You were the best principal - Sanath Jayasuriya

A.W. Gunawardhana, ara Central Correspondent

MATARA: You were the best of all principals at St. Servatius' when I was a student there. I cannot forget you, Sir, as you guided me to be a recognised cricketer, said Sanath Jayasuriya addressing the gathering at the funeral pyre over a telephone message-transmitted from the West Indies.

Because of your dedication I could reach great heights, he said, when the funeral of late G.L. Galappatti - former principal of St. Servatius' was due to take place at Kotuwegoda-Matara Sanath Jayasuriya stadium.

His message was directly connected to the amplifiers at the site of the funeral to be heard by all present.

Late G.L. Galappatti held the post of Principal St. Servatius for 14 years since 1971. His period of adminstration recorded a golden era in the annuls of St. Servatius.

His body was brought to the Sanath Jayasuriya stadium site in a funeral procession. Chief Sanghanayaka of Matara Ven. Urumutte Somarathana, Sanghanayaka of South Ven. Getamanne Dhammakitti, Ven. Panditha Diviyagaha Gunananda Thera, Principal of Gunananda Pirivena, Parish Priest St. Mary's Church Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam and the principal and staff of St. Mary's Convent were present.

Minister of Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, and ex-Deputy Minister of Fisheries - G.L.S. Galappatti, Opposition Leader, Southern Provincial Council Justin Galappatti, Mayor of Matara S.M.W. Upul Nishantha and present Principal Daya Vidanapathirana, Old Boys and thousands of mourners paid their respects to the late principal Galappatti. Sanath conducted his speech wishing late principal supreme bliss of Nirwana.

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, delivering his oration said, I pay the highest respects to my beloved teacher - principal. I left Mahinda College to join the school my father attended. I entered the A/Level class.

During my period at St. Servatius I was directed to follow what I should follow as a real student. When I was nursing a wound I wore slippers at school. Late Principal warned me to wear a shoe and a slipper, instead of wearing a pair of slippers on the occasion. He was very sharp over school-cutters, I cannot forget how he guided us to be.

Susantha Siriwardhana on behalf of O.B.A. said, our late principal was a strict disciplinarian. He had the habit of being punctual in performing all his official activities.

He saw to the welfare of all children at school. He did not tolerate playing truant at school. He looked a hard-hearted person but he was ever sympathetic towards every student.

He used an ordinary push cycle to attend school and return home. He never misused his office to earn illegal gratifications. Even on the day of retirement he used the same push cycle to return home.

In conclusion he said he will not wish him to attain Nibbana, because we want him back as the principal of our school.

Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam, Mayor of Matara M.C.S.M.W. Upul Nishantha and several others also spoke.