Vijitha Weerasinghe

It is two years since Vijitha Weerasinghe, the esteemed and respected ‘elder statesman’ of Royal College left us. Tempus fugit - as he would have said. He was fond of saying that he was associated with Royal for over 70 years, first as a pupil, then as a teacher and a Deputy Principal and finally as the Vice President and Advisor of the Royal College Union-the old-boy’s arm of the Royal College.

He was a unique man - lean and hungry looking, when we came to know him - but no conspirator like the other well known character described thus. On the contrary, he was a gentleman and a gentleman with a kindly disposition who liked classical Western music, good quality tobacco and a quiet small drink on his own in the evening, listening to his beloved Western classical music.

He had that rare ability to walk with kings and keep the common touch. He was a vast storehouse of knowledge regarding English language and literature, Latin and the history and the lore of Royal College. In his younger days he has been an orchid enthusiast with a reputation for scientific growing of orchids - sought for advice by many others in the field. Despite the slings and arrows of life he exuded joie de vivre! Vishunusharman, the ancient pundit from King Sudharshana’s court would have had a man like him in mind when he said;

Kavyashastravinodena kalo gachchathi dheematham

Vyasenena cha moorkhanan nidraya kalahena va

(Wise men spend their time in the study of enjoyment of sciences, literature and poetry: fools in vice, sleep and quarrels)

After his retirement from College in 1997 at the age of 70, he immediately took up duties at the Royal College Union as its Advisor, while being a Vice President of the Union. Series of my predecessors had the good fortune of having him as the resident eminence grise; gently guiding them when required, smoothening ruffled feathers when needed and occasionally belling the cat too.

Many principals of the College sought his advice and guidance - including the present gentleman who readily credits Weerasinghe for the assistance he gave him. I had this advantage only for about three months.

Very soon after my election in July 2007 to the august post that I hold, he passed away, on October 31, 2007. It was and is an irreparable personal loss to me. With the 175th anniversary of the College next year and a series of events planned for the occasion his advice and guidance would have been a great source of strength to me.

His mere presence would have given me strength as the presence of a father gives strength and courage to a son.

I know that this is not only true about me - many who bore office at the Royal College Union unhesitatingly will say so. Even those non-Royalists who came to work with him have this glowing feeling about him.

May he flourish - wherever he is.

- M. Rizan Nazeer

Secretary, Royal College Union