WALTER PERUMAL TRIBUTE

He had all the hallmarks of an excellent hotelier

Walter Perumal, the genial hotelier passed away on September 1, at the age of 70 years in Melbourne, Australia. Walter was a past pupil of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and St Aloysius College, Galle where he excelled, among other things,in cricket.

My friendship with Walter began when he joined the Ceylon Hotel School in 1969 – the boy from the south joining some of the boys from the rest of the country. Walter embedded in the crowd like duck to water. In happier times, we were living at the Hotel School hostel, the historic house, ‘Sefton’ at No. 78,Stuart Place opposite present-day Cinnamon Grand on the sea side. There were no differences between seniors and juniors, as we all lived under one roof. The Sefton is no more.

The ‘Sefton Boys’, as we were well known then, have great memories of our time there. Walter was the sportsman of repute amongst us. We were also exposed to the practical but fine art of hospitality management which allowed the products to secure employment in the fast-developing hotel industry.

The three-year management programme had all the trimmings to make a raw individual into a polished hospitality executive. Some of them carry the Sri Lankan flag in various locations locally as well as overseas. Some pursued careers overseas but Walter stayed put working his way up initially joining Pegasus Reef Hotel, in the outskirts of Colombo. Then he joined Browns Beach Hotel, Negombo as Assistant General Manager before making his mark as the General Manager there. He was loved by his customers and staff alike. Subsequently, he managed the Confifi Group of Hotels, prior to seeking greener pastures in Australia in 1985.

His leadership qualities proved well beyond his career achievements. He was a past president of Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association and at the time of his death, the president of the Australia/ New Zealand chapter of the same orgnization based in Melbourne.

He continued his success working Down Under, in various organisations. His career was not only limited to hospitality but later in life he also managed other businesses. He was also the local batting hero, skills he honed while playing cricket both at St. Joseph’s and St. Aloysius. Much to the amusement of his Aussie friends, on one occasion, he hammered a blistering century which included 23 fours and a six before being stretchered to the pavilion with muscle cramps. Cricketing was in the blood of the Perumal family. Some of his brothers and cousins played cricket for their respective schools. His brother, Bryan Perumal, St. Joseph’s College skipper in 1963, was a bowler of repute many batsmen feared. His other brother, Felix Perumal, captained the formidable Police Cricket team which won the Government services ‘A’ Division championship in 1967/68 and 68/69.

Friends recall how generous Walter was setting fine examples for others to follow. He was a man always willing to help others without exception. Whether a party at home or in a hotel,it was evident that he was the standout host, a hallmark of an excellent hotelier. His style of hospitality had no borders.

His demise, after a prolonged illness, was a great loss not only to his family but also to his numerous friends. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren. Walter will be sorely missed by his loving wife Cordelia, sons Colin, Wendell and Keith and many friends around the world.

May he rest in peace.

PERUMAL – WALTER – Dearly beloved husband of Cordelia (nee Bastiaensz), father & father-in-law of Colin & Rachel, Wendell & Michelle, Keith & Kylie, adored pop of Mackenzie, Dominique, Cohen, Aria & Niana, loving son of late Aloy & Therese, son-in-law of late Pat & Cordelia, loved brother of Vilma Navaratnam (Australia), Felix, late Inez Panambalana, late Evan, Jean Dharmaratne (Australia) & Bryan (Australia), brother-in-law of late Rudolph Navaratnam (Australia), late Chitra, late Christo Panambalana, Manel, Bryan Dharmaratne (Australia), Carla (Australia), Denver & Heather (Australia) & Branwell & Geetha (Australia), passed away in Melbourne on 1st Sept surrounded by immediate family. Funeral arrangements will be notified later. walterperumal@gmail.com 6, Tyalla Way, Packenham, Victoria 3810.051027