spoken, he had spoken!

Azad did extremely well in the exams and was only beaten by one mark at the Final exam by Laki Wikrmamnayake, his
brother-in-law to be. They did joint study at the Wikramanayake household and it is obvious now that Azad’s eye had not
been on the books they jointly read.

Azad took over his father’s practice and concentrated on civil law. Though I joined the Attorney General’s Department and
mainly practised criminal law, we continued to meet socially.

I cannot fail to speak of the hospitality and bonhomie that Azad and his law school friends enjoyed at the home of Therese’s
parents. We were as welcome when we turned up past mid-night to drop Laki home or when we dropped in on an evening.

Therese had proved a supportive wife. Running house attending to the children’s needs and driving Azad, not around the
bend, but on the myriad warrens of Melbourne Streets. They knew each other when she was a shy teenager and Azad had
barely reached twenty years of age.

Azad and Therese devoted much time to the Ceylon Society of Australia [Melbourne Chapter] and engaged in much
appreciated social service.

I made a visit to see him in the third week of January this year and while the ailment that claimed his life, had gnawed
away at his solid rugger playing body, his mind was alert and sharp as when he was a young law student. An example of
his wit remains with me. One of the lecturers at Law College, erudite in the law but totally impractical in applying his
knowledge to the realities of the legal arena devised a hypothetical question on the law of damages for a wrongful act.

20

The question stated an obvious case for the plaintiff [A} to be awarded damages against the defendant [B] but artfully
concealed within the scenario were several exceptions to the rule that would deny the award of damages. With a pontifical
air, the lecturer dramatically asked “Can A sue B?” - Azad piped up “He can sue, but he won’t win” the laughter that ripped
the class room apart and the expression on the face of the lecturer are vivid in my memory.

I recall an incident that demonstrates the caring that Azad showed those who needed help. In our last year at Law College,
a group of Law Students made a visit to Sri Pada [Adam’s Peak]. On our way down a child in a group that was descending
ahead of us slipped and fell down cliff side. She was clinging onto a bush that did not look strong enough to bear her
weight for long, and before anyone could react, Azad leaned over and grabbed the child by her arm and pulled her up.

The parents were full of thanks and could only show their gratitude by offering us a few bananas that they had with them.
Azad promptly said [in Sinhala] words to the effect ‘thank you but I don’t eat fruit’ and returned the gift.

I am no expert in Islam but if there is a Sirat that provides a link to paradise, Azad must certainly traverse that bridge to
reach the eternal garden of spiritual and physical delights. The palaces filled with streams of milk, honey pleasant
fragrances and soothing voices.

“Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return [Qur’an 2:156]

UPCOMING EVENTS

Date: Sunday, September 17 at 11 AM - 2 PM

Venue: Mount Waverly Community Centre, 47
Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley 3149

21

1. Abdullah Mahmud Membership list as at 11.09.2017 90. Indrajith Wijegunaratne
2. Abhaya Udugama 91. Iqram Mohinadeen
3. Ajith Jayawardena 46. David Kreltzheim 92. isuru Alagiayawann
4. Akila Geethal 47. Deepal Perera 93. Isuru Kariyawasam
5. Akila Weerasinghe 48. Deva Corea 94. Jafir Dawood
6. Akvan Gajanayake 49. Devindra Weerasooriya 95. Jahanghir Abdul Majeed
7. Alexander Lokuge (Don) 50. Devine De Silva 96. Janaka Kodithuwakku
8. Almaaz Alavi 51. Dhamindra 97. Janaka Seneviratne
9. Amal Cooray 98. Janek Ratnatunga
10. Anil Amarasekara Kahaduwarachchi 99. Jayalath Pushpkumara
11. Anil Amunugama 52. Dhammika Perera 100. Jayantha (Jay) Adihetty
12. Anjan Ranasuriya 53. Dhanushka Hettiarachchi 101. Jayath Jayarathna
13. Anton Suresh Mahadeva 54. Dilan De Silva 102. Jeewantha Wijesinghe
14. Anuja Manchanayake 55. Dhilharan Sivaratnam 103. Jey Jeyakumar
15. Asanga Perera 56. Dhilshad Sideek 104. Jimmy Billimoria*
16. Aslam Assen 57. Dick Siebel 105. Jivaka Fernando
17. Athula Ratnayaka 58. Dilan Nanayakkara 106. Johann Gunasekera
18. Aubrey VanCuylenburg* 59. Dimithri Siriwardena 107. Jumaan Sheriff
19. Aynkaran Sivaratnam 60. Dinesh Chelvathurai 108. Kandiah Sivapragasam
20. Bevill Janz 61. Dinesh Perera 109. Kapila Epasinghe
21. Binesh Gunaratne 62. Dinesh Weerakkody 110. Ken Rajendra
22. Brian Lieversz 63. Dr D L & R Jayasuriya 111. Kingsley Rajasingham
23. Bryan Wickremeratne 64. Dr. Channa Wijesinghe* 112. Kumara Karawita
24. Buddhimith 65. Dulanjaya Wijeratne 113. Kumares
66. Eardley Lieverz
Wickramasinghe 67. Eshan Ranawak Sandrasegaran
25. Cedric Jansz 68. Ethan Imesh Gankanda 114. Kusal Fernando
26. Chaman Ipalawatta 69. Feisul Uduman 115. Kushan Athukorala
27. Chamath Fernando 70. Fred Kreltzheim* 116. Kusinara Perera
28. Chameera Buddhadasa 71. Gamini Jayasinghe 117. Lahiru De Silva
29. Chamith Perera 72. Ganan Nagaratnam 118. Lakindu Manawasinghe
30. Channa Perera 73. Gehan Perera 119. Lakmal Abeyasekera
31. Charavaran 74. George Fernando 120. Laksiri Jayasuriya
32. Charith Jayatillake 75. Gishan Bamunusinghe 121. Lal Goonewardena
33. Chathura Liyanagama 76. Gnanathikkam Emmanuel 122. Lalin De Silva
34. Chehan Senasekara 123. Lalin Perera
35. Chethiya Dissanayake Amirthanathan 124. Lalith Hewavitharana
36. Chinthana de Silva 77. Guy Chadrasena 125. Lilith De Silva
37. Chinthana Wijesuriya 78. Haris Kumarage 126. Lindsay Ferdinance
38. Chinthana Wijeweera 79. Haris Peiris 127. Lochana Premarathna
39. Churchill L Ferdinand 80. Harsha Aluthge 128. Lorenz Pereira
40. Clarence Koch 81. Harsha Perera 129. Madhava Wijayaratne
41. Damitha De Lanarol 82. Hasalaka Edirisinghe 130. Madhawa Mutukumara
42. Dammica Wickramaratne 83. Hasitha Gunasekera 131. Madushe Jayawickrema
43. Darin Mallawarachchi 84. Hasitha Perera 132. Mahen Ellawala
44. Darrell Lieversz 85. Hemanth Cooray 133. Mahinda Wickramasuriya
45. Dasun Wettasinghe 86. Hildon Bevan* 134. Malindra Fernando
87. Hiran Muttiah
88. Hugh Karunanayake 22
89. Indika Hathurusinghe

135. Maliq Deane 175. Pushpika Gamage 209. Seyed Hassen Murthaz
136. Malith Fernanado 176. Rad Rasaratnam Mawlana
137. Malith Siriwardena 177. Rajeev Peiris
138. Mangala Jayawardene 178. Rajkumar Yogalingam 210. Shanaka Perera
139. Maurice Anghie 179. Ralph 211. Shanaka Senaratne
140. Maxwell Solomons 212. Shanka Gunawardana
141. Melville Knower Wickremaratne(Ralph 213. Shantha Arangala
142. Michael Kreltszheim Wicks) 214. Shiran De Silva
143. Michael La Brooy 180. Ramesh Nadarajah 215. Shyam Sideek
144. Mohan de Run 181. Ranga Perera 216. Soba Ranasinghe
145. Mohan Perera 182. Ranjan Muttiah 217. Sonny (Pradeep) De
146. Mohan Pillai 183. Ranjeev Ekanayake
147. Mohan Tisseverasinge 184. Ransi Fernando Silva
148. Muditha Jayasinha 185. Reggie de Silva (Cyril) 218. Stuart Roland
149. N.Canagasabai 186. Rivindu Liyanage 219. Sudath Gunatilake
150. Nadie Gamalath 187. Riza Muthaliph 220. Sujeevan Panagoda
151. Nadika Dias 188. Rohan Wimalasuriya 221. Sujith Satkunam
152. Namal Fernanado 189. Roshan Weerawardena 222. Sunil De Silva
153. Nandika Dias 190. Sahan Basnayake 223. Sunil De Zoysa
154. Nandun Fernando 191. Saji Bahar 224. Tharin Peiris
155. Nandun Thellamurege 192. Sajith Mendis 225. Tharun Delpachitthra
156. Nigel De Kretser 193. Sajitha Amerasinghe 226. Theshan De Silva
157. Nihal Kodituwakku 194. Sam Lawton 227. Thila Gunaratne
158. Nihal. M. D. de Run 195. Saman Edirisinghe 228. Thilina Gajanayake
159. Nilupa Suresh 196. Saman Fernando (Athula) 229. Timothy Wijesooriya
160. Niranjan Tissaverasinghe 197. Saman Nanda 230. Tissa Galagedera
161. Niroshan Hewakoparage Ranasinghe 231. Tony Andrece Jansz
162. Niroshan Serasinghe 198. Saman Ranabahu 232. Tony Anghie*
163. Nithy Chellapah 199. Saman Wijeratne 233. Uchin Alwis
164. P.H.(Piloo) Billimoria 200. Samath Wijeyasinghe 234. Umesh Goonawardena
165. Pasan Balasinghe 201. Samitha De Silva 235. Upul Kularatne
166. Pasan Gunasekara 202. Sampath Edirimuni 236. Upula Jayasingha
167. Pasan Manawadu 203. Sandy (Ranoir) 237. Varna Amerasinghe
168. Pasindu Yasantha Jesudhason 238. Venura Welegedera
169. Peshan Kurukulasuriya 204. Sanjaya Ranaweera 239. Vibodha Sampath
170. Piloo Rustomjee 205. Sanjeewa Udumalagala 240. Vijayalingam
171. Piyal Gunaratne 206. Sarasi Herath
172. Prabodha Kulasingha 207. Saru (Sarvendran) Thiagalingam
173. Prasad Herath Sivarajah 241. Vinodh Samarasinghe
174. Pubudu Weeratunga 208. Sasanka Dharmasena 242. Yasantha Kalupahan
243. Yasiru Samarakoon
244. Yogi Thevaraj
245. Yohan Kumarage

23

RCOBAA Committee

Vice Patrons: Fred Kreltszheim Nihal De Run

Indrajith Wijegunaratne : President General Committee:
Ransi Fernando: Vice President Athula Ratnayake
Venura Welagedara
Chintana Wijeweera : Vice President Shanaka Perera
Dinesh Perera : Secretary Aslam Assen
Ranga Perera
Dhammika Perera: Treasurer Lochana Premarathna
Aynkaran Sivaratnam : Immediate Past President

Charith Jayathilake: Membership Secretary
Shanka Gunawardane: Web Master