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Thomians should turn their hands to anything - Bradman

by Karel Roberts Ratnaweera

Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Bradman Weerakoon, gracing the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Thomian Chapel of the Transfiguration on Sunday, addressed the gathering in the College hall after the service in the chapel which was celebrated by His Lordship the Bishop of Colombo, the Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera.

Mr. Weerakoon, himself a distinguished product of the institution, said that it was possible to be opticompetent and turn one's hand to anything. He was addressing the audience of members of the staff of S. Thomas' College who were there to receive special awards for their contribution to the college. Other distinguished Old Thomians and well-wishers were also in the audience.

The Felicitation of the Staff was part of the celebrations to mark the 151st anniversary of S. Thomas' College.

Tokens of appreciation were given away by Mr. Weerakoon to those who had served the college for over 25 years. A special award was presented to former Warden Neville de Alwis who had given his stewardship to the college from 1983 to 1998. Organist and Music Director Russel Bartholomeusz also received a special award for his invaluable contribution to S. Thomas, as did former Thomian cricket captain and coach, Bertie Wijesinghe. Special awards were also presented by the present Warden Dr. David Ponniah to those who had worked for the college for less than 25 years and had then retired.

Warden de Alwis touched on the special brand of Thomian humour. He said that those who cannot remember the past cannot repeat it. He praised Wardens de Saram, Stone and Buck for what they did for the college.

In his address Warden Dr. David Ponniah said that as a student at S. Thomas', he was terrified of Warden de Saram who was a strict disciplinarian and would make his displeasure felt if a boy wore shoes that were not polished or had not cut his nails. He said that Warden de Saram was the most influential in directing the college.

Head Prefect of the college Jeevan Gunatilleke also addressed the audience, quipping that Books and Men (lines from the arch rivals Royal College song), would not be the only thing they would learn about at S. Thomas'. Thomians had also to learn to face a harsh and demanding world.

In his message to the staff Ishan de Lanerolle said that S. Thomas' was one of the best schools in the world. Warden Buck had taught the students how to take credit and face discredit. It was only then that students would know true manliness and become gentlemen.

Old Thomian Rohan de Lanerolle provided some light entertainment with a rendition of a popular song,'Love Changes Everything.'

The Felicitation ended with the singing of the Thomian college song, 'Esto Perpetua,'and three cheers for S. Thomas' College.

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