Harris C.manikkam: A teacher par excellence

Harris Christmas Manikkam was born on 23rd December 1931 at the Dimbulla Estate in Kotagala to Mr. & Mrs. Manikkam.

Little Harris had his primary education at St. Mary’s College, Kegalle and later in 1937 joined Christian College, Kotte, presently known as Sri Jayawardenapura College, the ancient seat of learning.

His school career reflected his personality – a balanced mind, clean, poised and cultured nature, which is a rare quality in the present day.

As a student, right from his childhood he was interested in sports and was an athletics champion at Christian College. He was the Senior Athletics champion and was an efficient captain respected by his juniors as well as the teachers.

He was a member of College Cricket team in 1950. As a Prefect, he was a strong personality but the exemplary sportsmanship far excelled his abilities of leadership. He is one of the best products of the Christian College in the field of physical education.

After completion of his secondary studies, he proceeded to Saidapet College in South India and underwent a course of physical training education. His love for his Alma Mater drew him back to Christian College as the Physical Training Instructor in 1956 and later he was appointed as Prefect of Games.

This was the blooming era of athletics and sports at Christian College due to the committed old boy Harris Manikkam who became the envy of all other schools in Kotte as well as in Colombo. He brought the Olympic spirit to Christian College and held an Olympic style Sports Meet for the first time at the College.

This was an event looked forward to by not only the parents and well-wishers but the Kotte villagers to come as spectators in their hundreds year after year. The 1st coaching camp for school boy athletes of the whole of Sri Lanka was pioneered by Mr. Manikkam in 1957 and was attended by none other than the Asian Champion N. Ethirweerasingham, Mr. Manikkam came to be known as the ‘Father of Coaching Camps’ in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Harris Christmas Manikkam, Thank you for the guidance rendered. Your ambition was to serve God through the people which you showed practically in your life ‘May you Rest in Peace’.

- Ramya Wickramasinghe Senior Vice President

OBA