“THIS
WEB SITE WAS NOT ACTIVE SINCE MID 2003. IT IS REACTIVATED
IN THE HOPE THAT IT WILL ASSIST THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION
AT GURUTALAWA IN ITS EFFORTS TO REVIVE THE COLLEGE”.
We set out below for the information of All Thomians Near and
Far a
Calendar of Events:
DATE
EVENT
July 30, 2010
6.30 pm onwards
STC Mount Lavinia PTA
Annual General Meeting
Venue: College Hall
July 30, 2010
7.45 pm onwards
Thomian Society of Colombo
Dinner Theatre. Play titled “Hon. Pusswedilla, the 37th Amendment”. Directed by Feroze Kamardeen.
Guest Performance – De Lanerolle Brothers
Master of Ceremonies – Dr. Vijaya Corea
Venue: Ballroom, Ceylon Continental Hotel
August 1, 2010
STC OBA Australia
Transfiguration Service
St. David's, Moorabbin
August 6, 2010
STC Bandarawela
Prize
Giving and end of term
August 6th to 8th, 2010
STC Bandarawela - OBA WEEKEND
August 7th, 2010
9.00 AM Soccer Match
10.00 AM Cricket Match, Old Boys vs. Present Boys
1.30 PM Headmaster's Lunch
6.30 PM Twenty Third Annual General Meeting
Venue: Keble Memorial Hall
8.00 PM OBA Fellowship Dinner
August 14, 2010
STC OBA Australia
Annual Dinner Dance
Venue - Park Hyatt, Melbourne
September 21, 2010
STC Mount Lavinia
Kala Ulela 2010
September 25, 2010
STCG OBA Gurutalawa
Annual Fellowship Dinner
Venue: Berjaya Mount Royal Beach Hotel, Mount Lavinia
RALLY ROUND THE COLLEGE FLAG AND TO YOUR ALMA MATER SING
Thomians young and old, near and far,
Come with your families and friends to lend your voices and help make a historic recording of congregational choral singing led by the “Transfiguration” choir, directed by Roger Aldons and accompanied by organist Roger Brown.
When: Sunday 11th July, 2010 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, with a short break for refreshments.
Venue: Haileybury College Chapel, Springvale Road, Keysborough, Victoria.
Please Bring: A bottle of drinking water and a pencil.
The items of congregational singing to be recorded on this occasion are intended to be mixed and included, together with other music recorded at separate sessions by the choir alone, so as to compile a set of private (‘not for profit’) CD recordings to be released within the Thomian Community for charitable fund-raising purposes. It is intended that the proceeds of this fundraising drive would be channelled to STC’s ‘Revd. Roy H. Yin Scholarship Fund’ and the new Organ Scholarship Fund (suggested by Rev. Roy Yin in his letter to the Warden, dated 6 Jan 1994). Such scholarship funds could be of immense benefit, not only to the College, but to the whole music scene in Sri Lanka. Registered charities in Sri Lanka and Australia could also benefit from funds raised through these recordings released under the title:
“WE’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER, WHEREVER WE MAY BE”
CHORAL & ORGAN MUSIC FOR THE CHURCH SEASONS, FEAST DAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS IN THE THOMIAN TRADITION
(As performed in the Chapel of the Transfiguration, S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka)
In producing this set of CD recordings it is hoped to capture on record, for posterity, a historical reminiscence and snapshot of the fine liturgical choral music tradition of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Also vested in this event, is a portion of the history of the STCOBA in Australia whose choir and organ which led the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols presented at Haileybury College Chapel for over 15 consecutive years (1993 to 2007). Most importantly, these recordings capture the collective voices of many people in the congregation who experienced the services over those years and thereby provide a lasting, unique tribute to our Alma Mater.
These CD recordings will be issued in honour of, and dedicated to, Rev. Roy. H. Yin, (affectionately known as “Father Yin”) former Chaplain (1933 - 1937) of King’s College, Cambridge; former Chaplain (1937 - 1945) of Hurstpierpoint College, Sussex; and former Chaplain & Master of the Choir (1946 -1962) of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Father Yin introduced the choral tradition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the Chapel of the Transfiguration at STC in December1947 and also officiated at the first STCOBA Carol Service presented at Haileybury College Chapel in December 1993. It is hoped to release the first of the CD recordings in this set in time to mark and commemorate, God-willing, Father Yin’s 100th birthday on 7th October 2010.
ESTO PERPETUA
ROGER ALDONS
Project Convenor & Director of Music
TWENTY THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
S. THOMAS' COLLEGE, BANDARAWELA - OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION
Notice is hereby given to all Members of the S. Thomas'
College,
Bandarawela OBA, that the 23rd Annual General Meeting
of the OBA
will be held, on Saturday, 7th of August, 2010, at the
Keble
Memorial Hall of S. Thomas' College, Bandarawela, commencing
at 6.30 PM.
A G E N D A
-------------
* Welcome Address by the President
* Announcement to call meeting to order
* Obituaries
* Head Master's Report on College
* Presentation and adoption of the Minutes of the 21st
Annual
General Meeting
* Annual Report by the Honorary Secretary
* Presentation and adoption of the Annual Accounts
* Proposals submitted by the members approved by the
EXCO
* Election of Office Bearers as per Section 5
* Any other business
* Vote of Thanks
* College Song
Any Resolutions or Proposals to amend the OBA Constitution
should
reach the Hon. Secretary on or before 15 th July 2010
and could
be sent via e-mail/fax to the Hon. Secretary (E-mail
address:
asiametal@sltnet.lk Fax: 011 535 1972).
However duly signed original documents should be sent
via
Registered post to reach the Hon. Secretary not later
than 31 st
July 2010.
Details pertaining to the OBA Weekend are attached here
to. Your
presence and that of your friends and contemporaries
at College
will be greatly appreciated.
Yours sincerely
S. Thomas' College, Bandarawela
Old Boy's Association
V. N. Thivakaran
Honorary Secretary
TWENTY THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
S. THOMAS' COLLEGE, BANDARAWELA - OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION
& OBA
WEEKEND FROM AUGUST 6th - 08th, 2010
The traditional OBA Weekend
at College will give all Members an
opportunity, to once again reminisce and revive fond
memories of wonderful times spent at College. The itinerary
of events is as
follows.
Friday - August 6th, 2010
Evening Arrival of OBA Members at College
Please bring your own pillows & bed
linen: cold weather is experienced in Bandarawela at
this time. Kindly note that the College Hostel will
be closed during this period
8.30 PM Dinner (prior confirmation required)
Saturday - August 7th, 2010
7.30 AM Breakfast
9.00 AM Soccer Match
10.00 AM Cricket Match, Old Boys vs. Present Boys
(Dress code: White Trousers & White Shirt or T-shirt)
1.30 PM Headmaster's Lunch
6.30 PM Twenty Third Annual General Meeting
(Dress code: Lounge with OBA or College Tie)
8.00 PM OBA Fellowship Dinner with live music
(Dinner Tickets priced at Rs. 1,500.00 per person
- Children under 18 years free)
Sunday - August 8th, 2010
7.30 AM Breakfast
10.30 AM Departure of OBA Members from College
The OBA would like to thank & appreciate you for
your support &
assistance in the past whilst looking forward to your
continued
support to rally around and uphold the College flag
taking it to
greater heights. Therefore we would appreciate your
presence and
that of your contemporaries at College during this weekend.
Kindly complete the attached form and return it to
the
undersigned on/before July 31, 2009 in order to facilitate
planning of accommodation and meals for the OBA weekend.
For more
information and/or any required clarifications - please
contact
Mr. R. Sandanakrishnan - Chairman AGM 2010 Organizing
Committee
on Tel: 071 684 6870 or Email: shanthan@lifeserv.lk
Yours sincerely
S. Thomas' College, Bandarawela
Old Boy's Association
V. N. Thivakaran
Honorary Secretary
TWENTY THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
S. THOMAS’ COLLEGE, BANDARAWELA
– OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION & OBA WEEKEND
FROM AUGUST 6 – 8 , 2010
The traditional OBA Weekend at College will give all
Members an opportunity, to once again reminisce and
revive fond memories of wonderful times spent at College.
The Sporting Events ( SOCCER & CRICKET Matches )
between Old Boys & Present boys will he held
on 7th August Morning . We will have the AGM followed
by the Annual Dinner at Keble Memorial Hall on the same
day in the Evening. LIVE MUSIC will be provided throughout
the day. This year the EXCO is planning to bring
in changes in order to infuse new & young Blood
for more activities. An ADVISORY COUNCIL is to be set
up with the approval at the AGM to accommodate Senior
members who have contributed towards the growth of the
OBA. Hence the presence at this year AGM will give an
opportunity to be part of the re-organizing process
Proposals to form Joint Organizing Committee consisting of OLD BOYS for the Big Match Between Uva Thomians will be another discussion point at the AGM. This activity is expected to bring required funds & Publicity to develop Sports in both Thomian Schools in UVA –Hence we invite every old thomian of Bandarawela STC to join hands at the next AGM & Annual Weekend.
You could plan to be in Bandarawela on 6th August Morning and participate at the Colourful Annual Prize Giving of our Alma Mater and continue to stay for the Annual weekend & AGM.
The OBA would like to thank & appreciate you for your support & assistance in the past whilst looking forward to your continued support to rally around and uphold the College flag taking it to greater heights.
Esto Perpetua!
Yours sincerely
R. Sandanakrishnan
Chairman – Org.Com Annual Week End
S. Thomas’ College Bandarawela Old Boy’s
Association Contact No : (0094) 71 684 68 70
Proposed by S. Skandakumar
(6th March 2010, Cinnamon Grand Oak Room)
We are placing the following e-mail dated Feb.22.2010, from Merril Aluvihare with reference to Warden De Saram and the Communal Riots of 1958 as it would be of interest to most of the Old Boys of our vintage- LJ
My dear.....,
Thank you for the interesing CENTURION. Over the years various old boys have written articles about the role played by the warden during the communal riots of 1958 but everyone of these is not accurate. I thought I would put the record straight once and for all as I was residing with my late parents in our home 51 Hotel Road Mt.Lavinia where this incident actually took place. The previous day most of the tamil speaking people had moved out either to the Mt.Lavinia Police Station or to safer locations , except for the Kanagasabai family who bravely stood their ground at de Soysa Avenue Mt.Lavinia.. One Mr. Kanapathipillai an employee of Ceylon Theatres Jaffna had come to Mt.Lavinia the previous night and stayed over at his relations house at Abeywickrema Avenue namely one Mr.Moorthy. On this tragic morning he was walking down Abeywickrema Avenue when just outside our gate he encountered a hostile mob led by one Diamond Perera a carpenter from Dhakshinarama Road then known as Wattumulla Road. On seeing the mob he ran into our portico. The mob chased him and hurled abuse at me saying I was sheltering tamils. I ran next door jumping over the parapet wall to the house of the Mt.Lavinia A.S.P. the late Mr Allen Flamer Caldera father of Maxim but the telephone wires had been cut. On my return the mob had poured petrol on this victim and set him on fire. Just then the warden was passing by and he got down from his car and he and I put out the flames as best as we could. Some senior school boys too arrived and the warden sent for a stretcher from the collehe sickroom. Just Inspector Dudley Ludekens from the Mt.LaviniaPolice arrived and he stopped a Socoman truck as Socomans were laying the water pipes at that time. The warden was not touched by anyone and he was never bleeding nor was his cassock torn. I was the only prosecution witness who identified Diamond Perera and for this we too had to flee our home and live in a rented house at Torrington Avenue for some time. I gave evidence in Magistrates Court and then in Assize Court and the accused was sentenced to death purely on my evidence. His sentence was commuted to life inprisonment and after about eleven years I spotted him after release at Mt.Lavinia junction and went up to him and asked if he remembered me he said he didnt I said I am the man who sent you to the gallows which you cheated he replied he couldnt remember me, a few months later he suffered a heart attack and died and even the house his family occupied caught fire. These are the absolute facts of this episode. Mr Month Abeywardena was O.I.C. Dehiwala at this time and for the identification parade he made all arrangements providing a Police car for the wWarden and my late father whilst Maxim and I had to go in the van. The Magustrate was Mr. Wimalaratna an old Thomian and the Commissioner of Assize was Mr Earl Wijeywardena and prosecution was by Mr Basil White crown counsel before a Jury. I withstood a gruelling cross examination which the judge commended me for to the Jury. At the identification parade the Warden my Father or Maxim could not identify anyone, although I had received several threats I identified the main accused Diamond Perera. I might have known some of the others too but I was so terrified that my mind may have gone blank to some extent. The late S.S.P Mr. Bennet Perera who was assasinated by theJ.V.P was a young police officer who along with another Mr Jayasena handled the investigations.
On Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 1:33 AM, Dilsiri
Dassanaike wrote:
Dear Milinda,
The BBC as usual has got it all wrong!!! This is not
surprising at all as they appear to be getting everything
wrong about Sri Lanka in the recent past. The Eton of
Ceylon and now Sri Lanka was and still is S.Thomas'
College Mt. Lavinia. The founder of S.Thomas', The Rt.
Rev. James Chapman D.D, born 1799 (a distinguished Etonian
himself) the first bishop of Colombo of the Church of
Ceylon had a vision. It was indeed to conceive and give
birth to a school in Ceylon on the absolute traditions
of that great school in England, Eton. Consequently,
on his arrival in Ceylon, he gave birth to his dream
in 1851 and went about making his dream an actuality.
The rest is history!
Whilst Royal is indeed a great and highly rated educational
institution, with tremendous traditions and is about
15yrs older than STC, lets get our facts right.
1. Royal is a government funded school.
2. It never was referred to as Eton because it is predominantly
a buddhist school and had no connections to Eton whatsoever.
3. Royal now has in excess of 8500 students and if I
remember correctly it was the late president H.E. J.R.
Jayawardena himself who referred to his
alma mater as "Royal Village." (Private schools
like Eton and STC as a rule and indeed a tradition have
a very much smaller attendance).
4. STC is a predominantly christian school although
many non christians have attended and will continue
to attend this wonderful school and one of the pride
and joys of STC is that all denominations have and will
continue to enjoy this great academic institution as
brothers, as we all did.
5. STC is a privately funded school and is also part
of the constitution of Sri Lanka.
6. Isn't it absolutely mind boggling, has been and will
continue to do so that, more than 8500 students still
cannot get the better of us 2300 students. This is an
approximately 4:1 ratio advantage to Royal. They still
can't do it??????
7. It is indeed clear that whilst Royalist pride themselves
in the learning of books, etc. we at STC pride ourselves
in a more rounded education ie books, sports and above
all, "being men and gentlemen always." This
is indeed a Thomian tradition.
8. The creme a la creme is that, the present warden
of STC(The Rev. John Charles Puddefoot M.A.(Oxon) B.D.)
an absolute scholar, is himself an ETONIAN!!! Need I
say more!
In conclusion, I would say that all reporting must be
absolutely accurate, otherwise the truth is distorted.
To Charles Haviland of the BBC I say
The only Eton of Sri Lanka has and will
always remain S.Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka.
I also say to him, please do visit our website,
www.stcmount.sch.lk
STC GURUTALAWA INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Warm greetings from Guru.
I have decided to write to you as I know
many of you old boys of STC at Gurutalawa and indeed
of STC at Mount Lavinia are not aware of the steps that
have been taken to raise standards here at the unique
campus of S. Thomas' College in the hills of Uva. Despite
continued limitations we are taking one step at a time
to pursue the goals and ideals that made this great
school what it was and can be again.
Since January 2007 there have been many
improvements effected that have enhanced the quality
of life for those who live here as students or staff
and undoubtedly contributed to the continual raising
of standards at Guru. For your information I am including
below a list of the major items of our Infrastructure
Development Programme that we have attended to during
the period up to December 2009 to improve the infrastructure
and facilities we offer Guru Thomians.
I have deliberately not referred to the
improvement of standards in other spheres of life at
Guru about which I have elaborated in my Prize Day Reports
and annual Report at the STCG OBA AGMs of 2008 &
2009. Needless to say there have been considerable strides
taken.
With funds contributed by the Bishop,
Board of Governors, Old Boys and Friends of Guru.
1. The Water Problem that plagued the school in the
past has been solved to a great extent by the restoration
of unused storage tanks and the utilization of the deep
well and other wells on the campus.
2. The kitchen, dining room and toilets of the Headmaster's
Bungalow were renovated. 3. The Chaplain's Rooms adjoining
the Chapel and occupied by Revd H. C. Goodchild were
provided with a brand new toilet and bathroom
4. Brand new Night Toilets with up to date facilities
were installed in all the dormitories [other than the
former Winchester (now Hayman Junior) by the Basket
Ball Court, Illangakoon near the Sick Room (part of
the old Dining Hall) and Jayasinghe by the Stores] with
the help and support of the OBAs in the UK, Australia
and Sri Lanka.
5. A brand new set of day toilets and wash rooms for
the Junior Dormitories were opened in 2008 thanks to
the efforts of the STCG OBA in its 50th anniversary
year.
6. The roof of Read Junior was given extensive repairs
although only the timber could be replaced due to the
cost.
7. The Davidson Dormitory by the Headmaster's Bungalow
was restored and rewired and is now being used to house
the aesthetic subjects, agriculture and practical technical
skills classrooms.
8. A model classroom was renovated and furnished in
the Middle School by an old boy.
9. The former Chummery that was in a state of dilapidation
and on the verge of being demolished was converted into
the stables for the four horses donated by Mr. Jacques
Huyghebaert who functioned as Advisor on the revival
of Guru and overlooked the infrastructure development
programme in 2007 & 2008.
10. The drainage system of the Keble & Blanchard
dormitories was completely replaced.
11. An entirely new set of toilets and wash rooms was
erected for the Blanchard Dormitory for Girls at Keble
by Ladies' College, Colombo.
12. The Staff Quarters allotted to Mr V. W. Dikkumbura
was restored with funds provided by an old boy.
13. New school-time toilets were built for the girls
and boys of the Middle and Upper School and for the
main Staff Room in the Upper School by Brandix
14. The College Office was computerised and networked
with funds from an old boy.
15. Two Dialog TV connections were provided for the
students by an old boy and a parent.
16. The 'Isolation Room' of the Sick Room that was once
the home of Dr and Mrs Hayman has been given a new look
and now serves as the College Guest Room that can be
booked by old boys, parents and others for short stays.
17. 5 brand new Computers were purchased for the IT
Unit with funds from the OBA in Canada
18. 50 new desks and chairs were provided through funds
from the OBA in California.
19. Iron Bunk Beds were provided by an old boy in Australia
through the STCG OBA
20. The College Bakery was recommissioned and a dough
mixer was donated to the bakery by an old boy through
the STCG OBA
21. A multi chopper was donated by an old boy for the
purpose of making our own compost etc out of our large
amounts of waste available on the campus.
22. A new sound system, vestments, altar linen, hangings,
hymn books and bibles were provided for the Chapel by
an old boy.
With Funds from Sherborne School (Dr R.
L. Hayman's alma mater in the UK)
23. Pavements and drains were constructed for the Keble
dormitory block, the Keble classrooms, the main Dining
Hall, the Middle School and Upper School classroom blocks
24. A new Chummery for single male staff was opened
below the Simon Perera Block of Classrooms and houses
6 to 8 single male staff
25. The entire roof of the Upper School block was replaced
with new timber and asbestos sheets
26. The Middle School classrooms were renovated
27. A platform was erected in the Dining Hall for the
High Table on the lines of the old Dining Hall
28. A dining room was put up in the space between the
kitchen and squash court for the Support Staff to have
their meals and an Office Room for the Food Warden was
put up in the Pantry.
29. A ceiling was installed for the entire Office Section
while the Exam Room was enlarged.
30. A Duplo Machine and Computer were purchased for
the purpose of Examination work.
31. The roof of the Lower School classroom block was
repaired and replaced where necessary.
32. The roof of the Keble Dormitory was repaired and
repainted.
At present there are three major projects for which
I am trying to raise funds as priorities.
1. The upgrading and renovation of the
Swimming Pool – Phase 1 is almost over at a cost
of 2 million rupees donated by three or four old boys.
Phase 2 requires at least 1.8 million to 2 million.
Once completed the Guru Pool will not only have a new
look, but as the only pool in the area will be able
to generate an income for maintenance etc.
2. Urgent repairs to the Headmaster's Van and College
Van that will cost approximately Rs 250,000/- per vehicle.
3. The upgrading of the IT Unit with Broadband, new
computers et al – Rs 510,000/-
The long term wish list includes the following:
1. Replacing of the roofs of the remaining Junior Dormitories
2. New day toilets for the Senior Dormitories and the
Primary Dormitories on par with those of the Junior
Dormitories.
3. Renovation of single staff accommodation for lady
teachers at Keble
4. Repairs to and renovations of the various bungalows
and quarters for married staff
5. Renovation of the College Hall
6. More double (bunk) beds for the dormitories
7. More desks and chairs for the classrooms
8. Repainting of the Chapel and polishing of the Chapel
furnishings in time for the 65th anniversary of the
Chapel in December.
9. Upgrading of all classrooms with a large white board,
shelves and a cupboard for each class.
These are projects that may be taken up by individual
old boys or Class Groups. Should you feel inclined to
support your alma mater and join with us in the raising
of standards over the next two years, please contact
me to find out how you can be of help or how you could
send a donation for the projects identified as priorities
for this year. Be assured that donations received will
be utilised only for the purpose for which they are
made and all donations will be duly acknowledged and
receipted.
“Our College has not reared us without expecting
from us in return some nurture fee. She has given us
nurture in order that she might engage for herself our
best energies and talent, permitting us to use for our
needs so much and so much only as she does not require
for her own. The College needs your help to survive.
Every Old Boy must give the College the nurture fee
he owes.” [Warden Neville de Alwis
to the Old Boys of STC ML, 1984]
Gurutalawians, you owe Guru a nurture fee and I look
forward to your collaboration and solidarity.
ESTO PERPETUA!
Warm regards,
The Revd Marc Billimoria
Headmaster
Tickets are priced at $120 and are guaranteed to sell-out
quickly.
Only 250 tickets available... to avoid disappointment,
please pre-book your tickets by e-mailing one of the
following organizers:
Chris Varney - cvarney@prestonmotors.com.au
Trevor Mendis - trevor_mendis@yahoo.com
Chanaka Seneviratne - chanakaseneviratne@yahoo.com
Glen Mendis - gmendis@optusnet.com.au
Mark Nanayakkara - markstcoba@hotmail.com
Ari Saravanmuttu - hurryari@telstra.com
Vasee Nesiah - vasee@nesiah.com
Please support the OBA and tap your network of friends
and family for Souvenir Advertisements and Sponsorships.
If you can help, please contact:
Junior
Dorm Toilets and Washrooms - A project undertaken by the
STCG OBA Project in progress - View
the PowerPoint presentation This project has now been completed. View the PowerPoint
presentation New Junior Dorm Toilets and Read Junior Dorm Roof
Project Accounts - Part
1 & Part
2
We continue to receive images of various events from time
to time from old boys. Please bear with us as we are in
the process of scanning and resizing same for uploading
THOMIANS
YOUNG AND THOMIANS OLD,
THOMIANS STAUNCH AND TRUE!
RALLY ROUND THE COLLEGE FLAG
THE BLUE THE BLACK AND BLUE
TO YOUR ALMA MATER SING
THOMIANS NEAR AND FAR
LOUDLY LET THE ECHOES RING
FOR ALL, WE HAVE, AND ARE
ESTO PERPETUA, ESTO PERPETUA
ESTO PERPETUA
THE BLUE BLACK AND BLUE FOR EVER!
College Song by the Senior
Students of STC Mount - in .mp3 format (5.9 MB).
