Former St. Servatius College principal’s funeral held

MATARA: Retired Principal of St. Servatius College, Matara, G.L. Galappatthi of Thotamune, Matara, who marked a golden era of that college as its principal for a span of 14 years from 1971 to 1985, passed away on April 16.

He was the first mentor of world famous Sri Lankan Cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya who as a young student of St. Servatius College, learnt the ABC of cricket under him. The funeral took place at Sanath Jayasuriya Stadium, Matara yesterday at 05.00 p.m.

The late retired principal Gunapala Loku Galappatthi was born on January 09, 1925 at Thotamune, Matara, and received his education at St.Thomas’ College, Matara. He entered the government service as a school teacher and also served the Army Volunteers’ Force as a Lieutenant since 1971.

Facing challenges in life was a trait he inherited from his birth. His endurance and devotion to service kept him in good stead to defeat forces that stood on the way to improve St.Servatius College.

He instilled discipline and love for sports in his students. At the same time he was keen to inspire attachment to studies among his students. Today there are eminent scientists, engineers, lawyers and politicians who are the past pupils of St.Servatius’ College.

This great school principal who was methodical and punctual in all his activities rode his push bicycle to school every day early in the morning and rode back home late in the evening devoting every second of his time for the welfare of the school.

This habit was there with him till he retired after serving St.Servatius’ College, Matara for well over 14 years.

LAKSHMAN YAPA ABEYWARDENA,
Minister of Mass Media.