First student at Thurstan College Prasanna Abeyratne A feat reminisced as a record can never be broken, while Thurstan College celebrated 75 Glorious Years in Existence with Excellence – By Sunil Thenabadu
Prasanna Abeyratne was born on 05th January 1945 an Octogenarian now was the first student registered on the 11th January 1950 at prestigious Thurstan College Today, all past and present Thurstanites proudly celebrated with Pirith ceremonies and related functions to mark the 75th anniversary of Thurstan College, a beacon of education, tradition, and achievements. During the 75 years, Thurstan has been shaping futures, nurturing leaders, and building a legacy of excellence. From academics to sports, arts to innovation, having stood tall as a unified family during this momentous milestone with pride and gratitude.
Prasanna is the eldest sibling ,among four all boys born to humble parents in Mt Lavinia,father was a station master mother a housewife .On the eleventh cold morning day in January 1950 been clad in white by mother had embarked on the most important day of his life. Prasanna the little kid with both parents had strode along Thurstan Mawatha, Colombo 03. There were many old buildings and huge trees surrounding this school very small then. Prasanna could vaguely remember his father and mother entering to a small room with him to enter his details in a huge book thus becoming the registered as the FIRST student of prestigious Thurstan College. In the registration room there was a conspicuous sturdy gentleman clad in the European attire. On either of the small school building was the Colombo University on the left side and on the right side was the Royal College.
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The little school then elevated to a sought after school at consistent phases The first Principal was an Englishman DEA Schokman the school was recognised as only a predominantly a primary school then later had become government Senior school in the same premises where AJ Thurstan a catholic priest had conducted an agricultural and technical College for students prior to the establishment of the school . The name Thurstan College was renamed after three years. After the closure of the agricultural and technical college there were several students in a teaching training institute who had occupied part of the premises. When the school commenced there had been only old buildings which was dawned with the end of the world war two. That was in late nineteen forties. It was not started because of free education concept brought by famous scholar and minister of education Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara.
There was one teacher Dayananda Gunawardena who became a famous dramatist later Prasanna recollects the famous ‘Nari Bena’ stage play was produced. Initially only boys in the Thurstan College had been picked to portray roles. But for the main female roles two girls from Devi Balika Vidyalaya was elected. In the good old days females are not willing to partake in such roles. During that era a stage play was a very strange occurrence. Prasanna recollects going to view the rehearsals of the play. Prasanna added that all costumes were made by the students in the arts section in the school.The musical score was handled by the music master of the school music maestro Lionel Algama who was subsequently bestowed with a doctorate for his two thesis he successfully wrote on music. Dr Lionel Algama was absorbed to Thurstan College in the year 1959 as the music Sir. It is pertinent to state that it was Dr Lionel Algama who created the College song which was the song that the College used for forty long years until 1999. For the Nariya a Thurstanite ‘Janapriya’was selected the song were sung by U Ariyawimal.The famous ‘Nari Bena stage play became famous as that of a Thurstan College production of Dayananda Gunawardena. Subsequently another stage play named ‘Kamare Pure’ was also successfully produced and staged.
Prasanna recollects a famous the science teacher as Abrahim Cowur,All students were awfully scared of his strict administration qualities but admired his teaching who was sporting a conspicuous beard. Owing to which the students were awfully scared to approach him but the knowledge he possessed was very towering. The science room and laboratory was headed by.Kingsley Fernando.who was known to very systematic who had completed all work leaving nothing more to be achieved. Though strict he had shown kindness to all students.
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Prasanna reminisced the other teacher who changed his life to be the Sinhalese teacher guru Wickremasinghe who was clad in the Sri Lankan national dress was very eloquent in ‘Sinhalese cultural Hela Basa’. Prasanna also evoked his. First Principal DEA Schokman who was an extremely systematic person who was clad well with tie and coat who resembled as a typical Englishman. Though his looks were rough he was extremely kind to all students. In year 1955 he was transferred but his image still lingers in the mind of Prasanna and others. Prasanna also recollected all new teachers who was appointed to school immediately after passing out who were too kind and taught well. Prasanna also reminded about the big match to which all old boys and teachers patronised to enjoy by meeting old colleagues.
Prasanna added that all who learned the basics from Thurstan College are ever grateful to the school as have had a common desire and target to bring the standards to the level of Royal College. Many old students have contributed to the progress of the school immensely. A swimming pool was donated at a huge cost by Gratien Gunawardena. The contributions made by Deshamanya Kumar Devapura the giant in the “Apparel’ industry too need to be reminded in constructing the pavilion in the playground and with his other contributions made at intervals
When Prasanna’s father retired from the Railway Department Prasanna was only thirteen years old. having two younger brothers. As the eldest Prasanna possessed sober habits been a quiet boy. His youngest brother had studied at Thurstan while the brother next to him had studied at Nalanda College. Prasanna’s closest friend had been Asoka Wedage who is now deceased. Prasanna recollects all his school compatriots are all holding good positions in many professions .After sitting for his advanced Level Prasanna had joined Bank of Ceylon while many colleagues had joined other banks and other mercantile institutions. Mahinda Rajapaksa also an old Thurstanite needs no introduction having held the position of the Prime Minister and twice ruled the country as the President. Prasanna reminisced the former IGP Chandra Fernando, Dickson Delabandara was a former Ambassador in Maldives father of Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Delabandara. Likewise there are many students who were with Prasanna in the advanced level classes who are well off well to do occupying high positions in society .Though all occupy high positions the friendship of all Thurstanites remain static not at all discriminatory. It was said that even Mhainda Rajapaksa too was used to patronize the ‘big match’ from the time he was a Minister.
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Prasanna recollected a strange incident he confronted in the year 1988 when he wanted to admit his only son to Thurstan when he was not known to the Principal. The contributions he had made to the school he could not have proved on paper although he was the treasurer of the college OBA.The vice principal hearing this issue had convinced the Principal that Prasanna Abeyratne is our first student though he has had no proof. On this reality. the Principal added on this ground he has to admit his son to school. On this issue it was sufficient proof that the ethics of Thurstan College remain rigid to treat all children of the country alike.
On the day of celebrating seventy five years anniversary it was reminisced that through the thirty year ethnic war there were loses of thousands of forces personnel, civilians and heavy losses to property .The former President old Royalist JR Jayewardena , the former President R Premadasa an old Josephian or old girl of St Bridget’s President Chandrika Bandaranaike failed to triumph during their respective tenures but it was under the orders of the old Thurstanite Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tenure as President that the war was won over the LTTE in year 2008 also under the guidance of old Thurstanite coordinating officer colonel Vijitha Ravipriya’s regiment for winning the thirty year old ethnic war
This small guy Prasanna after passing the GCE ordinary level and Advanced Level had served prestigious Bank of Ceylon for forty years ,having joined on 5th January 1967 ( same day as the Author) as a Junior clerk, having held many positions then bid goodbye in the year 2005.He had within his powers entrusted had served constituents in all walks of like professionals, businessmen during his tenure serving in branches, credit, NRFC development and SMI departments contributing extremely dedicated and honest disposition with the needed ideal temperament to the esteemed Bank of Ceylon.. Prasanna Abeyratne is now in twilight years but still steady drives his car live at his residence at 4th Lane Ratmalana with his wife Swarna also an ex bank employee while his son and daughter are domiciled in Australia and Canada. We should wish him good health and longevity
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane a colleague at Bank of Ceylon
e mail sthenabadu@hotmail.com
WhatsApp 0061444533242
