Obituary – C. Vijitha Fernando

It is with deep sadness that we inform our members of the passing away of C. Vijitha Fernando.

Vijitha Fernando is best remembered as an energetic OBA secretary from 1997 to 1999. He took over as Secretary of the OBA at a time when the OBA was going through a very difficult period. Through the sheer force of his will, he managed to bring everyone together for the common cause of working for the College. As Hony. Secretary he implemented many projects for the OBA and the College. He set up the first OBA Secretariat in 1997 in an office located in the Lower School area and appointed the late Mr. Asiri Weerasinghe as Administrative Secretary. He also set up the first Audio Visual Center at College in the Library together with a small group of fellow Thomians. During his tenure as Secretary he was also Chairman of the committee of building the new swimming pool, changing it from 33 and 1/3 yards to a 25m pool which was officially opened in 2001. He also was instrumental in setting up the Esto Perpetua Economic Forum together with Dr. Nimal Sanderatne and others.

He very generously supported many of the school’s causes with his own personal funds, both while he was Hony. Secretary of the OBA and even after he finished his term, right up to the day he drew his last breath. Most recently, he supported the Swimming Pool Renovation project and the Pavilion Project. He was involved with SLAASU and the Duncan White Foundation, and also worked for the Southern Development Authority in the late 1990s. He was very forthright in his dealings and his direct manner of calling a spade a spade did not always endear him to some members of the fraternity. Nevertheless, his service and support to his Alma Mater should be etched in the hearts of all Thomians both young and old.

His body will be at A.F. Raymond’s on the 14th of November from 1:30pm to 3:30pm followed by cremation at 4pm.

May he Rest in Peace.