Appreciations
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The
fragrance of his memory will linger
I first met George in the mid 1940's at St. Anthony's College, Wattala and knew him as a trusted and sincere friend. He was an athlete of repute specializing in the sprints and long jump and brought credit to his school in the group meets and public schools meets. He was also a fine cricketer, graduating from the under 14 and under 16 teams to the first eleven and eventually captained his school in 1956, with much distinction. On leaving school he was employed in the mercantile sector. He had a profound love and loyalty to his alma mater and had a great respect and devotion to the De Lasalle Brothers and Directors such as the late Rev. Bro. Vincent Gottwald, Rev. Bro. Stephen Harding, Rev. Bro. Austin, Rev. Bro. Lewis and Rev. Bro. Bastians, and others who followed such as Rev. Bro. Alexander, Rev. Bro. Edwin and Rev. Bro. George. He was always proud to acknowledge the fact that he was indebted to them for instilling a sense of discipline and devotion to one's religion during his schooldays. George was an active member of the Old Boys' Association, holding office as Secretary, Treasurer and Sports Secretary. He gave his time and even money to the College and OBA, without hesitation. He was also a Past President of the now defunct Lasallian Federation of Sri Lanka, an umbrella body of representatives of all the OBA's in the schools run by the Christian Brothers. He was a founder member of the Anthonian Sports Club in 1958 and represented the club in the cricket tournaments organized by the Board of Control of Cricket, captaining the club in 1963. Once he decided to stop playing active cricket, he took up the responsibility of being the secretary of the club and helped in great measure to make the club, one of the leading cricket clubs in the island. As always he helped the club financially and encouraged aspiring cricketers to join the club. The club will ever be grateful to him for his services. George was a family man devoted to his wife Monica and children Thushara and Punnajith. He loved social events, be it the club or OBA and was always the first to start a sing song and dance. The writer recalls with some nostalgia the many family outings we had and the great times we had with our spouses and children. George is no more, but the fragrance of his memory will linger on. Victor Rodrigo A
model of selfless service My brother was educated at Trinity College and Dharmaraja College, Kandy and was one of the few students who obtained First Class Honours in the Matriculation examination, London, at that time. Leaving Dharmaraja College after a distinguished student record, he completed his secondary education at Ananda College, Colombo and obtained an Honours Degree in Chemistry at the University of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. His B.Sc. Honours First Class Degree from the University of London led him to do post-graduate work at the Oxford University which gave him a D. Phil. (Oxford) at Balliol College. It was characteristic of my brother that the honours and accolades heaped on him did not make him lose his simplicity and humanism. He believed in leading from within, never seeking credit for himself but giving to others. He shunned politics. When he was the vice-chancellor of the Colombo University, Prof. G.L. Peiris was the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University. When Prof. Peiris in 1990 became vice chancellor after the demise of Stanley, this is what he said of him: "Stanley when he was vice chancellor was an epitome of selfless service. He was inspired by his thirst for the university's contribution to the life of the community of service. He was keenly aware of the importance of continuing in the framework of the university. He rebuilt the university's foundation and brought a new life to the institution." Stanley was also responsible for the construction of many buildings in the university. He had no enemies, political or otherwise. He was a simple man and led a life of humility and never sought publicity or popularity for whatever he did. While my brother was the vice chancellor of the University of Sri Lanka, he was appointed chairman of the Vice Chancellors of the British Commonwealth of Universities. The vice chancellor of New South Wales University and the other vice chancellors of various universities in Australia felt very sad at his untimely death. It is satisfying to know that the road connecting Bauddhaloka Mawatha and Reid Avenue was named after him. But nothing can take away the great sense of loss at his parting. I pray that he be with us again. My sister-in-law Anoja Wijewardene and his four children, Deepthi, Rohan, Ramani and Shalitha even to this day feel his great loss. Fifteen years since his sad and untimely death it forced on me the stark reality that the forces of darkness will always rise to blot out the light. His was a life of giving. A brother never to be had again. His wife, children, myself, relatives and friends will always remember him. He was a true son of Sri Lanka. Nissanka Wijesundera |
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