|
|
|
|
| Home > OBA > Newsletters > Newsletter 03 |
|
NEWSLETTER
ISSUE O3 INTRODUCTION 1. We have now reached the half-way mark of the stewardship of the current Ex-Co. Perhaps it is appropriate to review the work done, the progress made and discuss the projected work that remains to be done until February/March 2002. 2. a. The Current
Ex-Co came into office through a concerted effort by a group of Old b. It was initially decided that every Third Meeting of the new Ex-Co be at Gurutalawa in order to establish a firmer relationship of the OBA to the College in situ. The second such meeting is scheduled for October 05, the first having been held in June. ROLE OF OBA 3. Perhaps the most important facet that required attention was the one relating to administration and accounts in College. As far as administration is concerned, the role of the OBA has not been properly defined although the first object as contained in its Rules says: "a) to rally round the College all old boys and well wishers of the College who desire to uphold and assist the College in every way they can;" 4. It is always accepted that it is the Headmaster who is at the helm at Gurutalawa and all that the OBA can or ought to do is to render to him all such assistance that he may require and offer all the advice the OBA can give. This is emphasized by the fact that the Headmaster is the President (ex-officio) of the OBA. This assistance and advice could be in the form of financial, material or expertise, as some old boys have special skills and connections to get things done. 5. It was always
the decision of the Ex-Co to stand firm behind the Headmaster and give
him all the assistance he required, never to interfere in his work or
make any inordinate requests, however much the college or he depended on
the OBA for developmental assistance. It would now appear from the very
cordial relationship existing between the Headmaster and the Ex-Co that
the significant role the OBA can and should perform, has been in place
and established: a landmark achievement for the betterment of the
College. 6. Perhaps the
most important aspect of the development work has been engaging the
services of a well-known firm of Chartered Accountants to Study and
Report on any improvement necessary as regards the accounting systems
and internal systems in College. This encompasses putting into place of
controls for the College Office systems to ensure that the flow of funds
received from fees etc are not open for misappropriation and secured
against fraud; a system to ensure that raw material of food purchased
having regard to quality and cost is not wasted or pilfered; have a
proper maintenance of the College movable and immovable property and
establishment and updating of inventories to ensure that the use of the
College property for official purposes only and generally to minimize
the cost of running the school. At present the College is run on a
deficit budget and the loss is about Rs.150,000/- a month. There was
some concern expressed as to how the Association would be able to ensure
that the proposals and recommendations made by this professional team
undertaking the study could be implemented. The question was posed to
the Head Master. The Head Master unequivocally and categorically
indicated that this study and report was absolutely essential; that he
desired and required this exercise; that he would personally ensure that
all recommendations for the betterment of the college would be
implemented without delay and that he would personally solicit the
assistance of the Old Boys in its implementation whenever needed. This
put the matter beyond any doubt and the importance of having this
exercise done by a recognized Professional Team as against perhaps well
meaning old boys who had some experience in the field was recognized.
This perhaps would be one of the most important achievements of the
Ex-Co. One has to bear in mind the fact that there have been periods in
the past when the accounts of the College had not been audited for 4-5
years; the fact that persons in the College office had defrauded monies
and there has been litigation in that regard; college property both
movable and immovable had been misused and misappropriated. It is now
accepted that the guidelines set out by the professionals involved in
making the recommendations would be followed to prevent irregularities
of the past from recurring. We as the OBA are grateful for the
Headmasters support and assurances. 7. The infra-structure in College requires a complete overhaul. This includes buildings, furniture and fittings, equipment, water, electricity and telephone facilities the farm and the network of roads. May be that they fell in to disuse as the College did not have funds. College was not generating sufficient income. The overdraft facility was approximately Rs.1.5 Million. A loss of Rs.100,000/- to Rs.150,000/- was being reported each month. The student/employee ratio was 1:4. The minor staff particularly was considered heavily excessive and becoming increasingly demanding. The standard of English was very poor. The facilities available in the dorms, class rooms, for sports was below standard. The food that was being given to the Boarders left much to be desired. Discipline was at a low ebb. The tutorial staff was frustrated and divided in to factions. But these challenges have to be acknowledged and addressed, so as to overcome them, and not sweep them out of sight. PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WORK, WELFARE & DISCIPLINE 8. At a preliminary discussion immediately after the AGM and even before the First Meeting of the Ex-Co, several Members came forward and personally undertook various tasks. One Old Boy undertook a complete rehabilitation of the Senior Dorms consisting of De Saram, Garnier, Reid and Hayman. This work was completed by early June and the Senior students moved into occupation into a much better environment. Winchester Dorm (situated between the Co-op stores and the old chummery) and which is also considered a Senior Dorm had been evacuated as its condition had deteriorated to such an extent. This Dorm is presently being refurbished with the assistance of an Old Boy. Another Old Boy undertook the complete rehabilitation of the Squash Court. Work is now going on and is expected to be completed before the end of this month. Yet another Old Boy undertook the complete rehabilitation of the Badminton and Basket Ball Courts. This work has been partially completed. Another Old Boy undertook the rehabilitation of the water supply system. A part of the work is due to be completed before the end of September. Two Old Boys undertook to supply and install a new Telephone System connecting all areas of College. Whilst the equipment and wiring is available details of siting extensions the relocation of the Administration Section and the Headmasters office etc are awaited to commence installation. Two other Old Boys undertook to examine the situation on the farm and give necessary advice. Following this advice it has been possible to find a ready market for all the farm produce. Another Old Boy provided individual desks and chairs for 02 class rooms of the Upper 6th. Two Old Boys undertook to replenish the Library with modern and current books. Already over three consignments of books have been delivered and a proper inventory system has been introduced to minimize pilferage etc. Equipment for the Swimming Pool together with equipment required for swimming and life saving were donated by another Old Boy. Equipment for Basket Ball too was donated by another Old Boy. Some may consider this insufficient or insignificant, but it is "better to light a small candle". 9. A free Health Camp was organized on the occasion of the last Meeting of the Ex-Co at Gurutalawa which benefited all the residents on the Camps including the students, members of the tutorial and administration staff apart from the minor staff and all their families. 10. The occasion was also utilized to provide a musical evening by engaging a Disc Jockey for the entertainment starved students in the boarding which was greatly appreciated by them. 11. The fence around the campus is almost non -existent and the Headmaster is very keen to have it back in place. Rafters which were removed from the roof of the Senior Dorms whilst they were being rehabilitated will serve as fence posts. It is only the barbed wire that is required. There has been some road widening of the public road running just above the campus. There is also supposed to be encroachment by villagers, adjacent to the paddy fields cultivated by them below the campus. We have therefore advised the Head Master to furnish us with a copy of the survey plan from the Title Deeds of the campus available with him. We have already spoken to a Senior Surveyor in the area to have a survey carried out before re-erecting the fence. This may perhaps be a wiser course of action. 12. Previous minutes have referred on several occasions to the Subodhi Movement founded by Fr.Mervyn Fernando and the idea of requesting him to conduct some courses in College for the benefit of the students and perhaps others. As this has not got off the ground we have spoken to Fr.Mervyn Fernndo who is prepared to look in to the matter after visiting the college and seeing at first hand the ground situation. For this purpose we have requested the Headmaster to inform us when he will be free in Colombo so that we can arrange a meeting for him with Fr.Mervyn Fernando in Colombo in the first instance to finalise details. 13. The lack of equipment for sports has been highlighted strongly by the masters in charge of the various sports activities. Although we did supply equipment for swimming and basket ball, much more is required. An Old Boy is prepared to make available the sports equipment required by the College provided there is a Sports Club which could be approved through the Provincial Council. We have prepared the Rules of the proposed S.Thomas' College Gurutawala Sports Club and handed over same to the Head Master with necessary advise to have same in place and inform us thereafter so that the Old Boy concerned could make all necessary arrangements to commence supplies. 14. We will always accept any assistance as well as advice, suggestions or constructive criticism to College or the OBA. An offer made through the Ex-Co in March 2001 by some old boys to refurbish the Junior Dorms was ignored until the Head Master on his own wrote direct to the Old Boys concerned in December 2001 accepting the offer. The work was promptly carried out during the December holidays and the Headmaster's report testifies to the quality of the work done. Presently Old Boys who take an active interest in the affairs of College as well as the OBA have communicated their views suggestions and proposals. These have been welcome. Such Old Boys have been written to, to express the appreciation of the Association apart from initiating action and inviting the Members concerned to attend the Meetings of the Ex-Co to enable them to explain their proposals in details. 15. Old boys have on their visits to College gone in to the dorms to see for themselves the cleanliness and orderliness as prevailing now. As the state of the dorms was unsatisfactory they have demonstrated personally to the students occupying the dorms how to maintain the dorms in a better state particularly now that they have been renovated at great expense. 16. Indiscipline amongst senior students including school prefects had been reported in the recent past. An Old Boy who had some experience in the relevant subject has conducted a Leadership Workshop for school Prefects. Further workshops are to be arranged with the assistance of experts from Colombo. The Head Master has welcomed the proposal and arrangements have been made to proceed with same. Discipline among the students has improved remarkably- a testimonial to the tactful handling of students by the Headmaster. 17. It was also decided to involve the students themselves in development activities. Thus the OBA had printed prick cards sufficient for all students on the roll and had them delivered to the Head Master so as to enable him to distribute same amongst the students at the end of the 2nd term and before the commencement of the holidays. This would have motivated the students themselves in collecting the funds during the college holidays. Although the idea and the expenditure incurred was borne by the Old Boys, it was left to the Head Master to determine for what purpose the funds collected were to be appropriated. The Head Master has informed that he hopes to purchase 2 TV's for the use of the students depending on the success of the collections. 18. Replacement of Old Tables and Benches in the class rooms with individual desks and chairs; replacement of existing beds, bunk beds, mattresses and lockers; providing new study tables for the dorms; lab equipment; books for the library; equipment and facilities for sports (Cricket, Hockey, Badminton, Basket Ball, Squash, Swimming, etc) complete overhaul of the water supply system; improvement of all roads within the campus; erecting a fence around the campus; providing equipment for the pantry and kitchen; partitioning of the Administration Block to enable the Headmaster and others to relocate in the new Building repair of the roof of the old class room block; purchase of a large van for college for movement of teams for sports activities; purchase of a small van for college for routine marketing and banking etc, and repairs to all staff quarters are some of the areas which require attention. The funds collected are to be applied towards some of these projects. The Dr.R L Hayman and Fr.A J Foster Scholarship Funds need replenishment and they have been inactive for the past few years. NEWS LETTERS 19. For the first time after the inauguration of the OBA regular Newsletters are being sent to Members so that they are regularly updated on OBA matters. This Newsletter is the Third issue. Originally there were approximately 200 Members whose names were entered in the Old Members Register which the current Secretary took over and against whom there were no addresses entered. A list of their names was published in the first two issues of the Newsletter after further study and processing. So also there are approximately 81 Members who appear to have left the addresses given by them to the Association as letters and Newsletters sent to them have been returned undelivered with various endorsements made by the Postal Authorities. Their names too have been published in a separate list with their last known addresses. Members have been requested to kindly inform the current addresses of the above categories of Members aggregating to almost 170, if such information was available with them. Todate the current addresses of approximately 44 members have been furnished by well meaning members and it has been possible to send these members their Membership Cards, Newsletters and other circulars etc. Presently the above two categories are reduced from 281 to 170. It is hoped to continue to publish the Newsletters giving news of events and development activities in College, news of Old Boys and also the various activities of the Association. 20. Members are invited to submit any articles of interest and news of Old Boys etc. The Sub-Committee would consider and incorporate same in future Newsletters. Such suggestions and views even though they may not be consonant with the views of the Ex-Co will be aired over the Newsletters so that there is a free expression of ideas for the benefit of the membership. 21. Members are also kindly requested to bring to our notice any errors and omissions in the Newsletters and Members Directory etc, so that they could be rectified. So also suggestions and proposals for improvement of the Newsletters etc, are welcome. 22. There is an inadvertent clerical error in the dates of 02 receipts on page 05 of issue No.2 of the Newsletter. This has been rectified in this issue. ACCOUNTS OF THE OBA 23. The accounts of the Association are being published in the Newsletters with full details. All monies received as well as expenses and disbursements made, some particulars of receipts issued for all monies received are reflected in the Accounts section giving under different Heads, i.e; Membership Fees; Monies received to meet administrative and secretarial expenses; outright donations and contributions towards the College development fund; money for advertisements in the Dinner Dance Souvenir; monies received from sale of College History Books, and monies received from sale of Members Directories. An acceptable standard of transparency has been achieved in the accounting procedures and the Membership is being informed of this aspect of the Association's activities. It was found that the manner in which accounts had been presented during the last several years can be improved upon. This was so not only with regard to the Annual October Fellowship Dinner Accounts but even with regard to the OBA accounts for presentation at the AGM. For these reasons, it was felt that the OBA accounts particularly should be issued well in advance to afford the Members an opportunity to study these Accounts at leisure instead of taking them by surprise at the AGM itself, when the Membership is hardly in a position or has the opportunity to study same. Listed Companies issue quarterly statements, but we will start with bi-annual statement. An Income and Expenditure Account for the period 01.01.2002 to 31.08.2002 is part of this Newsletter.
MEMBERS DIRECTORY 24. A Members Directory which was long overdue was put out in May with the available data upto that date. The Directory is being updated on a daily basis and the 2nd issue incorporating all amendments will be put out as soon as copies of the first issue are sold. In the meantime if any members request, the uptodate computer printout can be sent, as the updates exceed 150,thanks to the enthusiasm of members. It has been noted that Members are now informing their change of residences/addresses by letter. This is commendable. Obviously they appreciated the good work done and are falling in line and extending their co-operation to the Secretary to run an efficient office. Any such communication is promptly acknowledged and the fact that the instructions have been noted is confirmed in writing as a response. The issue of the Directory has made it possible for several Old Boys to renew their friendships with school mates with whom contact had been lost for decades. Some of these renewals are even cross-border overseas. REGISTER OF MEMBERS & MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 25. A new Register of Members is in place according to which the Association now has 770 Members. The current addresses of 170 members are not available and are being solicited from Members who may be aware of same by means of reference to the Newsletters. A Membership Drive is in force. Application Forms for enrolment are available in the College Office and are sent with each Newsletter. It is also available on Internet . Approximately, 30 Members have been enrolled since the present Ex-Co took office. After several years, Members of the Staff of the College have shown interest in joining the Association. Where earlier there were none though they were eligible for membership. It is hoped that their interaction with Members of the OBA would assist the Headmaster and the College to a greater degree. Old boys who are resident in Australia, India, UK, Canada and USA have joined as Members as a result of a vigorous membership drive through correspondence, Newsletters and information available on the Internet, as regards the Association. 26. A list of the new Members enrolled since March 02,2002 is also included in this Newsletter with a list of the deceased members, so far as we have been able to ascertain. There have been instances where the Member has perhaps given inaccurate information in the Application for enrolment and the Headmaster has not been able to furnish the required verification. It would be ideal if new Members could send a photocopy of the school leaving certificate or similar document in support of the Application, to process them quickly. 27. A Receipt appearing to be in respect of Life Membership Fees subscribed by an Old Boy Mr.R L Laknatha was found amongst papers handed over to the Secretary by his predecessor. Unfortunately Mr.Laknatha's address has not been furnished in the said Receipt. As the application which he would have submitted is also not amongst the papers handed over there is no way of ascertaining any further details in relation to him. Any Member who may be aware of his contact details, i.e full name, telephone number correct address etc is kindly requested to contact the Hony. Secretary Mr.Shervon Fernando at No.78/2, Kumaragewatta, Pelawatta, Battaramulla Telephone 077-746221, 075-553017, and convey the information so that the Association could communicate with Mr.Laknatha in writing informing him of his admission to Membership, send him his receipt, his membership card, past Newsletters etc. 28. A considerable number of members on the Tutorial Staff at Gurutalawa are now females. In fact the Supervisors of the Primary & Middle School are females who have served at Gurutalawa for 20-25 years. So also it is possible for female students to obtain admission and pursue their entire education upto the O/L examinations at Gurutalawa. In fact there have been students who have done so. The Ex-Co considered whether it would be appropriate to permit enrolment of female teachers and female students as Members of the OBA . Such enrolment was approved. COLLEGE HISTORY BOOKS 29. It appeared that 1,000 copies of the book "The first 50 years - The History of STCG" written by Mr.Oliver de Soysa was printed. 50 copies had been given to the Lake house Bookshop and another 50 copies to the Vijitha Yapa Bookshop. There is no material or document available in the records of the OBA to show what has happened to the Books or the money. Inquiries were made from both Bookshops. It appears that the Vijitha Yapa Bookshop has sold all the copies and settled the account. Written confirmation in that regard is awaited. Inquiries made from Lake House Bookshop have not revealed the true state of affairs as yet. The latter is being pursued by the Senior Vice President. The balance copies had apparently been left at Gurutalawa to be sold from the College Office. It appears that until very recently, all new students were supplied a copy of the book on admission and invoiced therefor. On making inquiries from the Headmaster it transpired that there were remaining in the College Office 35 copies for quite some time. These books were brought to Colombo and put up for sale. Interested Members both in Sri Lanka and abroad have purchased copies and the balance number now remaining is only 10, and priced at the original Rs.500/-. It is hoped that an interested Old Boy would undertake the writing of the history of College from 1992 upto 2002. DR.R L HAYMAN FR.A J FOSTER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS 30. There were several other features too which attracted the attention of the Ex-Co and which required some clarification and resolution, eg;the Dr.R L Hayman and Fr.A J Foster Scholarship Funds. It was found that the Scholarship Fund monies were only -Dr.R L Hayman Scholarship Fund Rs.118,131/75 and Fr.A J Foster Scholarship fund Rs.118,131/75- in August 2002, and they were uplifted and placed in Government Treasury Bills which would place the matter beyond reproach though the year ending 31.12.2001 accounts, showed these as Rs.125,625/- and Rs.137,625/- respectively. Furthermore, it has been decided to enhance the funds from the proceeds of the Dinner Dance of November 16,2002 so that the award of this Scholarships would be a reality commencing from the Academic Year 2003, if not earlier. In order that the necessary impetus could be given to this laudable cause an Old Boy has arranged with the Headmaster to ensure that 6 Scholarships, i.e two each for the best all round students from the Primary School, Middle School and Senior School, respectively are given as from the 3rd term of 2002 the Scholars to be selected by the Headmaster in consultation with the Supervisors of each Section. THE HAYMAN MUSEUM 31. It was also found that monies i.e Rs.250,000/- which are reported in previous minutes of the OBA to have been donated by Mrs.Mary Hayman towards the establishment of the Hayman Museum had been used to purchase furniture and computers with the approval of the Board of Governors as it was considered a gift to the College and not specifically to the Museum. The Hayman Museum Project will now have to commence collecting funds from the beginning. Although the Minutes mentioned receipt of the donation of Mrs.Mary Hayman, there were no subsequent references as to what had happened to these monies. Inquiries made did not produce any result and it was only on perusal of a Headmaster's Report at a previous Prize Giving that it was possible to ascertain the fate of Mrs.Hayman's donation. The Head Master and the former Headmaster Mr.Alban Fernando, assisted by furnishing the required confirmation, in writing. 32. The following
films recorded by Dr.R L Hayman were located in the College Office and
we have requested the Head Master to make arrangements to keep them in
safe custody:- These films and some other equipment used by Dr.Hayman, eg;02 Projectors and his Typewriter could perhaps form the nucleus of the Museum. So also, letters which Dr.Hayman had written to his mother in England had been collected by her and bound into 10 volumes which she had sent back to Sri Lanka. These are believed to be in the safe in the Headmaster's office room at Gurutalawa. We have requested the Headmaster to have the safe opened in his presence and take a proper inventory of the items therein. 33. Members are invited to contact any of the Office bearers of the Ex-Co if they wish to place any memorabilia items, books, papers, files etc as being fit and appropriate for the Hayman Museum, and which they might have and like to donate. NEW OBA RULES 34. We are including in this Issue of the Newsletter a copy of the draft of the Rules as formulated by the Sub-Committee appointed for that purpose. Some of the "Rules" are currently in use even though no formal amendments had been made to the OBA Rules. It is being sent for the information of Members and to enable them to suggest any improvement. If any amendments are received, the Sub-Committee will sit again and consider same. Thereafter the amended draft would be circulated perhaps with the December Newsletter. The Rules will be sent to the members formally, with the Agenda and the Notice of the next AGM. The adoption of the new Rules would be taken up as the first item on the Agenda after suspending the standing Orders on a motion to be moved by the Senior Vice President. Once the new Rules are adopted the election of Office Bearers for the next year would proceed in accordance with the new Rules.
35. The setting up of the Turf Wicket at Gurutalawa received much publicity and also invited criticism and debate. A fair amount of money collected from well meaning Old Boys and well wishers in Sri Lanka and abroad has been expended on that venture. It appears that the Turf Wicket had hardly been used and had not been maintained or looked after and with the result it has deteriorated and needs much improvement. Old boys who participate in the Annual Cricket Match during the Re-Union celebrations have described it as unsafe to play on. The Headmaster has indicated that competent ground boys will be required to maintain it and that it will not be possible for him to incur additional expenditure by way of salaries. Fears have also been expressed as to whether there was adequate water and whether it could be protected from cattle as well as villagers. It has also been mentioned that cricket at Under 19 level is no longer being played at Gurutalawa, as the A/L classes have been scrapped. It has been mentioned that cricket on Turf Wicket is not played by any school in that province at Under 15 or Under 17 levels. It has also been pointed out that the maintenance of the Turf Wicket would be expensive and the College may not be able to afford it. These are some of the arguments against trying to salvage the Turf Wicket and put it to use. As against the above arguments, it has been pointed out that Mr.Ranil Abeynaike whilst he was the curator at S S C and even now as coach at STC Mount Lavinia would be only too happy to train the ground boys from Gurutalawa if they are sent up for one week or so; that the Ohiya water supply line which had been connected during the time of President R.Premadasa provides water to the grounds 24 hours of the day and throughout the year; that no new employees need be recruited as the minor staff already in employment are for too excessive and appropriate persons could be selected from that category for training and hence no additional expenditure need be incurred by way of salaries; the Masters in charge of cricket are confident that the villagers would not do any harm to the Turf Wicket because there is a lot of good-will established and the villagers would in fact protect the Turf Wicket and not permit their cattle to wander around the ground; aspiring cricketers of the future should be coached on the Turf Wicket and doing so at an early age would only enhance their prowess and cricketing career; although schools in that province may not have Turf Wickets, Schools in the rest of Ceylon do play on the Turf Wicket at under 17 & 15 levels; that teams from these provinces do have regular fixtures with Gurutalawa: that the Masters in charge of the game at Gurutalawa are very keen to go ahead with the Turf Wicket; that after having spent so much of money on the Turf Wicket, it will now not require much additional expenditure to put the Turf Wicket back in to its original condition. We have reproduced some of the arguments for and against the Turf Wicket and leave this matter for open discussion amongst the Membership and all interested, so that a considered view could be obtained and what is best for College and the game of cricket be accepted. EX-CO 36. Mr.Shervon
Fernando, Hony. Secretary has changed his residential and business
addresses. 37. The names and addresses of the Members of the Current Ex-Co are also given at the end of this Newsletter, as there have been change of persons and also addresses/contact Nos of others. 38. Several innovative measures and practices have been introduced. The Ex-Co meets once in 03 months at Gurutalawa. This gives the opportunity to the Members of the Ex-Co to see at first hand the progress and development work going on; to ascertain the current situation at Gurutalawa; to meet members of the academic staff and minor staff etc etc. 39. We have also thought it opportune and appropriate to have a set of guidelines for Members of the Ex-Co and with regard to the work and activities of the principal office-bearers. This would include the secretarial work and relationship with Members and Old Boys who wish to become Members; maintenance of accounts; book-keeping; acknowledging of payments made by Members and well wishers and prompt receipting of same; an acceptable level of transparency with regard to all financial matters of the Association particularly where fund raising is involved; proper conduct and acceptable standards in the Thomian Tradition where all events are concerned in particular the Fellowship Dinner, the Annual Re Union celebrations and the AGM; the conduct of Ex-Co meetings etc, etc,. These guidelines are being looked in to by the Ex-Co and will be notified to the membership in due course. The Membership is free to make their suggestions as regards any improvement so as to enhance the lustre of the Association. THOMIAN WALK 40. Old Boys of Gurutalawa participated in the Thomian Walk organized by STC Mount Lavinia in August 2001 on being made to understand that Gurutalawa would be the recipient of a proportion of the proceeds of the walk. As the accounts of the said Walk are not finalized yet, no progress has been made as regards collecting our share. No share was received upto March 2002 and the Secretary has written to the organizers expressing the interest of the Gurutalawa branch in receiving its due share. COLLEGE BUS 41. The Headmaster has informed that it would be convenient if a bus is arranged with the transport authorities to facilitate travel of students attending College from Bandarawela. The Headmaster has been requested to ascertain the exact number of students who will be availing of this facility so that necessary arrangements can be made. AGM & ANNUAL RE-UNION 42. A Sub-committee has been set-up for Re-Union day Celebrations. They have been delegated the task of making the entire event smooth and one which Members would look back with fond memories. It must be made an occasion not only to meet old friends and recall days gone by but also provide an opportunity to appreciate all that the school has contributed in making the Members who they are so that they will in turn give back to College in some small measure what is due. These activities and events must be conducted in such a manner that all participants are made to feel they are an important segment of the Thomian family. It is expected to make all necessary arrangements for the next AGM and Annual Re-Union day celebrations on these lines, and we hope that more Members will make it to Gurutalawa.
DIAMOND JUBILEE 43. It being the 60th year since the branch was established, the Ex-Co at it's very first Meeting thought it appropriate to celebrate the event in a special way, instead of the Annual Fellowship Dinner at Mt.Lavinia Hotel. Therefore a Gala Dinner Dance is being organized on November 16,2002 at the Sapphire Ballroom of the Ceylon Continental Hotel. Two well-known Bands, "Sohan & the X'periments" and "Zodiac" have been engaged. Many prizes and surprises are in store. Faizal Bongso has been engaged as Compere. Special cabarets have been organized. It was intended to collect at least Rs.1,000,000/- on the Dinner Dance Souvenir. The required number of advertisements have almost been secured. Special contributions and outright donations are arriving from Old Boys and well-wishers in Sri Lanka and abroad. Banners etc will bring in additional funds, and all members are requested to help in any manner, by volunteering advertisements or getting any for us. MONEY FROM BOARD OF GOVERNORS 44. A sum of money is supposed to have been due from the Board of Governors to our Association. According to the Minutes available, since 1996 this money has not been transmitted by the Board to the Association despite several written requests etc. The current Ex-Co took upon itself the task of resolving this issue once and for all and through a very concerted effort made by the Ex-Co it has been possible to have collected a sum of Rs.126,006/-, even though figures as much as Rs.192,051/- have been stated at times in the Ex-Co Minutes, since early 1999. Unfortunately a complete statement of Accounts has not been made available in order to have a clear picture as to the sources from which the monies were received. So also were deductions made from these monies received by the Board and we have requested for clarification so that this account too could be placed before the Membership. Any Member or well wisher who desires to obtain tax relief for any donation made and hence makes the payment through the Board of Governors is advised to keep the Treasurer of the OBA informed so that prompt action can be taken by the Treasurer to call for that particular donation before it became untraceable. Unless such information is available, collecting from the Board of Governors what is due to the Association has become a frustrating and difficult task. The effort made to recover this money by way of telephone calls, letters, personal visits have been numerous, and onerous, but satisfaction is expressed that over 65% of the "mentioned amount" was collected. POLICE POST 45. At the request of the Headmaster, the question of the re establishment of a police post in close proximity to College was taken up. Necessary communications have been addressed to the Minister of Defense and the D I G of the area and it is hoped that a Police Post will be a reality soon. Brigadier Bandula Munasinghe - Co-ordinating Secretary to the Minister of Defense and Mr.Sarath Suraweera, Supdt. of Police and Deputy Director of Police Training College at Kalutara both of the Ex-Co are moving in this matter. THE PRIZE GIVING 46. The College
held its prize giving on July 22, 2002 and the Chief Guest was a
distinguished Old Boy in the field of Medicine, Prof. Mohan de Silva,
Consultant Surgeon, Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital. It was well attended
and after the prize giving. Dr.de Silva wrote to the Headmaster as
follows: At the prize day speech, he said:….. "like many others who have gone through Gurutalawa, I am proud to say, I was able to achieve all that your Headmaster said, because of the strong basic foundation that was laid here. This school taught us not only subject matter and discipline but to be conscientious, caring and responsible human beings. …….. Your Headmaster as I know is a capable leader with a vision. I have no doubt that he will steer the affairs of this school to achieve excellence. I know he has the backing of very enthusiastic Old Boys. What better combination should one ask for?". The Headmaster touched on many areas in his speech: The Dance Troupe which won two first places at an all Island competition, the revival of drama classes, the reintroduction of Cubbing & Scouting, and the emphasis on English in many areas of the curriculum and elsewhere. He also thanked many Old Boys who had helped the College, the repairing and colour washing of junior dormitories, the completion of the dining hall, supply of desks & chairs for year 11 classes, the supply of a new engine for the school van and most of all was the refurbishment of the Senior dormitories by a single old boy' and which was the largest donation to the College in the recent past. He also mentioned that a Musical Night organized by the Old Boys along with a Medical Camp were special features for the college students. We as the OBA will pledge our continued support in any area that the Headmaster and the College will find a need.
Colombo
S. THOMAS'
COLLEGE, GURUTALAWA Patron: Dr David
Ponniah EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
NEW MEMBERS FROM 02.03.2002 TO 03.10.2002 NAME & ADDRESS PERIOD IN COLLEGE 1. M.W A P
Jayatilaka Mt. Jan 1966- Dec 1972
3. Mr.Upali
Jayatilaka 4. Mr.M H F Farook
1969-1972 5. Mr.M P
Dissanayake 1984-1987 6. Mr.S A R S
Peitersz 1977 - 1980 7. Mr.Ranjit Lowe
1961-1963 8. Mr.Fedrick
Edwin 1987-1990 9. Mr.Lankanesan
Nesiah 1949-1960 (Mt) (1961 10. Mr.C S
Fernando 1982-1987 11. Mr.Muthiah
Shashikumar 1981-1990
12. Mr.S K
Punyadasa 1951-1952 13. Mr.S S
Landekumbura 1975-1983 14. Mr.J A B
Ranasinghe 1970-1974 15. Mr.Jayantha
Wanniarachchi 1965 16. Mr.Ajith C
Lamahewa 17. Mr.Annamalai
Rajenthran 18. Mr.Rukman R
Wijekulasuriya 19. Mr.N W J
Perera 20. Mr.Shiyan
Fernando
22. Mr.R M
S.Ratnayake 23. Mr.D C
Rupasinghe
24. Mr.S G A
Fernando 25. Mr.G D
Meemaduma 26. Mr.P A S Saram 27. Mr.F M Tan 28. Mr.Ananda S
Jayasinghe 29. Mr.P S Dias 30. Mr.S M
Marikkar 31. Mr.K D L M
Gunathilaka
MEMBERS IN
REGISTER -WITHOUT ADDRESSES
39 Mr. Tissera E R
B - C/o. Ranjith Sri Nissanka, No. 99, Havelock 76 Mr.K I Hapugoda
- Samanaladuwa, Temple Road, Kalutar RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURE FROM 02.03.2002 TO 03.10.2002 Sale of College History Books Date Receipt No. Name Amount 10.06.02 610
Mr.Shervon Fernando 500/- Life Membership Subscription Fee Date Receipt No. Name Amount 15.04.02 575 Mr.D
A Wijesinghe 500/- Sale of Members
Directory 01.07.02 623
Mr.Suresh Thiyagarajah 300/- Souvenir
Advertisement for Dinner Dance - November 16,2002 Date Receipt No.
Name Amount College
Development fund (Rs.500/- -- Rs.10,000/-) 22.04.02 581 Mr.N
H M Farook Date Receipt No. Name Amount 08.05.02 601
Morning Side 2000/- Standing Orders Name Amount Mr.J O Yatawara Mr.P S Duleepkumar
5,200/-
Advance payment to
Ceylon Continental Hotel 50,000/-
ACCUMULATED FUND Rs. Balance as at
01.01.2002 575,353 RESERVES (As shown in Accounts as at 01.01.2002) Canon A J Foster
Scholarship Fund 137,625 REPRESENTED BY CURRENT ASSETS National Savings
Bank 7,250
S.THOMAS' COLLEGE GURUTALAWA OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION
AUGUST 31,2002 31.08.2002 INCOME Rs. Donations and
Contributions 11,900 EXPENDITURE Advertisement
Account 2,779 SCHEDULES TO THE ACCOUNT 1.
DEBTORS-RS.59,650 2. STC GURUTALAWA
A/C
|
