He gave his best in the service of education

T.B. Wickremasinghe, former Principal of Berrewaerts College and former Vice Principal of Dharmaraja College, Kandy, passed away 40 years ago on 10.02.1978 . He was born on March 1, 1926 at Palle Thalawinna in a village close to Katugastota, Kandy, to a respectable Kandyan family.

He had his early education at Trinity College Kandy from 1933 to 1943 and entered the University of Ceylon in 1944 graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1947. After graduation, he joined the staff of Nalanda College as an assistant teacher in science.

In 1955 he passed the Diploma in Education from the University of Ceylon and wanted to join the staff of his alma mater Trinity.

However, he changed his mind and joined the staff of Dharmaraja College Kandy in January 1955 . He was the senior science master and also the teacher in charge of Vocational Guidance. That same year he invited me also to join the staff of Dharmaraja College as its Chemistry Teacher.

He was the Secretary of the College Staff Guild and served on the committees of the Kandy Teachers’ Association and officiated as the Assistant Secretary of the Science Association .

On 24.10.1956 he was appointed Vice Principal of Dharmaraja College Kandy.

He attended the Commonwealth Conference on “The Teaching of Science subjects in schools” held at the University of Ceylon Peradeniya in 1963. He published several insightful articles on the teaching of science in the journals of the National Education Society of Ceylon. He was a regular contributor to this journal and his articles revealed his attitude towards teaching as well as his scholarly and psychological approach to the subject.

Later on he assumed duties as the Principal of Berrewaerts College, Kandy in January 1967 and was promoted as a Grade 1 Principal in August of the same year. His main task at this school was to organize its science section to improve the quality of science education of the students.

In 1970, after the general election, he was transferred to a school in the Nawalapitiya area. Though he never became involved in politics he was badly victimized by the then Government for no valid reason.

During his career in the education service, he worked with commitment and dedication. He was able to work long hours as his wife looked after the homefront.

He was a person who distinguished clearly between right and wrong. He had the common touch and that was why he was loved and respected by many, including the staff who worked under him.

Later on he was appointed as the Principal of Technical College, Kegalle but he retired prematurely in 1977 at the age of 51 with great disappointment due to the grave injustice that happened to him and with utter disgust at the political system of the country. One year later he passed away at the age of 52 on 10.02.1978 leaving behind his beloved wife Anula Herath and children - Lilamani, Deepthi, Udaya and Udra.

May he attain supreme bliss of nibbana.

Dr. Harishchandra Wijayatunga