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NEWSLETTER
ISSUE O4 INTRODUCTION: This is the Fourth Issue of our News Letter. In April 2002 it was thought that a Quarterly News Letter containing matters of interest as regards the OBA as well as the College should be sent out to the Membership to keep them continuously informed. Perhaps one more News Letter may be sent out in early February or so in which it will be possible to give an account particularly relating to the latest Development Projects completed or undertaken in College with the funds raised through the Dinner Dance of November, 16 2002. The two most significant events that took place since our last Newsletter were the Dinner Dance and the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for the past Headmasters of the School, since deceased. DINNER DANCE The Dinner Dance took place at the Sapphire Ball Room of the Ceylon Continental Hotel on November 16,2002. It was organised
by a Special Sub Committee formed at the First Meeting of the Executive
Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mr.Sunil Watawala and comprising
Messrs. Chandana de Silva, P.J. Fernando, Shervon Fernando, Sisira
Nanayakkara, Rizvi Jalill, B.G.C. Fernando, S. Balaramesh, and G.S.S.
Perera. By the date of the function ie. November, 16, 2002 a sum of Rs.288,500/- had been collected in advance from advertisements and over Rs.21,315/- by way of donations and contributions. The target set for the event was Rs. 1,000,000/- and every indication is that it will be met. Donations and contributions are still coming in. Many Old boys and well-wishers sponsored various aspects of the function, and this saved the Organizing Committee a considerable sum of money, so that the net collection will be utilized for College Development work. Even the printing of the tickets was fully financed by advertisements. As at December 30,2002 the donations to the Development Fund had increased to Rs.161,896.71. THE ACCOUNTS OF THE DINNER HAVE BEEN FINALIZED AND ARE SENT WITH THIS NEWSLETTER. The Ex-Co will be meeting shortly and will decide on the apportionment of funds collected for the Projects based on a priority list. The function
itself was a roaring success far beyond the expectations of the
Organizing The Special invitees were, apart from the Warden Dr D Ponniah and the Headmaster, the Headmasters of the Branch Schools namely, Mr. Y. Casiechetty, the Headmaster of S. Thomas' Preparatory School, Kullupitiya and Mr.L. Chandrasekera, the Headmaster of S. Thomas' College, Bandarawela. All Ex-Headmasters of Gurutalawa who were living namely Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Mr. Colin Ratnayake and Mr. Alban Fernando together with their spouses were the other special invitees. All confirmed their acceptance of the invitations and were present and accommodated at the VIP's table. The Function Room was filled to capacity and the Hotel Management informed us that this was the first function after their new management took over, which had this record crowd. While the members and their guests arrived and went through the formalities of entrance, two army female pipers dressed in kilts flanked the entrance to the hall and played welcome music on bagpipes. Outside the function room were 2 attractive vehicles displayed by United Motors Lanka Ltd which could be purchased by any Old boy of Gurutalawa or his guest of that evening with an attractive discount of Rs.50,000/- with a voucher valid upto 31.03.2003. At the entrance to the function room the Registration Desk was manned by the Hony. Secretary Shervon Fernando enrolling new members. He was also selling the Directory of Members printed by the OBA in May 2002 for the first time in its History. So also the Souvenir which entitled the holder of the lucky number to an Airline Ticket to Bangkok and back. The Souvenir itself was enlivened with words of wit and wisdom on every page, and would have been a great source of gratification to the many advertisers, as no page would have been passed over by a reader with a cursory glance at the advertisements. Copies of the Souvenirs are available on request for those who are interested to keep such mementos at Rs.200/- a copy. Rev. Duleep de Chickera the Lord Bishop of Colombo and the Chairman of the Board of Governors of S. Thomas' College in his message on the occasion and appearing in the Souvenir said: " A strong and vibrant association of past students is an indication of the strength of a school and the loyalty it has generated in its past pupils. I am therefore glad that the S. Thomas' College Gurutalawa Old Boys Association is very active and its Executive Committee and other members support their Alma Mater with enthusiasm and generosity. Through this Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance you had planned to raise a million rupees, and I understand that even before the event, you have exceeded your target. May I take this opportunity to congratulate not only the Organising committee of this event but also the present Executive Committee for the hard work you have and continue to put in towards the development of S. Thomas' Gurutalawa. The task of the Headmaster and other authorities is made so much easier when there are so many willing hands to assist. If your founder Headmaster Dr. Rollo Hayman were living today, he would indeed have been proud of your loyalty and dedication to STC Gurutalawa. May you continue to uphold the rich traditions of S. Thomas' in all that you do. Esto Perpetua !" Dr. David Ponniah Warden of S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia and who is Ex-Officio Patron of the Association was invited as the Chief Guest. His message on the occasion and published in the Souvenir was on the following lines: " It is a great pleasure to contribute this message to your Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance. I would like to congratulate the school for its many achievements over the last sixty years. In particular for the number of eminent and distinguished Old Boys who have and continue to make significant contributions in all walks of life in Sri Lanka and overseas. Through these Old Boys the marvelous ethos of S. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa, has been spread. We at Mount Lavinia are extremely pleased to work closely with the younger brother school and maintain links of benefit to both schools. We wish you the very best for the next sixty years and more and trust that you have an enjoyable evening. " The Headmaster who is the Ex-Officio President of the OBA in his message to the Souvenir stated: " I am pleased to contribute this message in connection with the OBA Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance. This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of St. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa. This school has had an illustrious history of 60 years, during which time it has grown and matured as a vital Power House in Sri Lanka. This College has come a long way since those pioneering days, under Dr. R.L. Hayman and Rev. Canon A.J. Foster. It also focuses my attention to the fact that St. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa, is not a building or an impersonal lifeless institution, but a vibrant living body, a vigorous full grown blossoming Tree where little boys are sheltered, formed, educated and live in its branches. Today it is blessed with energetic, hopeful and cheerful old boys who assist us in every way to bring back the past glory of the school. Under their able guidance may this College witness a new burst of life, a renaissance " " Esto Perpetua". Mr. Sunil Watawala, the energetic Chairman of the Organizing Committee in his message on the occasion said: " It is a privilege and indeed my first duty, to welcome each and everyone of you to our Dinner Dance today. Such a large and distinguished gathering shows that S. Thomas' College, Gurutalawa, has many well-wishers and dedicated Old Boys. Gurutalawa started with a magnanimous and gracious gift of the land by Mr. Leslie W. F. de Saram in 1942 and who was a Royalist. It was as a result of World War Two that S. Thomas' College at Gurutalawa was established, in 1942. But, it was left to Canon R.S. de Saram and far more so to Dr. R.L. Hayman, Canon A.J. Foster and Mrs.Mary Hayman, to nurture it through the years of building an unmatched reputation - the growing up. Their assiduity and care were genuine and this is the reason that still, they are spoken of with reverence. Over the years the OBA, founded in 1959, has endeavoured to give of its best to the Alma Mater. The golden Jubilee Fair organised in 1992 was a great success. We have continued to endeavour over the last six months to provide a worthy Celebration that Guru deserves in its sixtieth year with this Diamond Jubilee Dinner Dance. My Thanks to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and Special Invitees, for gracing this occasion and a special thanks to everyone for their presence here today. Grateful thanks are due to our Advertisers and Sponsors of Events for their very valuable support to enrich the evening and for their benevolence to the College cause. Last but not least, I thank the members of the Ex-Co for their invaluable help and assistance in all areas and especially the members of the Organising Committee for the tremendous efforts and work that they put into make this occasion what it is tonight and which helped to make my task easier." Each Guest was handed over a small gift of Dilmah Teas and a Slab of Chocolates at the entrance. A Photographer was at hand to capture and preserve all important moments. Proceedings commenced with Mr.Faizal Bongso the Compere and Master of Ceremonies welcoming all present and inviting the Chief Guest, Dr. David Ponniah, The Patron of the OBA, and Warden and Mr.Geethal Mendis the Headmaster and the President of the OBA, to jointly do the honours and open the evening's festivities by cutting the Birthday Cake. Thereafter Sohan himself an Old Boy (of the X'periments) led the singing of the Birthday Song followed by the College Song again led by Sohan. There was next an act of Solemn remembrance which Mr.Faizal Bongzo the Master of Ceremonies introduced with these words. " As much as we celebrate here, there are those we have to remember on an occasion such as this. First and foremost is the guiding light, Dr. R.L. Hayman, and his able leuitenent, Canon A.J. Foster, both no more with us except in spirit, as well as all those other Thomians who have taken leave of us forever and staff of the College in years past, many who would definitely have been here today and the heroes of the forces who have valiantly sacrificed their lives, so that we could live. In their honour and memory, may I ask everyone here to pay their due respects by standing up now". The entire gathering rose to honour those who were no longer with us, while a female duo of Army Buglers played the Last Post with its hauntingly plaintive beauty. Once these formalities were completed it was time to commence the dance and to the music of Sohan and the X'periments, the main event got underway. Mr. Sunil Watawala as Chairman of the Organising Committee and his wife Manel were invited to open the dance. This done, within minutes, the dance floor was packed to capacity and overflowing. Right through the event the dance floor was found insufficient and many couples were seen dancing outside the floor. Zodiac was the 2nd Band who also obliged with superb music not to mention Faizal who chipped in with his renditions of favourite numbers presented in his inimitable style. After the first session of dancing the College Dancing Troupe which had won first place in the All Island Dancing Championships gave a display of Low Country Group Dancing. This was received with applause by the guests present who did not expect such a superb display from about 15 students of the ages 11 years to 15 years. This particular event though rather unusual for a Dinner Dance was added as a special tribute and mark of recognition to these students and their Master Mr.Wijesiri who had put in such a great effort and was a fitting way of including the present students in the celebrations. Thereafter the music started again and went on till 4 .00 a.m. with Sohan and the X' periments and Zodiac taking their turns to provide superb music. The call for Dinner was made at about 12.30 p.m. Dinner was available up to 2.00 p.m. During Dinner time Faisal made a special Announcement of the very special offer to all Guru Old Thomians and their guests present that evening of the Rs. 50,000/- discounts on any Passenger vehicle, Dual purpose vehicle or Sports utility vehicle. In short any vehicle other than a truck or bus which were on display at the entrance. This was a noteworthy contribution by Mr.Anil Wijesinghe, Managing Director and CEO of United Motors Lanka Ltd (an Old Boy of Mt.Lavinia who had joined our Association in April 2002) who was present that evening together with two other Mt.Lavinia Thomians Mr.Eshan Cooray and Mr. Dharshana Munasinghe, who are working under him. The recorded version of the Theme Song of the sponsors of the special offer of vehicles sung by Bathiya and Santhush was then played. We were made to understand that about 200 Discount Vouchers were filled up and handed over to the guests present and there already have been several confirmed orders. Then, in between
the dancing there were competitions galore with prizes given very
generously. The Thomian Queen was also chosen. The usual baila
competition and many other exciting and interesting competitions too
were seen. All were agreed that on the whole, the event was very well organized and to those of the Organising Committee and others who worked tirelessly a very special Thank you is due. A group of Old boys held a Fellowship Dinner at the Mt.Lavinia Hotel on October 12, 2002. However the committee was of the view that the Diamond Jubilee year of the College needed to be celebrated in a special way, and also that it would be the main fund raising event of the Committee. The last Dinner Dance was held at the Hotel Galadari Meridian on December 14,1991 in connection with the Golden Jubilee of the College. SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING FOR PAST HEADMASTERS AND FR. A.J. FOSTER. The above service was held in the Anglican Chapel at the General Cemetery Kanatte on December 03, 2002. It was officiated by His Lordship the Bishop of Colombo Rev. Duleep de Chickera, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of S. Thomas' College. The Headmaster and the Chaplain of S. Thomas' College Gurutalawa Rev. Nihal Fernando were present. Flyers had been sent by the OBA to the Membership. There were about 40 Old Boys present on this occasion. Mr. N.D.U. Kurutumpala gave the reading and Mr. P.S. Duleepkumar made a short address with regard to the Headmasters who are no more and also of Fr. Foster. At the conclusion of the service the congregation moved to the grave site of Fr. Foster where further prayers were offered. It was considered appropriate that in this Diamond Jubilee Year a service of this nature should be conducted. Petals of Flowers brought down specially from Gurutalawa by the Headmaster and the Chaplain, were strewn on the grave by some of the Old Boys present. Though it was intended that this service be held on 9th December, the date of Canon Foster's death, it was brought forward to the 3rd to enable the Bishop to officiate at the Service. It will be recalled that Canon Foster died in 1964.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS REQUIRING FUNDS The areas which
have been itemized as requiring attention at Gurutalawa are as follows:- FINANCIAL CONTROL AND ACCOUNTS IN COLLEGE: M/s S.J.M.S. Associates who were assigned to do a study of the financial controls in College and to report on whether any improvements were required have completed their task. An Interim Report was submitted and the full Report will be forwarded shortly. Whilst itemising the many areas which needed looking into; it was pleasing to note that the report mentioned "a considerable increase in controls and security over the recent past initiated by the Headmaster." It is the intention of the Executive Committee once the full report is furnished with its recommendation, initially to discuss practicable areas of immediate implementation with the Headmaster, and to support the Headmaster before the Board of Governors in giving effect to the recommendations. A detailed report is to follow after which Members of the Ex-Co will meet the Headmaster and assist him to make the necessary adjustments. The most redeeming feature was to note that certain procedures have been put in place by the new Headmaster to control various matters. THE INFRASTRUCTURE ETC. A Telephone System which was gifted is now with the Headmaster awaiting installation in his new office as soon as he relocates. In order that he may do so the new Administration Block has been partitioned and a ceiling provided for the Headmaster's Room. Winchester Dormitory and its toilets have been completely repaired. New beds for this dormitory have been turned out. It is ready for occupation by the new intake in January 2003. Several consignments of books have been donated to the Library both Sinhala and English. The Headmaster, the Chaplain and the Teachers in charge of various subjects were very pleased with the quality of the books supplied. They are being inventorised so that from January, 2003 they will be available to the students. Equipment for the Laboratory which had been necessary for quite some time were supplied including a Microscope. The Master in charge of Science was happy that all the items required had been made available. The Treatment Plant of the Swimming Pool has been attended to. Repairs to the roof of the Treatment Plant have also been carried out. The Warden of S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia had offered the old plant which was put away at the time their new swimming pool was inaugurated. The equipment was subsequently inspected by some members of the Ex-Co and found that the Filter Unit, the Pumps etc were still in the installed condition and the Pumps and Valves jammed due to severe corrosion. The removal of the Filter Unit would require removal of the Roof, crane facilities for lifting and loading and it was considered an expensive exercise and did not serve much purpose in taking it to Gurutalawa. The Filter should however be useful in the future, if the Swimming Pool is to be modernised with new systems. Boards and Baskets for the Basket Ball Court have been installed. We have been informed that it is necessary to enlarge the Court in both directions to arrive at the standard size and this is a project that is being considered. ACCOUNTS OF THE OBA The Accounts of the OBA up to August 31 2002 were made available with Issue No. 3 of the News Letter. In addition a detailed statement of the receipts and expenses giving details of receipts numbers, dates, names of persons and amounts of payments were furnished. The same set of particulars up to November 30, 2002 are being furnished in this News Letter. This course of action is being taken to enable the Membership to be informed continuously of the exact position of funds of their OBA. MEMBERS DIRECTORY The First Issue of the Members Directory is almost sold out. On a decision taken, the Second Issue is now to be put out in time for the AGM or perhaps even earlier. The Second Issue contains all changes notified up to the date of issue. It will also contain as previously a list of the Deceased Members, as well as Members whose present whereabouts are unknown. It is hoped that friends and acquaintances will come forward with the relevant information. The last few copies of the First Issue are being disposed of at Rs. 100/- as it is considered to be slightly out dated, the issue having been put out in May 2002. REGISTER OF MEMBERS As at December 27, 2002 there were 814 Members in the Register. The addresses of 173 Members are not available and hence the OBA is unable to contact them. Thus 641 Members are on the mailing list of the OBA. It has been noted that Members are writing in and intimating their changes of addresses so that the OBA could keep in touch with them. Such communications are promptly acknowledged and the necessary endorsements are made in the Register and simultaneously in the Data Base of the Directory and the Member notified accordingly. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Since March 02, 2002 the following 70 new Members have been enrolled. Mr. W.A.P. Jayatilaka, Mr. Dilantha A. Wijesinghe, Mr. Upali Jayatilaka, Mr. M.H.F. Farook, Mr. M.P. Dissanayake, Mr. S.A.R.S. Peitersz, Mr. Ranjith Lowe, Mr. Fredrick Edwin, Mr. Lankanesan Nesiah, Mr. C.S. Fernando, Mr. Muthiah Shashikumar, Mr. S.K. Punyadasa, Mr. S.S. Landekumbura, Mr. J.A.B. Ranasinghe, Mr M. Jayantha Wanniarachchi, Mr. Ajith C Lamahewa, Mr. Annamalai Rajenthran, Mr. Rukman R. Wijekulasuriya, Mr. N.W.J. Perera, Mr. Shiyan Fernando, Mr. Vijitha Fernando, Mr. R.M.S. Ratnayake, Mr. D.C. Rupasinghe, Mr. S.G.A. Fernando, Mr. G.D. Meemaduma, Mr. P.A.S. Saram,. Mr. F.M. Tan, Mr. Ananda S. Jayasinghe, Dr. P.S. Dias, Mr. S.M. Marikkar, Mr. K.D.L.M. Gunathilaka Mr. K. Warnakulasuriya, Mr. G.C.B. Tammita, Mr. N.D.P. Sugathapala, Mr. W.V. Dikkumbura, Mr. W.H. Ellepola, Mr. S.R. Rathnapala, Mr. D. Rathanayake, Mrs. C.L. Dias, Mrs. S.H. Jayasekera, Mr. W.W.M. Sumanapala, Mrs. M.W. Wickramage, Mr. M.F. Mohamed Nauman, Mr. S.P. Palihawadama, Mr. D.N.J.M. Lihinikaduwa, Mr. R. Ranaweera, Mr. J.R. Waragoda Arachchi, Mr. R. Wijesekera, Mr. R. Wignarajah Mr. M.M.S. Wijesiri, Mr. G. Nesaseelan, Mr. R.C. Kumar, Mr. D, Ekanayake, Mr. W.M. Bandulasena, Mr. P.P.M. Dias, Mr. R. Renganathan, Mr.H. Athanayake, Mr. S.Prabaharan, Mr. B. Marikkar, Mr. M.H.M. Mohideen, Mr. S. Navaratnam, Rev. Fr. Nihal J.R. Fernando. Mr. K.S.K. Suresh, Mr. Harish Nilaweera, Mr. R.A.T. Pushpika, Mr. R.A.T. Warnaka Mr. K.S. Karuneshwaran Mr. Sanjeewa Senaratne, Mr. Shantha Dimbulana. Due to a fairly vigorous and aggressive campaign even Old Boys from Australia, United Kingdom, India, and Canada etc have enrolled themselves as Members of our OBA. Some of them on their visit to Sri Lanka have purchased copies of the College History as stocks were running low. Most of them sent generous contributions on the occasion of the Dinner Dance towards the College Development Fund. Some contributed by taking up advertisements. The OBA is open to all Old Boys and the Teaching Staff of Gurutalawa. At the time the Rules were drawn up there were no female students studying in College. Nor were there female teaching staff. This has changed drastically during the last 2 decades. In fact presently the Supervisors of the Primary School and Middle School are both female Teachers who have been in service at Gurutalawa for over 20 years. So also there have been female students who have completed their entire school education at Gurutalawa. This matter was discussed by the Ex-Co and it was considered perfectly in order for such Teachers and students to join the OBA as allowed by the Rules. Some already have done so. COLLEGE HISTORY BOOKS: There were 32 College History Books lying idle at Gurutalawa. They were brought to Colombo and were snapped up. The total amount realized was credited to the account of the OBA. So far the OBA has not been successful in assigning the writing of the history of the last 10 years of College ie. 1992 - 2002. It is hoped that an Old Boy would come forward and carry out this task. DR. R.L. HAYMAN AND FR. A.J. FOSTER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS: MONIES BELONGING TO THE ABOVE 2 FUNDS IN FACT ARE THE ONLY INVESTMENTS MADE BY THE OBA. IT WAS CONSIDERED VERY FORTUNATE AND TIMELY THAT THESE MONIES WERE UPLIFTED FROM PRAMUKA BANK IN LATE JULY 2002 WHERE IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY INVESTED, IN ORDER TO SAFE GUARD THESE FUNDS. AS THE MEMBERSHIP HAS ALREADY BEEN INFORMED THE MONIES ARE NOW INVESTED IN TREASURY BILLS FROM AUGUST 02,2002 AND QUITE SAFE. The criteria for the Award of the Scholarships which were previously drawn up in 1996 was considered by the Ex-Co as impracticable and hence new criteria are being drawn up by a Sub Committee together with the Headmaster. As soon as this is finalized the Membership will be notified. In any event it is hoped to commence the Scholarship Scheme under these funds from January 2003. In order to give an impetus to this Scheme an Old Boy initiated the Award of the Scholarships for 02 students each from the Primary, Middle and Senior Schools respectively, from September, 2002 for the duration of the Third Term, in memory of Dr.R.L.Hayman and Fr. A.J.Foster. This is being continued during the 1st Term of the new academic year of 2003 too. HAYMAN MUSEUM: Various items belonging to Dr. Hayman have been located and are presently being inventorized prior to being taken to Gurutalawa for safe keeping by the Headmaster, who has already made arrangements to keep the items found at Gurutalawa in a secure place. As soon as the Headmaster's office is shifted to the new Administration Block the Hayman Museum will be inaugurated in the room which Dr. Hayman used as his office during the greater part of his service as Headmaster. A proposal to copy on to VCDs' and Video cassettes all the films done by him and which are in good condition is being considered. The Membership will be kept informed if this project materializes so that they could purchase their copies. The 10 bound volumes of letters written by Dr. Hayman to his mother have still not been found. The Headmaster is continuing his search. NEW OBA RULES: A DRAFT OF THE RULES TO BE ADOPTED BY THE OBA AT THE NEXT AGM HAS ALREADY BEEN CIRCULATED. The Sub Committee considered all proposals, suggestions and amendments received prior to finalizing that draft. Since then further proposals have been submitted. These too have been considered useful and therefore the final draft has been amended accordingly. As there is a possibility that further amendments may be received in the next few weeks the final draft of the proposed New Rules will be enclosed with the Notice of Meeting etc. and sent in early February 2003. It will not be possible to take up amendments suggested at the AGM immediately prior to commencement of Proceedings itself as adequate notice has been given to the entire Membership over the last several months. THE CURRENT RULES are being enclosed with this News Letter to enable Members to study same for comparison and forward any proposed amendments to the Ex-Co for consideration. TURF WICKET: The rehabilitation of the Turf Wicket was considered in detail. Old Boys were welcome to send in their proposals and suggestions. At a meeting of the Executive Committee at Gurutalawa on October, 5th 2002 the Masters in charge of Cricket at various levels ie. Under 17, under 15 and under 13 were requested to give their views on this matter. It appeared that the Turf Wicket was not required or a priority at this stage at Gurutalawa. Hence it was decided not to pursue the rehabilitation of the Turf Wicket at this juncture. EX-CO: Mr. Mervyn
Wijesinghe and Mr. Mano Gnanaraj ceased to hold office in the Ex-Co. At
a meeting of the Ex-Co held on October, 5th 2002
NEWSLETTER
ISSUE O4 INTRODUCTION: This is the Fourth
Issue of our News Letter. In April 2002 it was thought that a Quarterly
News Letter containing matters of interest as regards the OBA as well as
the College should be sent out to the Membership to keep them
continuously informed. Perhaps one more News Letter may be sent out in
lotted time for the Dinner, and
also enable members to look upon the AGM as an act of the important
business of the Association, set apart from the socializing aspect of
the Saturday's events. This was the practice for many years from the
inception of the Association. The tentative date
fixed for the Annual General Meeting is 9.30 am on Sunday February 24th
2003. Formal Notice of Meeting will be sent out in early February. The
date is being notified well in advance to enable Old Boys to make
necessary arrangements. Those abroad and who regularly attend the AGM
will thus be able to make their travel arrangements to take in the Royal
Thomian Cricket Match and other events of that time of the year without
a problem. It is hoped to send to the Members together with the Notice
of Meeting the following items viz: the Programme of Events in
connection with the AGM and Re Union celebrations; the Audited Accounts;
the Secretary's Report; the Headmaster's Report; and the Proposed New
Rules to be adopted at the AGM. A Sub Committee is
studying the Programme of Events commencing from Friday evening and
ending on Sunday morning. It is hoped to streamline the activities so
that decorum, tradition and some degree of formality are followed as
took place during the time of Dr. Hayman and Fr. Foster from 1959 to
1964. In this connection too the valuable suggestions being made by Old
Boys are being considered before the programme is drawn up. On this
occasion the Headmaster and his staff would be actively involved in the
arrangements. It is very likely that non Members will not be permitted
entry to the hall at the time of the AGM although they would be free to
participate in all the other activities including the Fellowship, the
Dinner and other Sports activities etc. It would facilitate the
Organizers to make a success of the event if all Members carry with them
their Membership Cards. MONEY FROM BOARD
OF GOVERNORS: Although a sum of
Rs. 192,051/- was said to be due from the Board of Governors only a sum
of Rs. 126,006/- was paid by them, the balance having been deducted
under various heads which are not very clear. This matter will be taken
up with the Board with a view to resolve same to the satisfaction of
all, though hampered by absence of past records with our OBA. POLICE POST: A recommendation
has been submitted to have a Police Post as previously at Boralanda. We
are endeavoring to have the Police Post relocated at Gurutalawa itself
and in close proximity to the College. It is hoped that the Police Post
would be a reality in the not too distant future, and a deterrent for
indiscipline and also ensure greater security for College. SPORTS FACILITIES
AND EQUIPMENT: A Sports Club was
formed at Gurutalawa with Rules drawn up by the Ex-Co with a view to
obtaining assistance from the Uva Provincial Council. The Rules and a
List of Office Bearers have been made available to the Council. An
Application has been lodged by the Headmaster for Registration. The
Prefect of Games has been assigned the task of pursuing this matter so
that equipment and perhaps coaching will be provided by the Council as
College does not have the resources to purchase most of the sports
equipment. It has been
possible through the offices of Mr. Gerald de Alwis and Mr. Duleep
Mendis to secure Cricket equipment for the College for the year 2003
through the B.C.C.S.L. Several Old Boys
have gifted Sports Equipment. FELLOWSHIP DINNER
2001: Payments
outstanding and due on account of this event as at February 28,2002
including Rs.9,000/- for tickets, are still trickling in as a result of
communications addressed to Advertisers in the Souvenir of that event.
In fact, it must be mentioned that in view of 03 Old Boys contributing
Rs.25,000/- as donations, this account can now be closed, even though a
number of actual advertisers did not pay. An Article written
by Mr. P.S. Duleepkumar, Senior Vice President on the occasion of the
Diamond Jubilee of the College appeared in the Sunday Times and Weekend
Observer. Sinhala and Tamil translations appeared in the Silumina,
Lankadeepa and Thinakaran Newspapers. The Dinner Dance
was also given publicity over the Electronic and Print media, the former
at no cost as it was arranged by an Old Boy. It is hoped to prepare a
colourful Brochure on College after a facelift is given and further
improvements are made in the infrastructure. DIET AND MENU: A Nutritional
Expert was consulted in Colombo and the College Menu Sheet discussed.
Alterations having been suggested and an Adjusted Menu Sheet has been
made available to the Headmaster who has passed it down to the Food
Matron. The Headmaster informs us that already changes have been made
incorporating the advice given by the Expert. DISCIPLINE AND
ORDERLINESS IN DORMITORIES ETC. A further
Leadership Workshop is to be arranged at Gurutalawa itself when more
senior students will be able to participate. Several Old Boys have
expressed their willingness to assist in this matter. There has been a
marked improvement of the manner in which the dormitories are being
kept. However, several Old Boys who visit College regularly are of the
view that there is considerable room for improvement. It is hoped to
help the Headmaster in regard to this matter by means of these workshops
and regular visits. STUDENTS WELFARE,
RECREATION ETC It was possible
for the Headmaster to provide for the students a T.V. from monies
collected by distributing Prick a Pin Cards to the students during the
August holidays. The Headmaster was anxious to provide a further T.V.
Hence a further 425 Prick a Pin Cards were made available to the
Headmaster to be distributed amongst the students immediately before
their departure for the December holidays. It is hoped that the
collection would be adequate to fulfil this need. The collection of
funds by the students themselves gives them an incentive. BIO GAS PROJECT: Plant necessary
for the construction of the initial digesters have been taken to
Gurutalawa and work has commenced. It is hoped to conclude the work so
that gas would be available on pipe to enable cooking in the new pantry
hopefully by January 2003. Suitable new cookers will also have to be
supplied to the College. COLLEGE FARM The College Farm
is known to be presently running at a loss. Only the Chicken Farm is now
existing with the Cattle farm closed, the small number of cows having
been sold recently. It has been found
that there are many irregularities in the running of the farm and a
total, refurbishment of the facilities including new management is
required. An Old Boy
qualified and experienced in similar farming has shown interest in
taking up the challenge to manage the farm and this is being pursued
strongly. NEW KITCHEN The Old Boys who
were involved in the completion of the new Dining Hall and
Administration Block are currently constructing a kitchen adjacent to
it, for cooking using firewood. The hot water pipe line system in the
Old Kitchen is expected to be transferred to this kitchen. The Headmaster has
welcomed the proposal to appoint an Administration Officer to help him
with Administration so that he could devote most of his time to matters
relating to Education. It is hoped to obtain the services of an Old Boy
who has adequate experience in Administration, Sports, Discipline etc.
This matter is presently being looked into by the Ex-Co. Several Old
Boys have come forward and offered to contribute towards the
remuneration payable to an Administration Officer. The funds of course
will be deposited in a Savings Account in advance in the name of the OBA
with standing orders for the monthly payments. GROCERIES FOR
KITCHEN: The Headmaster had
obtained from traders and business establishments in Welimada quotations
for the supply of groceries to eliminate malpractices etc. which were
reported in connection with this subject. LAUNDRY
FACILITIES; As clothes are not
washed and given to the students on a weekly basis it has become
necessary for the students to wash some part of their clothes. These
clothes once washed are put out to dry by them in the Quadrangle of the
Junior Dormitories and also in the Gardens in front of the Senior
Dormitories. Hence this has been found to be an eye sore. Railings are
to be put in place immediately in front of De Saram Senior Dormitory so
that the students could dry their clothes on hangers to be provided by
an Old Boy in an orderly manner rather than drying them on trees and
bushes etc. The possibility of obtaining some heavy duty Washing
Machines from U.K. is also being explored. ENGLISH LANGUAGE
TEACHING: The OBA arranged
for the Deputy Director of the British Council Mrs.Anna Searle to visit
Gurutalawa and meet the Headmaster. An interest has been expressed in
sending 3 or 4 young ladies in their gap year to Gurutalawa to teach
English to the Primary Students. This offer has been accepted by the
Headmaster. Satisfactory living accommodation for these Teachers are to
be arranged by the Ex-Co with the funds collected from the Dinner Dance
after discussing this matter further with the Headmaster. WATER FACILITIES: The non
availability of water in the staff toilets of the old class room block
for the last 04 to 05 years had been complained of by the teachers for a
long time and particularly at the Ex-Co meeting of October 05, 2002. The
problem was examined by Old Boys who are conversant in the subject. It
was found that the pump was not having the necessary capacity and head
to deliver the water from the well up to the old classroom block. Thus a
new pump of a higher capacity and head which was donated has been taken
to Gurutalawa and installed. Water is now available, satisfying a long
felt need. PROVIDENT FUND
DUES OF TEACHING STAFF: Senior Members of
the staff brought to the notice of the Ex-Co that although they had
explored all available channels their appeal to have the balance
Provident Fund dues paid to them had not been successful despite the
Headmaster making a valiant effort. Admitting the fact that the OBA and
its Ex-Co had no status to interfere in this matter and only with a view
to lending its good offices to resolve an outstanding problem for the
betterment of the Staff and the College, the Senior Vice President
interviewed the Warden. It is hoped that this matter could be resolved
amicably without resort to any procedure which could cause embarrassment
to the College. The Headmaster has
reported that there is recurring loss of Rs. 150,000/- to Rs. 200,000/-
each month at College. This has led to making use of an overdraft
facility from the Hatton National Bank presently at the standard
interest rate per annum. The OBA is working towards getting lower rates
of interest by meeting Senior Bank Officials in Colombo. Currently the
overdraft stands at Rs. 2.5 million. Adjustment of the overdraft becomes
possible when trees are cut, admission fees are collected with a new
intake or holiday camps are had during vacation. Furthermore students
are in arrears of fees to the extent of approximately Rs. 1.2 million.
The total number of students is 425. This number has not seen an
increase in the recent past. Students who seek admission to S.Thomas'
College Bandarawela and are not successful were directed to Gurutalawa
without success. College has about 110 employees. The academic staff
consists of approximately 40. The Headmaster intends to start teaching
Science, Social Studies and Maths in the English Medium from January,
2003. For this purpose he is on the lookout for a Resource Teacher who
will be able to guide the Teachers who have hitherto been teaching these
subjects in Sinhala but who are very keen to do so in the English
Medium. The Headmaster has agreed that there is an excess of minor
staff. He is of the view that there is no excess of the teaching staff.
It is quite clear that College is caught up in a vicious circle. Serious
consideration is required to be given to the above facts and figures so
that a lasting solution could be found. FR.DR. MERVYN
FERNANDO - SUBODHI INSTITUTE: We were successful
in taking Fr. Dr. Mervyn Fernando of the Subodhi Institute to Gurutalawa
on October, 31st 2002 on the invitation of the Headmaster. The Chaplain
Rev. Nihal Fernando was also known to him. Fr. Mervyn Fernando spent a
good part of the day in discussion with the two of them. He also
inspected the entire Campus and the facilities available including the
dormitories, classrooms, dining hall, pantry, kitchen, sports areas,
gardens etc. He gave his advice and suggestions to the Headmaster and
the Chaplain before he left Gurutalawa that evening. He has followed
this up with a Report which has been handed over to the Headmaster. It
is hoped to have the programmes for the students and the teachers in
early January in consultation with the Headmaster. BOOKS &
TEACHING MATERIAL FOR CLASS ROOMS. At the request of
the teachers of Social Studies Maps, Brochures, Publications etc were
obtained We have after
obtaining a letter from the Headmaster, interviewed the officers
concerned at the United Nations Office and placed the College on their
Mailing List to enable all Literature, News Bulletins etc, that are
being handed out by the United Nations and all it's allied agencies
transmitted to Gurutalawa for their Library as well as for their Social
Studies. OUTWARD BOUND
TRUST. We have
communicated with the Outward Bound Trust and presented a case for them
to consider PROGRAMME AT SLFI. We have made
available to the Headmaster the necessary literature and Brochures to Colombo ACCOUNTS RECEIPTS &
EXPENDITURE FROM 02.03.2002 TO 30.11.2002 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 15.04.02 775 Mr.D
A Wijesinghe 500/- Sale of Members
Directory 01.07.02 623
Mr.Suresh Thiyagarajah 300/- * 3750/- sold by
Shervon Fernando at Dinner/Dance. Souvenir
Advertisement for Dinner Dance - November 16,2002 Date Receipt No.
Name Amount 22.04.02 581 Mr.N
H M Farook Date Receipt No.
Name Amount Name Amount Mr.J O Yatawara Expenditure 15.08.02 Advance
Payment to Ceylon Continental Hotel 50,000/- S.THOMAS' COLLEGE
GURUTALAWA OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION Balance as at
1.1.2002 575,352.91 RESERVES Canon A J Foster
Scholarship Fund 137,625.00 REPRESENTED BY CURRENT ASSETS National Savings
Bank 7,250.00 CURRENT
LIABILITIES Creditors
10,300.00 S.THOMAS' COLLEGE
GURUTALAWA OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION Interest Income
45,204.74 EXPENDITURE Dinner Dance 2002
308,830.00 INCOME OVER
EXPENDITURE 270,993.04 AS AT DECEMBER
30,2002 Sale of 391
Tickets @ Rs.1,500/- 586,500/- Expenses: Hotel
453,770/- Printing of
Souvenirs 115,000/- 1,361,511/71
1,361,511/71 68 Mr.M Madawala -
6,Circular Road, Sapumal Pedesa, S.THOMAS' COLLEGE,
GURUTALAWA, OLD BOYS'
ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED ON
21ST FEBRUARY 1959 RULES 2. The Objects of
the Association shall be- (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; 3. (1) The
Association shall consist of life members and Honorary Members. (2) The
Association may accord affiliated status to any Groups of Old Boys who
are constituted int o a Body of not less than 25 members provided that:- The status of
affiliation shall enable the Body so affiliated to nominate two of its
body for membership of the Committee and they shall be co-opted to the
Committee as provided for in Rule 8 (1)( C) (1) 4. Old boys of
S.Thomas' College, Gurutalawa (in these rules referred to as "the
College"), Old Boys of S.Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia and past
and present members of the staff of the College may become life members
of the Association on payment of a subscription of rupees one hundred
(Rs.100/-) 5. Any person may
become an Honorary member of the Association on his being elected as
such member at any annual general meeting of the Association on the
nomination of the Executive Committee. The number of Honorary Members so
elected shall not at any time exceed fifteen. 6. The Warden of
S.Thomas' College, Mt.Lavinia, shall, by virtue of his office, be the
Patron and a life member of the Association. 8. (1) The
Management and Administration of the Association shall be vested in Not more than one
of the elected members may be from among members of the Association who
being eligible for membership have not been students of the college or
members of the staff. 9. (1) An annual
general meeting of the Association shall be held in 10. Members who
desire to move any motion or resolution at the annual general meeting
must give the Honorary Secretary at least 14 days notice of such motion
or resolution. 11. (1) Special
General Meetings of the Association may be (2) Any member may
make a written request to the Executive (3) The Honorary
Secretary shall give members at least 7 days (4) The quorum for
a Special General Meeting shall be the same as 12. The executive
committee shall keep the accounts of the Association and shall present a
statement of accounts at every Annual General Meeting. 13. (1) The
Executive Committee shall open an account in the name of the (2) The Executive
Committee shall cause Bank Accounts of the Association to be opened as
may be required for any special Projects and permit the operation of
such Accounts by the sponsors of such projects provided that at least
one of the signatories to this Account be either the secretary,
treasurer or ass. secretary for the time being the holder of such office
in the Association and the annual accounts of the such project be
submitted to the AGM of the Association duly audited. 14. The
Association shall hold a reunion of old boys at Gurutalawa on a suitable
day as decided upon by the Executive Committee in every year. 15. These rules
may only be amended by a motion or resolution moved at an Annual General
Meeting and passed by a majority of at least two-thirds of the members
present at the meeting. Revised February
1993. |
