Ainsley Samarajeewa:

A man with a golden heart

It is with profound sorrow that I pen these lines as a humble tribute to Ainsley Samarajeewa, a wonderful teacher of Kingswood College, Kandy whom I knew well throughout my collegiate career at Kingswood and later in life as a teacher. Specially the senior students of Kingswood College had a great regard and an undiluted affection to Ainsley Samarajeewa who was always looked up to as one of the gentlest of the Gentlemen of Kingswood, who measured to all the features of a Gentleman of Kingswood, as enunciated by L.E. Blaze, the founder of this school.

Ainsley Samarajeewa who joined the tutorial staff of Kingswood after graduating from the University of Ceylon, gave a new lease of life particularly to the teaching of history in the higher forms. His pedagogical skills impressed the students very much. He belonged to an active and dedicated band of noble teachers whose forte was to enthuse their students to improve their academic skills. In addition to his scholastic service, Ainsley Samarajeewa was an active Scout Master whose scout activities in the school contributed much to produce fully integrated citizens. His service to Ferens Boarding House, the junior hostel of Kingswood College, is also noteworthy.

For a brief period he was the Principal of a rural school in Katunayake and later served as Examinations Superintendent in the Examinations Department and on retirement, entered the legal profession and practised it with skill, appearing especially in cases of human rights violations.

He was a man with a golden heart who revelled in the success of his students, friends and even his foes and was unruffled at all times. These were some prominent features in him which contributed immensely to his success as an excellent teacher and a much loved and respected human being with a common touch. His demise is a great loss to all those who knew him and particularly to the Kingswood Union which he served with commitment and dedication even long after his retirement from Kingswood College. For several decades he was a live wire of the Kingswood Union and was a respected adviser to the old boys of this school, though he himself was not an old boy of it.

When today compartmentalized education means the ignorance of everything else, Ainsley Samarajeewa belonged to a group of talented and dedicated teachers of the previous generation who took an equal interest in any activity outside his immediate profession and until his death, had an abiding interest in and a singular attachment to Kingswood College to which institution he rendered a long and distinguished service. With his inherited gifts and strength of character Ainsley Samarajeewa was well equipped to gain eminence in any sphere of activity but for several years he engaged himself in teaching and served it with a spirit of deep dedication to such an extent that his name became synonymous with the teaching profession.

He rendered an unforgettable service to education and thousands of students who passed through his hands will continue to revere his memory and his inspiring life. His achievements were remarkable and a notable feature in his life was that he had a wide knowledge about men and matters which he had acquired through the years.

His death is admittedly an irreparable loss to everyone who knew him and the fellowship we in Kandy had with him during his legendary stay in the salubrious climes of legend drenched Kandy carries nostalgic memories specially among his students drawn from various sections of society to whom he served without any distinctions of class or creed.

Even though his physical body is no longer with us his breathing spirit will thrust itself into the lives of those who came in contact with him constantly reminding the high ideals for which he laboured hard throughout his life. Thousands of friends, students and admirers who deeply respect this unique personality are scattered throughout the country and we owe a deep debt of gratitude to him for his long and exemplary service. Memories of Ainsley Samarajeewa’s life rich with experience, wisdom and service will continue to resonate throughout the country for many more years. His death marks the end of a golden era. We extend our deepest sympathies to his devoted wife Evelyn and to all other family members.

May the Lord bless his soul and grant him Eternal Bliss!

Andrew Scott

A.V. Theja Suriyaarachchi:

An irreparable loss

I write this appreciation with a heavy heart as I have lost a good hearted, wonderful and a sincere lady. She was always keen on helping-out people in need. Although it has been one year since she left us, she still lives in our hearts.

Theja was born to a respectable family in Ahangama, Galle and was the ninth sibling out of five brothers and three sisters. She was called by the nickname Hichchi meaning the youngest, by her siblings. She was educated at Musaeus College Colombo. At school, she took part in sports and dramas.

She was the main actress of the Kundalakeshi drama which was produced by Musaeus College in 1970. During her school days she was a very bright and a popular student at Musaeus College.

She led a simple life and liked to go for walks with me. We normally went for walks at the Matara beach during evenings. Our children used to tease us saying that we look like a newly married couple. Theja helped me raise three children whom I can proudly say are not a burden to the society. All our children are grateful and blessed to have had a mother like her. I was mostly away from the family for 16 years on operational duties. She looked after our children and guided them to become the people that they are today. She was keenly interested in meditating and kept herself fit and in prefect health upto the time of her sudden demise, one year ago. I always miss her during family and business matters. She was the pillar of strength that I had. My dear Theja, I thank you for being a wonderful, affectionate wife and a life partner. I am proud to have been your husband for 30 long years.

May she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana as she makes he journey through Sansara.

Mahinda Suriyaarachchi