John Wesley (1703-1791) Founder of Methodist Church

The Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira

Founder of Wesley College Colombo.

     In a Journey, back in time, to the environs of the dusty noisy Pettah, we go over to the Wesleyan Mission premises in Dam Street, where we find a group of children at the feet of a benign Minister, the Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira. It certainly was no place for a school but in spite of the many difficulties, Rev. Daniel Henry Pereira started Wesley College in 1874.

Young Daniel Henry was keenly interested in teaching and he was also proficient in English, Sinhala and Portuguese. He had also knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. He had a brilliant mind displaying itself in the clarity of expression. The school at Dam Street he conducted formed the beginning of Wesley College which was founded on the 2nd March 1874 of which he was the first ever vice Principal with the Rev. Samuel Rowse Wilkin its first Principal. (1874 -1879) who was followed by the Rev. Arthur Shipham (1880 - 1883).

 (By Shelton Peiris from the 125th Anniversary Souvenir)

Rev. Henry Highfield of Wesley

 One of the greatest of the many Principals, was the Revd Henry Highfield. At London and Cambridge Universities he distinguished himself in Classics and English. At the age thirty he came to Ceylon and Wesley, which he made his home for the next thirty years. In 1925 at the age of sixty he retired. He went about in a bicycle that made history and it enabled him to go round the country raising funds for new buildings. It transformed Wesley, metaphorically, from brick to marble, from dust and dilapidation of Dam Street to airy and solid buildings in Karlsruhe Gardens. In November 1905 the foundation stone was laid and the new building opened in 1907    

It is men, however, more than buildings that make a College. Mr. Highfield gathered round him capable teachers, men of personality, prominent among them C.P. Dias, City Father,W. E. Mack, whose invaluable assistance he greatly appreciated. But he himself was the greatest among them. He loved teaching and his happiest hours were those he spent with his sixth form, teaching Latin or English and Greek.

Among his pupils were the one and only Sir Oliver Goonatilleke (Governor General), Sir Mohammed Marcan Marker (Senator), Sir Gerard Wijeyekoon, the first President of the Senate, Principals of schools whom Wesley had trained C.P.Thamotheram of Hartley, E.R.De Silva of Richmond, P.H.Nonis of Kingswood and Wesley , SVO Somanader of Central College Batticaloa, E.D Thambimuttu of Christian College Kotte, F.N Hettiaratchi of Cathedral College and Terence De Zilwa who had his own school at Dematagoda. He was so troubled in mind during the riots, courageously protected those in trouble. He spoke from public platforms and with equal courage wrote a resentful note on the conduct of certain Europeans '"This is not what I was taught at Cambridge as British fair play" - a statement in those days could have had serious consequences for himself. He anticipated the need for a united Lanka. It was his pride that in Wesley all communities worked happily together. They became one fraternal band who learnt to love Wesley and her devoted Principal. The Senior leader who unveiled his portrait was right when he pointed to it as he did the unveiling with the words. . "Behold God's Good Man"

By Prof   J. L. C. Rodrigo, From the 125th Anniversary souvenir

Mr H.J.V.I. 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 were composed by Mr. H.J.V.I. 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. It is a rallying cry, a focus of its pupils' pride and loyalty and proclaims the school's identity far and wide. 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.

Sir Oliver had his education at Wesley College during the time of Principal, Rev. H. Highfield and Headmaster C.P. Dias. The late Mr. Dias used to say of him “If you want an original idea, you better go to Oliver”. His intelligence, tact and ability to please his teachers and companions were seen in his school boy days. He taught at Wesley for a few years and later passed the London B.A. and the London Inter Science (Economics). Rev. P.T. Cash the Vice Principal too gave him much encouragement and helped him in his studies. He had the innate understanding to deal with all sorts of people and get on with them in friendliest of terms.

Photo below: Signing of the Declaration of Independence Agreement in 1948: Seated- Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore, Governor of Ceylon, D.S. Senanayake, Prime Minister. Standing-C.H. Mulhall, Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Sir Arthur Ranasinghe.  Sir Ivor Jennings, the then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, in his book on the Constitution has stated if not for Messers D.S. Senanayake and Olver Goonetilleke Ceylon would have remained a Crown Colony for a larger period of time. It seems that all of us have forgotten the great person who was responsible for the birth of that independence. He is none other than Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke who became the first Ceylonese Governor-General. Then D. S. Senanayake took office as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Ministers of which the Chairman was the British Governor, and another Wesleyite Sir Don Baron Jayatilleke took office as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in New Delhi in December 1942. The trio Senanayake, Goonetilleke and Jennings drafted a fresh Constitution for the country. In June 1947 the British Cabinet of Ministers decided to introduce the legislation necessary to confer independence to Sri Lanka. Victorious Sir Oliver came back victoriously with a draft for independence which referred to Sri Lanka the receiving of full responsibility the status with the British Commonwealth of Nations. 04.02.1948 was fixed the Independence day. Wesleyite Sir Claude Corea took up the post of Ceylonese Representative in the United Kingdom in 1946, 2 years prior to Independence. It is as a diplomat par excellence that he is remembered. Sir Claude was soon commissioned by Don Stephen Senanayake, appointed him as the first Ceylonese Ambassador to the United States in 1948.

Professor E.F. C. Ludowyk- by D.F.Abeysekera

Evelyn Frederick Charles Ludowyk, - an unique combined product of two great Methodist Schools, Richmond College, Galle and Wesley College, Colombo - was born on the 16th of October 1906. He was a brilliant scholar with an outstandingly brilliant mind - academic success coming his way with the greatest of ease! In 1913 he passed the Cambridge Junior Examination with First Class Honours, inclusive of four distinctions. He also had the unparalleled distinction of being the youngest King's Scout in the British Empire at the tender age of thirteen ! Ludowyk had extraordinary talent of reading Shakespeare texts and playing the Piano simultaneously! Ludowyk entered the University College, Colombo in 1925 and distinguished himself further, with First class Honours in English. He consequently won a Government Scholarship to Cambridge in 1929, where he distinguished himself once again obtaining First Class Honours in the Tripos ; also winning the prestigious Oldham Shakespeare Prize. This was the era when three men of great originality - I.A.Richards, Mansfield Forbes and F.R.Leavis were making a "deep impact on Cambridge English". To merely summarize that Ludowyk was brilliant , creative and versatile would be an understatement ! Much more needs to be known of him, especially by the present boys of Wesley.

He was invited to join the staff of the University College, Colombo in 1932 and was appointed Professor of English in 1936, when he was just thirty years old. Four years later, he was appointed Dean of the faculty of Arts- the first Ceylonese to hold this office and remained Professor of English until his retirement in 1956. In recognition of his outstanding and unique contribution to the University College, and then to the University of Ceylon he was made Professor Emeritus Ludowyk's contribution to Theatre in Ceylon has been spectacular as well.

Sir Baron Jayatilleke by Graham Dissanayake

A distinguished product of Wesley College Colombo, Sir Baron Jayatillake, was born on the 13th February 1863. By his sheer intellectual ability and handwork reached the top. Here his education was in Sinhala, Sanskrit and Pali, with an emphasis on the Buddhist scriptures. Undoubtedly this impact on the young mind, sowed the seeds of nationalistic and religious fervour which destined the course of his educational and political career.

Sir Claude Corea (1894-1966)

Sir Claude Corea (right) with the Prime Minister of Ceylon Sir John Kotelawala and Viscount Soulbury

In 1946,he entered the diplomatic service,as Ceylon's repressentative in the UK,and in 1948 was Sri Lanka's first ambassdor to the USA. He will be remembered as one of Sri Lanka's first and ablest envoys and is an Old Boy of Wesley College Colombo. In 1952 while Claude Corea served as Ceylonese representative in Britain, the Queen bestowed his knighthood.

Professor J. E. Jayasuriya

Prof. J. E. Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s educationist of the 20th century. John Ernest Jayasuriya had his early education in a number of schools in different parts of the country. Among the schools that he attended were Anuruddha Vidyalaya, Nawalapitiya; Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda and Wesley College, Colombo. He always excelled in his studies, and was placed second in the island in order of merit at the Cambridge Senior Examination in 1933. At the Ceylon University College, he was a brilliant student of mathematics, and graduated with first class honours in 1939. At the very young age of 21 years, he became founder principal of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya. A few years later, JEJ had the honour of being hand-picked by the then Minister of Education, C. W. W. Kannangara, to be the principal of Matugama Central School.

M.D.Gunasena - Book Publisher and distinguished old boy

Malagalage Don Gunasena whose name is today identified and synonymous with the book printing and publishing industry in Sri Lanka hails from the remote village of Wewala in Salpiti Korale. He had his initial education at the Wewala government school and there after studied English at Wesley College. There after he gained much knowledge in the printing industry at the Boys Industrial Home. In 1925 the existing business transformed itself into MD Gunasena and Company.  

Terrence De Zylva by an Old Boy (Kind courtesy of Dallas Achilles)

TERENCE de ZYLVA was a student of Wesley College from 1911 to 1915. He was the best dressed student in the class, perhaps in the whole school. He was fastidious in matters of dress to the point of being considered effeminate in that respect. At school Terence shone at games. He was already a good tennis player when he joined Wesley. He played cricket for Wesley in1915. In one match, Terence was the hero, Wesley was set to make over 170 runs to win against St. Thomas’ Five wickets had fallen for 90 runs the match seemed lost, but Terence came in at this stage and with his Captain A.M. Fuard, was able to stem the tide of defeat and achieve a thrilling five wicket victory.  Then began his remarkable career as a school master. First, Prince of Wales, then Wesley, Zahira and Sri Sumangala. His strong individuality admitted of no compromise and he decided to strike out on his own. He established what later was called Kolonnawa Vidyala. He had to create from nothing~ obtain a site, put up buildings at first temporary, and get together his staff for the private school he set up to teach one thousand students. In politics, he supported the ‘Suriyamal’ campaign against the use of the ‘Poppy flower’.

M. Sathasivam - bewitching elegance on and off the field by Alfred Gogerly Moragoda CCS From the 125th Anniversary Souvenir

Sri Lanka's recent cricket exploits prompt an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling ' s Recessional " The tumult and the shouting have died. The Captains and their teams have departed. "The humble heart, which the Recessional terms an ancient sacrifice has been amply demonstrated by Sri Lanka's outstanding players personally. They have emphasized that the credit of success belongs to their team and not to themselves individually. However, the sacrifice for a contrite heart, also counselled in the Recessional, is hardly to be noticed anywhere. On the contrary, some even green to gloat over Sri Lanka's straight victories in the Wills World Cup matches and the Singer World Series matches, especially, and this not without some sense of justice, over its humiliation of the same adversaries in the finals of both these events. Even the newspapers have gone to town over.

Sri Lanka's cricket. An editorial refers to the "decisive defeat of the Aussies for the second time" and goes on to add "our cricketing talent is truly extraordinary ... the exhilarating batsman ship of a Sathasivarn or the wicket- keeping of a Navaratne or the all round performance of a Gunasekera or Prins were the first indications of an island full of cricketing talent." All the names mentioned above are those of true sportsmen. He was the most naturally gifted batsman the world has ever .seen, the most charmingly disdainful of any kind of bowling, the most nonchalant in situations most desperate. It was well-nigh impossible to set a field to contain him. He found than gaps with effortless ease. And he did it with artistry and finesse. It is no wonder he captained two countries at cricket (Sri Lanka & Malaysia).

Bryan Claessen

Bryan was a member of Wesley's first eleven Cricket Teams during the 1950 to 1953 seasons. These were indeed our glorious Years of Cricket. Derrick Mack captained in 1950 and '51. Radley Claessen in 1952 and I lead Wesley in 1953. Wesley was placed second in the Inter-Collegiate Championship of 1950-51. The following season we took the top spot although we drew with St.Thomas' and in 1953 we had the distinction of being un-beaten Champions. It was an exciting four years of Cricket with Mr. A.V. Fernando as our honorary coach. There were two other aspects of paramount importance to Wesley's successes. First, we had an unrelenting determination; a will to win. We always played hard and we always played fair. Secondly, the players had the benefit of knowing that the whole school - teachers and students alike, without exception, were supporting them all the way. The intensity of support was inspiring and we were all fired -up for action by the famous War-Cry originated by Rev. James Cartman (Principal 1945-49) Because of this dedicated support and the sense of total unity that prevailed, the successes of our Golden Years must surely belong to all Wesleyites of the time and our achievements remain as their most

cherished recollections to this very day.

   NORMAN DE LA HARPE

                        Norman was enrolled as a student of Wesley College Colombo in 1935. He received his entire education at Wesley during the Principalships of Reverends Dalby, Izzet, Holden, Cartman and Mr C J Oorloff. Norman proudly claims that he is a “born and bred” Wesleyite”.

Norman was an outstanding sportsman. He excelled in cricket and athletics, also played hockey, tennis and was a promising boxer. As a cricketer (1946-48), Norman will be remembered as a fiery opening pace bowler, arguably the fastest schoolboy pace bowler in 1948. He was a member of Harold Matthysz champion team of 1948 and vividly remembers our big match against the powerful Royal College side. Norman took (4/40) and N S Jayasundera (3/32) to dismiss The Royal College side for a mere 136 runs. Wesley replied with 172, this match remembered for the magnificent 119 runs by Harold.

Rienzie T. Wijetillake by Neville Weerasekera

Rienzie Wijetillake had his early education at Christian College, Kotte and then moved onto Wesley College where he completed his secondary education. He was an outstanding student and carried away several academic prizes. He was also a College Prefect. On leaving school he joined the Bank of Ceylon, and he continued to pursue his studies and obtained a BSc(Economics) degree. He was posted to the Bank's International Division London Branch in 1966 and in 1971 he joined the Hatton National Bank which was just incorporated.

At Hatton National Bank his career has been nothing short of meteoric. In 1983 he became Manager of the largest Branch namely the City Office in Fort. In a relatively short period he became the Managing Director and C.E.O. of Hatton National Bank.  Rienzie Wijetillake has found the time energy to devote his skills and talents to "Youth Welfare" special emphasis on the rural youth of our country. At a time when there is so much frustration amongst rural youth mainly due to the lack of job opportunities his projects have helped to alleviate such difficulties.

Neville S.Weerasekera by Shelton Peiris

Neville Weerasekera, was a student at Wesley from 1946-50, in the Cartman era. He was twice winner of the Gogerly Scholarship, and entered the University of Ceylon, Faculty of Engineering in 1950, and graduated with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering . He joined the Shell Company of Ceylon in 1955 and became Technical Manager. In 1968 he Joined the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and was lastly the Refinery Manager before he left to take up an Appointment as Project Director with Petromin in Saudi Arabia, in 1975. He returned to Sri Lanka in 1989. He is a Chartered Engineer and is married with two children.

Prof. Maharoof Ismail - Outstanding Researcher From a report in the Ceylon Daily News

Prof. Mahroof Ismail, M.B.B.S., D.T.M& H., M.D, PhD., Emeritus Professor of Parasitology, had his entire primary and secondary education at Wesley College from 1935 to 1950. He was twice winner of the Hill Medal, and carried away the class prize each year, in addition to other prizes.After graduating from the Medical College, he joined the Medical Research Institute where he had an outstanding career, and finally became the Director of the Institute.... in 1983.

His research has Lead to the Global Control of Filariasis. Abridged from a Report in the Ceylon Daily Research carried out in Sri Lanka by Prof. Mahroof Ismail, leading a team from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, The National Hospital, Colombo in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA has discovered that Albendazole, the standard treatment worldwide to combat intestinal worms. In 1983 he was appointed as Professor of Parasitology, in the Faculty of Medicine, and became Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1994-96, and acted for the Vice Chancellor in 1996. ... He has been on the Board of numerous medical, educational, and scientific organisations both in Sri Lanka and abroad. He is an internationally recognised authority on Filariasis and soil transmitted nematode infections. He is a Member of the WHO Expert Committee on Filariasis. In addition to the many academic accomplishments, Prf. Mahroof also had the time and inclination to participate in Hockey and Badminton both at College and the University, where he won his Colours. He is an accomplished Pianist, and has been the accompanist at several school functions.

Air Vice Marshall E.R.Amerasekera DFC and Bar

Edward Rohan Amerasekera was born in Kegalle. He received his early education at Kingswood College and then at Wesley College from 1925-29 . Rohan joined the Royal Air Force aged 24 and served in the 153 and 640 Squadrons. He flew 85 sorties over Nazi Germany and became the most decorated Asian in the Royal Air Force. After returning home he joined the Royal Ceylon Air Force first becoming the Air Commodore in 1962 and then the Air Vice Marshall. Rohan retired in 1972 and died in 1974 at age of 57.

L.R.Goonatilleke

Lucky Goonetilleke or more commonly known by his initials as LR, is another brilliant cricketer who at the height of his career was forced to take a decision whether he wanted to pursue playing cricket or a working career. He was an outstanding product at Wesley College and then for NCC as one of the fastest bowlers produced by the country, Goonetilleke was at peak form having broken into the Ceylon side at the age of 20 when he was faced with one of the hardest decisions to make. He had got into the Ceylon team ahead of others and made his mark having represented his country in two Gopalan trophy matches against Madras and in two matches against MCC in 1961 and 1962.

Wesley’s Alston Koch, Sri Lanka’s Tourism Ambassador

He was awarded four Australian Recording Industry Association (Aria) Platinum Awards and two Aria Gold Awards. He used to tour with Abba, the Commodores, Joe Cocker and Air Supply in 1976 to 1978. He began his career in Ceylon singing with the Jetliners. “We used to sing Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, and Rod Stewart’s songs to be popular. That’s all the band did but after some time, I wanted to do something different,” he recalls. But creating original music was not an easy journey. I started writing songs and picked disco,” he adds, while looking out at the cricket field. Koch, now the Ambassador of Tourism for Sri Lanka, is working on a new album and couple of films, about which he is quite secretive. But one of the most humbling moments for Koch was when Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys introduced Koch as a “superstar” at a MTV World Music Awards. “That was overwhelming”.

The Cartman Library A Tribute to a Great Principal

“ Where knowledge is free and the head held high,Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection,

Where the mind is lead forward into ever widening thought and action."  -Tagore: Gitanjalee

Rabindranath Tagore in his everlasting work – Gitanjali, aptly uses on knowledge and the limitless ability of the mind "to strive higher". A place for such striving and pursuit of knowledge should be the focus of a good Educational Institution. Though the "Cartman Library" of Wesley dates back to 1949, the college had its first small Library room as early as 1932. The 'Cartman era' from 1945-1949 though brief, saw the dawn of a new and well equipped Library for the College. Being a keen sportsman, theologian and above all a worthy scholar, he realized the importance of widening the horizons of knowledge of the students. During his time an extension to the upper storey of the 'Main Block' was completed, in time for the 'Diamond Jubilee' celebrations in 1949.

 The College Library is part of this extension, and was named after Rev. Cartman and now stands as a monument of honour for his selfless and determined work at Wesley. The Cartman Library was declared open by the then Prime Minister Hon. D. S. Senayayake on 8th July 1949. The University Entrance classes made use of the Main Section of the Library, while the adjoining verandah was used by other students for reading.

 The Cartman Library is also in possession of a collection of valuable 'Ola leaves' too. Above all the main College Library now functions as a focal point for the Senior Section and has become the lifeline of the avid readers among our students. There is a steady flow of books amid reading material for the Library from various institutions, the Asia Foundation, N.I.E., the Library Services, Bookshops of repute, and private donors. The Cartman Library is slowly but steadily making head-way into playing its dynamic role in College life, so as to encourage students and staff in the ultimate realization of their future dreams. 

 A letter from the Rev. James Cartman for the Centenary Celebrations

 I have been delighted to learn of the Centenary celebrations planned for 1974. Both Mrs. Cartman and I send our joyous congratulations. We would both have loved to share this occasion of thanksgiving with Wesleyites, past and present, as you all gather in the familiar College surroundings. A centenary is a notable achievement. As in the life of an individual, there is much more to commemorate than what the world may acclaim as success. During these hundred years, Wesley College has had its share of eminent success, but it is impossible to measure all those many other achievements which have come by the idealism it has inspired by the community spirit it has engendered- and by its faith in God and man. Sri Lanka has every right to give thanks for, as well as to be proud of, such an institution that has so faithfully and splendidly served so many of its children and young people. For five years, a comparatively short time, it was my privilege to be the principal of Wesley College. After a five-years term of service at Batticaloa and Kalmunai in the Eastern Province, I arrived at Wesley early in 1945 just as World War II was drawing to a close. The College was then accommodated in property known as Kittiyakkara in Campbell Place. My heart sank when I first saw it. Overcrowding in poorly equipped sheds and buildings had seriously affected standards of discipline and academic work. More than three years of exile had made distressing marks upon a much highly reputed institution.

My first task was to get Wesley back to Karlsruhe, to recover, from the military authorities, the College premises and playing fields, to carry out extensive repairs and to make the whole place suitable once more for a school community. In December, 1945, all this work had been done, and it was a joyous day when, walking in a festival-like procession, teachers and children took a happy leave of Kittiyakkara and returned to Karlshrue. We were home again.

The second task was to lay the foundations for the future. Rehabilitation itself was a sufficient challenge, but we were called upon to take into account two further demands upon our resources. First, there was the introduction of the Mother Tongue Media of instruction requiring three streams: English, Sinhalese and Tamil. Then, we faced with a sudden increase in numbers; within three years, the total number of children more than doubled. To meet all these needs, we required a larger staff and considerably more equipment. Many of the existing teachers remained loyal, but many new young teachers, both men and women, were introduced. My task was to find them to encourage them and to give them, as far as was possible, the tools to do the job.

Time was needed for their integration into the life of the College, but over the subsequent years, they proved their great worth. Some impatient critics of the school at that time expected 'instant' success, but those were days when, by this new and expanding staff, the foundations were being laid for the future. Wesley began to build again and was soon a team to be reckoned with.

The third task coming towards the end of my stay at Wesley, was the celebration of the 75th anniversary. Perhaps this occasion was the first fruit of the previous years of hard work, the result largely of a staff that more and more responded to the opportunities provided by our corporate life together. Money was donated and collected for the new extensions, classrooms, science laboratory and library. What a remarkably happy occasion that anniversary was for all of us! Teachers, students, Old Boys and friends, whose support and encouragement had helped to re-make Wesley, all shared joyfully in the celebrations.

My fourth task was a difficult personal decision. Independence had been given to Ceylon. In every walk of life, sons of Ceylon were talking over control and responsibility. Ceylon had chosen its first three ambassadors and all three were old students of Wesley College. Had not the time come for a son of Ceylon to take over the direction of Wesley itself? It was a difficult decision, but looking back over a quarter of a century, I see now, even more clearly, that the decision I reached was indeed the right one.