There was so much knowledge that he imparted to us
Sarath Wickramasingha who had served the Moratuwa University for over 50 years passed away recently after a brief illness. He hailed from a reputed family of Galle - the eldest son of the prominent lawyer Rex Wickramasingha and Mrs. Wickramasinghe. Having had his education at Mahinda College, in the early 60s, Sarath gained admission to the University of Ceylon in Colombo. During his varsity days he was fortunate to stay in Mount Lavinia with the family of his grand uncle Martin Wickramasinghe.
Graduating with B. Sc. in Physical Science, he joined the then Institute of Practical Technology (IPT), Katubedda, as a Lecturer in Mathematics. Soon he was absorbed to the Technical Teacher Training Unit (TTTU), set up to train staff for technical education in the country. He received a scholarship to obtain a qualification in technical education from a British University.
I wish to state with gratitude as a Lecturer in the University of Moratuwa to which the IPT had expanded to by then, I received the knowhow in education psychology and teaching methods from a workshop in which he and a British educationist were the resource persons. This knowledge helped me in my career in later years.
On the removal of the TTTU, which is now the University of Vocational Technology, Sarath was absorbed back to the Department of Mathematics. Apart from his excellent teaching abilities he had been serving the University for several years in the task of selecting students for different courses, especially to the National Diploma in Technology (NDT) course.
He served the university as a student counsellor and also as the Chairman of the Sports Council.
I can recollect over 30 workshops that we conducted in the country at the request of the Lions Club to bring computer awareness in an era where technology was hardly known. It was a delight to watch Sarath practically presenting to participants elements of technology and what it can do. These applications includ- ed introduction to word-processing, data bases, graphics, music, hoisting the national flag, applications in agriculture and even computer games and quizzes.
The passing away of his wife Sunila was a sad blow to Sarath which he never got over. The couple will be remembered with gratitude by his friends and the thousands of students he taught.
Both Sarath and Sunila were Buddhists to the core in all aspects.
May he attain the bliss of Nibbana.
Prof. G. T. Francis de Silva