In remembrance of Mr. R. I. T. Alles
Born on the 3rd of October 1932 was Mr. Ralph Ignatius Thomas Alles, who received his education at St. Aloysius’ College, Galle and later in Kandy at St. Anthony’s College. He started his career as a teacher and went on to become the assistant principal at Royal College Colombo. It was perhaps then that he realized his passion towards educating the nation’s students, identifying in himself and others the potential to prepare the next generation to take on their responsibilities.
In 1967 he founded D. S. Senanayake College, and developed it into one of the most renowned schools in Sri Lanka. In his autobiography ‘My Life – R. I. T. Alles’, he fondly recalls the difficulties encountered during the early years, which incidentally brought the students, teachers and parents closer together as a family. Mr. Alles’ dedication and passion towards educating Sri Lanka was recognised island wide when he became the State Secretary of Education overlooking all schools in the island from 1989 to 1993. He then founded the Gateway Group, which progressed at great speed guided by sound principles, values, and love.
Mr. R. I. T. Alles was a role model in all definitions of the word. He instilled the importance of studies, discipline, amicability and unity in diversity in all of his ‘ duwa’s and ‘putha’s. Under his leadership, the teachers excelled in mentor- ing and nurturing students, paving the way for schools to truly become a home away from home to all of the students who came under their care.“Teaching is not merely a job, but a gift with endless opportunities that allows you to create and mould great individuals.” This is what he instilled in all the teachers he trained, and this is how he revolutionised the education system of Sri Lanka.
This renowned Educationalist departed this life on 28th of November 2013.
To honour the legacy of Mr. R.I.T. Alles and to celebrate his 86th birthday, the Gateway Collage in Rathmalana is inaugurating their newest entity of their Gateway College network on 3rd of October 2018. Following in the footsteps and guidance of Mr. R. I. T. Alles, Gateway College has progressed at a great speed, guided by sound principles, values and love providing opportunities to students from play ground up to A/ L’s. The institute provides world class education in a disciplined, spiritual and morally uplifting school environment upholding Sri Lanka’s values and diversity of the culture.