Past teachers of Ananda felicitated

S G Dharmasena

Everybody loves his Alma Mater. To some it becomes part and parcel of their lives. Because it is the place where you listened to the inspiring addresses of the Heads and the Sermons of learned monks which penetrated deep into your heart and kindled the man in you. You had the privilege of learning from and associating with dedicated teachers who put out their best. They taught you the subjects in the curriculum and at the same time devoted their time and energy to organize extra-curricular activities for you.

They supervised you trained you and guided you. Hostel teachers in particular did a round the clock service. They looked after you with parental love. You in return loved your teachers. Very often you went to the extent of hero-worshiping them. You remember them forever. In later life you said you are indebted to your Alma Mater, Principals and teachers for what you are today. Some of you expressed your gratitude in words, some did so in words and deeds, and others may be doing so in their thoughts. Sometimes you do it individually and sometimes collectively. Old Anandians’ group ‘82 is extending its helping hand to the Alma Mater continuously from its inception. In 1992 they started felicitating their teachers. It is going on with grandeur enhancing every year, and treating all the past teachers of their Alma Mater alike.

Last year they took us on a two day pilgrimage to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. This year they took us on a three day pilgrimage cum tour down South.

Sacred land

On Friday July 13, 2012, early in the morning three luxury coaches carrying 89 teachers and members of the group left Ananda College premises. Our first stop was at Koggala. We were cordially received by a representative group of Southern Anandians headed by president Anura de Silva and secretary Nihal Abeygunawardana. They hosted us for breakfast at the best hotel in the town. We had our lunch at a place down South under the shade of umbrellas near a beach. It was hosted by Brigadier Dharshana Hettiarachchi. Here, Brigadier Devinda Perera and Mrs Perera joined us. We found Devinda is highly respected in Ruhuna for services rendered in the past as area commander. He had a big hand in organizing events from Friday evening to Sunday morning through Saturday. They included Pirith chanting at Situl Pauwa, Poojawa at Kataragama devalaya, the band at the hotel and the introduction of Sandagiri Seya Podi Sadu.

We checked in at the hotel selected by Sumith, one of the best in Kataragama, I was told. Well chosen comfortable accommodation in quiet surroundings. Late in the evening we went to Situl Pauwa. How fortunate are we to set foot on this sacred land trod by 12,000 Arahants who dwelled there. We saw the tusker Gamunu, black faced monkeys who roam near the temple to be fed by generous pilgrims. Wheelchairs were unfolded and elders were helped climb the rock. We listened to the chanting of Pirith by five monks specially arranged for us.

Dhamma discussion

On early Saturday morning we were at Kirwehera. Offering of Kiripidu was done. Then we observed Atasil. Took part in the Bhavana Session conducted by Pimbure Dhammadeva Thera. We had a Dhamma discussion with Mavarelle Bhaddiya Thera who came down all the way from Colombo. Listened to the Sermons delivered by Ikkapallawe Chudalankara Thera and Uyanwatte Siddharata Thera. Late in the evening we went to Devale to pay our respect to God Kataragama. We also offered Poojawa to the God Kataragama. It was a day well spent, engaging ourselves in Dana, Seela and Bhawana.

We were recipients of Upasthana of highest order from our pupils, their wives and children. They did a noble deed for which they will be rewarded, as wheel follows the chariot.

On both nights we had dinner at the hotel with a band in attendance. Our own M R Mudun, Raja and Paba came forward to entertain us.

We started out return journey on Sunday morning. Our first stop was at Sandagiri Seya temple in Tissa, Podi Sadu is so taken up by the works of one Old Anandian, he thought the teachers of this person deserved to be feted. We had a traditional Sinhala breakfast at Sandagiri Seya temple which all of us enjoyed. The chief incumbent of the temple is Pimbure Dhammadeva Thera.

We entered the last lap of our journey. Credit of organizing work in this sector must go to Mrs Soma Sooriyarachchi. She has contacted the distinguished Old Anandian, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa with the idea of seeing the Hambantota Harbour. He not only made arrangements for us to see the harbour but went further by inviting us for a lunch on his account. We saw the harbour and came to the Naval Base at Tangalle. We walked into a tamasha. We relaxed. Music from the band and singing by renowned artistes were food for our ears. Dancing by a troupe of handsome youths and beautiful damsels clad in colourful costumes soothed our eyes. A verse written by Wettawe Thera entered my mind. I quote -

“Roo Rase Andina lese ath lela didi vaduliya paba
Ran rase ekwana lese wena nada noo pa thaba thaba
Kampase sara dena lese desa bala balaa nethagin saba
Mam kese pawasam ese wara sura landun dun ranga soba”

The sumptuous lunch satisfied our taste buds fully.

At the end a salutation ceremony was organized. Students went down on their knees and worshiped each and every teacher. It was the most touching event of the whole tour.

We returned in the night having spent three memorable days in good company.

The chief sponsors of the trip were Sumith Gomes and Sandalal Edirisinghe, Sumith has lost his parents when he was young. Sandalal lost his brother Raja and mother Shrimathie recently. Let us confer merits to them.

Worthy contribution

When the necessity for speeches arose Soma Sooriarachchi was entrusted to do the needful. The speeches she made were most appropriate to the occasion, and it was a pleasure to listen to them. She also worked in cooperation with the organizers and made a worthy contribution to make the trip a success.

Our grateful thanks go to the ‘82 group in general and in particular to the organizers of the trip, led by president Rajiw de Silva and secretary Kusal Mendis, sponsors already mentioned, to Lasath Polduwa for providing transport from College to homes.

We remember with love Rajiw, Kusal Sumith, Devinda and his wife, Kapila Karunadara, Chandana Rupasinghe, Channa Wijethilaka, Hasin Thamanagama, Anil Jayawardhena, Bhatiya Senanayake, Numesh Rajapakshe, Families of Athula Ananda, Chandana Karunarathna and Anura Amarasinghe for being with us, making us comfortable and happy.

We confer merits to all. May all be well and happy.

The writer is a past teacher and an old boy of Ananda College, Colombo