Greetings and Welcome !!
This website charts Wesley's voyage of hope since its beginning in 1874
It is an International Website for all Wesleyites, past and present created in Cyberspace. With a few clicks of the rodent you will be transported in time and space to Wesley College Colombo. On its many pages we honour our Principals, Teachers and Past Students. They have done us proud. It is a repository of stories, legends, anecdotes and images of schooldays and school friends. A place to drop in from time to time, browse, read, recharge and reflect. For once it was your home away from home.
Schools are places of endemic change. Every year new students join and those who have left go farther on life's journey outside the school gates. We must change with time and we have done so maintaining our links with our glorious past. We have kept the old traditions whilst embracing the innovative and modern. Rejuvenation and modernisation is a continuous process. It would be dismissive to say that transition has procured no benefit. The introduction of computers and the internet into the curriculum and teaching has moved us forward into an exciting new era in education.
However timeless and imposing, the school is not just a set of buildings but a vibrant community. Education at Wesley College Colombo, since its inception, has been focussed in helping emerging adults discharge their responsibilities well, as individuals in this wonderful world. At school education has always been something more than just learning text books and sitting exams. Our long tradition of excellence in sports, arts, drama and music remain a tribute to our Principals teachers and the students and long may that ethic continue.
The main function of a school is to prepare students for life. I believe, as many Wesleyites do, our school has suceeded in that task. Well, most of the time anyway!!
We all hate change and often hear the lament " the school is not what it used to be" and perhaps "it never was". This is more a nostalgic vision of a mystical, non existent past.
As for the future, the school extends the hand of friendship to welcome back as many old boys as possible. We want the school to benefit from the skills, knowledge and experience the Old Boys can offer. Wesley College ensures friendship and goodwill to all old boys and hope the joy of shared memories will give them a continuing stake in the school's success.
Highfield of Wesley by Dr. Nihal D Amerasekera
Wesley College Colombo exudes history. However, the great school we see today is just over a hundred years old, almost all the brainchild of the Rev Henry Highfield, Principal 1895-1925.
Highfield of Wesley unfolds a story of long life full of interest, endeavours and achievements. It spans a momentous period of Ceylon's history. Behind any great organisation is a great leader, and schools are no exception. The Principal of the school sets the tone, the vision and the expectations for the staff and students.
Rev Henry Highfield is considered the father of the present school in Karlshrue Gardens. As the City of Colombo expanded in the late 19th Century the original school in Dam Street Pettah became smothered by buildings, dust and grime. Rev. Highfield had the wisdom and foresight to collect the funds to buy the prime land adjacent to Baseline Road. The property belonged to Charles Ambrose Lorensz, a prominent solicitor. His house became the Principals' bungalow. Rev Highfield's energy was colossal, and so was his enthusiasm. He had the vision and the determination to collect the money to build the school. It was not without its vicissitudes and setbacks. He cycled from house to house appealing to the affluent to part with their money. The foundation stone for the new Wesley College was laid in 1905 and the building completed in January 1907.
Rev. Highfield changed the ethos of the school. While acknowledging the importance of learning he realised that was only a part of education. The greater aim of education is the formation of character. He changed the curriculum giving importance to sports and began the prefect system looking for moral principles and gentlemanly conduct while promoting intellectual ability. Part of his reforms was to introduce the concept of the school as a community. Rev Highfield started the four houses for the school to generate friendly rivalry and encourage loyalty. He set the standard to make the students good scholars and responsible leaders.
During his reign Wesley developed into a very good school set in idyllic surroundings.. It had an able and dedicated staff and was popular with parents. Rev Highfield as the Principal was humane and approachable. The School has developed a strong academic tradition and has produced a collection of great alumni. Sir O.E.Goonetilleke, the first Ceylonese Governor General undoubtedly the best of the bunch.
Rev Highfield set high standards for future Principals to follow. Wherever we walk in the school we feel his presence. He must wander ethereally in the corridors and classrooms of that magnificient building. Its elegant facade is a special tribute to this remarkable person. Today he is the 'pater familias' of a large and vibrant community of Wesleyites scattered all over the world. His legend lives on.
The Present Principal
Dr Shanti McLelland
The appointment of a new Principal is a momentous event in the history of the school. Dr Shanti McLelland is an old boy of Wesley College from the Oorloff-Nonis-Wirasinha era and was a keen natural sportsman excelling in Hockey and Athletics. He was resident in Toronto, Canada before Joining the school as its Principal in May 2009. He has strong links with the past teachers and Old Boys which will be a great asset in dealing with the issues ahead. When he takes on a job, anyone who knows Dr McLelland will be aware that he means business. His fortitude, dogged determination and vigorous enthusiasm is infectious.It is impressive seeing in action so much of the affection generated by old boys, for the benefit of the school, since his appointment. May his task ahead be rewarding. We wish him a long and happy time at Wesley.
Although we have common objectives this website is not an official site of Wesley College Colombo or its Old Boys Unions. It is a free and independent forum and a collection of images and memories of past students.
- Dedication: The site is dedicated to the Principals, Teachers and Students of Wesley College who have now departed this world. It is created in memory of their immeasurable contribution to the life of the school. They have enriched our lives. I hope now they have found eternal peace. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning , we will remember them.
- Disclaimer: The views expressed in the articles in this website are entirely those of the authors. Any readers who wish to discuss issues further are encouraged to write to the web editor or contact the authors directly. I have received articles from Wesleyites from all round the world and without exception they all have spoken very highly of the school and the staff. There was never any occasion to edit articles for inflammatory content although it is appreciated that no institution is perfect. I sincerely hope in the fullness of time this website would be a true and accurate record of life at Wesley since its lowly beginnings in 1874. It is also hoped all the staff and students have had the opportunity to express their views freely and fairly on this site.
- Credits: I have lived all my working life in England 5000 miles away from the school. Hence, I had no direct access to the school archives, magazines or photographs. Due to the distance personal communications with teachers, Principals and past students was a problem. I collected most of the material via emails through loyal friends and well wishers. I had to phone, Skype, cajole, beg and even twist the arm of old boys to write their memoirs, and write they did. As an editor and a compiler I send my heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped me to make this website a success. Without you there will not be a Double Blue International. The site is a tribute to each and everyone of you. I wish to thank all the authors and the editors of the Centenary and 125th Souvenirs . Special mention must be made of Neville Weerasekera, Shelton Peiris, Shanti McLelland, and the OBU (UK) for their encouragement and help. I thank the numerous Old Boys who sent articles and messages of approval of my efforts in making an International Website. I would particularly like to thank the Achilles family now in Australia - Vernon, Dallas and Delmer for their support in sending me articles and photographs for this website. The site is only as good as its contributors. Keith de Kretser has been a tower of strength by his contributions and enthusiasm in keeping this website alive. Lalith Wijesinghe (LCR) has never wavered in his support. Ranjit Aaron who now lives in New Zealand has been a prolific writer remembering those happy years at school. Last but not least, Mahendra Dissanayake has been a great help in finding a home for this website in his server. I have always valued his helpful friendly advice.
From the Editor's pen
I am Nihal Douglas Amerasekera. I was called ND at school, amongst other names which were less flattering!! My parents preferred to call me Nihal.
I have always wanted to create a website to unify all Wesleyites whatever colour, race, religion or ethnic background they may have. At Wesley we were a multi-ethnic, multi religion and multi-cultural community. I consider the many students who passed through the gates of the school as belonging to one large family. It is my desire to bring them all together at this site wherever in the world they may be. There is no better meeting place than the internet to reflect, meet and greet. It is my wish to:
- Provide information about school friends and teachers for a database of email addresses.
- Provide photos and interesting anecdotes about school life.
- Publish articles and letters sent by old boys and OBU's.
- Make the site a meeting place for Wesley College Old boys all over the world.
- Record the recent and past history of our school including its gripes and swipes.
- Record Obituaries and appreciations
I started work on this website in the depths of a bitter, rainswept English winter many years ago. Those long days and nights spent on its creation gave me a wonderful insight into the richness of life and achievements of this great school. Time is precious. Content is not cost free. Writing is work. There are no advertising revenues and no sponsorships. But it has been a pleasure and a privilege to be the editor of this journal since 1995. I am humbled by the immense support received from old boys. It is inspiring to note there is a wondeful brotherhood of Wesleyites out there willing to help. I rejoice in the fact I am still able to be of service to such a multitude of old boys all over the world. At times it is hard to comprehend the convulsive changes that have taken place within society since my childhood. A recent poem summarised the endless posibilities for students today.
You may have noticed, teacher,
I am not in school today.
But the tape deck on my desk,
Will record each word you say.
Switch on my laptop's Webcam,
When you have something to show,
And if you pass out homework,
Find my fax number below.
I’ve a pager and cell phone,
So I won’t be hard to reach.
Since I don’t need to be in class,
I’ll do lessons at the beach.
When I look back ...................
Well, doesn't time fly !!!! It was with a mixture of awe and pride that I passed through the gates of Wesley College for the first time in 1950. It seems like only yesterday that I was walking up the school driveway on that eventful first morning. The place was imposing to say the least. Now, here I am retired after an enormously satisfying 40 year career in Medicine. All those years have gone swiftly as the blink of an eye. There are a few advantages to getting old - still people tend to give you some respect. The perks outnumber the downsides. But the main problem is that your body never allows you to forget the passage of years.
I was at Wesley from 1950-62 and was in the boarding from 1952-58. They were very happy times indeed. Those who recognise me from the old days will note the changes due to the ravages of time. I owe so much to so many in the school, Students teachers and Principals. This is my thank you to them all and Wesley. I would be delighted to hear from you.
My father Douglas Bertram Amerasekera was a student at Wesley and remembered teachers Eric Gunasekera Percy T Cash C.M. Fonseka and HJVI Ekanayake and students O.E Goonetilleke and PH Nonis. He was at Richmond College Galle during the Principalship of Rev. WJT Small, much loved and great Principal of that school.
Since our Independence from Britain there have been rapid changes to the policy on education. With the benefit of hindsight some of it has been detrimental to education, schools and the country. Successive Principals had to steer the school through difficult times. The Old Boys Union and the Methodist Church rallied valiantly to keep the school afloat and maintain financial viability. Without the help of those organisations Wesley would not have survived in its present form. The OBU has always been a tower of strength to the school. We must specially remember some of the old boys for their selfless service to the school over many years. Their names are too numerous to mention but special mention has to be made of Sir O.E.Goonetilleke, Hon., M.H. Mohammed and Terence De Zylva for their outstanding contribution over many decades. If anyone feels that other names need to be mentioned, here is your chance. You are free to write about those old boys, teachers or Principals to this website. Many old boys have donated prizes in memory of the staff and students which is a most generous gesture to remember them every year on Prize Giving day.
When I was a kid, children had no rights at home and none at school. We were only to be seen and not heard. At Wesley in my day life was not a bed of roses. It was worst in the Primary school where there was an aura of fear that pervaded the classrooms and the corridors. Discipline was administered with an iron fist and the school rules were to be respected at all times and at any cost. This climate of fear eased as we moved into the middle school. In the sixth form we were treated as adults and given responsibilities as Prefects to uphold the rule of law and discipline. On looking back I cannot find fault with the manner in which discipline was administered and the school was run. Those who were in school with me have turned out to be useful and respected citizens of this world. The old boys too form a cross section of society with its complement of saints and sinners. Whilst some became politicians, lawyers and doctors, a few may not have kept to the straight and narrow.
I have a head full of memories of things that happened at school. They must have made a tremendous impression on my young mind. Some of these recollections are happy ones but a few are unpleasant, even painful. There were times I hated school.. There was too much home work and too many rules and punishments. But somehow good times finally shone through.
It amazes me still how the school managed to balance the demands of high academic standards with the time demands of extra activities like sports, art, music and drama. The balance was achieved satisfactorily and without undue pressure. For this we have to thank the skill of the teachers and the Principal. Situation has changed since my time as my article shows - Growing up in the 21st Century
We owe a great debt to our schoolmasters. One measure of a school is the way teachers and students interact. We remember with much gratitude the interest they took in our develoment and welfare. The teachers at Wesley, what great characters some of them were! I hope they still are. My memory of them extend to their physical features, their anger, smile and even the smell. Some had tempers that would terrify even the boldest. What distinguished them all, large or small in stature was their apparent venerability. They seem to belong to the school like its own furniture and walls. None seemed more than 50 but so much a part of Wesley. These characters seemed indestructible. Even now after 50+ years it gives me a shock and a pang to read of the death of an old master. The teachers at Wesley seem permanent and the majority stayed on until retirement. Many had served for well over 25 years. Although their salaries were probably just adequate, they had a loyalty to the school, and did not use a teaching post as an ambitious transient stepping stone to a bigger and a better paid teaching job elsewhere, as many young teachers do now. I often feel that many of our older teachers, some of them though eccentric, may turn in their graves at the disloyalty and opportunism of our modern teachers. For them, the joy of knowing of the success of their students was payment enough.
When I now look at some of the old school photos and even see the names of those masters, their faces, mannerisms and voices come easily to mind. Mr. N.E.H.Fonseka who chewed betel always spat from an upstairs window without looking to avoid passers by below. On many occasions I have prayed the spray would fall on the Principal but had no such luck. C.E.De Pinto, Eric Gunasekera, W.E.Mack, C.P.Dias, C.V.Honter before my time and LA Fernando, JLF De Mel, CJT Thamotheram, Iris Blacker, Joyce Leembrugen, Wilfred Wickramasinghe, Lionel Jayasuriya, Charles Yesudian , Raju Hensman and EL Rodrigo during my time were an integral part of the institution that moulded our lives. I fear, I give the impression that these teachers were virtuous and without fault. They were human and in one way or another difficult, egotistical, strong minded and demanding. They loved the school and their profession. They made good friends. I wouldn't want them as enemies. Having said this I have the greatest respect for many of them. I still feel guilty to this day for not going round the school from the primary school upwards to say goodbye to every teacher many of whom I never saw again.
Wesley College attracted pupils from all over Ceylon. During my years there were many from Jaffna, Batticaloa, Puttalam, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Amparai, Sammanthurai, Galle, Matara and Hambantota to mention but a few. The school had the busy and bustling town of Borella to the south, the distinctly middle class Dematagoda to the north, the grinding poverty of Wanathamulla to the east and the opulence of Cinnamon Gardens to the west.
Thus amidst the rich and affluent there were many poor students from all classes and backgrounds. This enriched us all. Historically Wesley competed with Zahira College to attract many Muslims. They have played a key role both as students and generous old boys. Being a Christian school it catered for all religions and there were more Buddhists than Christians . With a thriving Tamil stream the Hindu religion was well represented too. Many from the Mount Mary Railway community sent their kids to Wesley College. The Burghers brought a fourth dimension to our lives at school by there excellence in sports and their easy going attitude to life. Those who took their school work seriously went on to represent the foreign service, the medical and legal professions. The Chinese community was well represented too with the likes of C.S.Chen who became a leading Orthopaedic Surgeon in London. There were two blind students in the boarding during my years at school. They showed us how talented and bright they were despite their disability. During my 12 years at school I do not recall any unsavoury incidents of a racial, ethnic or religious kind. Rev.Highfield and the many Principals who followed him by their dynamism and integrity have succeeded in providing an all round education to Wesleyites to disregard all these artificial barriers which have become a hindrance to peace in our country. The dedicated teachers over the years and the OBU's have provided the glue that have bonded all Wesleyites together wherever they may be.
The image I carry with me of the school is still the view of Wesley College I saw on my first day in January 1950. I was mesmerised by the elegant sweep of the majestic buildings. Now as I reflect it is impossible to forget its history and the sacrifice of those who founded the school. I can picture Rev Highfield, looking vigorous and fit, pacing the Great Hall and the endless corridors as his dream of a new school in Karlsruhe Gardens was fulfilled. Time has not diminished its splendour. The family of 1200 students and teachers have made me what I am today. Growing up in such surroundings was a privilege. What I learnt on and off the classrooms has helped me in my long and tortuous journey through life. Despite its ups and down Wesley remains, at least in my thoughts, as one of the finest schools in the country.
In this fractured and troubled world, what we seek more than anything is a sense of belonging, a feeling that we are part of a community of like-minded souls. Despite this it is ironic how many of the rising generation of students after having received a fine education at Wesley leave the school never to set foot on those hallowed grounds ever again. It amazes me that even those old boys who live in Sri Lanka and some of them living in Colombo have never been to the school premises as past students. Does that seem fair, to you? In the endless whirr of 24/7 life of the 21st Century it is perhaps easy to forget our formative years. Some must have good reasons to do so. I am sure they can find in some corner of their hearts forgiveness and to realise no institution is perfect. It warms my heart that some of the old boys in Sri Lanka and also those who live abroad still have the passion to visit the school. If you want to steal a bit of your old life back, OWSC is the place to wine and dine and also to meet and greet old Wesleyites.
When old boys come together they move into recollection mode recalling those beautiful, quirky moments of their youth. There is never a dull moment. Voices will be imitated, mannerism mimicked, idiosyncracies enhanced and long since dormant episodes of school life will suddenly spring to mind bringing hilarity, sadness, affection or even a wry smile. As the wine and conversation flows we get transported back many decades. There will be a glow and a shared warm feeling of times past. The last to leave often provide a lusty rendition of the old school song.
Saying goodbye to Wesley which was my home for over a decade was one of the hardest things I have had to do. I still think about it. The friends I made have remained friends for life even though I never saw many of them again. We lived our lives in the Wesley Village in Karlsruhe Gardens. It is impossible to recreate that life again. The Old Boys Unions are just a poor substitute but an essential one to keep in touch. I hope very much the readers of this website will be transported back to their schooldays. I wish this journey will encourage them to contribute to this website to keep those memories alive.
Nostalgia is my great sin, and I remember with a sense of loss a kinder gentler world which disappeared forever as I left school. The most painful of all is the disappearance from my life the people who meant so much to me, friends, "enemies", teachers, chaplains and Principals in all those years at Wesley. I stepped on the treadmill to carve myself a career and raise a family. Now having reached the end of my working life I still yearn for those days at school even though more than fifty years have passed me by. I am eternally grateful to my parents for their wisdom to send me to Wesley College Colombo.
The bee-like buzzing of a thousand schoolboys that was ever present throughout my stay at school, went silent as I stepped on to Baseline Road for the last time in April 1962. And of course, I had left behind a part of myself at Wesley that was my home for so many years. Life was never the same ever again. As the sunset on my schooldays there was a new dawn of a career in medicine.
But I shall forever cherish my time at Wesley.
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your field
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand
( A celtic blessing )
Ora et Labora
Dr Nihal D Amerasekera MBBS, FRCP(UK), FRCR(London)
The College Song in Cyberspace - Tributes from the Editor
Mr HJVI Ekanayake
The College Song has been an important part of school life and has remained a unifying force within the School. The Song is one of the most remarkable and enduring aspects of education at Wesley in terms of maintaining the bonds between School and alumni. The lyrics of the song was composed by Mr HJVI Ekanayake, a distinguished old boy. It incorporates the hopes and wishes of the Founding Fathers of the School. The Melody belongs to Robert Burns and Scotland as shown by Keith de Kretser in his writings . We grew up with it and like the School Flag, the Crest and the Motto it is woven into the fabric of the school. It is a rallying cry, a focus of its pupils' pride and loyalty and proclaims the school's identity far and wide. We sang it in the School Hall on the big occasions. We sang it at the beginning and end of term and also many times in between. Both its lyrics and its melody have a certain charm which every old boy will remember with much nostalgia. The College Song has a timeless quality and has retained its grandeur despite the passage of years.
From gawky teenagers to shuffling Octogenarians, individual memories of Wesley College consist of a myriad different sets of sounds and images. But the singing of the Century-old School Song is the only shared experience that cuts across the generations. It is also a reminder of those carefree days of our youth.
The Melody
Santhusht de Silva, an old boy of the Oorloff-Nonis-Wirasinha era, has very kindly sent me a youtube clip of the College Song which I wish to share with you. Those who remember him from school will recall he was a gifted musician even as a schoolboy. The music has been created by Santhusht. Do enjoy and sing-along and allow your thoughts to wander and relish those images that flash across your mind.
A Choral Version
There is a version of the school song sung by a choir. This brings back great memories of happy times in our Karlshrue village. The song arrived on my PC by email - author unknown!! The imagery as I listen is evocative with Miss Mary Colin-Thome pounding away on the piano amid a few squeaks and squeals of a thousand young voices in the Great Hall. The nuances, pronunciations and pauses in the rendition of the Song has remarkably remained unchanged despite the many transformations that have taken place in the school and in our country. Perhaps when Wesleyites, new and old, next sing their School Song they should do so with thankfulness and praise for its author, now long departed, for that unique Song that is so much an inseparable part of the Institution. We remember the students, teachers and principals who once sang that same Song under the very same roof since it was composed all those years ago. Such is the power and reach of a School Song to rally, nourish and rouse the spirit of a school, long after school days are over.
The School Crest
We grew up with it and like the school flag it is an integral part of the school. The school crest is a visual symbol of identity for a school, a rallying cry, a focus of its pupils' pride and loyalty. Emblazoned on a flag, embossed on a metal badge, monogrammed on school blazers and sports jerseys, printed on exercise book covers and certificates, or integrated into official letterheads, the school crest proclaims the school's identity far and wide.
The College Crest - How it evolved by Shelton Peries
125th Anniversary First day Cover
Don't lose contact with your school friends. With the Internet and modern Telecommunications it is easier to keep in touch, than you think. Please send me your details including the email address to be included in the database, completely free of charge. Your friends are just a phone call away (or email away).
If you want your details to be on the database
Please send me your : Name. Address, Phone, Email and the years you were at Wesley Eg. 1950-62
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