July 2020, Volume 23 Issue 2

S. Thomas’ College Old Boys Association Australia Branch Inc. PO Box 2337, Mt Waverley, Victoria, 3149, Australia

Thomians beat Royalists in a clean sweep at the OBA Battle of the Blues 2020

S. Thomas’ College OBA beat Royal College OBA in the three matches played on the 27th January 2020 at Mulgrave Cricket Club. The three ovals belonging to the club were utilised to play the over 40, over 50 and open games. The over 50 was introduced for the first time this year. It was a fun event organised by the Royal College OBA with plenty of food, drink s and music. The Thomian OBA took all three challenge Shields and most individual trophies. Match Scores are listed below.

Over 50s Game: STC - 185 for 9 in 25 overs Leon Lewis - 29 Suren Meegama - 26 Mahen Siritunga - 25

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 2

Royal - 108 for 9 in 25 overs

40 - 50 Game Royal - 132 all out in 25 overs

STC - 133 for 6 in 21.3 overs Suriya Molligoda - 30 Sidath Medonza - 28 Janaka Siriwardena - 18

Open Game - STC won by 7

Royal - 165 all out in 34.3 overs Naveen Nimesh - 46 Randev Pathirana - 42 Senal De Silva - 5 for 30 Sajana De Silva - 2 for 16

STC - 166 for 3 in 26.2 overs Ravindu Kodithuwakku - 72 Rashmika Opatha - 34 Kaushal Silva - 21 Hasitha Samarasinghe - 2 for 26

Match Awards Open Game Best Batsman - Ravindu Kodithuwakku Best Bowler - Senal De Silva Man of the Match - Ravindu Kodithuwakku

Randy De Silva Memorial Trophy - Ravindu Kodithuwakku

40 - 50 Game: Best Batsman: Dilharan (Sivaratnam (RC) Best Bowler: Chanaka Gunawardana (STC) Man of the Match: Sidath Madonza (STC)

Over 50s Game:

Best Batsman: Mahen Siritunga (STC) Man of the Match: Leon Lewis (STC) Best Bowler: Ransi Fernando (RC)

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 3

The President’s Message

Dear fellow Thomians, What a year 2020 has turned out to be! We had some devastating bushfires and now, we have the COVID 19 epidemic which is currently affecting all of us. The EXCO met several times in 2020 (meetings conducted online) and we have decided that all events till December will be cancelled, including the Thomian Ball. This is due to the uncertainties we are faced with and to comply with the current health and social distancing guidelines that have been implemented by both Federal and State governments. We encourage our members to support our sponsors who have been there for us over the years by utilising their services, whether it be by purchasing some takeaway food or utilising any other service, to help in keeping their businesses going in these trying times. The current situation is affecting us all in different ways. Should you need any assistance, please reach out to the EXCO members or me. Please stay safe. We will get over this and hopefully, be able to go back to some normality soon. Esto Perpetua! Peneeth Goonawardena President

Editor’s Note Dear Thomians,

Welcome to the Winter edition of the Thomiana. This edition mainly focusses on activities and articles of our OBA and of Old Thomians. It is a challenging period for the OBA to keep the finances in order and provide value to the membership in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. The OBA has supported our Old Boys, sponsors and caterers who have been impacted by the current situation by promoting their services and distributing food to Old boys in need. I would like to thank Upali Gooneratne who helped me with this edition and all those who have contributed to the information in the Thomiana. Esto Perpetua!

Vasikaran Ratnarajah www.stcobaaust.org.au https://www.facebook.com/groups/ STCOBA/

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 4

Contents

Page(s) Page(s) Royal-Thomian OBA 2020 Cricket Match 1 & 2 Bishop Chapman Memorial Update 11 &12 Major Sponsor Advertisement 13 President’s Message 3 STC goes where others fear to tread 14 -16 Editor’s Note 3 Nuwan Kavinda 17 STC OBA Australia 4 Membership List 18-20 Mark Your Calendar 5 New Members & Beyond the Horizon 20 Executive Committee 5 Membership Application Form 21 AGM 2020 and OBA Activities 6 Photo Gallery 22-23 Anura Tennekoon - Autobiography 7- 8 To Mask or Un Mask 9 Thomian sprinter Kulasinghe 10 22-23

Views expressed in articles contained in the Thomiana are of the respective authors. They may not necessarily concur with those of the Executive Committee.

S. Thomas’ College Old Boys Association Australia Branch (STCOBA)

STCOBA Australia Branch is based in Melbourne. This was the first Thomian OBA to be formed overseas. The founders were a group of old Thomians who migrated to Australia after their primary and secondary studies at S. Thomas’ College in in the early 1960s and 1970s.

The main purpose, of the Thomian OBA, is to foster fellowship amongst Old Thomians in Australia and to raise funds that can be channeled to the Thomian fraternity of schools in Sri Lanka (Mount

Lavinia, Kollupitiya, Bandarwela and Gurutalawa).

Advertising in the Thomiana

Did you know that you could advertise your business in the Thomiana? The Thomiana is circulated amongst members of the Association wherever they are – Victoria, Interstate and Overseas. You will be amazed how our network works! Enquiries: [email protected]

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 5

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic all OBA activities such as Podi Natuma, Transfiguration Service & Seniors Lunch and Thomian Ball have been cancelled for year 2020.

The STC OBA Carol Service is scheduled to be held on Saturday 12th December 2020. However as per Government guidelines we will notify the confirmation of the event.

Executive Committee – 2020

President Peneeth Goonawardena 0404 213 166 [email protected]

Vice Presidents Jitendra Udugama 0401 735 187 [email protected]

Saman Liyanage 0407 358 415 [email protected]

Asfan Thajudeen 0416 877 788 [email protected]

Secretary Chris Lawton Snr. 03 8794 9680 [email protected]

Asst. Secretary Mark Nanayakkara 0408 990 146 [email protected]

Treasurer Dinesh Fernando 0433 205 311 [email protected]

Asst. Treasurer Milinda Liyanage 0458 998 850 [email protected]

Editor Vasikaran Ratnarajah 0408 866 272 [email protected]

Committee Jayampathy (Pajjo) Silva 0418 619 382 [email protected]

Chris Varney 0407 630 351 [email protected]

Sankha Wickremasinghe 0407 448 062 [email protected]

Rayendra Karunaratne 0416 350 244 [email protected]

Rayesh Gunasekera 0410 047 088 [email protected]

Upali Gooneratne 0449 024 294 [email protected]

Navodh Fernando 0452 209 102 [email protected]

Immediate Past President

Mahes Heenetigala 0418 182 707 [email protected] July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 6

The Annual General Meeting 2020 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the STC OBA Melbourne was held at the Mount Waverley Community Centre on Friday February 7th at 6.30pm. The meeting was well attended with around 80 members participating; and included the presentation of reports by the President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Executive Committee for 2020 was confirmed with Peneeth Goonawardena being reelected as President. The discussions were mainly centered on the OBA finances and the options for increasing profits from the annual Thomian Ball . Also, an item of interest was funds for the Bishop Chapman Gravestone, initiated by Roger Aldons and the discussions centered around the OBA contributions towards the restoration.

Peneeth Goonawardena, the current President, highlighted the achievements of the past year, especially fund-raising activities for the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and for the Bushfires in Australia. The Presidential awards were presented to three individuals who had contributed greatly to the OBA. The 2020 Presidential Award recipients were Anil Gammampila, Rod Grigson an Upali Gooneratne The meeting concluded with singing of the College Song followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Royal-Thomian Stag Night

The event was held on 28th February 2020 at the Grand on Princess, Mulgrave and hosted by the Royal OBA and patronized by STC OBA.

Thomian Community Assistance for COVID-19 The OBA Executive Committee established a Thomian Community Assistance Team (TCAT) to assist our members during this crisis. We had a team of volunteers who provided assistance requested by our members including shopping, running errands etc. This service will continue until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

141st Royal-Thomian Live Telecast As per the AGM, the Executive committee organised this event as a fundraiser for OBA finances. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic 80 people came for the event and those who came had good fun. Only one person represented Royal. The dinner and coverage of the event from was great.

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 7

ANURA TENNEKOON’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY – Passionately Cricket

Former Sri Lanka Anura Tennekoon’s autobiography – Passionately Cricket – was launched at Sinhalese Sports Club on 26 February 2020. Tennekoon, who captained S. Thomas’ and SSC was Sri Lanka’s captain in 1975 and 1979 Cricket World Cups. Tennekoon’s former school mates, his SSC and Sri Lanka teammates, some of the leading players produced by the country and leading figures of the business world were present at the occasion.

The keynote address was given by his contemporary cricketer S. Skandakumar (former High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia) and highlighted the following: “If there was a single line that describes Anura this remarkable gentleman Cricketer, I will fall back on an eminent Thomians statement to me. “If I had to name someone to bat for my life, it would be Anura”. Recalling the days he played with and against Anura, Skandakumar said, “I played in the Royal Thomian matches of 1965, 1966 and in 1969 I had the opportunity to play under his captaincy in the Gopalan Trophy encounter at the Colombo Oval now named the P.Sara Oval. Over the 3 days I got to know him better and my admiration for him has never waned since”. Speaking further he said, “it was Neville Cardus who once wrote the majestic stroke maker makes music and spreads beauty with his bat, he must have had Anura in mind”. “There were no helmets, chest guards, arm guards in his time, only a gentle protector of his manhood which yielded willingly to external pressure. With the likes of Garners, Roberts, Marshalls, Lillees and Thomsons whose pace was by no means slower than what we see today, It was more challenging on account of uncovered pitches that led to viciously turning strips whenever there was overnight rain. Batting required not just courage, but perfect technique and our icons of the past displayed both”. “Anura’s book is almost like a Tennekoon innings. It starts gently with his early life and If you could pardon me for saying so a rural boy born in Anuradhapura who was boarded at this awesome school by the sea S. Thomas’. Settling in posed its own challenges but also by his own admission moulded him to be a good Cricketer and person”. “One of the incidents he recalls in his book is when Keith Labrooy the Thomian captain selected him to the Thomian team for the big match over his brother Robin. This would have been a tough decision for Keith but was made keeping the requirements of the team in mind, displaying credible leadership. Anura along with Paul Selvadurai pulled S. Thomas’ out of the mire with a 7th stand of 88 runs from a dismal 88 for 6 and so began a remarkable Cricket career”. July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 8

“His book then increases its tempo as he recalls his many International challenges. The hardships endured mainly on tours to India and Pakistan. The long uncomfortable train rides, the sleepless nights, the meagre monetary allowances, while the host teams travelled by air. Against these odds the Cricketers of that era laid a solid foundation for Sri Lanka to gain Official Test status in 1981”. Shifting his focus onto the book Skandakumar said “life has little meaning without appreciation and gratitude”. Anura’s book therefore is a must read for followers of the game, and in particular to our emerging Cricketers so they realise the hardships and challengers endured with the courage shown by our past Cricketers for the enormous opportunity they enjoy today. “Anura thank you for your immense and selfless contribution to our country through the game of Cricket. We wish you light in your twilight years, the same light you shone on us from the centre in your many years as a Cricketer”.

Extracts from Ranjan Madugalle’s (former S.L. captain & Chief I.C.C.) in Foreword to the autobiography. I have read through Anura’s autobiography and found its contents very interesting and insightful. He has interspersed Cricket with some humorous Cricketing anecdotes which makes the book very readable. Anura also describes some un- conventional methods he adopted to become the very orthodox batsman he turned out to be. To me he was the finest Sri Lankan batsman I had the privilege of playing with. This is an autobiography written in an unusual style and I would recommend it to followers of the game and to aspiring young Cricketers who could benefit from Anura’s vast Cricket experience, which ranges from playing, coaching, managing National teams. I wish Anura and his laudable effort in publishing this book every success.

Mahela Jayawardena’s comment on rear cover of book. Anura Tennekoon is one of Sri Lanka most loyal and dedicated servants, a fine batsman, a shrewd leader, and one of the key players who helped us to secure Test status. After his playing career he has been both a passionate coach and a committed administrator, widely respected for his integrity and honesty -- Signed: Mahela Jayawardena ’s comments on rear cover of book. Anura Tennekoon has documented his experiences in school Cricket, club Cricket, and National Cricket in a manner that is personal and striking and always with a touch of humour. Mr. Tennekoon is a remarkable Cricketer and human being and it has been my privilege to know him. He has a vast store of knowledge to share. In his autobiography he captures significant moments in his cricketing life that not only shapes his character and outlook, but then went onto influence many a cricketer. it is a wonderful book and holds inside many moments of joy for the reader – Signed: Kumar Sangakkara

Anura Tennekoon’s autobiography “Passionately Cricket” will be available for distribution in Australia in August 2020. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy please contact: Upali Gooneratne: Email [email protected] Mob: 0449 024 294

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 9

By Dr. Sanjiva Wijesinha

The first time I visited Japan, I was surprised to see so many people wearing facemasks, of a type similar to what I used to wear when working as a surgeon in the operating theatre. It seemed so incongruous to see so many folk walking through the busy streets with their faces covered, scurrying to catch trains and browsing around the supermarkets. When I asked my daughter (who at the time had been working in Japan for the past few years) what this was all about, she explained this as another manifestation of what it means to be Japanese – to care more about the society and the community one lives in rather than one’s own self. Why these people were wearing masks, she explained, was because they had some respiratory infection – a cough, a cold or even just a runny nose. Wearing a mask was a precaution to avoid passing their germs on to others. People wore masks not so much to protect themselves but to protect the folk around them from the germs they might be carrying. We often forget that when we sneeze, cough or even just speak to others, we are spraying innumerable droplets of moisture from our mouth and throat into the air around us. I recall how when we were at College we had a wicked nickname for one of our teachers – he was called “Aerosol” because we could see the spray coming out of his mouth when he was talking, especially when he got excited! But it was not just him - ALL of us spray invisible droplets from our mouths and throats. If these droplets contain infective germs, then anybody within “catching” distance of our spray can be infected by our droplets. So all this business of wearing masks during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic is a good thing because it protects those around us. The Corona virus – just like the common cold virus – is contagious, and any of us could be harbouring the virus in our throats without showing any signs of disease. How many times have we had colleagues coming to work, sniffling and sneezing and blowing their noses, when they should have been staying at home and resting? If they don’t want to take a day of sick leave and confine their germs to their own homes, then they should only come to work if they wear a mask to prevent themselves giving their germs to those with whom they get close to on the bus, the tram, the train or the workplace. Wearing a mask these days is not a sign of weakness or having your freedom suppressed or “living in fear of the virus”. It is a sign that you are educated and informed enough to know that you could be showing no symptoms and still be harbouring the virus that you can pass on to others. Wearing a mask during these COVID-19 times (and hopefully when we return to “normal” times, even if you are having a cough or cold or upper respiratory infection) is a sign that you are being considerate to others, that you have in mind the safety of others. Just as in Japan, our ethos should be to consider the welfare of those around us even if we find masks uncomfortable – or think they make us look strange! . Sanjiva Wijesinha (STCML 1956-1967) is an associate professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne. More health articles may be found on his webpage at sanjivawijesinha.com

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 10

Thomian Sprinter Kulasinghe a promising star in Athletics

Kariyakarawanage Don Tharusha Dilshan Kulasinghe, i, a 17-year-old student of S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia has been selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Athletic Championship to be held in Thailand in May.

“He is a promising athlete with a bright future ahead of him,” said S. Thomas’ athletic coach for the past five years Susiripala Goonawardena, a former national athlete.

A fine wing three quarter in rugby football, Tharusha Dilshan’s talents as a sprinter was spotted by S. Thomas’ athletic coach Susiripala Goonawardena when he came for practices in 2014.

He showed early potential being placed second in the 100 and 200 metre races at the Junior John Tarbat meet in 2015. The following year, he swept to victory in the divisional and zonal meet in both events, being placed second in the 100 and third in the 200 at the Western Province meet.

He was the fastest at the All Island meet held in Bogambara, and came third in the 200. At the All Island Relay Carnival also held in Kandy he won the gold medal in the 200, silver in the 100 and bronze in the medley relay.

His crowning moment came at the Sir John Tarbat Junior Championship held in Embilitiya in 2016 when he achieved the golden double in the 100 and 200 in addition to a silver in the relay event.

In 2017 and 2018 he improved by leaps and bounds consistently either winning or being placed in both events at the divisional, zonal and Western Province meets.

He achieved a personal best of 10.9.0 to win the Senior Public Schools 100m event which feat he repeated at the Junior Nationals and All Island meets. In the 200m race he had to settle for bronze at the Senior Public Schools and Junior Nationals.

Kulasinghe expressed his gratitude to the Warden of S. Thomas’ Rev. Fr. Marc Billimoria, Sub- Warden Asanka Perera, Director of Sports Dinesh Kumarasinghe, Prefect of Games Aruna Shantha, Teacher-in-Charge Carmen Fernando, Advisor Kapila Wijegoonawardena and coach Susiripala Goonawardena for their encouragement and support.

Sunday, March 01, 2020

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 11

Bishop Chapman Memorial Restoration - Update

Dear Gentlemen of the STCOBA Australia Committee and Warden Revd Marc Billimoria,

As agreed with Tony Mallett, I am pleased to inform you all of the latest developments towards the funding and completion of this important project as follows.

Last Saturday, 22nd February, Tony Mallett held a very productive meeting, at All Saints Parish Church, Wootton Courtenay, with the current President and three former Presidents of OTAUK and Revd Ralph, Rector of the Parish and the Dunster Benefice. The four gentlemen present, representing the OTAUK Sub-Committee appointed for this project were, John Yorke –Chairman, Haleem Ossman, Anil Abbeyanayake and Diluckshan Manoharan – the current OTAUK President, all of whom were reported by Tony as “singing from the same hymn sheet” with Tony! Tony further reported as follows:

· John Yorke and the current President are holding a general meeting of the committee and members of OTAUK on the 2nd of March to alter the OTAUK Constitution to enable a Benevolent Fund for Bishop Chapman to be established to cater for all matters in relation to the refurbishment and maintenance of the grave. This is a requirement as the association is a Registered Charity . · They (OTAUK) will also send out a request to all (STCOB) associations for contributions which will deposited to the Bishop Chapman benevolent fund account. · John Yorke is confident all works will be completed by June as they have set aside the funds. · The OTAUK representatives requested that the donations collected by the Melbourne OBA be held pending the establishment of the new fund. · Tony requested that the respective associations handle all financial matters as he and I do not wish to be involved with handling any of the funds. · The OTAUK also undertook to make an annual donation to All Saints Church in memory of Bishop Chapman; Rev Ralph was most grateful. · It was agreed, with Rev Ralph’s blessings, that a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving be held when the refurbishment is completed. · An Annual Service of Thanksgiving to honour the work of Bishop Chapman was also agreed. · It was so pleasing to hear the enthusiasm and commitment by the OTAUK gentlemen to “get the job done”; Thomians “staunch and true”, for sure. · Tony is happy to work with the OTAUK in maintaining the grave with half yearly visits to Wootton Courtenay, and in building a rapport with All Saints Church . · Tony has agreed he will meet with Rev Ralph and Fine Memorials and seek the necessary written approval as requested by the OBA in Melbourne. · Tony will also seek written approval from Rev Ralph to erect the proposed new memorial plaque, in acknowledgement of this project, inside the Church.

There is hence scope for further donations to be made in Australia, pending the transfer of all funds collected in the STCOBA Melbourne branch bank account to the OTAUK for disbursement in June or earlier if needed, at the request of the OTAUK. Please inform the membership of these latest developments. Let’s hope that more funds from Thomians “staunch and true” flow into the pot of the Bishop Chapman Benevolent Fund, so Bishop Chapman’s memory will live on in perpetuity.

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 12

I will keep you in the loop with developments, and am pleased to attach images of an interesting extract from ‘The Kings England - Somerset’ by Arthur Mee, 1941, about Wootton Courtenay, which mentions Bishop Chapman.

Thanking you all for your kind co-operation and assistance towards getting this important job done.

Esto Perpetua!

Kindest regards, best wishes and God bless,

Roger

ROGER F. ALDONS, ‘Arlyia’, 3335 South Gippsland Highway, PO Box 249, FOSTER, VIC 3960, AUSTRALIA Phone: (61) (0) 427 306 609 (Roger)

Congratulations to an old Thomian residing in Melbourne, Janindu Gunawardene who won the 2019 Jim Pryor Begonia Prize for the best surgical innovation!

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 13

Thomian Major Sponsor 2020

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 14

STC Goes Where Others Fear To Tread

There’s a text book on Sound Mind Sound Body for every class the programme is taught.

Kshama Ranawana COLUMNS Mar 6, 2020

It was in 2014 that a private Christian boy’s school in Colombo took the plunge, and decided to introduce Sound Mind Sound Body to its students. It is a programme that teaches children, amongst other things, to be respectful of the other, staying safe from sexual predators, breaking down gender stereotyping, anti-bullying, the effects of drugs, protecting the environment, and sexual and reproductive rights. While the education department is still grappling with how best to teach some of these topics to students, and duck allegations of corrupting young minds by those who insist such teachings go against cultural norms, S Thomas’ College, (STC) Mt. Lavinia has designed its curriculum, keeping all those considerations in mind. With the recent backlash health and education professionals faced with the introduction of the Hathe Ape Potha, Counterpoint decided to check in with STC on how they overcame the challenges and how their programme ‘Sound Mind Sound Body” has been fairing. In a chat with Counterpoint, the programme’s Coordinator, Rev. Rohan Mendis and one of the teacher/counsellors Navneth Mendis, explained the pros and cons encountered in imparting this information to their students. Sound Mind Sound Body runs from kindergarten to grade 10, and is July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 15

also taught in grades 12 and 13. It is not taught in grades where students face public examinations, keeping in mind their work- load. Though introduced initially to the lower grades, with time, the school had realised that it was a programme students of all classes should be exposed to. The brainchild of Professor Indra de Soysa, who was the then Warden of STC, the decision to introduce the programme came following a case or two of bullying and ragging that had taken place in the school a few years ago. Those incidents had prompted the school to introduce a 24/7 hotline students could call for help. As well, the prevalence of sexual abuse, especially amongst boys around the country had been another reason STC believed it was time for a programme such as Sound Mind Sound Body. Says Rev. Mendis, ‘a group of past students from the ’94 batch came forward to fund the programme, and we had external resource persons draw up the curriculum.’ The programme draft was reviewed and approved by a group appointed by the head of the Anglican Church in Sri Lanka, Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj Ranjit Canagasabey. The subject matter has been drawn up in accordance with UNESCO guidelines, the teachings of the church and other living religions and in a culturally appropriate manner, explained Navneth Mendis. Responding to a question on how sexual orientation is broached, he stated that it is discussed as and when it is brought up.’ We do not advocate it, to ensure we are working within the church’s teachings, but we certainly do not ignore it either. We discuss it in terms of being respectful of the other and not judging another’s choice.’ Our diagram shows the various topics that are taught through this programme. While Counterpoint has grouped it section- wise for ease, each of the topics is introduced in a grade and age appropriate manner by the school. Says Navneth, topics such as sexually transmitted infections and AIDS are taught in Grade 12, while the subject of pornography and its effect is introduced at Grade 9. “We believe that prevention is the better way to go, and that can be achieved, if imparted to students at an earlier age. A study has shown that children as young as 9, have already formed their opinions on sex, and by 13, nearly 90% of children have been exposed to some form of information on these matters. Unless, they are taught how to protect themselves from sexual abuse and to empathise with others of different cultures, religions or sexual orientation, they will accept any violations as a given. “A child who witnesses domestic violence and gender stereotyping at home will never know that it is not the norm, unless they are taught early in life that it is not so,’ Navneth added. Students are also taught to stay safe when online, one of the newest threats that children encounter in today’s ‘on-line world.’ While activity sheets were used to discuss the various topics until recently, the school now uses text books for each of the grades. However, information is not imparted through text books alone; a variety of methods such as songs, activities, videos as well as motivational talks via YouTube are used. In the case of the latter, the talks are carefully filtered to ensure only age appropriate and information that falls within the school’s accepted curriculum is made available to students. The school has six staff members, three full time and others part time, teaching this subject. Especially hired for the programme, all of them have a background in psychology while some are July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 16 counsellors as well. Having separate staff to teach the programme means that is does not interfere with the work of the regular teachers. The topics taught are age and grade appropriate. It has, however not been an easy ride. Nor is it now. The school encountered and continues to encounter resistance to the programme, from parents, teachers and even students, especially in the higher grades. But it has been a winnable situation because right from the start, the Wardens of the school, past and present as well as the church hierarchy have been fully behind it. “We have the full commitment of the current Warden, the Rev. Marc Billimoria’ says Navneth, adding that, ‘unless there is commitment at the top, a programme such as this would not be successful.’ It is important that there is buy-in by both parents and staff. “There have been instances of parents not only objecting to it to the school authorities, but even complaining to the Bishop,’ said Rev. Mendis. Then, there are staff members too who may not be comfortable with the topic, though the bigger issue is because “Sound Mind Sound Body” is not exam oriented but focuses more on providing students with necessary life skills to face the rougher side of life, some staff and older students adopt a lackadaisical attitude towards it. ‘A teacher might ask to use the period set aside for this subject to catch up with the science syllabus, for example, because they may think this is not important’, says Rev. Mendis. What about getting around cultural or religious taboos? “We address that too. Depending on their religious or cultural values, there are questions from the students,’ says Navneth. This is mainly from students of the higher classes, who feel uncomfortable that their sisters or mothers may see the text books. But, at the same time, he says, many look forward to the discussions, often raising questions on various issues. “We would, at times, ask the students, which topic they would like to discuss’ he says and go with the flow. Up to grade 7 or so, they are fully engaged and content with the activity-based programme. When handled as a transformative learning experience, students of the higher classes are more receptive’ he added. Teaching the topic has its challenges they explained, as the discussions could be about multiple sexual partners, choosing between being sexually active or abstaining, transgender or other behaviours, drug abuse etc. Therefore, the curriculum is constantly reviewed, for clarity of purpose and to ensure the course is shaped to reflect world trends, student feedback and that cultural and religious values are not ignored. ‘When the Easter attack took place, we used the opportunity to discuss cultural inclusiveness and stereotyping of individuals and communities’, explained Navneth. STC also believes that simply imparting this information to its students is not sufficient. It must also walk the talk. Therefore, it is mandatory that all teachers, staff and coaches sign the school’s Child Protection Policy. There is also a zero-tolerance policy on ragging and bullying. Complaints of any such misconduct are entertained, but they cannot be anonymous and must contain at least the basic details. That is to ensure that complaints could be followed up promptly and effectively. Other schools have inquired after the programme, and a few have introduced it in part, in some classes, Counterpoint learns. However, S. Thomas’ College is the only school that has taken the bull by the horns, even as most other schools, and indeed the education department dithers over addressing the crucial issue of preventing all forms of child abuse, and inculcating in their students, the principles and values that go to make a “Sound Mind Sound Body.”

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 17

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STC OBA AUSTRALIA - MEMBERSHIP AS AT 20TH JULY 2020

Paid Paid Paid NAME To NAME To NAME To ABEYNAIKE, Ajith 2018 DISSANAYAKE, Loshan 2009 HENSMAN, Dr. Indran. C 2009 ABEYSEKERA, Victor 2006 D'SILVA, H. Derek 2020 HENSMAN, Kumar 2022 ABEYSINGHE, Dr Rohan 2020 D'SILVA, H. Roger C. 2016 HENSMAN, Rajan A. 2020 ABEYWICKREMA, Anil N 2021 D'SILVA, Ralph 2019 HERAT, Norman 2022 AKMEEMANA, Chami 2009 EMERSON, Richard J 2022 HERFT, Christopher P. 2020 ALDONS, Roger 2020 ESANKAMAL, Malinda 2012 HENAKANKANAMAGE, Naveen 2020 ALVIS, Randolph Lawrence 2019 FERDINANDS, Brian A 2016 HEWAVITHARANA, Shehan 2014 AMBROSE, Shiran 2020 FERDINANDS, Donald A 2010 ILANGAKOON, Amal Michael 2020 AMUKOTUWA, Nimal D. 2005 FERDINANDS, James (Jim) 2016 JANSEN, Conrad Gary 2010 AMUKOTUWA, Sarath 2020 FERDINANDS, John 2006 JANSEN, Shane 2010 ANDRADO, Amrick 2013 FERDINANDS, Maurice 2006 JANSZ, Brian Gordon 2005 ANTHONISZ, Ashton 2019 FERDINANDS, Rupert W 2022 JANSZ, Rodney 2019 ANTHONISZ, Darrell 2019 FERNANDO, Billy 2014 JASINGHE, Neomal 2024 ANTHONISZ, James M. 2014 FERNANDO, Deeptha 2007 JAYASEKERA, Bumpy C. W. 2021 ANTHONISZ, Tyrell 2020 FERNANDO, Dinesh 2020 JAYASEKERA, Gavin 2021 APONSO, Lalith 2020 FERNANDO, Dylan 2019 JAYASEKERA, Sandy Rajpal 2013 APONSO, Roshan 2010 FERNANDO, Dushmantha 2013 JAYASENA, Rajiv 2016 APONSO, Suren Diyal 2021 FERNANDO, L. Melville 2023 JAYASINGHE, Chandra Asoka 2017 ARIARATNAM, Chris 2013 FERNANDO, M. Kingsley 2020 JAYASINGHE, Kalyanasiri (Kal) 2019 ARMITAGE, Andy 2012 FERNANDO, Mewan 2005 JAYASINGHE, Ranga P 2008 BASTIAENSZ, Ralston 2020 FERNANDO, Navodh Shenal 2020 JAYASUNDERA, Stephan 2019 BENERAGAMA, Gamini Dr. 2022 FERNANDO, Niral 2021 JAYASURIYA, M.D.A. Tarik 2012 BIBILE, Rajindra 2020 FERNANDO, U Savinda Milan 2017 JAYASURIYA, Sarath 2021 BRAINERD, Leslie 2023 FERREIRA, Jeremy 2010 JAYASURIYA, Viraj 2018 BROHIER, Richard 2020 FONSEKA, Mandula 2018 JAYAWARDENA, Asanka 2020 CABRAL, Sriyan 2019 GAMAGE, Kolitha 2018 JAYAWICKREME, Suraj 2018 CADER, Fazal 2020 GAMMAMPILA, Anil 2025 JAYAWICKREME, Eshan 2009 CHAPMAN, Ivor 2012 GANEGAMA, Tilak 2020 JAYETILEKE, Shehan 2011 CHAPMAN, Johann 2020 GANEWATTHE, Dharshana 2017 JESUDHASON, Dr Edward 2020 DANIEL, Bertram 2021 GERLACH, Maxwell 2021 JEYAKUMAR, Jebastian 2016 DANIEL, Dr. Robin 2008 GIBSON, R. Maurice E. 2019 JUNAIDEEN Rayhaan 2008 DASSENAIKE, Nalin 2021 GOMES, Yushantha 2015 KANAGASABAI, H. Selva 2021 DAVID, Frank 2021 GOONAWARDENA, Peneeth 2020 KANATHIGODA, Malithi 2014 DE LIVERA TENNEKOON, S 2013 GOONERATNE, Dinesh 2008 KAPUKOTUWA, Eraj 2019 DE MEL, Duvin Vichinth 2020 GOONERATNE, Sena J. 2013 KAPUWATTE, Shaveen 2018 DE MEL, Jarit 2020 GOONERATNE, Upali J. F. 2020 KAPUWATTE, Shevaan 2019 DE MEL, Sarath 2021 GRIGSON, Roderic 2022 KARIYAWASAM, Nadeeshan 2012 DE MEL, V. Chevinda 2019 GUNATILAKE, Druvin 2020 KARIYAWASAM, Viren 2011 DE SILVA, Anura 2018 GUNARATNAM, Visahan 2009 KARUNARATNE, Rayendra 2020 DE SILVA, Eranga K 2018 GUNASEKERA, Diresh 2018 KARUNATILAKE, Bandula 2005 DE SILVA, G Gunananda S 2018 GUNASEKERA, Hemanga 2017 KARUNATILAKE, Saliya 2015 DE SILVA, Jeremy 2021 GUNASEKERA, Yohan Mark 2007 KATHIRGAMATHAMBY, S 2007 DE SILVA, Lakshman D. 2023 GUNASEKERA, Rayesh 2020 KAVINDA, Nuwan 2016 DE SILVA, Lalindra 2020 GUNAWARDANA, Chanaka 2020 KELLY, Christopher Derrick 2021 DE SILVA, Larry 2014 GUNEWARDANA, Upali 2010 KOCH, Garvin 2017 DE SILVA, Senal Chethaka 2021 GUNEWAREANA, Devinda 2019 KOCH, Godfrey E. L. 2014 DE VOS, Milroy 2022 HAFEEL, Husain 2018 KOCH, Jeffrey H. 2021 DE ZILVA, Adrian 2022 HAMEED, Azam 2017 KODITUWAKKU, Ravindu 2020 DEVAPURA, Jetha 2010 HALLOCK, Shantha 2015 KULATUNGA, Sisira 2019 DHARMAWARDENA, Kushan 2019 HASTIMUNI, Supun 2018 LA BROOY, Glen Arden 2012 DIAS, Pradeep J. A. G. 2014 HEENETIGALA, Dr. Nihal 2021 LANDERS, Millon Hope 2019 DIAS, Yohan 2006 HEENETIGALA, Mahes 2020 LAPPEN, Delwyn 2021 DISSANAYAKE, Janaka 2018 HENRICUS, Cholmondeley 2021

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LAWRENCE, Michael 2010 PERERA, Avishka 2021 SENANAYAKE, Akila 2012 LAWTON, Christopher A. 2022 PERERA, Dr. Mahendra H 2018 SENARATNE, Godfrey 2020 LAWTON, Christopher J. 2025 PERERA, Naveen Tharindu 2008 SENARATNE, Sarath 2020 LAWTON, Michael E. 2022 PERERA, Niranga 2020 SENEVIRATNE, Chanaka 2009 PERERA, Ranjith 2020 LEKAMGE, E. D. B. 2010 PERERA, Ruwan 2020 SENEVIRATNE, Eardley K 2006 LEWIS, Leon Howard 2020 PERERA, Senarath M S R. 2010 SENEVIRATNE, Earle 2011 LIYANAGE, Milinda J. 2021 PERERA, Usher Nalaka 2015 SENEVIRATNE, Mani 2020 LIYANAGE, Saman 2020 PILAPITIYA, Daham Anthony 2012 SENEVIRATNE, Niranjan 2007 LOOS, Rev Gerald 2020 PONNIAH, Jeya 2020 SETUNGA, Raymond 2020 LOOS, Granville Allison 2020 PRABHA David 2009 SHMUEL, Immanuel 2014 LOOS, Lyndon Wilhelm 2020 PREMKUMAR, Sanjay 2020 SILVA, DANIDU 2018 LOOS, Hermon 2016 RAHIM, Shihan 2011 SILVA, Kristian 2010 MARCANDAN, Suresh 2020 RAJADURAI, Joe 2009 SILVA, P. Jayampathy O. 2020 MAHENDRAN, Shylagen 2010 RAJAKARUNA, Shiran 2017 SIRIMANE, Anura 2008 MALLAWAARACHCHI, S 2017 RAJAPAKSE, Suraj 2013 SIRITUNGA, Mahendra V 2004 MALLETT, Anthony J. W. 2020 RANABAHU, Sean Dimith 2016 SIRIWARDENA, Janaka 2020 MASILAMANI, Michael 2016 RANASINGHE, Malaka N 2014 SMITH, Adam A A 2008 MATHANGAWEERA, Rishen 2020 RASARATNAM, Mahendra 2017 SMITH, Norman Allan 2012 MATHER, Professor Paul 2023 RASIAH, John 2007 SOMANADER, Gehan Rufus 2016 MAZAHIR, Nishad 2007 RATNARAJAH, Vasikaran 2022 SOMASUNDERAM, Marty 2020 MEARES, Trevor 2023 RATNAYAKE, Ravi 2009 SRI BAWAN, M 2020 MEDONZA, Siddath 2019 RATNAYAKE, Thivanka M 2018 SRI NISSANKA, Vinuka N 2019 MEEGAMA, Suren Royden 2011 RAUFF, Mazhar M. 2020 ST. JOHN, Ajit Gavin 2023 MENDIS, Glen 2020 REID, Barney D. 2020 ST. JOHN, David 2021 MENDIS, Trevor A. 2021 REID, Claud E. 2020 STORK, Lynwood 2022 MOLLIGODA, Bandula 2020 REID, Dr. Barclay G.(Buddy) 2020 SUNDARANATHAN, M 2015 MOLLIGODA, Suriya 2013 REID, Ronnie 2019 SURIARACHI, Gamini A.W. 2008 MORENO, Emilio 2022 RICHARDS, Marcus 2012 TIRIMANNE, Ranjan 2022 MORTIMER, Geoffrey L E 2012 ROBERTS, Anthony Gerald 2010 THAJUDEEN, Asfan 2021 MUBARAK, Mohamed Nabil 2023 ROBERTS, Richard 2022 THAMANEGAMA, Thisura S 2020 MUTTUKUMARU, Rushan 2015 ROCKWOOD, David C. 2015 THIEDEMAN Michael 2019 NADARAJAH Suresh 2008 RODIE, Gavin 2020 THIEDEMAN, Shane 2056 NADARAJAH, Prashanth 2011 RODIE, John 2021 THIRUNEELA, Mauran 2007 NAGARAJAH, C. Romesh 2020 RODRIGO, A. Lakshan 2013 UDUGAMA, Jitendra A 2020 NAGARAJAH, Rajievan 2008 RODRIGO, Nimal Ravindra 2004 VAN TWEST, Harold 2014 NANAYAKKARA, Dilusha R. 2020 RODRIGO, Pramuditha A 2019 VANDERWERT, Cedric 2016 NANAYAKKARA, Mark 2020 RODRIGO, Ranmal 2014 VANNITHAMBY, Reg 2017 NANAYAKKARA, Nalin 2019 RODRIGUE, Darrel 2021 VARNEY, Allan 2021 NESIAH, Vaseeharan 2020 ROWLAND, Ed 2009 VARNEY, Ashley 2021 NICHOLAS, Christopher 2018 ROWLANDS, Adlai Perc 2006 VARNEY, Christopher 2021 NICOL, Nigel 2021 RUDRA, Sachin Diwarkar 2020 VARNEY, David 2020 NILAWEERA, Tilak 2009 RUPASINGHE, Don Janith 2019 VELUPILLAI, Gerrard 2022 OPATHA, Rashmika 2020 RUWANPURA, Helaka 2009 VYTILINGAM, Raj 2020 OHLMUS, Evelyn R. D. 2019 SAMARAJIWA, Manish N 2018 WAMBEEK, P.E. Keith 2020 ONDAATJE, Peter P.J. 2022 SAMARAJIWA, Shalindra 2020 WANIGATUNGA, Jayantha 2019 OVERLUNDE, Stevie 2019 SANSONI, Adrian Noel 2015 WARNAKULASURIYA, D 2024 PALMER, Carlyle (Carlo) . 2024 SARAVANAMUTTU, Arasu 2020 WAZIL, Adhnan 2006 PALMER, Gavin 2022 SARAVANAMUTTU, Ari 2020 WEERASINGHE, Praveen 2018 PAUL, Dr Amarjit 2013 SARAVANAMUTTU, Tiru 2021 WEERASINGHE, Odath S. 2020 PEARS, Michael 2020 SCHARENGUIVEL, Keith 2017 WEERASIRI, Dr Tilak 2019 PEIRIS, Duane 2012 SCHOORMAN, Peter 2020 WICKRAMASEKERA, Rajitha 2012 PEIRIS, Mangala 2005 SELVADURAI, Sehan Nehru 2020 WICKRAMASINGHE, Chenutha 2019 PEIRIS, Nadija Kalhara 2006 SELVARAJAH, Mano 2010 WICKRAMASINGHE, Lahiru 2019 PEIRIS, Randika 2018 SELVARATNAM, Dr. Peter 2020 WICKRAMASINGHE, Sankha 2020 PEREIRA, Ernley O 2011 SELVARATNAM, Lakshman 2010 WICKRAMASURIYA, Dushan 2009

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WICKREMARATNA, Vidura 2013 GRIGSON, Francis Frederick 2013 WESTERN AUSTRALIA WIJAYASURIYA, Prasada 2026 GUNASINGHE Ruwan 2019 ARNDT, George Arthur R 2015 WIJERATNE, Dhanuja 2020 HENSMAN Mohan 2007 DE KAUWE, Dr. Vevil 2021 WIJESINHA, Dr. Sanjiva 2019 MASEFIELD, Graham R.L. 2010 FAIRWEATHER, Maurice D 2020 WIJESINHA, Rohan Devinda 2013 PERERA, Nimal J 2004 INGRAM, Dennis 2010 WIJESIRI, Reginald Terence 2019 PERERA, Ranjith (Hettige) 2021 JAYASEKERA, Mohan D. 2013 WIJESUNDERA, Chamila 2008 RUPESINGHE, Roshan 2014 MAKALANDA, Kavan 2007 WIJESURIYA, Jehan 2006 SWAN, William L 2021 MAY, Walter 2022 WIJEY, Ashley 2017 VANDERSMAGT, Vernon 2009 SCHOKMAN, David Norman 2023 VELUPILLAI, Anthony R. WIJEYARATNAM, Sancho 2018 Lakshman 2010 VIRASINGHE, Indra A.K. 2016 WIJEYARATNE, Peter 2005 VIDAYASAGARAN(Haran) R 2015 WIKRAMANAYAKE, Nimal 2010 WICKRAMASINGHE, Thishan 2019 OVERSEAS YAPA, Shamal 2020 CALDERA, David Lalith 2025 ZARANI, Mohamed Yusuf 2013 NORTHERN TERRITORY LOHENDRAN, Chelliah 2023 ZAVEER, Mohamed Imran 2017 SHU Jimmy 2009 CLAASZ, Anthony Dermot 2020 ZIMSEN, J. A.Terance 2021 COSWATTE, Renuke J B 2006 QUEENSLAND DE ALWIS, Anil Denham 2010 INTERSTATE AMARATUNGA, Rohith 2011 DE SOYSA, Sunil 2012 ACT BAINES, Trevor 2009 EPHRAUMS, Lance.H.D. 2011 ALDONS, Malcolm Eric 2010 COORAY, Hiran 2011 HILLMAN, Jeremy 2025 ARSAKULASURIYA, Aruna 2006 DISSANAYAKE, Sadeesh 2009 FERNANDO, Dayan (DDL) 2015 DIAS ABEYESINGHE, Rohan 2020 EDWARD, J Roy D 2012 JAYASURIYA, Dhammika D 2023 JACOB, Elmo 2020 GARTH, David 2017 MALLETT, Anthony J. W. 2020 REBERA, Basil 2017 GUNAWARDANA, Uditha W. 2011 MORRIS, Reyhan 2005 WICKRAMASURIYA, Revan 2005 HAMEED, Ahmed Shezad 2007 MUNASINGHE, P.L. 2006 HERFT, Spencer.G. 2025 PEREIRA EDWARD. V 2005 NEW SOUTH WALES LAYMAN, Leon Anthony 2006 SARAVANAMUTTU, Rajan 2020 ARNDT, Dr. Douglas V. 2019 MENDIS, Niru Duleep 2005 SATURNINUS, Peter 2004 BARTHOLOMEUSZ, David 2009 MISSO, REVD. KAROL 2020 SENARATNE, Lalith 2007 BERENGER, Milroy 2022 WANIGASOORIYA, Kamal 2012 THOMAS, Bertram W.R. 2005 DE ZILVA, Charles 2011 WEINMAN, Beaufort A. 2012 GOMES, Prem 2006 D'SILVA, Stefan 2010 TISSERA, George Vernon 2009 DISSANAYAKE, Prabudith 2018 SOUTH AUSTRALIA WEERASINGHE, Abhaya 2020 FLAMER-CALDERA, Maxim 2025 LECAMWASAM, Dr D.S 2010 WIJERATNE, W. D. Neil 2019 GOONATILAKA, Tissa 2020 PONNIAH, S.G. Ranjan 2020 WIJESINHA, Shirley Patrick 2022

NEW MEMBERS Ralston Bastiaensz Naveen Henakankanamage Ravindu Kodituwakku Dr Suresh Marcandan Rashmika Opatha Ranjith (Hettige) Perera

BEYOND THE HORIZON - They only sailed away!

Ranji Casinader Dr C.Ramachandran D.C.Peiris.

U.N. Gunawardena Sathis Yogaratnam Lakshman de Phillips

Bishan Katugaha Mr. S.K. Wickramasinghe Mervyn Peiris

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S Thomas College Mt Lavinia Sri Lanka OBA Australian Branch Inc. ABN 18 114 799 661 PO Box 2337, Mount Waverley, 3149 www.stcobaaust.org.au (1) APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP I desire to become a member of S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka O.B.A. Australian Branch Inc. On admission as a member, I agree to be bound by the rules of the Association. Surname: Date of Birth: / / Given Names: Address: State: Postcode: Telephone/ E-mail: Home: Business: Mobile: E-mail: College Branch Attended: From: To:

Signature of Applicant: ……………………………………………………. Date: ……………………….

I …….…………………………...………………...……………………………………., a member of the Association, nominate the applicant, who is personally known to me, for membership of the Association.

Signature of Proposer: …………………………………………………….. Date: ……………………….

I ……………………..………………...…...……………………………………………, a member of the Association, second the nomination of the applicant, who is personally known to me, for membership of the Association.

Signature of Seconder: …………………………………………………….. Date: ……………………….

(2) MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL/CHANGE OF ADDRESS Membership renewal Change of Address Name: Address: State: Postcode: Telephone/ E-mail: Home: Business: Mobile: E-mail:

(3) PAYMENT METHOD NOTE: 2019 subs = $25; Full-time students' & pensioners' concession = $10.

Cash/Cheque/Money Order* for $ is enclosed (in favour of S. Thomas' College OBA) I have credited STCOBA's account online at CBA, Mount Waverley BSB 063-151, Account No. 1002-9468, in the sum of $______having clearly recorded my name as remitter for identification purposes.

Debi t my Credit Card Number: with $ ______

Expiry Date: CVV: Mastercard Visa (Please tick) Cardholder's Si gnature: ______

Cardholder's Name (as on credit card):

* Delete whichever is inapplicable # Plus bank charge

NOTE: NEW MEMBERS FILL SECTIONS (1) & (3); EXISTING MEMBERS FILL SECTIONS (2) & (3) Committee use only Complete and post to: Enquiries/Contact: Application Membership Secretary Jayampathy (Pajjo) Silva approved Payment PO Box 2337 [email protected] 0418619382 recorded Member Mt. Waverley, VIC 3149 notified Register updated Subscriptions for 2020 were due on 1st January. If you have not already joined or renewed your membership please use the above form. We will always welcome you. So why not come, join us and support the Association?

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 22 Photo Gallery Royal- Thomian OBA Cricket Match 2020

July 2020 – Volume 23 – Issue 2 23

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OBA AGM 2020

141st Royal- Thomian Cricket Match Live Telecast dinner

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News Bulletin of the S. Thomas’ College Old Boys’ Association, Australia Branch Inc., Australia Print Post No: If not claimed within 7 days return to:

PO BOX 2337, Mt. Waverley, Victoria 3149, Australia