An unsung hero who did much for education

Sena Wickramasinghe passed away silently. He was a silent personality.

The silent ones are the most observant but those were not his only traits. He was the foundation that quietly listened, comprehended the concerns of all, heard the views of all and then silently put forward his opinion, never hurting the views of another.

Sadly Sena Wickramasinghe passed away just before Shakthi Institute could celebrate 20 years of service to education. He was a pillar of Shakthi’s success and a great moral support to the Directress Mrs. Dhammeswari Wickramasinghe to help nurture Shakthi Institute to becoming one of the premier education entities in Sri Lanka.

In a world where people have lesser time to show humanity, compassion and generosity, it is good to look back and appreciate the many unsung heroes like Sena Wickramasinghe.

Because of you, Shakthi Institute will keep on going from strength to strength Shenali Waduge

January 12, marked the first death anniversary of passing of Maurice, as he was known.

Hailing from Matale, he had his education at S. Thomas College, Matale and made his mark in the classroom and in sports, going on to become head prefect. He excelled in cricket and hockey, and was active in the Scout Movement and the Cadets .

He started off working at the Department of Immigration, and thereafter served the Bank of Ceylon for nearly 40 years rising to become an Assistant General Manager. He took every opportunity as a challenge and accomplished his work leaving no room for criticism. He was also active in the Ceylon Bank Employees Union, and more especially in the Bank of Ceylon Sports Cub. His prowess as a slicer saw him elected as the Secretary of the Carrom Federation.

With his wit and humour Mauice was a popular figure. A colleague once observed that if he puts on a cassock he could easily pose off as his priest brother, if he walked in Leningrad , people would think that he was a reincarnation of Lenin, and if he did a walk around Pettah at election time he could be mistaken for a well known politician !.

He led a simple and useful life after retirement teaching English to the needy children free.

It is fitting to end these memories of a good friend in the words of the Psalmist

“Return to thy rest O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee.” Merril de Silva