Floreat - July 2014

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ROOYYAALL THHOOMMIIAANN CRRIICCKKEETT ENNCCOOUUNNTTEERR

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DRR. L. A. W. SIIRRIISSEENNAA
Tribute

MRR. LAALLIITTHH DDEE SOOYYSSAA

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BRADBY MEMORIES

DIINNEESSHH PEERREERRAA

Disce aut discede

Kenneth Abeywickrema 1834 and the following year he set up his own
A member of the Class of 1946. school in Colombo as the Hill Street Private
Academy. In 1836 Governor Horton made this a
The Royal College motto, Disce aut discede government school under the name of the Colombo
Academy with Rev. Marsh as the headmaster.
(learn or depart), engraved in large letters at the Later, in recognition of its status as the premier
entrance to the Royal College building, is unique, government school, the colonial government in
unlike any other, in its imperious command. It is 1881 obtained the royal assent of the British
traced back to 1871 and the Principal at the time, Empress, Queen Victoria, to have it re-named as
George Todd. One could develop many talents and the Royal College of Colombo. Through the years,
skills in the school but if you did not study you had the school lived up to its expectations, producing
no place here. And Royal College has a unique and the largest number of outstanding national leaders
honourable position in the history of education in of any school in politics, the professions and the
Ceylon/Sri Lanka. public services.

The history of Royal College reflects the As could be expected, the school evolved with the
developing government policies on education from political evolution of the country. Christian
its inception in colonial times. After British missionaries were replaced by laymen as
occupation of Kandy in 1815, the Christian Principals. In 1946, the year of my class, a
Missionary Society was at the forefront of Ceylonese, J.C.A. Corea, became the first non-
proselytizing through English education in Sri British Principal of the school and since then, with
Lanka from 1818, setting up its first major schools independent Ceylon, it has always been so. But the
in Baddagama, Jaffna, Kandy and Cotta (Kotte). dedication to the highest standards of all-round
Then the reforms recommended by the education and its privileged position in the
Colebrooke-Cameron Royal Commission of 1833 government educational hierarchy remained. The
saw the first steps towards liberalising the Principal of Royal College had the substantive rank
economy, encouraging private sector business and of Deputy Director of Education (now a Director,
bringing local leaders into the Legislative Council. in the expanded education service) and it is also a
These and the development of a modern colonial magnet school to which the brightest from other
administration required educated natives with a government schools are sent on scholarship.
proper all-round education, not merely religious Customarily, in former times, the Governor-
education. The implementation of these reforms General of Ceylon presided at the annual school
initially fell on the British Governor, Sir Robert I. prize-giving and made an oration. In 1953, the year
Wilmot Horton. I finished, it was Lord Soulbury, who had drafted
the constitution for independent Ceylon. A short
Governor Wilmot Horton had a special interest in dapper man wearing a monocle in the aristocratic
education and personally attended the awards of fashion, he was happy to exchange a few words
the missionary society’s premier Christian when I came up to receive the Shakespeare Prize
Institution of Kotte in 1831. He was impressed by and English Literature prizes.
the students’ proficiency in Greek and Latin and
declared: Nullum munus reipublicae afferre majus Principal John Corea was a stern no-nonsense
meliusve possumus, quam si dociamus et administrator. Dedication to study was a demand.
erudiamus juventutem (We can confer no greater At the Senior School Certificate level, teachers
benefit to the country than by educating youth.)
From 1931 to 1934 the Christian Institution of
Kotte was headed by Rev. Joseph Marsh. He left in

evaluated all students and chose those who were with his wife by a Tamil Tiger suicide bomber.
regarded as potential for higher education for Jayantha Jayaratne, joined the Army, became a
promotion to the higher class. Others were allowed General officer, but died prematurely of ill health.
to sit for the exam and were transferred to a Two entered the prestigious Ceylon Civil Service,
“Remove Form” to do lighter subjects and leave Olcott Goonesekera and Gamini Irriagolle, but left
school. No wonder academic results from Royal the service after a while. Numerous others became
College at the University Entrance examinations medical doctors, engineers, architects, university
were always outstanding. The school was selected professors, naval officers, public servants, school
as "one of best innovative colleges" in the world by teachers, businessmen, corporate managers, etc., all
Microsoft Corporation 2009. too numerous to mention by name. One, Nimal
Mendis, ignored studies and played music and later
As a strict disciplinarian, Corea forbade loitering in became a famous musician and song writer. I
the corridors during school hours. Any student became a senior manager in the local Unilever
found outside the classroom during school sessions company and later became chairman of State
needed a written authorisation by the teacher. Timber Corporation before migrating to become an
Otherwise, no explanation was accepted and the international business consultant.
student was taken to the office to receive “six of
the best” from the cane visibly kept to deter The belief that higher education was a path to
truants. Later, when I was in the University of success was not always true. Royal College
Ceylon, Peradeniya campus, John Corea came as excelled in several sports but the stars were the
the Warden of Ramanathan Hall. I was Student rugby players and cricketers. Many, though not all,
President of the Hall and President of the of these star athletes tended to neglect studies. At
Peradeniya Campus Students’ Union. Since the the time, the majority of the tea plantation and
students’ unions were in the habit organising commercial companies were owned by the British
protests and demonstrations to make campus life and the top managers were British. The British
more lively, John Corea would invite me to his company managers sent to the colonies were less
quarters to share a beer and discuss students’ educated but considered tough enough to work in
issues. Yet, even then, I could not help feeling like harsh tropical regions. Whenever they recruited
a schoolboy in his presence. local officers, they selected less educated boys with
sporting achievements from leading schools to
The school had many excellent teachers who whom they could better relate as persons. It was
dedicated their lives to the institution. Invariably, it only Ceylon Tobacco Company and Unilever that
was the older teachers, too numerous to mention recruited university graduates as senior managers.
here, who were the ablest. Since teacher salaries Gradually, after independence, when the
are modest, it became more difficult to recruit the government restricted the recruitment of foreign
best in a growing economy but Royal College managers, these Ceylonese officers were catapulted
attracted some as its teachers are on a higher to the top management of their prestigious
service grade in the education department. companies. But it is a testament to the all-round
training at Royal College that even the
Our class of students also, typically, produced a academically less educated people who joined
variety of talents. C.V. Gunaratne who did not private sector companies became business
enter the university but took to politics became luminaries in the country.
Minister of Industries, only to be brutally killed

Dr L. A. W. Sirisena - the Oarsman from the Deep South

by Premasara Epasinghe

Dr L A W discipline maintained by parents who are teachers.

Sirisena is a man The poorly paid teachers knew that Education was

of many parts. the greatest wealth they could give their children.

Born at

Pallatara, Who is a teacher? Where ignorance is darkness, the

Beliatta, in the teacher is light. Where the journey is tough, the

Hambantota teacher is guide. Where the vision is hazy, the

District; he was teacher is sight. Dr Sirisena's parents gave light to

born in a make- thousands of students and guided them.

shift teachers'

quarters which Dr Sirisena is the second in a family of five boys

was only a and one girl (the youngest); three of them are

converted office Medical Specialists: a Psychiatrist (Dr L A P)

room. He is a compassionate social and religious Gynaecologist (Dr L A W) and a Physician (Dr L

service leader, a Good Samaritan. He never forgot A H) specialized in Geriatrics. The other two, a

his roots. Like the famous Dr R L Spittel, this Banker (L A P) and youngest brother Sarath (L A

amazing man always moved with the innocent D S), a planter cum Tea Broker who played Cricket

villagers of distant Pallattara,in Beliatta. This for Royal and opened batting in the 86th and 87th

brilliant Gynaecologist is also the holder of Royal-Thomian encounters in 1965 and 1966.

"Sangeet Visharad" degree from the University of Younger brother Sarath Sirisena (LADS) played

Bhatkhande in Lucknow and holds a Master's cricket for Royal in 1965 under the captaincy of

degree in Buddhist Studies from the Kelaniya Hamza Macan Markar and among his teammates

University. Therefore, he were outstanding

qualifies aptly to be called a SIRISENA BECAME A VERSATILE STUDENT cricketers of the calibre
'man for all seasons'. He had AND SHONE IN STUDIES AND MANY A CO- of S. Skandakumar,
the proud distinction of CURRICULAR ACTIVITY AND WAS ELEVATED
Nissanka

captaining the Royal College TO THE HEAD-PREFECTSHIP AT ROYAL, IN Wadugodapitiya, H N
Rowing team in the first ever THE YEAR 1962. AT THAT TIME SCHOOL De Silva, Rohan
Royal-Thomian Boat Race in PREFECTS HAD THE UNENVIABLE Wijethilake, Asoka
1962. Further, he represented RESPONSIBILITY OF CURBING ALL FORMS
Sri Lanka in Rowing at the OF STUDENT INDISCIPLINE. AS HEAD Samarajeewa,
PREFECT ONCE HE HAD TO PUNISH ANURA Lakshman

regatta in Chennai in 1963 BANDARANAIKE. Thalayasingham and

and 1964. Parry Liyanage (later

Brigadier). In the following year Sarath Sirisena

Educated Teachers' children - Role Models once again represented the Royal first eleven team

Dr Sirisena's story is like a fairy tale; it is so captained by Lakshman Thalayasingham which

interesting. His father, L A D Sirisena, a highly included S J De Silva, S Skandakumar, the stylish

respected Head Master of the Pallattara School and batsman Nissanka Wadugodapitiya, Asoka

mother, Mrs W Seelawathie, an assistant teacher in Samarajeewa, Asoka Wimaladharma, Brian

the same school. Generally, children of dedicated Lieversz and Parry Liyanage who formed a deadly

teachers shine academically. When I was an pace attack with skipper Lakshman

undergraduate at the Sri Jayawardenapura Thalayasingham, Sanath who opened batting with

University. I offered Sinhala, English and S J De Silva contributed emmensely to the success

Education as my degree subjects. My Education of the team.

Professor Dr Clarence Noise of America, assigned

me to make a survey of Parent-Student relationship Enters Royal Primary

in Education. When I did the survey, I found When little L.A.W. Sirisena was attending his

children of teachers outshine others. One of the father's village school, there appeared an

main reasons for this was the high standard of advertisement in the "Silumina" paper announcing

five vacancies in Grade 3 at the Royal Primary Head-Prefect at Royal
School in Colombo 7. The father, thinking that Sirisena became a versatile student and shone in
chances of success were almost nil, was reluctant studies and many a co-curricular activity and was
to make an application on behalf of the son, but Dr elevated to the Head-Prefectship at Royal, in the
D N Wickremaratne, the Apothecary in charge of year 1962. At that time school prefects had the
the dispensary in Beliatta, a family friend, unenviable responsibility of curbing all forms of
persuaded the father to make an application. At the student indiscipline. As head Prefect once he had
competitive test held, where 196 vied for the 5 to punish Anura Bandaranaike.
places, Sirisena was successful.
"The fact that I was a village boy was written all For minor offences it was usual for prefects to ask
over me and I was the laughing stock of the students to either write 'lines' - a particular
Colombo 7 boys; one even ridiculed my name statement repeated 50 or 100 times, or in the
"Sirisena" saying his servant boy's name was also alternative stay in after school, for about half to
Sirisena" stated Dr Sirisena. one hour or come to school on a Saturday morning.
"Once I remember a particular junior class, for a
Later, from Royal Primary, he entered Royal repeated offence, was asked to stay in after school
College - Grade 6 (Form 1) passing an all-island to serve a period of detention. Little Anura
competitive test. Messrs J C A Corea, Dudley K G Bandaranaike (the then Prime Minister's son)
de Silva were his Principals and Bogoda happened to be in that class. He walked up to me
Premaratne who passed away recently was the and said that he had made a prior appointment to
Vice Principal. Cadet Contingent: Company see the dentist that afternoon requested that he be
Sergeant-Major Sirisena was a cadet, and was the excused; he agreed to serve the detention on
Company Quarter-Master Sergeant and later another day instead. Accordingly he was excused
Company Sergeant Major. His Cadet officers were that day, but was asked to bring a letter from home,
Capt. M K J Cantlay, Lt B G N Sarriffodeen, Lt P substantiating the trotted out excuse. The following
H S Mendis, Lt Lionel Samararatne and Lt R I T day he faithfully produced the letter duly signed by
Alles. his mother, the Prime Minister of the country. And
he stayed half an hour after school, as his
What made him take to Rowing? classmates had done the previous day" stated Dr
As a lower school student at Royal, Dr. Sirisena Sirisena.
witnessed the students who excelled in various
sports events proudly walking on the stage at the Enters Medical College
Friday morning College Assembly and hand over In 1963, he entered the Medical Faculty in
trophies, bowls, shields they won during the week, Colombo and graduated in 1968. In 1969 he
to the Principal amidst thunderous ovation. As a worked as a Senior House Officer under Dr
keen student, he watched the oarsmen carrying Wilfred Perera, whom he remembers as the Guru
their bowls and was motivated, inspired and and the motivating factor for his entry into the field
determined that he too must one day ascend the of Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
stage with an oarsman's bowl and hand it over and
be congratulated by the Principal; that was the saga In 1976 he obtained the MRCOG and underwent
behind his entry into Rowing. He is proud to say specialized training in Gynaecological cancers,
that he won the first ever Royal-Thomian Boat under Stanley Way and John Monaghan in
Race and as captain presented the trophy to Dudley Newcastle on Tyne and under Prof K D Bagshawe
K G de Silva, the Principal, at the School at Charing Cross Hospital in UK.
Assembly.
Dr Sirisena, a leading Gynaecologist and
The other winning team mates were Desmond Obstetrician, worked in Kurunegala, Badulla,
Fernando, Chula Samarasinghe, Eraj Wijesinghe Nuwara Eliya, Galle and at Castle St Hospital for
and Vasantha Wijemanne (cox). Women, from where he retired from government
service. He is an enthusiast and a hard worker for
Sirisena said Rowing helped build stamina, racial and religious amity. During his stint at Castle
exercise the whole body and improve power of St. Hospital, he ensured that all commemorative
concentration. events of all nationalities and faiths were
appropriately celebrated and observed by one and
all.

Sangeet Visharada the villagers. Of late, many an improvement has
Dr Sirisena, also obtained the Visharad degree in been seen in the village temples.
music in 1987, from the University of Bhatkhande,
in Lucknow, India. Dr Sirisena stated that from his His wife Chandra, is a popular General
childhood he loved music. He found it as a Practitioner, in Borella. Her natural pleasing ways
soothing balm to his mind. He studied vocal music and caring concern for patients is legendary. Their
under Guru B. Victor Perera for 5 to 6 years and only daughter, a distinguished Devian, Saroja is a
obtained the Visharad degree in 1987. After he career diplomat in the Ministry of External Affairs.
retired from government service, he studied She is an energetic and loyal officer who has
Instrumental Music - violin - under Guru Somasiri weathered many a storm in rescue of the
Illesinghe and obtained his second Visharad degree Motherland, in the International scene.
in 2010. He still practises the art almost daily as it
brings about tremendous tranquility to the mind Dr Sirisena is a fine conversationalist and an
and body. eloquent speaker, both in Sinhala and English. He
is one of the nicest men I have ever met. He is a
Birth place charmer par-excellence, lovable, courteous, witty
Dr Sirisena doesn't fail to visit his place of birth. and accomplished and warm hearted. This great
Every full moon poya day he observes the 'eight medical man, whatever he does, he does it with
precepts', along with the villagers, at the village Passion.
temples. This monthly event is eagerly looked
forward to by the priests at the temple as well as

Bullies & Bullying

By Trevor Jansz
(Trevor Jansz aged 90 is the second oldest member of RCOBAA)

Bullying in schools and workplaces is much in the news and every effort is being made by the government
and authorities to stop this from happening.

In my day as a student at Royal College (1932 to 1940) bullying had its problem and one individual stood
out. He was a big strong lad much bigger than students of his age and named "Bull Bull" for his
domineering behaviour - verbally and physically.

In 1938, I was in Form 5B and the form master was Mr J T Fitch. Royal at that time had an acting Principal
Mr H J Wijesinghe as Mr L W H Sampson had retired and Mr E L Bradby was due to take over.

Midway in term 3, Mr Fitch was getting desperate with Bull Bull's conduct in the classroom to the
detriment of other students. He wrote a report to the Acting Vice Principal regarding the conduct of Bull
Bull which was disruptive and recommended appropriate punishment. Knowing Bull Bull's attitude to law
and order, he sent him to the Acting V P along with the Class Monitor with the letter.

At the Principal's office Bull Bull told the monitor to go in and he stayed outside. The V P having read
the scathing report asked no questions from the bearer and promptly administered 4 strokes with the rattan.

The pair returned to the classroom with the distressed monitor in tears. Not a word was spoken! Later when
the facts of the episode were established, much to the embarrassment of the staff, action was taken to a
higher level.

At the end of the year Bull Bull was absent for the 5B class photograph having fallen victim to the college
motto "Disce Aut Discede"

Helping students at the Royal College Hostel

By Nihal de Run
I visited the College Hostel on 20th February and took some pictures of the boy RCOBAA sponsors for
board and lodging at the RCH.
He hails from a small village in Elpitiya, in the South. His father is a labourer and mother a housewife.
They have little income and would never be able to afford the Rs4000/- per month boarding fees that it
costs to help him through College. This is the second year of our sponsorship, for which he is very grateful
and he will be writing to us to express his gratitude.
He won a scholarship to RC following an Island wide entrance examination. He cleared the cut-off point of
82%. He wants to be a doctor one day and promises to study hard to achieve his goal.
The Warden is an excellent man who lives on site with his wife who is Matron. In addition to his duties, he
is responsible for the Environmental Programme including the Green Programme he has initiated. All
waste is being recycled and the boys are involved in waste separation processes.
They generate bio-gas and have a thriving organic fertiliser resource to provide nourishment to the huge
vegetable plots throughout the grounds of the hostel at Royal College .
The warden asked us to help him engage with a sister school in Victoria to share ideas and photographs.
Student Srimal is in Grade 7 which is equivalent to form 2. He is desirous of having a pen friend in
Australia . I was wondering if one of our committee-men who has a child in that age group would like to
take on Srimal as a pen friend.
By the way, they would love English language books, story books and technical books that are suitable for
children from 11 to 16. I was surprised to see the lack of reading material and the books they were reading
are those that my 6 and 8 year old grandchildren dispose freely.
I have the Warden's business card and if you go to Sri Lanka , and have a few moments, please call him
first, introduce yourself and go see Srimal and the Hostel where 220 boys have a place to live.
Last year, at the A level, more than twenty boys from the hostel achieved straight A results.

Mr Aruna de Silva Warden of Hostel with Srimal

RCOBAA DONATES MONEY FOR ROYAL COLLEGE TO MODERNISE
COMPUTER LABORATORY

Responding to a request made by the Principal of Royal College Mr. Upali Gunasekera through Mr. Bandu
Dissanayake, the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Melbourne, to assist in the upgrading of IT
infrastructure at the College, the committee of RCOBAA unanimously decided help. The aim of the school
is to upgrade existing computer labs and establish new ones to satisfy the needs of a large number of
students. The objective is to provide properly equipped IT facilities; a prerequisite to gaining a higher
standard of education in modern times.
This project was funded by RCOBAA using part of the proceeds from our successful 2013 Dinner Dance.
A sum of $5515.00 (equivalent to Rs. 660,000.00) was remitted to the Royal College Union and they were
able to purchase 12 Desk top computers with this donation. The Royal College Group of ’63 pitched in
with 10 more computers and funds needed for the infrastructure improvement and a fully equipped IT lab
was established at the Royal Junior School.
This lab was opened on the 19th of March, 2014 by the Presidential Secretary of Sri Lanka Mr. Lalith
Weeratunga, himself an old Royalist. Nihal de Run our Past President and current Committee member was
present on the day to witness the ceremonies and the opening of the lab. He is seen in the photograph with
the Principal and Nalin Pathikirikorale, a strong link to our projects at the College.

Mr Upali Gunesekera (Principal) and Lalith Weeratunga withNihal de Run and Nalin Pathikirikorale (standing)

Royal wins the inaugural Festival of Cricket Trophy

By Aynkaran Sivaratnam

Dew was settling in on a crispy Monday morning in Victoria . Cricketers young and old were trickling into
the magnificent Xavier College ovals in Kew in to participate in the inaugural Festival of Cricket game in
Melbourne . It was only 8.00am and the excitement could be felt amongst the organisers and the men in
white. It was a perfect start to the Labor Day holiday.

Saliya Ahangama, an old Thomian, and Kapila Jayasuriya, an
old Anandian, the key organisers of the tournament were
moving enthusiastically around the grounds with mega
phone in hand rallying the players. People were gathering
around the coffee cart and the clashing of the metal plates
suggested Chris Labrooy's team was ready to serve the
mouth-watering kothu roti the Sri Lankan Food Marquee.

Dinesh Chelvathurai the first Royal supporter on the
grounds, decided to settle for a hot latte and a couple of
freshly fried pan rolls, before getting settled into following
the college team at the Chapel Oval.

Group D consisted of Royal College, St Anthony's College,
Nalanda College and Dharmaraja College .
The Royalists were up against Dharmaraja College in the
first game of the group stage. A Ranaraja top scored with 30
runs for the Kandyans and batted through the innings. C Gunarwardne (23) and L Premaratne (19) led the
successful chase for Royal.

The Royalists met St Anthony's in their second game. The Antonians batting first were off to a great start
thanks to Marlon von Hagt. The ex-Sri Lankan Test cricketer showed that he was still in good nick
contributing 41 runs out of the 68 that were scored by St Anthony's. Sahan Perera took the only wicket that
fell for St Anthony's and gave away just 16 runs. Royal cantered home scoring 78 runs for the loss of two
wickets. At the top of the order Gunawardne struck a fluent 28 and D Siriwardene contributed 11.
Premaratna and Samarasinghe scoring 10 runs and 8 runs respectfully completed the successful chase.

Royal completed the Group D games beating Nalanda to go through to the next round without conceding a
game..

By now more spectators started trickling in with
children having plenty of excitement in the jumping
castle. A bowling competition was held between the
Roche and the Jackson Oval. Laser guns were
clocking some incredible speeds from young
enthusiastic spectators and 20 of the quickest
bowlers won prizes. Russel Arnold, Granville De
Silva, Dav Watmore and Tilan Samaraweera were
seen chatting amongst the crowd.

Having completed the group games the unbeaten
Royalists strode down to the beautiful Jackson Oval
by the main gates of Xavier College to play against

Prince of Wales in the quarter finals.

Subash Silva, the cheer squad leader was directing the Papare band to the boundary line. The players didn't
disappoint and Prince of Wales scored 60 runs with T Fernando top scoring with an unbeaten 41 runs. He
struck four sixes three fours. D Siriwardana led the Royal response with a swashbuckling 45 which
consisted of seven fours and one six.

The win set up a tantalising clash with the old enemy S Thomas' in the semi-finals at the Roche Oval.

The Thomians went into bat to the sounds of the Papare band. With a great cheering squad led by Dinesh
Weerakody and Subash Silva the enthusiastic Royalists put the brakes on the scoring rate and limited the
Thomians to a measly 47 runs. The overly cautious Royalist went into bat to the sounds of DJ Ash's music
and managed to equal the score from the last ball of the game. There was some drama when the wicket
keeper accidently knocked the stumps with his elbow before taking the stumps off. The match went into a
super over and both wicket keepers had to bowl an over each. The Royalist ended up winning this nail

biting game having given away only 13 runs.

Having survived the semi-finals the Royalists faced the D S Senanayake
College in the final. Royal batted first and scored a very competitive 62.
Channa top scored for Royal with an unbeaten 36 runs with three fours and a
six. He was well supported by Dimithri who scored a quick 20. Waruna
bowled well for DSS taking two wickets for 14 runs. Royal bowled well to
limit DSS to 56 runs for the loss of of 4 wickets. Umesh and Dimithri bowled
outstandingly with Umesh taking one for five and Dimithri two for six. Royal
were the winners of the Festival of Cricket.

Russel Arnold, the President of the Festival of Cricket, surrounded by a
several ex-Sri Lankan players and very enthusiastic cricket lovers and
supporters of their respective schools, presided the presentation ceremony.

The main Festival of Cricket trophy was presented to Shanaka by Kushil
Gunesekera the Founder of the charity "Foundation of Goodness". Saliya
Ahangama and Kapila Jayasuriaya handed the individual medals to all
participating Royalists to the loud cheer of the enthusiastic Royalists and the
fantastic crowd who loved and respected the game of cricket.

It was a fantastic day. Royal won the inaugural Trophy and $5,000 as prize money and more importantly
took part in this event where all the schools played competitive cricket in the true spirit of the game. The
cricketers, the organisers and the spectators gave the Sri Lankan Community in Melbourne a big match
experience and showcased the Sri Lankan hospitality to all Melbournians.

Royal Team Comprised of

Shanka Perera (1998) Ex Royal Rugby and
Cricket Capt.)
Dimitri Siriwardena (Capt. 2005) ,
Umesh Goonawardene (Vice Capt 1998)
Shyam Sideek, Rajeev Peiris, Channa
Gunawardena, Sanjeewa Udumalagala, Sahan
Perera , Navoda Ganegoda, , Lochana Premaratne,
Shamil Samarasinghe Former coloursmen and
Chehan Senasekera

ROYAL - THOMIAN

CRICKET ENCOUNTER 2014
MELBOURNE

The annual Royal-Thomian cricket matches (both the Open and Over 40's teams) were played
simultaneously at Mulgrave Reserve to an enthusiastic gathering of Royalists and Thomians and their
families on 2nd March 2014 - Mulgrave Reserve Wheelers Hill.

In the Open game Royal lost to the Thomians:
Royal were all out 134 in the 30th over: Channa Gunawardena (25), A Nargendra (18).
St Thomas' College reached the Royal College total in 27 overs for the loss of 7 wickets.
D Nanayakkara (42) and J Siriwardene (31). Channa Gunawardena and Lochana Premaratne took 2
wickets each. Channa Gunawardena won the Eddie Gray Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding Old
Royalist on the day.

Royal College won the over 40's game by 10 wickets:
STC 112 in 25 overs: Johanne Samarasekera 58 not out.
N Ramesh 2/24, Maliq Deane 2/20
RC 113/0 in 13 overs: Dhilharan Sivaratnam 30 (Retired), Amal Cooray 30 (Retired) Shyam Sideek 28
(Retired).

Best Batsman: Johann Samarasekera, Best Bowler: N Ramesh, Man-of-The-Match: Dhilharan Sivaratnam

(The over 40's team was represented by: Dinesh Chelvathurai (Capt), Ransi Fernando, Sajith Mendis,
Shyam Sideek, Rajeev Peiris, Dhilharan Sivaratnam, Kingsley Rajasingham, Ramesh Nadarajah, Maliq
Deane, Mangala Akkaravita, Amal Cooray and Peminda Jayasinghe.

The cricket matches were followed by a Royal-Thomian Seven-a-side touch Rugby match. At the whistle
both sides were two tries each. During extra time Royal College scored a try and won the match.

For more pictures - Visit "The Official Royal College OBA VIC AUS" Facebook Page

Lunch with the Golden Oldies

Nithy Chellappah

This keenly sought after event, enjoyed mostly by the older members this year, was by far the best Golden
Oldies' lunch I have attended and I'm sorry for those who missed out.

Golden Oldie? - I am one too!

First things first: the lunch spread was superb and the drinks were a fine choice. Lunch was Thai style and
my compliments to the caterers and chefs.

I now come to the "main menu" - Arnie the entertainer, who performed throughout the function without a
break. Arnie started off as a "one man band" with electronic accompaniments and his guitar. He then took
off with his Tina Turner impersonation - no mistakes when it came to the boots and hair. He walked off
stage and mingled with the audience, getting them involved as he serenaded them; singing in the true Tina
Turner style which added to the fun.

After lunch he hit the stage with coloured lights and came out in Elvis Presley regalia - glasses and all.
Again, he walked off stage and mingled with the audience and sang to them whilst doing all the Elvis
movements to perfection. He nailed his talents as a musical celebrity when he sang "unforgettable" in the
style of Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole.

The luncheon was a truly unforgettable experience. Congratulations to those involved in organising Arnie -
the best entertainment in a long time and perfect for the members present that afternoon. Bring on Arnie
again I say!

For more pictures - Visit "The Official Royal College OBA VIC AUS" Facebook
Page

Bradby Memories of Specials 50 years ago

Originally appeared on Daily News Sri Lanka Saturday, May 10, 2014

M.V. Muhsin On paper the Trinity team, in 1964, seemed
superior and in the first leg in Colombo the more
The Bradby encounters half a century ago to this fancied Trinity were beaten by 3 points. Given his
day were billed as the Keith Paul vs Mohan 'Midas Touch' reputation, going into the return
Sahayam series given how talented and evenly game, Sahayam was a marked man. The Royal
balanced these two captains were. Trinity's strategy was to fend him off, cripple if needed, but
Sahayam had dash and dazzle and Royal's Paul had by all means not allow him to slide through to
art and craft. Sahayam was flashy and outgoing score.
while Paul was unobtrusive yet substantive. Their
divine call and gift was common: rugby. Their goal Your columnist was travelling to Kandy for the
was to win. But their credo was to do so with an second leg on the 'Udarata Manike' express train
absolute gentlemanly flavour and fervor. They set which had been commandeered by the Royal cheer
an example that brought out the true colours of the squad. Kadalay, the late and much loved gram
country's two leading rugby schools that would seller, was 'master of ceremonies.'
sustain the sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie
over the decades to follow. We engaged him in rugby talk and provoked him
with the argument that Trinity, on form, will whack
Royal and that Sahayam will surely dazzle the

crowd with his 'specials'. I even took a modest bet Royal third row comprising Paul, Lucky

with him. Dissanayake and Lakshman Hettiaaratchi. Yet

Kadalay says: Dorai! we know in Kandy we play
not only Trinity, but we play against the entire
crowd! You have 'Sahayam Special' but we'll give
you 'Royal Special.' "Just wait and see!" Taking a
swig of amber fluid to fortify himself, he added
with a glint in his eye " Thambi, you have
Sahayam, I have Sarayam!"

The 'Special' came in dramatic, unbelievable Mohan Sahayam (TCK) and Keith Paul (RC)
fashion in the first few minutes of the game. Off a
line out, scrum half MTM Zaruk slings out a long Trinity was on the war path and seemed invincible
pass to Sahayam which normally would have been with the lead they had. The match and the Bradby
an ordinary run of the mill move. But not with this seemed destined to go Trinity way.
Midas. He sees the oval ball as Aladdin's lamp,
rubs it and then the "magic" unfolds! He collects And then there was a planetary change! The stars
the ball, nearly tosses or pretends to toss it in the were swiftly aligned to Royal. In what became the
air, lets it escape and recaptures it, passes the ball- most phenomenal feat of drop goal kicking, it was
or so we thought- but only to give reality to a Royal's Lakdasa Dissanayake's turn to rub his
dummy, then fakes a pass, and appears to recapture boots in the tradition of Aladdin and unleash a
it ---all of this in split seconds--and then with his magic and a 'Special' . His three kicks at goal from
trademark nonchalant smile scores. No one could 30 yards out and his conversion from far away and
comprehend the action that defied the strategies from deep near the touch line gave him a personal
and tactics of his opponents. The opponents seem tally of 11 points in the 14/6 victory for Royal. Yet
frozen in consternation. his best kick was the only one he missed, from fifty
yards out, middle right and only just short. It
It was so fast and slick that the crowds' cheers seemed that Lucky decided that if you cannot beat
suddenly choked off. It was so fast and elegant that them on the ground we'll beat them with an aerial
the sound of marvel, for a moment, died in their attack!
throats. And then the reality dawned: that the
instantly classic signature of the "Sahayam Not in the period of 50 years that have gone by
Special" has been delivered! have we seen such a brilliant repertoire of drop
goals in one match by one player. And combined
The Kandy crowd erupts and the cheer leader with the Sahayam Specials of that era Angels in
Cortal of Mahiyawa, Kadalay's Kandy counterpart, their flight would surely have gazed at these feats
delightfully runs into the field and pays obeisance with delight.
to Sahayam and to as many of the team he can spot
by touching their feet in a sweeping movement! Lucky who in later life was a doctor treating cancer
patients, met with a tragic death when he was
Egged by this opening drama, the match progresses drowned at Bentota while attempting to rescue a
with Trinity dominating. Undeterred Keith Paul friend's son. If there was drama in his rugby,
shows his leadership colours. He is fast, strong and compassion in his professional life, there was more
slick. He proves by his play that he was not only a than a share of courage, bravery and sacrifice that
flanker but on one crucial instance became a line this super ruggerite displayed,
out man at the back of the line. When Royal was
on the attack there was Keith backing up the three The Royal victory was so stunning that it was the
quarter line or waiting to fall on the loose ball. Trinity team that was first to rush to the Pavilion to
Keith was ubiquitous. He was the first to fall on
any loose ball and that gave the Royalists a big
advantage. As a leader he marshaled his forces to
keep Trinity at bay. In the line outs Lucky de
Chickera and Lloyd Pereira out jumped the
opponents and there was stellar coordination in the

provide a guard of honour to Lucky and Keith The teams on that historic occasion in 1964:
Paul's Royal side when the match ended.
Royal : KDS Vidanage, NBL Leiversz, IR
And yes, Kadalay won the bet and delivered the Thurairatnam, DW Goonewardene, NM Jaimon,
Royal Special. RT de Zoyza, S Jayadeva, AL Dissanayake, KDT
Paul(captain), LJK Hettiaaratchi, LR Perera, L de
It was two years ago that the two Captains, Keith Chickera, G Tillekeratne, SNL Wadugodapitiya,
Paul and Mohan Sahayam, met in a Canada at a UP Wickremasinghe
ruggerites dinner hosted by Trinity Lion Sam
Canagasabai, who it was recalled was seen Trinity: : G. Dissanayake, H. Dullewe, BDG
bulldozing his way in midfield at the Bradby
carrying three Royal defenders. As the two Piyasena, B. Munaweera, JT Labrooy, MT
captains met and warmly embraced each other at
the Canagasabai residence it was Keith Paul who Sahayam (captain), MTM Zaruk, GEK Carson, CS
sprung the 'Special'. He gifted the Rugger ball used
in the 1964 Bradby with the names of the players Jayasinghe, NV Perera, SA Canagasabai, GA
inscribed on it to his buddy Sahayam who was
emotionally overwhelmed by this gesture of Rodie,M.Goonetilleke,I.R Hamid, E.
goodwill and graciousness.
Wadugodapitiya, DW Senanayake. A.

Amerasekera

Obituary

Lalith de Soysa 13.06.1928 - 15.03.2014

A Tribute to a gentleman

By Jimmy Billimoria

Lalith de Soysa passed away recently at the age of 86. He was an old boy of
Royal Prep., and Royal College. Many of us have lost a very dear friend. He
was an extraordinary person who came from a very wealthy family but never
showed it. His brothers were all Royalists; Harold was the Bishop of
Colombo, Cecil and Terence were leading businessmen, Ryle was the great
Royal cricket Captain and Anura was a Doctor.

Lalith completed his Economics degree at Cambridge University and returned
to Sri Lanka to join the Maha Jana Insurance Company in Colombo.
Subsequently, he joined John Keel Thompsons White where he was the
Company Secretary and subsequently a Director. He was highly respected in
business circles when he decided to emigrate to Australia in 1972. There was little doubt that he made this
sacrifice for the sake of his family. In Australia he joined National Mutual (AXA) where he was highly
regarded and was with them to the end of his career.

Lalith was a very keen sportsman. In Sri Lanka he was not only a participant each year at the Mahagastota
Hill Climb but was also a worthy winner of the event. Since arriving in Melbourne he continued his love of
tennis. He served on the Committee at St Andrew’s Gardner Tennis Club for many years and was the Vice
President of the Club. He was awarded Life Membership for the contribution he made to the game over
many years.

Lalith will be remembered by his friends as a gentle person who was kind and generous to a fault. He was
the most considerate and obliging person you could have met. There was nothing he would not do for a
friend.

Membership List as at 30th May 2014

Abhaya Udugama Fitzroy Crozier Mahinda Sajith Mendis
Almaaz Alavi Fred Kreltzheim Wickramasuriya Saman Fernando
Amal Cooray G. W. M. I. Subodha Maliq Deane Samath Wijeyasinghe
Anil Amunugama Wanasundera Mangala Akarawita Samitha De Silva
Arun Kumaresan Gamini Jayasinghe Mangala Jayawardene Sandy (Ranoir)
Ash Weerasekera Ganesh Ganeshalingam Manora Koththigoda Jesudhason
Athula Ratnayaka Geoff LaBrooy Maurice Anghie Sanjeewa Udumalagala
Aubrey VanCuylenburg George Fernando Maurice Koelmeyer Sarath Jayasekera
Aynkaran Sivaratnam Hasanga Wijetunge Maurice Thomasz Saru (Sarvendran)
Azad Raheem Hashitha Perera Michael Labroy Sivarajah
Bevill Janz Hemanth Cooray Mohamed Ameer Jowzy Shanka Gunawardena
Brian Lieversz Hildon Bevan Mohan de Run Shanaka Perera
Bryan Wickremeratne Hiran De Silva Mohan Perera Shihan De Silva
Buddhimith Hiran Muttiah Mohan Pillai Shiran De Silva
Wickramasinghe Ikram Mohinadeen Mohan Tissaverasinge Shyam Sideek
Cedric Jansz Indika Gunathilaka Nadaraja Canagasabai Spencer Foenander
Charavaran Indrajith Wijegunaratne Navin De Silva Stuart Roland
Charith Jayatillake Janek Ratnatunga Nigel De Kretser Subash Silva
Charith Lankachandra Jey Jeyakumar Nihal Kodituwakku Sujeevan Panagoda
Chathura Liyanagama Jimmy Billimoria Nihal. M. D. de Run Sujith Satkunam
Chinthana Wijeweera Joseph Wijendran Nithy Chellappah Sunil De Silva
Clarence Muttiah Judge G.C.Weeramantry P I L Perera (Indika) Susil Ranasinghe
D J Perera Kandiah Sivapragasam P.H.(Piloo) Billimoria Tharaka Chandrasakera
D.C. Jayasekera Kapila Epasinghe Pankaja Naotunne Tharin Peiris
Dammica Ken Wijendra Pasan Manawadu Tissa Galagedera
Wickramaratne Kevin Martin Piyal Gunaratne Tony Anghie
Darin Mallawarachchi Kingsley Rajasingham Rad Rasaratnam Trevor Jansz
Darrell Lieversz Lakindu Manawasinghe Rajeev Peiris Trevor La Brooy
David Krelszheim Lal Goonewardena Ralph Wickremaratne Upula Jayasingha
Des De Kretser Lalithe De Soyza Ramesh Nadarajah Varana Amerasinghe
Dhammika Perera Lilith De Silva Ranjit Jayewardene Venura Welegedera
Dhilharan Sivartanam Lindsay Ferdinands Ransi Fernando Vijayalingam
Dinesh Chelvadurai Lorenz Pereira Ravi Wickramasinghe Thiagalingam
Dinesh Perera Lucky Sellamuttu Reggie de Silva Vivian De Kretser
Dr. Channa Wijesinghe M B U Namal Fernando Riza Muthalip Yasantha Kalupahana
Eardley Lieverz Madawa Wijayaratne Rohan Wimalasuriya
Feisul Uduman Madushe Jayawickrema Ruwan Jayaweera

* In the unlikely event if your name does not appear, please contact the membership secretary via [email protected]

Birth announcement

We announce the birth of Diara Perera, daughter to Dhammika Perera and Dakshi Dahanayake born
on 1st of May 2014. Dhammika is serving as the Treasurer in the RCOBAA Committee.

RCOBAA upcoming events on

Annual Dinner Dance

19th July 2014
at Grand on Cathies Lane

Music by Rap-So-D

-------------------------------------------
RCOBAA AGM

Sunday 7th of September 2014
at Mt Waverly Community centre
------------------------------------------
Over 50’s Cricket match Vs. NSW

OBA.

The annual Over 50’s Cricket match will be
played on Sunday the 5th. Oct. and a social
function to welcome the Sydney side will

be held on Saturday the 4th. Oct.

Both the Social and the Game are
tentatively planned to be held at the
Mulgrave Cricket Club’s Clubhouse and

Grounds .
Garnett Avenue ,Mulgrave.

A very limited No. tie pin sets have been received
just in time for the Dance.Wear with pride with
matching college Tie (also available.)

These items are priced at $15 for the set. College
ties are priced at $20.00

Available for sale at :
Spoon and Pan (Sri Lankan Restaurant)
5 Glenwood Avenue, Glen Waverley
8555 9998

We could make other arrangements for
delivery/pick up. Please call Charith your
Membership Sec.on 0406761762 or via Email on:
[email protected]

Want to promote your Year Group ?

RCOBAA would like invite all Royal College year
groups to use the RCOBAA WEBSITE ,FACEBOOK
and Floreat as a medium to promote and inform others

about their activities and projects.
For further info contact [email protected]

Register of Member Services

The RCOBAA committee has introduced a new Nihal de Run & AynkaranSivaratnam
initiative whereby members have the opportunity IT'S A BREEZE PROPERTY PTY LTD
to share with the wider Royal College community Representing Heritage Grove Retirement Villas
the professional and/or trade services that are (Sri Lanka)
being offered by the member. These services will Ph: 0419382142 (Nihal)
be published in the Floreat as well as on our
website and should be in the format below: Professional seeking employment in IT sector

Nithy Chellappah Amal Cooray
Project Manager, professional with over 15 years
Architectural and design services Specialising in experience in the IT sector, is looking for any
extensions, dual occupations, new design and opportunity in the IT sector in Melbourne .
construction services
email: [email protected] or Email: [email protected]
Ph. 0413 138 180 Mobile Ph: 0452 381 708

RCOBAA Committee

Patron: Judge Christy Weeramantry
Vice Patrons: Dr. Clarence Muthiah , Fred Kreltszheim

Athula Ratnayake : President General Committee:

Riza Muthaliph : Vice President Nihal De Run

Aynkaran Sivaratnam: Vice President Indrajith Wijegunaratne
Dinesh Perera

Piyal Gunaratne: Secretary Subash Silva

Lilith De Silva: Immediate Past President Venura Welagedara

Dhammika Perera: Treasurer Ransi Fernando
Manora Kothigoda
Charith Jayathilake: Membership Secretary Chintana Wijeweera

George Fernando: Editor Floreat

Dinesh Perera: Web Master

Have you Renewed your Membership ?

Subscriptions for 2014/2015 are now due. We would like to invite all members to renew their membership.
Please use the form attached and send it with remittance details to membership secretary via
[email protected] or by post RCOBAA, PO Box 796, Mt. Waverley VIC 3149

NEW MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL FORM

Royal College Old boys In Australia Association Inc.

Member Details Membership Categories

First name Ordinary Member

(No Restrictions) $35.00

Surname Retired Member

(Members over the Age of 70 $25.00
yrs)

Street no/Name

Country Member $15.00

Suburb (Not living in the state of
Victoria)

State Post code Paid Up Member $350.00

(Member Age 60 yrs or more –
a one off membership fee for
life)

E- mail Student Member
(Age less than 25 yrs –Part time $10.00

Or Full Time Student)

Phone no: Year Group
D.O.B.

Spouse nomination section (Optional) Please forward completed form with
remittance details to:
Spouse/Partner Name
Membership Secretary
Spouse/Partner Signature RCOBAA

PO Box 796
Mt. Waverley VIC 3149

Remittance Details

By Cheque (drawn in favour of RCOBAA)

By EFT Bank CBA BSB 063010 Account 10010447
VISA
By Credit Card

Card No: ‫ڙڙڙڙ ڙڙڙڙ ڙڙڙڙ ڙڙڙڙ‬

Exp. Date : ‫ ڙڙ‬mm ‫ ڙڙ‬YY Card Type: Master card

Card account name:

Amount: ‫ ڙ‬Subs+ ‫ڙ‬Voluntary Donations = $

Signature: Date:

Effective: September 2011. NB: Annual Membership falls due on 01st July each calendar year.