Burgher
Compiled by Victor Melder
Note: The term Burgher was defined by Chief Justice of Ceylon, Sir Richard Ottley, in an authoritative pronouncement, when he gave evidence before the Commission which was appointed in connection with the establishment of a Legislative Council in Ceylon in 1883. He stated that.
"The name Burgher belongs to the descendants of the Dutch, Portuguese and other Europeans born in Ceylon, and the right to distinction must not be decided by the Country from which their father or paternal ancestor came. So whatever the number of generations through which the family has passed in this Island, if the male ancestors were Dutch, Portuguese and or other Europeans, whoever may have been the female parents, if the parents were married, the offspring would be Burgher. If the parents were not married, the country of the mother would decide the question. If the right to be denominated Burgher be once lost by the legitimate father being a Cingalese or other Indian, it cannot be recovered."
Alphabetic list of names only
Detailed list of names only
| ALMEDIA - Lionel |
| ALTENDORFF - Charles Henry Bartholomeus |
| ALTENDORFF - Durand Victor |
| ALVIS - Arthur William |
| ANDERSON - Basil Richard Anthony |
| ANDERSON - Christopher (Andy) |
| ANDERSON - Dr Arthur Alfred 'Gigi' |
| ANDERSON - Dr.Alfred Edwin |
| ANDERSON - James Thomas |
| ANDERSON - Neville Elton James |
| ANDREE` - Donovan Benjamin Lorenz |
| ANDRIESZ - Granville Wilfred |
| ANTHONISZ - Arthur |
| ANTHONISZ - Arthur Wifred |
| ANTHONISZ - Dr Peter Daniel |
| ANTHONISZ - Evelyn Richard |
| ANTHONISZ - Hugh Christopher Rose |
| ANTHONISZ - James Oliver |
| ANTHONISZ - Maurits Maartensz |
| ANTHONISZ - Richard Gerald |
| ANTHONY - Vicky Rosanne (nee FORBES) |
| ARASANAYAGAM - Jean (nee SOLOMONS) |
| ARNDT - Carl Evan |
| ARNDT - Eugene Fredric Vernon |
| ARNDT - Rev. George Edward Hubert |
| ARNOLDA - Augustine Bobby |
| ARNOLDA - Dennis Blair |
| ARNOLDA - Elgius (Earl) Bobby |
| ARNOLDA - Reginald Lawrence |
| AUSTIN - Lt. Col. Gordon Llewellyn Spencer |
| AUSTIN - Nigel |
| BALMOND - Cecil |
| BALTHAZAAR - Lt. Col. Desiderius Godfrey Shane |
| BALTHAZAR - Brig.Jerome Gautier "Lyle" |
| BAPTIST - Bryan |
| BAPTIST - Florence Maud |
| BARBER - Cyril Charles |
| BARBER - James Henry |
| BARBER - William Edward |
| BARSENBACH - Rev. Fr. Dom Dunstan, OSB |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Dr Dennis Stephen |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Dr Francis Ernest Robert. |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Dr Wilfred Arthur |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Dr. Warwick |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Francis Allister Cecil "Allie" |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Major Arthur Reynold |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Mark |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Ramani |
| BARTHOLOMEUSZ - Reggie |
| BEEKMEYER - Bishop Bede |
| BELING - Dr Christopher Charles |
| BELING - Henry Prins |
| BELING - William James Geoffrey |
| BELING - William Wright |
| BERENGER - Rev. Fr. Dom Marie |
| BEVEN - |
| BEVEN - Alan Karl |
| BEVEN - George Victor Lorenz |
| BEVEN - Ivor Victor Rex |
| BEVEN - Lt. Col. Allan |
| BEVEN - Dr John Justus Osmund |
| BEVEN - John Francis |
| BEVEN - Thomas Edwin |
| BEVEN - Victor Rex |
| BHIKKU - Kasyappa (Cassius PEREIRA) |
| BLAKE - William Alexander Jnr |
| BLAZE` - Benjamin Richard |
| BLAZE` - Dr Louis Gerard |
| BLAZE` - Dr. Edmund Carl Thomas |
| BLAZE` - Dr. John Robert |
| BLAZE` - Dr.Louis Ezekiel |
| BLAZE` - John Henry |
| BLAZE` - John Thomas |
| BLAZE` - Louis Edmund |
| BLAZE` - Robert Ezekiel |
| BLAZE` - Vivian Louis |
| BOLLING - Julian |
| BROHIER - Col. Douglas Vernon |
| BROHIER - Dr Eric Stanley |
| BROHIER - Dr Samuel Orlando Lindsay |
| BROHIER - Nathaniel Henry Lorenzo |
| BROHIER - Rev. Richard Angell |
| BROHIER - Richard Leslie de Boer |
| BULNER - Malcolm |
| BUULTJENS - Alfred Edward |
| BUULTJENS - Edward Justin Ambrose |
| BUULTJENS - Edward Wilhelm Adolphus |
| BUULTJENS - John |
| BUULTJENS. Prof. Ralph |
| CARNIE - Dr John Arnold |
| CASPERSZ - Bernadin Vincent |
| CASPERSZ - Christine Elizabeth Lois (nee ANDERSON) |
| CASPERSZ - Cloudesley Henry |
| CASPERSZ - Col.Francis Joseph Gerard |
| CASPERSZ - Daniel John |
| CASPERSZ - Dr Donella Winifred |
| CASPERSZ - Dr. Eric St John |
| CASPERSZ - Dwight Francis Swinbourne |
| CASPERSZ - Elroy Prosper Denver |
| CASPERSZ - Ernest Andrew James Gerald |
| CASPERSZ - Geraldine Lorna (nee KELAART) |
| CASPERSZ - John Louis Zozimus |
| CASPERSZ - Juliana Sarah (nee OVERLUNDE) |
| CASPERSZ - Mary Clare (nee ARNOLDA) |
| CASPERSZ - Maurus Leonard Baradat Joseph |
| CASPERSZ - Maxim Lucien |
| CASPERSZ - Modeste Boniface Aloysius |
| CASPERSZ - Osmund Augustine Melchiades |
| CASPERSZ - Prosper Paul Robert Bernadin |
| CASPERSZ - Rev. Fr Dom James, OSB |
| CASPERSZ - Rev. Fr Dom Phillip, OSB |
| CASPERSZ - Rev. Fr Paul Anthony Aloysius, SJ |
| CASPERSZ - Rev. Moher Bernadette |
| CASPERSZ - Rev. Mother Cecelia |
| CASPERSZ - Rev. Mother Rita |
| CASPERSZ - Robert Bernard |
| CASPERSZ - Ubald Diendonne Robert |
| CHRISTOFFELSZ - Arthur Eric |
| CHRISTOFFELSZ - Dr Edwin Lionel |
| CHRISTOFFELSZ - Dr Herman S. |
| CHRISTOFFELSZ - Moritz Sperling |
| CHRISTOFFELSZ - Dr Rachel |
| CHRISTOFFELSZ - William Sperling |
| CLAESSEN - George |
| CLAESSEN - Radley Lorenz |
| CLAESSEN - William |
| COLIN-THOME - Justice Percy Colin |
| COLIN-THOME - Prof David |
| COLLETTE - Aubrey Carlyle |
| COLLETTE - Cresside |
| COLLETTE - Henry Adolphus |
| CONDERLAG - Meerle Vivette Adine (nee VAN CUYLENBERG) |
| COOKE - Percy G. |
| COOKE - Victor J. |
| COOKE - William Henry Jansz |
| COX - Thomas (Bobby) Harold |
| CRAMER - Dr. Rev. Fr. Louis Hermagild, SJ |
| CRAMER - Dr.Stanislaus Leonard |
| CRAMER - Frank Thomas |
| DANIEL - Annesley Young |
| DANIEL - Francis |
| DANIEL - James Harcourt |
| DAVIDSON - Alexis Neville Trevonne |
| DAVIDSON - Dr Evelyn |
| de BOER - Dr Alice |
| DE HOEDT - George Frederick |
| DE KRETSER - Amyas Ivan Eustace |
| DE KRETSER - Arthur Colville |
| DE KRETSER - Dr Duncan Terrence Anjou |
| DE KRETSER - Edward Hypolite |
| DE KRETSER - Eric Shelton |
| de KRETSER - H.E.Prof. David Moritz |
| DE KRETSER - Herbert Kenneth |
| DE KRETSER - Horace Egerton |
| DE KRETSER - John Henry Erhardt |
| DE KRETSER - Michelle |
| DE KRETSER - Oswald Leslie (Jnr) |
| DE KRETSER - Oswald Leslie (Snr) |
| De KRETSER - Rev. Dr. Bryan |
| DE KRETSER - Victor Stanley |
| DE LA HARPE - Dr Lawrence Isidore Michael |
| DE LA HARPE - Ernest Augustine |
| DE LA HARPE - Peter Henry |
| DE LIMA - Charles |
| de NIESE - Alan |
| de NIESE - Danielle |
| DE ROOY - Samuel Earnest |
| DE ROOY - William Edward Van Der Smagt |
| de RUN - Nihal Malcolm Dudley |
| de SILVA ABEYSENA, Iroma Anne (nee HOLSINGER) |
| DE VOS - Frederick Henry |
| DE VOS - Charles Edward |
| DE VOS - Dr Samuel Dennis (Sam) |
| DE VOS - James Percival |
| DE ZILWA - Dr Lucian Arnold Emmanuel |
| de ZILWA, Rev. Fr Dom Thomas, OSB |
| DE ZYLVA - Charles Bertram |
| DE ZYLVA - Dr Quintus Lloyd |
| DE ZYLVA - St Leger Hope |
| DE ZYLVA - Walter Felix |
| DEMMER - Allan Bertram |
| DENLOW - George |
| DICKSON - Stewart |
| DIRCKZE - Scott |
| DIRECKSZE - Rev. Fr Dom Phillip, OSB |
| DORNHORST - Frederick |
| DRIEBERG - Allan |
| DRIEBERG - Christopher |
| DRIEBERG - Christopher Johann |
| DRIEBERG - Phyllis (nee LAWRENCE) |
| DRIEBERG-COOPER - Micaela |
| EATON - John Henry |
| EBELL - Adrian John |
| EBERT - Geradus Adrianus |
| EBERT - Rycloff Johannes |
| EBERT - Dr Sylvia Ethel |
| EDEMA - George William |
| EPHRAUMS - Arthur Edward |
| EPHRAUMS - Mervyn Leslie (Letcho) |
| ERNST - John Henry |
| ERNST - Noel Edward |
| FERDINANDS - Frederick Rodney Lorenz |
| FERDINANDS - Ivor Lorensz |
| FERDINANDS - John Richard Vanden Driesen |
| FERDINANDS - Rupert |
| FERNANDES - Erin (nee DE SELFA) |
| FERNANDO - Douglas Beauchamp |
| FOENANDER - Dr Frederick Vander Smaght |
| FOENANDER - Maj. Dr. Clarence Oscar (Larry) |
| FOENANDER - Samuel Peter |
| FORBES - Dr Samuel |
| FORBES - Dr. Charles Ambrose Lorenz |
| FORBES - Ellsworth Justin |
| FORBES - Noelle (nee Forbes) |
| FORBES - Oliver Phoenix Charles Baden Powell |
| FORBES - Reginald (Ray) George Bernard |
| FORBES - Rev. Fr Dalston, OMI |
| FORBES - Samuel Leo |
| FORBES - William "Bill" |
| FORSTER - Victor Arden |
| FRANCKE - Adrian Edward William |
| FRANCKE - Rev. George Roosmalecocq |
| FRANCKE- Malcolm |
| GARVIN - Sir Thomas Forrest |
| GERREYN - Edgar Malcolm Augustine |
| GERREYN - Joseph |
| GERREYN - Mark Oswald Alexander |
| GERREYN - Maxwell Spencer Joseph |
| GODLIEB - Dr Edward Samuel |
| GRAHAM - Leslie Harry |
| GRATIAEN - Edward Frederick Noel |
| GRATIAEN - Edward Gerald |
| GRATIAEN - George Herbert |
| GRATIAEN - Leslie Jocelyn |
| GRAY - Edward Ian |
| GRENIER - Dr Francis Charles Henry (Frank) |
| GRENIER - Gerard Vernon |
| GRENIER - Joseph |
| GRENIER - Sir John Samuel |
| GULAMHUSEIN - Yvonne (nee TOUSSAINT) |
| GUNASEKERA - Anne 'Marbit' Marguerite (nee BLAZÉ) |
| HAY - Dr. George Powell |
| HENRICUS - Ansdale Basil |
| HENRICUS - Ansdale William (Barney) |
| HENRICUS - Capt. George Oscar |
| HENRICUS - Maj. Basil Cholmondeley |
| HEPPONSTALL - Wilfred Hector |
| HERFT - Dr. George Reiner |
| HERFT - Joseph Anthony Clair |
| HERFT - Rt. Rev. Archbishop Roger |
| HERMON - Reginald (Reggie) |
| HERMON - Richard (Dickie) |
| HEYN - Lieut-Col Betram Russell |
| HILLEBRAND - Johannes Godfried |
| HINGERT - Maureen Neliya |
| HOLE - Dr George Adolphus |
| HOLSINGER - Alfred Peter |
| HOWIE - IRWIN |
| HUNTER - Louis Lucien |
| HYDE - Rev. FrDom Basil, OSB |
| HYDE - Very. Rev. Fr Dom Lawrence, OSB |
| INGLETON - Cdr. Darley Cunningham |
| INMAN - Clive Clay |
| JACOBS - Dr Elmo Brian Alexander |
| JANSEN - Col.Dr.Terrence Richard |
| JANSZ - Canon Paul Lucien |
| JANSZ - Cholomondley Elmo |
| JANSZ - Claudette Marina (nee D'SILVA) |
| JANSZ - Cyril Charles Arnold |
| JANSZ - Elmo Vivian |
| JANSZ - Ernest Lorensz Henley |
| JANSZ - Geoffrey Paul "Geoff" |
| JANSZ - Neville Joseph Louis |
| JANSZ - Rev. Charles Norton |
| JANSZ - Sir. Herbert Eric |
| JANSZE - Douglas St. Clive Budd |
| JOACHIM - Anian Walter Richard |
| JOACHIM - Arthur Percival |
| JOACHIM - Aubrey Einstein Anthony |
| JOACHIM - Dr Michael Emil |
| JOACHIM - Maurice |
| JONKLAAS - Col. Algernon Clarence Byrde |
| JONKLAAS - Rodney |
| JONKLAAS WILLIAMS, Aimee Gholdstein |
| JOSEPH - Arthur Francis |
| JOSEPH - Cedric Rienzi |
| JOSEPH - Dr Hugh Percival |
| JOSEPH - Dr Sidney Percival |
| JOSEPH - Ernest Henley |
| JOSEPH - Ernest Mervyn Corbett |
| JOSEPH - Hentley Clarence |
| JOSEPH - Rev.Duncan Evan |
| JOSEPH - William Rowland (Bill) |
| JURIANSZ - Denham |
| KELAART - Allanson Mervyn Henry |
| KELAART - Denver Edward (Dick) |
| KELAART - Edward George Samuel |
| KELAART - Ernest Colvin |
| KELAART - Harris Colvin |
| KELAART - Jeffrey |
| KELAART - Lt Col Edward Frederick |
| KELAART - Thomas Cuthbert Bede |
| KELAART - Thomas Herbert |
| KELAART - Walter Thomas (Tommy) |
| KELLY - Desmond Anthony Carl (Des) |
| KEUNEMAN - Arthur Eric, (Jnr) |
| KEUNEMAN - Arthur Eric, (Snr) |
| KEUNEMAN - Gerald Edward |
| KEUNEMAN - Gerald Percival (Percy) |
| KEUNEMAN - Pieter Gerald |
| KEUNEMAN - Rev. Algernon Herbert Scott |
| KEYT - Dr Francis Fitzroy |
| KEYT - George Percival Sproule |
| KEYT - Dr Henrieta |
| KOCH - Alston |
| KOCH - Dr Edwin Lawson |
| KOCH - Dr Wilfred Vincent Miller |
| KOCH - Edwin Godfried |
| KOCH - Florence Lillian "Flossie" (nee KRIEKENBEEK) |
| KOCH - Francis Harold Bertram |
| KOCH - Gladwin Ellis |
| KOCH - Hugh Theodore Rosslyn |
| KOCH - Prof. Arthur Cecil Elsley |
| KOCH - Theodore Hugh Rosslyn |
| KRIKENBEEK - Clement Henry |
| LA 'BROOY - Benjamin Vere |
| La 'BROOY - Sean Trevor |
| La'BROOY - Eric Charles Theodore |
| La'BROOY - Frances Kathleen Theodara (nee KOCH) |
| LABROOY - Graeme Frederick |
| LA'BROOY - Frederic Ian |
| La'BROOY - Rosslyn Stephen Theodore |
| LAWRENCE - Benedict Andrew (Benny) |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Claude |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Dr Wilmot Edgar |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Gerard Edward |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Henry Ulrich |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Julian |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Rev.William Henry de Boer |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Rex Grenville |
| LEEMBRUGGEN - Robert Henry |
| LEEMBRUGGEN-KALLBERG - Dr Elisabeth Ann |
| LEITCH - Ronnie Luke |
| LIEVERSZ - Brian |
| LIEVERSZ - Darrell |
| LIEVERSZ - Douglas Winston Lloyd |
| LOBO - Rev. Mother Maurice (Ida Lobo) RGS |
| LOOS - David Gladwin |
| LOOS - Frederic Charles |
| LOOS - Herman Albert |
| LOOS - James |
| LOOS - Lindsay Vernon |
| LORENZ - Charles Ambrose |
| LOURENSZ - Dr. Rev. Fr Donald Ainslee Lambert |
| LUDOVICI - Dr Edwin |
| LUDOVICI - Dr Henry Lawrence |
| LUDOVICI - Edward |
| LUDOVICI - Leopold |
| LUDOVICI - Pieter James |
| LUDOVICI - Sqdn. Ldr. Lorenz Victor |
| LUDOVICI - William Ambrose |
| LUDOWYK - Evelyn Frederick Charles |
| LUDOWYK - Travice Augustine Ladislaus |
| MAARTENSZ - Lewis Matthew |
| MacHEYZER - J. C. |
| MACK - Dr Edmund Garvin |
| MACK - Michael Lloyd |
| MACKY - George |
| MACKY - Rev. Fr Dom Columban, OSB |
| MARKS - Dr. Geoffrey Charles |
| MARKS - Lt. Col. Boris Jon |
| MARKUS - Charles Peter |
| MARTENSZ - James Aubrey |
| MARTIN - Nathaniel John |
| MASON - Edward 'Bugs' |
| MAY - Walter J. |
| Mc CARTHY - Patrick Covell Derrick |
| MEIER - Dr Ivo Eric |
| MELDER - Derrick Christopher |
| MELDER - Gary |
| MELDER - James Anthony (Anton) |
| MELDER - Kevin Phillip |
| MELDER - Randolph John Victor |
| MEURLING - Chetwynd Lionel |
| MISSO - Dr. Clifford Joseph Le Dulx |
| MODDER - Dr. Montagu Frank |
| MODDER - Maj. Francis Hudson Lowe |
| MODDER - Ursula Merle |
| MODDER - Vere Frank |
| MOLDRICH - Ryle Joseph |
| MORGAN - Sir Richard Francis |
| MORGAN - Wilhelm Owen |
| MOTTAU - Samuel Andrew William (Sam) |
| MULLER - Dr Bede Kenneth |
| MULLER - Carl |
| MULLER - John Barry |
| NATHANIELSZ - Arthur Holman |
| NELL - Dr. Andreas |
| NELL - Frederick George |
| NELL - George Frederick |
| NELL - Louis |
| NELL - Rev. Canon. George Alfred Montagu |
| NELL - Dr Winifred |
| NICHOLAS - Cyril Wace |
| ONDAATJE - Philip Michael |
| ONDAATJE - Sir. Phillip Christopher |
| ONDARCHIE - Craig Philip |
| ONDATJE - Frank |
| OORLOFF - Cedric James |
| OORLOFF - Dr. Arthur Felix |
| OUTSCHOORN - Ladislaus Frederick (Laddie) |
| PARSONS - Maureen Mary (nee ARNOLDA) |
| PATERNOTT - Lloyd |
| PAULSZ - James Gerard |
| PAULUSZ - Jan Gilbert |
| PAULUSZ - Jan Hendrik Oliver |
| PELLS - Melanie Hester (nee COOKE) |
| PEREIRA - Dodwell Augustine Ohlmus |
| PEREIRA - Eustace Lorenz |
| PEREIRA - George Seymour |
| PEREIRA - Mark Anton Ohlmus |
| PEREIRA - Prof Eustace Oliver Edwin |
| PERERA - Wendy Michelle (nee FORBES) |
| PHOEBUS - Michael Vere Derek |
| PHOEBUS - Rev. Fr Dom. Gregory, OSB |
| PIACHAUD - James Daniel "Dan" |
| PINDER-MORTIMER - Beverley |
| POTGER - Keith Leon |
| POULIER - Reginald Sydney Vernon |
| POULIER - William James Stephen |
| PRINS - Dr Lorenz Arthur |
| RAFFEL - Dr William Henry Alan |
| RASQUINHO - Cynthia Doris Frances (nee ERNST) |
| RAYMOND - Cuthbert Russell |
| RAYMOND - Dr. Anton |
| REDLICH - Vivian Percival |
| REID - Dr Barclay George (Buddy) |
| REIMERS - Edmund |
| ROBERTSON - Jack Edward |
| ROBINSON - Rev. Fr Dom Ildephonsus, OSB |
| RODE - Dr Garrett Arnold |
| ROGERS - Lt. Jim |
| ROGERS - Rosemary (nee JANSZ) |
| ROLAND - Valerie (nee LIEVERSZ) |
| ROOSMALE-COCQ, Andrew Hendrik (Henry) |
| ROOSMALE-COCQ - Alice Elisabeth |
| ROOSMALE-COCQ - Florence Marion |
| ROOSMALE-COCQ - Fredrick Vivian |
| ROOSMALE-COCQ - Irene Antoinette |
| RULACH - Eustace Winslow |
| SANSONI - Col. Waldo |
| SANSONI - Barbara Carolyn (nee DANIEL) |
| SANSONI - Dominic |
| SANSONI - David Aldo |
| SANSONI - Hildon Claude |
| SANSONI - Dr Joseph |
| SANSONI - Louis |
| SANSONI - Millani Edward Claude |
| SANSONI - Stratton Guy |
| SANSONI - Sylvester Claude Aldons |
| SCHARENGUIVEL - |
| SCHARENGUIVEL - Dr Charles Henry Keegel |
| SCHARENGUIVEL - Dr Edward Walter |
| SCHARENGUIVEL - Dr James Arthur |
| SCHNEIDER - Sir Gualterus Stewart |
| SCHOKMAN - Cuthbert George |
| SCHOKMAN - Dr Donald Percival |
| SCHOKMAN - Dr Herbert Eric |
| SCHOKMAN - Dr Pauline Gail |
| SCHOKMAN - Dr Vivian Roy Stanley |
| SCHOKMAN - Dr Walter Herbert |
| SCHOKMAN - Shelton Leslie (Jnr) |
| SCHOKMAN - Shelton Leslie (Snr) |
| SCHRADER - Carmen Jeanette (nee VANDERWALL) |
| SCHRADER - Frederick (Derrick) Therese |
| SCHRADER - Frederick Justin |
| SENEVIRATNE - Maureen (nee MILHUISEN) |
| SIEBEL - John Boyle |
| SIEBEL - Kingsley Shelton Everard |
| SMITH - Norman Allan |
| SOERTSZ - Sir. Francis Joseph |
| SOLOMON - Charmaine Maureen (nee POULIER) |
| SOLOMONS - Ronald |
| SPARKES - Geoffrey Maxwell |
| SPELDEWINDE - Cecil Alexander |
| SPITTEL - Dr Richard Lionel |
| SPROULE - Edward Cyril Lambert "Cox" |
| SPROULE - Frank William |
| ST JOHN - Rodney |
| STAPLES - Charles James |
| STEWART - Charles |
| STEWART - James |
| SUBY - Delerine Dolores Mary (nee DE KRETSER) |
| SWAN - Anthony Phillip (Anton) |
| SWAN - Dr Hans Shelley Bernard |
| SWAN - Dr Henry Eric Carl |
| SWAN - Dr. Shelly Bernard St Clair |
| SWAN - Eric |
| SWAN - Vernon Louis St. Clair |
| SWAN - Victor Leslie Sheldon |
| TAYLOR - Eric Dunstan |
| TAYLOR - Melville Justin |
| THIEDEMAN - Benjamin John Virco Trench Peter |
| THIEDEMAN - William Benjamin (Bunny) |
| TOUSSAINT - Dr Henry |
| TOUSSAINT - James Reginald |
| VAN ARKADIE - Alex |
| VAN ARKADIE - Augustine (Basil) |
| van BUUREN - Charles Frederick Guy |
| VAN CUYLENBERG - Winston |
| VAN CUYLENBURG - Sir Hector |
| VAN DER STRAATEN - Englebert Hugh |
| VAN DORT - Dr Herbert Collin |
| VAN DORT - Ernest Francis |
| VAN DORT - John Lionel Kalenberg |
| VAN DORT - Michael Grraydon |
| VAN GEYZEL - Carl Terrence |
| VAN LANGENBERG - Dr Vincent Carbery |
| VAN LANGENBERG - Rev. Fr. Dom Andrew |
| VAN LANGENBERG - Sir James Arthur |
| VAN LANGENBERG - Willim James Albert |
| VAN REYK - Rev. Fr Dom Hildebrand, OSB |
| VAN ROOYEN - Dr Charles Ellard |
| VAN ROOYEN - Maj. Frederick John |
| VAN ROOYEN - Dr Glanville St Clair |
| VAN ROOYEN - Dr Ursula Lucilla (nee VAN DER STRAATEN) |
| VAN SANDEN - Dr. Thomas Owen |
| VAN SANDEN - Jack |
| VAN TWEST - John Taylor |
| VANDERGERT - Rodney Clement Austen |
| VANDERSMAGHT - Justin Gerard |
| VANDERSPAAR - George |
| VANDERSTAATEN - Capt. Trevor |
| VANDERSTRAATEN - Capt. Trevor |
| VANDERSTRAATEN - Edgar Allan Garvin |
| VANDERSTRAATEN - Rev. Dom Hildebrand |
| VANDERWALL - Adrian Jerome |
| VANDERWALL - Brian St Elmo |
| VANDERWALL - Charles George |
| VANDERWALL - Charles Morgan |
| VANDERWALL - Edward Henry |
| VANDORT - Dr Claribel |
| VANDORT - David Roy Pieter |
| VANDORT - Prof Marcian Everard |
| VANDORT - Michael Graydon |
| VANGEYZEL - Col. John Lawrence |
| VON HAGT - Dudley Marlon |
| WALBEOFF - John |
| WALLES - G.N.G. |
| WEBSTEER - Norman Patrick Lindsay |
| WEBSTER - Virginia mary |
| WEINMAN - Dr Darrel Felix |
| WEINMAN - J. R. |
| WEINMAN - Maj. Aubrey Neil |
| WEINMAN - Rev. Ravenal |
| WEINMAN -Dr Leonard Owen |
| WENDT - Henry Lorenz (Jnr) |
| WENDT - Henry Lorenz (Snr) |
| WENDT - Lionel George Henricus |
| WHATMORE - Davenal Frederick (Dav) |
| WHATMORE - Gwendoline Leah "Wendy" (nee de KRETSER) |
| WHITE - Bernard |
| WHITE - Maj. Deshamanaya Duncan, OBE |
| WILLE - David Ian |
| WILLENBERG - Dr Richard Willoughby |
| WILLIE - George Alfred Henry |
| WILSON - Pipa (nee KELLAR) |
| WOODHOUSE - George William |
| WOUTERSZ - Thelmuth Harris Wilhelm |
| WRIGHT - Dr Joseph William Alfred |
| WRIGHT - Dr. Lionel George |
| WRIGHT - Humphrey Lionel Bernard |
| WRIGHT - Malcolm Graeme |
| WRIGHT - Robert |
Compiled by Victor Melder
Note: The term Burgher was defined by Chief Justice of Ceylon, Sir Richard Ottley, in an authoritative pronouncement, when he gave evidence before the Commission which was appointed in connection with the establishment of a Legislative Council in Ceylon in 1883. He stated that,
"The name Burgher belongs to the descendants of the Dutch, Portuguese and other Europeans born in Ceylon, and the right to distinction must not be decided by the Country from which their father or paternal ancestor came. So whatever the number of generations through which the family has passed in this Island, if the male ancestors were Dutch, Portuguese and or other Europeans, whoever may have been the female parents, if the parents were married, the offspring would be Burgher. If the parents were not married, the country of the mother would decide the question. If the right to be denominated Burgher be once lost by the legitimate father being a Cingalese or other Indian, it cannot be recovered."
ALMEIDA, Lionel, died 2009, was educated at Royal College, Colombo where he excelled in Rugby, Cricket and Hockey and led the teams. He captained the Combined Schools Rugby team in 1956. After leaving to school he took to tea planting. He continued his rugby and turned out for Dimbulla A & CC, Dickoya, Uva Gymkhana Club, Up-Country, CR & FC and All-Ceylon with distinction. He played in every position in the three-quarter. He also referred and played Golf. After giving up tea planting, took to administration and was the Chairman of Milco and later Chief Executive of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) and also the Tamil Union C & AC. He was also President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) in 1989 and 1990 and subsequently made a life member. He was a Vice-Patron and Trustee of the Havelock SC. (Hafiz Marikar)
ALTENDORFF, Charles Henry Bartholomeus – born, December 18 1836, died, December 27, 1913. He completed his education at the Colombo Academy, he then read law under Frederic de Vos of Galle. At the age of twenty-three he passed out as a Proctor of the District Court and began to practice in Matara town. Three years after his admission to the District Court he passed out as a Proctor of the Supreme Court. In 1877 after 18 years of practice he was appointed Crown Proctor. (DBU Journal XXI, Part 1, 1931)
ALTENDORFF, Durand Victor, I.S.O. – born, Matara, October 19, 1873, died November 15, 1967. His early schooling was in his home-town, but later entered St Thomas’s College, Mutwal. Leaving College, he joined the Police Force, in 1894, where according to his official record, he “held various offices” for years, when he was promoted Inspector of Police. In 1906 he was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Police, Colombo. He next served at Kalutara and Matara, in 1913 he was brought down to act as Superintendent of Police Headquarters, Colombo. For eleven years he discharged the heavy duties of this office and from 1925 he was appointed to act off and on as Deputy Inspector-General of Police, either in charge of the Provinces or the CID. He was confirmed DIG (Provinces) in 1928 and in 1930 he had the distinction of acting for a short period as the Head of the Department. This in conjunction with the Imperial Service Order which was conferred on him the same year, set the seal to a career as honourable as it was distinguished. He too was a valuable member of the DBU form its beginning, and was its Secretary for six years. Later on he was actively involved in genealogical work and prepared them for many who wished to migrate to Australia. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, Part 4, 1931, Vol LVII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1967))
ALVIS, Arthur William – born June 16, 1856, died April 24, 1922. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Member of the Colombo Municipality, Fort Ward (1893-1902). Proctor – District & Supreme Courts, Notary Public 1879, Police Magistrate, Commissioner of Requests, Jaffna, Acting District Judge, Police Magistrate – Trincomalee (Internet)
ANDERSON, Dr. Arthur Alfred (Gigi), born 1926. Educated at St Lawrence’s School, Wellawatte, Colombo and Pembroke Academy, as the junior school did not have all the subjects needed for University entrance. In 1944, he passed the University Entrance and went to Medical College. Two-years of pre-medical studies followed at the University of Ceylon, Colombo. Training was at the Colombo General Hospital and selected city hospitals. 1946-1951, a further five years of study ensued in Surgery, Medicine and Specialists fields, before qualifying with MBBS (Ceylon) in 1951. He was then appointed Medical Officer at the General Hospital, Galle, which also involved in being an acting anesthetist, this required a crash course in anesthesia. He was also able to learn many skills under the tutelage of an Austrian ENT specialist working at the Galle hospital. In 1955, he was successful in being selected for an ENT course offered by the British Government for Ceylonese surgeons. In 1957, he received a Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology (DL, RECP RCS Lond) from the Royal National, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in London. In 1959 he returned to Ceylon and held positions in Galle, Kandy and Badulla General Hospital. In 1964, he immigrated to Melbourne with his family. With his medical credentials being accepted by the Medical Board of Victoria, he was appointed to the Austin Hospital, where he soon moved into the ENT department as an honorary ENT Registrar while holding the position of House Officer. A few years later he joined the GP group and when accepted as a qualified ENT surgeon practiced as a Consultant with offices in Frankston, Southlands and Collins Street, Melbourne. In 1984, he was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. In 1992, he retired from the Austin Hospital, after twenty years of service and from public service. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
ANDERSON, Basil Richard Anthony, born June 13, 1894, Ceylon, died March 5, 1939, Colombo, Ceylon. Occupation – Proctor. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ANDERSON, Christopher (Andy), educated at St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy, A natural rugby player was one of a select group of players to have represented his College in 1971 and 1972. A second-row forward, he was also a formidable tackler. He represented the Sri Lankan Combined Schools team in 1972. He won the “Antonian Eagle” for Rugby in 1972. In the same year he represented the SLRFU President’s Fifteen against the Nchanga RFC, Zambia team, and was of two schoolboys to be in the team. After school, he played for Kandy Rugby Football Club (KRFC) and Kandy Sports Club (KSC). Then in 1976 he joined the Police and played till 1980. For his good sportsmanship he was awarded the Police Rugby Colours in 1977. He was also a fine basketball player, playing for the College basketball team in 1971 and 1972. He represented the Sri Lanka Schools team in 1971 and won colours for basketball in 1971. He was also a fine athlete at school in all ages and was also champion athlete at the Central province athletic meet in 1972, coming first in the High Jump, Long Jump and second in the Triple Jump, which helped him to win college colours for athletics in 1972. In 1972 has adjudged the best all-round sportsman of St Anthony’s College and he is one of the very double “Eagles” winners of the College. (Hafiz Marikar, Ceylon Daily News, 15.6.2021)
ANDERSON, James Thomas, born 1808, Jaffna, Ceylon, died January 14, 1881, Jaffna, Ceylon. Proctor in Jaffna. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ANDERSON, Neville Elton James, born July 26, 1921, Colombo, Ceylon, died June 24, 1990, Fremantle, West Australia. Seaman in the Royal Ceylon Navy. Security Officer, Bank of Ceylon. Immigrated to Perth, West Australia. Employed by the West Australian State Public Service, Administrative Officer, State Housing Commission, Perth. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ANDRIESZ, Granville Wilfred, born June 8, 1898, Colombo, Ceylon, died April 21, 1943, Colombo, Ceylon. Sculptor and Artist, worked for Lipton Ltd. He was commissioned by the Ceylon Government to turn out six statues for the forthcoming St Louis Exhibition (World Fair in USA). The statues typical of the Island, namely a Ratemahataya in full Kandyan Costume, a low-country Aratchchi or Headman (with high comb, long black coat, gold buttons and sandals), a Colombo Chetty (in full white, with large ear rings), a Buddhist Priest fully robed and two Veddahs – a man and a woman. The statues were modelled in clay, had been ordered at a cost of Rs 2,000. When Sir Thomas Lipton visited Ceylon, he was presented a group of 18 Ceylon native characters modelled in plaster-of-Paris. The models were the handiwork of Granville Andriesz. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ANDREÉ, Benjamin Donovan Lorenz, 1902 – 1959. Education – Royal College, Colombo. Racing Correspondent for the Times of Ceylon. In the mid-1940’s he signed up world famous wrestlers to perform in Ceylon. In the 1950’s he organised various shows in Colombo as well as running his own carnivals with gambling on tables and tombola (known as Bingo). He owned the famous ‘Silver Fawn’ Night Club and the Tropicana Club. One of the wealthiest men in Ceylon at the time and was of a very generous nature. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
ANDREE, Ivan, born Galle, Ceylon, September 13, 1914, died, Perth, West Australia, October 24, 1975. Educated at S.Thomas’ College, Colombo, he entered University but did not graduate, as he joined a jazz band and his father stopped his allowance. He worked at the Ministry of Defence & External Affairs and coordinated arrangements for their local and international conferences. Ivan formed and led the fabulous Millionaires Band. In 1954, when the band disbanded, Ivan & The Five Sharps followed, followed by Ivan & The Four Sharps, as band members emigrated overseas. He played the organ at the Church of England/Anglican Churches he attended. He loved playing his Scandalli piano accordion for sing-alongs during the breaks and after functions ended. His bands played at Donovan Andree’s international shows like, ‘The Parisian Follies’, ‘Holiday On Ice’, at his popular stadium in Bambalapitiya for the Tombola devotees and some night clubs in Colombo. They frequently played at the DBU, Otters, Havies, BRC, Galle Face Hotel, GOH, Mount Lavinia Hotel, wedding receptions, and milestone birthdays to name a few. Ivan immigrated to Perth, West Australia with his family in February 1964, joined Victor Mistecelli’s band and gave piano lessons to a friend’s daughter. He worked at the PMG initially and eventually managed a Telecom city office. A keen inaugural member, Ivan would rush from band engagements to West Australia-Ceylon Association (now WASLA) functions to provide music for their midnight-till-late popular sing-alongs after dances or parties. (Contributed by Rosie Zuiderduyn)
ANTHONISZ, Arthur, 1813- ?, Licensed Surveyor. He was responsible for the construction of the railway line from Nawalapitiya to Nanu Oya. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
ANTHONISZ, Arthur Wilfred – born Galle, December 1854, died May 19, 1933. he completed his education at the Galle Central School. At the age of 19 he was selected to fill a vacancy in the local Post Office in Galle, as a Junior Clerk. Shortly afterwards, on the introduction of the Licensed Surveyors Ordinance, he was one of the first candidates to qualify as a Surveyor. He accepted appointment as Superintendent of Minor Roads of the Hambantota District. The minor roads of the district were at the time under construction. After retirement in 1899, he continued to reside at Tangalle, practicing as a licensed surveyor and architect. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIII, Part 2, 1933)
ANTHONISZ, Evelyn Richard, born, November 15, 1920, Galle, Ceylon, died, April 7, 1997, Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St Aloysius College, Galle. Served in the CRNVR as Petty Officer HMS ‘Hoxa’ and HMS ‘Overdale’. Executive Mills Manager for Chas.P.Hayley & Co. Ltd, Galle, Ceylon. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1961. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ANTHONISZ, Hugh Christopher Rose – born Galle, October 24, 1872, died July 22, 1941. He received his early education in the Galle Central School, of which his father as the Head Master. He was then in due course sent to the Colombo Academy as Royal College was then called. Giving up the study of medicine which he started after leaving College, he joined the Ceylon Police. On the formation of the Excise department in 1913, he was seconded to the office of Assistant Superintendent, and retired as Superintendent of Excise in 1929. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXI, Part 2, 1941)
ANTHONISZ, James Oliver, C.M.G. – born Galle, January 15, 1860, died May 1921, Richmond, England. He received his early education in his father’s school. In due course he was sent to the Colombo Academy. There he applied himself closely to his studies and won the University Scholarship and proceeded to England. He entered St John’s College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1882. In the following year he sat for the Civil Service Examination and coming out successful was appointed to the Straits Settlement Civil Service. Here he went through all the various grades of the Service until 1904 when he was selected to act as Treasurer, an office in which he was confirmed in 1908. In 1910 he was appointed Acting Resident Councillor, Penang, to be followed the next year by perhaps the highest appointment that any member of the Community has ever attained, that of Acting British Resident of Selangor. He retired in 1913 and in 1914 was awarded the C.M.G. for his distinguished services. (DBU Journal, Vol XXVIII, Part 3, 1939)
ANTHONISZ, Maurits Maartensz – born November 24, 1891, died December 23, 1943. He was a very popular figure at the Customs Service, which he entered at the age of 23 as Office Assistant, where rose by slow degrees to fill the important post First Assistant Collector which he held at the time of his death. His fine upstanding figure was a familiar sight in the Customs for 36 years as he made his daily round of inspection of the Wharehouse, while his dry humour which he knew how to use to good effect tended to smoothe away difficulties. (DBY Journal, Vol XXXIII, Part 2, 1944)`
ANTHONISZ, Dr Peter Daniel, C.M.G., M.D. – born Galle. June 25, 1822, died Galle June 12, 1903. After his studies at the Bengal Medical College, Calcutta He was appointed Medical Sub-Assistant of the 2nd Class on October 1, 1845 and to the 1st Class on January 1, 1853. Proceeding to England in 1856 he furthered his medical studies there and returned to Ceylon in 1858. He was appointed Colonial Surgeon of the Southern Province on August 1, 1858, a position which he held until his retirement in 1880. The Burgher seat in the Legislative Council became vacant in 1886 by the death of Mr James van Langenberg and Sir Arthur Gordon appointed Dr Anthonisz to this position, which he held from 1886 to 1895. In 1887, when the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association was established they made him its first President. He received the decoration C.M.G. from Queen Victoria.(DBU Journal, Vol XV, Part 2, 1925)
ANTHONISZ, Richard Gerald – born Galle, Ceylon, October 22, 1852, died January 3, 1930, Colombo, Ceylon. In the year 1861 he entered the Galle Central School. He was presented for the first part of the Ceylon Local Examination in 1867 and headed the list of successful candidates. Next year he was first in the final examination, and the Queen’s scholarship tenable at the Colombo Academy. On November 22, 1870 he was apprenticed as a law student to Mr J.W. Ludovici of Galle, a Proctor of the Supreme Court. In 1873 he took a post in the Customs which did last long, for in 1876 he passed his Law Examination. He moved to teaching in a short while, and was appointed First Assistant Master of the Galle Central School, thus began his forty-two year career. He was later appointed Headmaster of the Galle Central School. When Government gave up the English schools he was appointed Registrar of Lands Kurunegala, on October 1, 1884. He returned to Galle, as Registrar of Lands on January 1, 1888 and four years later was appointed as Assistant Registrar General in Colombo, on February 23, 1892. On July 15, 1899 he was seconded for service as “Examiner of Dutch Records”. He meticulously worked on the Dutch records, also categorising and listing them. In 1919, he received the honour of the Imperial Service Order. He was also appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Western province. He had a working knowledge of carpentry, book-binding, printing and photography. He was also a collector of postage stamps and could also sketch with considerable insight and accuracy. He was the founder of the Dutch Burgher Union and served as President for a number of years (between 1916 – 1930) and contributed many articles to its Journals. (DBU Journal, Vol XIX, Part 4, 1930 & Bobby Caspersz)
ANTHONY, Vicki Rosanne (nee FORBES), born October 22, 1963, Colombo, Sri Lanka, daughter of
Dr Charles Forbes & Noelle Forbes. Educated at St Lawrence’s School, Wellawatte, Colombo and St Bridget’s Convent, Colombo. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia. Bachelor of Business in Accounting 2001, RMIT Melbourne. Professional – Associate CPA, Australia. Office Manager, Australian Society of Microbiology Inc, 1989-1999. Accountant at Boyd Legg & Co, Melbourne, 1999 – 2002. She married Jeremy Priyantha Derryck Anthony, in Coburg, Victoria. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ARASANAYAGAM, Jean (nee SOLOMONS), daughter of Henry Daniel (Harry) Solomons and Charlotte Camille Jansz, born Kandy, December 2, 1931, died July 30, 2019. Educated at Girls High School, Kandy. Graduated from the University of Peradeniya and later obtained her MA in Linguistics from the University of Stratchclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. She taught at St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy. She was also a visiting Fellow at the Faculty of Arts, Exeter University, England. She was a prolific writer of Poetry and Prose and authored over twenty five publications, winning many literary awards for them. She was married to Thiyagarajah Arasanayagam and had twin daughters, Devasundari and Parvathi. (Wikipedia)
ARNDT, Bvt. Col Carl Evan – born May 28, 1896. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Cadet Ceylon Civil Service attached to Anuradhapura Kachcheri, 1920, Acting Police Magistrate, Puttalam, July 1921, Police Magistrate, Negombo, August 1922, extra Office Assistant to Government Agent, Central Province, November 1923. 2nd Lieutenant, Colombo Town Guard. Army Services: 24th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, Lieutenant in the Australian 5th Garrison Battalion. Brevert Colonel – Ceylon Engineers, Ceylon Defence Force. Well known sportsman. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
ARNDT, Eugine Fredric Vernon, I.S.O. – born November 16, 1887, died 1962. He was educated at St Thomas’ College. He began life as a teacher, but later gravitated to the Government Clerical Service. Strangely, his short teaching career was associated with Royal College. His high character and loyalty in the Clerical Service earned him the decoration of the Imperial Service Order. He was a keen fisherman and a swimmer of renown. (DBU Journal, Vol LII, Part’s 3 & 4, 1962)
ARNDT, Rev. George Edward Hubert – born September 3, 1884. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo, University Scholar 1903, M.A. (Cantab). Vice-Principal, St John’s College, Panadura, editor “Ceylon Churchman” and “Anglo-Catholic Union Monthly Gazette”. A good batsman in his college days and a member of the Thomian XI. (CEYLON – Plate limited, 1924)
ARNOLDA, Augustus Bobby, born, February 5, 1892, in Negombo, Ceylon, died August 31, 1959, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Diploma in Commercial Studies – London Chamber of Commerce, in 1900. With little capital he bought his first car, a Model “T” Ford on hire purchase terms in 1923 and became a pioneer of the Tourist Trade in Ceylon. With this car he started up his hiring car business called “BA Cabs”. He built about 20 small two-bedroomed semi-detached houses on either side of his property in Kotahena, which were rented to his staff. The garages for his cars were built round the main house and they consisted of a hoist for servicing cars, engine re-boring garage, paint shop, anvil, petrol pump. At the height of his business, his 70 odd cars were garaged overnight in his property, he had a staff of 90. Before World War 2, his hobby was collecting all species of Budgerigars. He had an Avery of 4,000 birds, which had to be released a year after the war commenced in 1939, as he was unable to obtain bird seed. In the 1950’s his hobby was collecting tropical fish and at one stage he had over 40 fish tanks, placed in his offices and garages, During the war, he was responsible for introducing to Ceylon the Producer Gas Plant to which motorists resorted during the days of petrol rationing. Appointed a Board member of the CWE in 1950. He was also Honorary Liquidator of the Home Builders and Investors Corp. He was also responsible for the improvement in the standard of hiring car services in Ceylon. His firm was one of the first to equip its cars with taxi meters and radio telephone services. He was the Business owner of “Bobby Cabs” and “Bobby. Arnolda Travel Service” . (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
ARNOLDA, Dennis Blair, born April 25, 1943, Haputale, Ceylon. Schooled at St Joseph’s Convent, Nugegoda, 1948-1949 and then St Joseph’s College, Maradana, Colombo, 1950-1961. He completed the “O” level in 1960. He represented St Joseph’s College in swimming and water polo and captained both teams in 1961. He represented Ceylon in the Bombay-Ceylon Swimming Competition, held in Bombay in 1960. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in November 1961 and commenced work at the National Cash Register Company (NCR) in 1962 as a trainee technician servicing cash registers at various installations. He progressed through the company in the servicing division right up to servicing mainframe computers and then into management ultimately terminating as Queensland State Service Manager in 1997. He then managed the service department of Western Computers, Brisbane and later Post Office licensee in the Clayfield PO, Brisbane. He lives in retirement in Melbourne. (Contributed)
ARNOLDA, Elgius (Earl) Bobby, born December 1, 1929, Colombo, Ceylon, died, August 11, 2017. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Managing partner, Armstrong Tourist Agency, Colombo. Owner of Elricars Taxi Service, Fort, Colombo. Owner & Managing Director, Bobby Arnolda & Co, Tourist Business, Kotahena, Colombo. Partner, Arnolda (Taxi Meter) Co, Colombo. Employed as a Partner, BA Entertainments. He drove Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, in his 1970 BA Open-hood Cadillac Car, when the Apollo 12 Astronauts visited Colombo, John Caspersz drove the wives. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
ARNOLDA, Reginald Lawrence, 1919 – 2000. Education history not known. Following his acceptance into the Ceylon Civil Service, he served as Assistant Government Agent, Jaffna, and Mannar, Postmaster General, Colombo, Commissioner of Housing, Colombo, Commissioner of Immigration & Emmigration, Colombo, Food Commissioner, Colombo and Chief Advisor FAO – World Food Program, Rome, Italy. Later immigrated to Australia. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
AUSTIN, Lt. Col. Gordon Llewellyn Spencer, Educated at Royal College, Colombo, Ceylon. Managing Director, Rowlands Ltd, Colombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
AUSTIN, Nigel, born 1940’s, early history not available. In 1974 formed a company ‘Nidro Supply’, a leading supplier of fruits, vegetables and other items to Resort Hotel, Maldives. In 1978, formed company ‘Nidro Agencies’, a supplier of steel and timber. In 1979, in association with Sohil Captain, established ‘Nissol Corrugated Cartons’, a leading manufacturer of corrugated cartons in Sri Lanka. In 1988, formed company ‘Nissol Diamonds’ to polish and re-export Diamonds. Appointed Honorary Consul for South Africa in Sri Lanka. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BALMOND, Cecil, OBE, Educated at Trinity College, Kandy and later studied Engineering at the University of Colombo. After briefly living in Nigeria, he moved to Britain and continued his studies at the University of Southampton and at Imperial College, London. In 1968 he joined Ove Arup & Partners, leading him to become Deputy Chairman. In 2000 he founded and designed, the Research Group, ‘Advanced Geometry Unit’ (AGU). In 2010, he set up his own practice – ‘Balmond Studios’ with offices in London and Colombo. The research practice is involved with art, architecture, design and consulting. The firm was involved with the Gretna Landmark ‘Star of Caledonia’. It is an illuminated sculpture that marks the Scottish and English border crossing. He was appointed an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015 for services to architecture. In 2016, he was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Architecture by the University of Virginia. He was also the creative force behind London’s Sculpture Pavilion Program. He has also designed several pavilions across Europe and also designed several bridges and sculptures across Britain and the United States (Wikipedia)
BALTHAZAAR, Lt. Col Desiderius Godfrey Shane, born February 17, 1955, Colombo, Ceylon. Education at St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy from January 1962 to June 1974. He represented his college in cricket and basketball from 1972 to 1974 inclusive. Won college cricket colours in 1972, 1973 and 1974 and the coveted Antonian Eagle for cricket in 1974. Was Vice-Captain in 1974. Won college Basketball colours in 1972 1973. Captained the team in 1973 and won the Ceylon All Star Basketball Certificate in 1973. Was a Senior Prefect of the College in 1971, 1972 and 1974. Presently a Vice-President of the College OBA in Colombo Branch. Served in the 1st Battalion and later in the 4th Btn Sri Lanka Light Infantry of the Sri LankaArmy. Period of active service from April 7th 1976 to July 1, 1997…serving mostly on active duty in the North and East. Held the following senior appointments in the Army: Commanding Officer of the 4th Btn Sri Lanka Light Infantry in Pooneryn, Madagal, Cheddikulum in the Northern Province, 1992-1993. GSO 1 of HQ 1st Division and RHQ SLLI Centre Commandant, 1994-1995. Colonel GS of the Task Force 1 Division located in the Eastern Province of Trincomalee District, 1996. Co-ordinating Officer Trincomalee North and Officiating Nilaveli 17 Brigade Commander, 1996. GSO 2 of Coord HQ Polonaruwa District and GSO 2 of Infantry Training Centre, Minneriya in 1987-88. In the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s successfully engaged in Military Training in Diyatalawa, Amparai, Maduru Oya Saliyapura and Pakistan and India for a period of four months each year. Played Sara Cricket for the Army from 1976-1983. Captained the Army cricket team in 1981-1982 and represented the Defence Services Cricket XI in the Robert Senanayake Tournament in four-day first class cricket. Won Army Cricket Colours. Captained General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy Cricket Team against LeedsUniversity, England and won. Captained the 1st and 4th Btn Cricket Teams in due course winning 1st Btn CLI cricket colours. Member of the Ceylon Dutch Burgher Union (DBU) and the Ceylon Burgher Association, was President of the Ceylon Burgher Association in 2016-2017. Worked in Social Service as a Resource Person in the PEACE NGO from 2006 to 2012. A Member and Regional Service Director of the EX-CO of the Y’s Men International Sri Lanka region since 2007 to date. Regional Secretary of the Y’s Men International Sri Lanka Region 2020-2021. The editor of the regional Bulletin from June 2010 to June 2020. This is a
Worldwide Social Service Organization affiliated to the International YMCA, with head office in Geneva and Asia Pacific Area head Office in Taiwan. Won the Elmer Crowe Award for an outstanding District Governor within Asia Pacific. General Manager and DirectorOperations in Monaro group 4 Falk Security Services Pvt Ltd, in Sri Lanka, from 1998-2005. Now on an Army Pension. (Contributed)
BALTHAZAR, Brigadier Jerome Gautier “Lyle”, Born in the east coast town of Battcaloa, Sri Lanka, He was educated at St Michael’s College, Batticaloa. He joined the newly formed Ceylon Army, and received his basic officer training at the Royal Military Academy. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and posted to the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI). In 1961, Captain Balthazar led the second Ceylon Army peace keeping contingent to the United Nations Operation in the Congo. In May 1962, Captain Balthazar was transferred to the newly formed Gemunu Watch and served as the adjutant of the 1st Battalion. From 1969 to 1970, Major Balthazar served as an Extra ADC to Wiliam Gopallawa, Governor-General; of Ceylon. Major Balthazar served with the Gemunu Watch in the 1971 Insurrection and in January 1973 was appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Gemunu Watch having been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was an active athlete, competing in Putt Shot, Discus Throw and Javelin at regimental, Defence Services and National Champions. Following a military court of inquiry appointed by Commander of the Ceylon Army into a complaint against Lieutenant Colonel Balthazar, he was asked to resign his commission by William Gopallawa, President of Sri Lanka, which he did in August 1973. Balthazar won defamation in the District Court against the complaint, but the judgement was overturn later in the appeal court in 1984 and confirmed in the supreme court in 1985. He was reinstated and was appointed as Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna with the rank of Brigadier in October 1981 As Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna, he had the Army's Task Force 4 Northern and all armed forces units in the province under his command. He initiated military operations to subdue to Tamil militancy taking form in Jaffna in 1983. He was successful in killing Tamil militant leader Charles Lucas Anthony aka Seelan on 15 July 1983. He attempted to raid Tamil militant leader Sellakili's hideout on 24 July 1983. However, Sellakili ambushed one of Balthazar's routine patrols killing thirteen soldiers. This incident sparked the Black July riots and is considered to be the start of the Sri Lankan Civil War. He retired in 1984 Brigadier Balthazar had received the Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal, the Republic of Sri Lanka Armed Services Medal, the Purna Bhumi Padakkama and the United Nations Medal for service in the ONUC. (Wikipedia)
BAPTIST, Bryan, educated at Royal College, Colombo. Introduced to Rugby by his college mates, who took him to witness a club match at the Race Course, Colombo involving CH & FC. He started to scrum down as a number eight in the under-17 team and gradually shifted to bind as a Prop forward in the first XV team and went on to compete in three Bradby Shield games for Royal for three years from 1964-1966. After leaving college on completing the A/L examination, on the advice of Mahesh Rodrigo, his rugby mentor, he joined the CH & FC. He launched his Club career by playing in the ‘Captain’s’ game against the Havelock’s, which earned him a place in the CH first XV side. He was a robust player playing hard and clean. In his second year at CH the coach Leefe asked him to lead the pack. He captained the CH for two years (1971 and 1973. He later coached them while assisting Tony Amit. He has many memorable years playing for CH. Due to limited overseas tournaments, he had the privilege of captaining the President’s XV team against the visiting Australian Emus, Paris University also playing against the Joint Services, Singapore. He took over coaching Royal one year later opted to quit and coached the Navy team which he certainly enjoyed. H joined John Keells and worked as a Tea Taster for a decade including gaining experience, working for three years in Bangladesh in Tea industry while coaching the Fuzerat Cadet College there in Rugby. He was the Managing Director of two of the leading tea companies while being the Deputy Chairman of another firm in Sri Lanka. He is presently a Senior Consultant at Mercantile Tea Brokers in his record 54 years in the tea industry. When he coached the Navy for three years, they had not played rugby for about five years due to the outbreak of the war. After his take over in the first round game (in his second year of coaching) the CH beat them 55 - 3 at the Army grounds. But he was determined to create an upset in the second round match played at the CH. He deployed a ploy on the weakness of CH team, which they executed perfectly to win the game 9 -3, which was a sensational win for Navy. In his final year with the Navy, he was successful in bringing both the first XV and the second XV teams into the finals of the Clifford Cup, in which Navy led by Parakrama Samaraweera lost to CR by a narrow margin of 3 points to 6. He represented Sri Lanka with distinction and played in the Rugby Asiad in 1974, led by Indrajith Coomaraswamy, where they were Runners-up to Japan 6=44 under Bertie Dias’ coaching. He also contributed as the manager of the National squad to the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea in 2002 where George Simpkin was the Coach. He also Managed the National team to the Rugby Asiad in 2002 in Bangkok and to Singapore 7’s with Dr. Maiya Gunasekera as coach. He also served on the Sri Lanka Rugby selection committee under Jayantissa Ratwatte as Chairman. He was the Chairman of the SLRFU Disciplinary Committee for a few years. At present he engages himself in Tea, Rugby and Hockey. Dennis Rosayro, a legend in the Hockey World, has trained him to get involved in Mercantile Hockey, which he happily obliged, serving the association for 35 years. At present he is the Patron of the Mercantile Hockey Association. (Althaf Nawaz, Daily News, 17.10.2020)
BAPTIST, Florence Maud, born July 27, 1903, Kandy, Ceylon, died June 1, 1987, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
She was educated at Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy. She entered the workforce, at the young age of 17 years at Cargills Ltd, Kandy. She was a keen and dedicated worker and became the Manager of the Lady’s Department. She held this position for many years and was highly commended by the Directorate of Cargills Ltd. She was a very straight and upright person, who always stood up for what was right and thereby gained the respect of everyone. She called a spade a spade when necessary and never backed off. A devout Catholic, she supported the Church in many ways. She found time for her family and helped any of them when necessary. She was a popular and well-known figure in Kandy, with a host of many close friends. She was the daughter of John Baptist & Harriet Elizabeth Tissera (Contributed by Orville Selliah)
BARBER, Cyril Charles, born Colombo, November 8, 1877, died Matale, November 18, 1962. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. Proprietary Planter, ‘Blackstone’, Mahawila via Matale. He became Supervisor of field works and the factory on his father’s property at Matale, later taking over the property. A well-known cricketer in his day, he used to play regularly for the Kandy Sports Club. He served in World War 1. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Contributed by Kyle Joustra, Melbourne)
BARBER, James Henry, born Colombo, February 23, 1843, died Adelaide, Australia, June 19, 1925. He passed out at Gray’s Inn, London and became a Proctor. He also became an Advocate and on occasions a Judge. In 1869 he was working at the District Court, Kegalle and later Kandy, commanding an extensive practice. Turning away from the judiciary and realising the potential of planting, he acquired ‘Blackstone’ tea estate at Nawalapitiya, he also invented a tea roller that served the industry for many years. He next turned his attention to Cocoa and planted up ‘The Grove’ at Ukuwella, that became one of the finest cocoa plantations, he also grew Para rubber and pepper. The cocoa won five gold medals in London in 1886. In 1902, he employed a Swiss chocolate expert and produced Barbers chocolates, which obtained a Gold Medal at the St Louis Exhibition in 1904. He also acquired many other estates in the area. With his respected legal and planting knowledge he was elected Chairman of the Matale Planters Association, being the first Ceylonese to hold such a position. Leaving Ceylon he arrived in London, where after a while he left for Australia and lived in Sydney and Adelaide. He left Adelaide for Ceylon for a short stay, returning to Australia, he kept moving around the Eastern States and New Zealand. He finally settled down in Brighton, Adelaide. His involvement in St Helens, Tasmania, led to some very successful Apple Orchards, growing a variety of different apples. At the time of his death in Adelaide, he owned extensive properties in Ceylon. (Contributed by Kyle Joustra, Melbourne)
BARBER, William Edward, born Colombo, August 9, 1876, died Kandy, January 25, 1939. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. He was the first person under 21 to Graduate as a Barrister from Gray’s Inn. Barrister-at-law Gray’s Inn. Commissioner of Assize, Puisne Justice and Supreme Court Judge. Acting 4th Crown Counsel, November 1, 1911, Crown Counsel, First Grade, July 1912. Acting District Judge, Colombo, July 24, 1925 and Kandy, July 6, 1925, November 2, 1925, December 7. Due to illness retired as Judge, but later returned to work as a Barrister until his death. A well-known cricketer in his day. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Contributed by Kyle Joustra, Melbourne)
BARSENBACH, Rev. Fr. Dom Dunstan, OSB, 1909 – 1998, Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. Joined the Monastery of the Silvestro Benedictine Order as a postulant in 1926, ordained a Priest in 1935. He served in many of the Parishes in the Kandy Diocese, including, Matale, Nawalapitiya and Nuwara Eliya, where he completed the Church and Kandy. He was also the Local Superior to the Monastery in Kandy, for some time. Vicar General and Procurator of the Kandy Diocese for thirteen years. He retired in 1990. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BATHOLOMEUSZ, Major Arthur Reynold – born January 31, 1858, died February, 6, 1935. He retired from the Public Service as Chief Clerk of the Audit Office. He was one of the oldest members of the C.L.I., being enrolled a day after the Corps was organised. (DBU Journal Vol XXIV, Part 4, 1935).
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Dr Dennis Stephen, born Colombo, Ceylon, died Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Ceylon. He established the English Department at Aquinas University College in Colombo in 1954, where he was one the first members of the English Department. He directed a number of plays, all box office successes at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo. In 1966, he graduated with a doctorate in English Literature from the University of London. He is acknowledged as an acknowledged world authority on Shakespearean studies. As a Reader of English at Monash University’s English Department, he analyzed how Shakespearean plays had been performed down the ages, resolving the age-old conflict between academics and actors over what Shakespearean texts represent. By looking at the history of Shakespeare on stage, he explored the link between text and presentation. He believed that a historical study of a play in performance, can unfold many complex cultural significances, while extending our understanding of the text, and enriching our awareness of its form and meaning. He injected his methods into directing performances by students and staff in the Alexander Theatre. The first ever Australian production of King Lear was directed by him and performed on stage at Monash University, as part of the third year English course on Shakespearean drama. He committed his analysis of the evidence on Macbeth to the book ‘Macbeth and the Players’ (Cambridge University Press, 1969), which included interpretations by Sir Arthur John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Samuel Richardson and Eric Porter. Confining the study to a single play, he brought the interpretations into focus, still further sharpened by concentrating on the two principal characters, Macbeth and Lady M. The book brought him wide reputation, including a Fellowship at the Folger Shakespeare Institute in Washington DC, and a Visiting Associate Professorship at the University of Illinois in 1972. He reminds us that ‘Poetry is the secret life of each and all the arts’ (Jacques Maritan), and that Shakespeare’s plays contain some of the most expressive poetry ever written. His book on ‘The Winter’s Tale’ in performance was not only a technical and scholarly affair, but a creative act. He retired from teaching at Monash University in 1996, but there was no diminution in his research or academic activity. India’s Shakespeare co-written with Poonam Trivedi was published in 2005, presenting a collection of essays on how Shakespeare was read, taught, translated and performed into the cultural fabric of India. Profound and astoundingly brilliant, his good ness and compassion radiated a quiet influence on the people around him. Inspiringly, he remained devoted to English Literature to the end. (Marie Bartholomeusz, ‘Sunday Times’, April 4, 2021)
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Dr Francis Ernest Robert – born February 11, 1883, died 1962. He was educated at Royal College, qualifying later as a doctor of medicine and was appointed House Surgeon, Kandy in September 1907. He later served at many outstations and from 1932, for over 12 years, he carved an epitaph for himself in the Story of Hendala, when he served as Superintendent of the Hendala Leper Institution. (DBU Journal, Vol LII, Part’s 1 & 2, 1962.
BARTHOLOMESZ, Francis Allister Cecil “Allie”, born, April 30, 1934, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo, 1946-1954. Reached the level of the University of Ceylon Entrance Examination (Upper Sixth) General Certificate of Education with six Credit passes. In 1947, winner of the All Ceylon, Light of Asia Elocution Contest (Junior Boys). Swimming Champion – Kinross Swimming & Life Saving Club, 1952 – 1965. Place third in the Annual Two-Mile swim. Surf Life Saving Captain. In 1954, Club Captain. Honorary Secretary of KSLSC. Awarded the Bronze Medal by The Surf Life Saving Association of Australia. Mercantile swimming champion 1955, representing the Galle Face Hotel Colombo Ltd in the “ARPICO Cup”. In 1958, elected Honorary Secretary of the Ceylon Amateur Association. Trainee Manager, Galle Face Hotel Ltd, Colombo. In 1959, selected as an Executive for Clarke Spence & Co. Ltd, Galle, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence & Co. Ltd, Colombo. In 1962, transferred to Head Office, Colombo as Senior Executive in the Shipping Department. In 1964, Manager, Aitken Spence & Co Ltd, Trincomalee Branch. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with wife and son in June 1965.Variuous jobs in the Commonwealth Public Service, 1965-1968. In 1968 joined P & O Australia Ltd, as a Claims officer, Transferred to Freight Department, after a few years promoted to Senior Freight Representative. Transferred to Operation Division as Freight Liaison Officer for Liner Service and Container Vessels. In 1998, appointed Marketing Manager, Burns Philip & Co. Ltd, Melbourne. In 1986, appointed by H.C.Sleigh & Co. Ltd, as Senior Cargo Superintendent, and following the merger between H.C.Sleigh Co. Ltd and Patrick’s, Melbourne, was appointed Branch Manager – Patrick Sleigh Shipping Agencies. A short time later when the Company was taken over by Howard Smith & Co. Ltd, was appointed Marketing Manager for Victoria/Tasmania. In 1999, appointed Commercial Manager for giant Sinotrans Ltd of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Retired in 2002. Associate Activities: Australian Shipping Officers Association, Victoria 1970-1974. Divisional Councillor 1976, Honorary Secretary 1978, Federal Councillor 1980-1984, President ASOA. Travelled
Extensively on company business to UAE, Doha, Muscat, Bahrain, Damman, Karachi, Kuwait, Colombo, Bangkok, Manilla, Taiwan Hong Kong, Shanghai (PRC) and Shekon (PRC). Now living in retirement at Biggera Waters, Gold Coast, Queensland. (Contributed)
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Leslie Mark, died Melbourne, Australia, March 24, 2013. He received his Higher Education at the University of Western Australia. He began his professional career as a script writer/producer for the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and later focused on documentary film direction and creative writing. He spent most of his professional life in Sri Lanka s a radio feature producer and documentary film writer/director. The latter profession took him to remote parts of Sri Lanka and Africa and to some of the bigger cities of Europe and the USA. He scripted and directed his first documentary film on the Vanishing Veddahs. The film was accepted for non-theatrical distribution by Arthur Rank in London and by McGraw Hill in New York. It was later aired in in the UK, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Australia, Canada and the USA. He retired as a documentary film director in 1982 after five years spent in Zambia making documentary films for its government on the humanistic philosophy of President Kaunda and one of its largest mining companies. His first paperback Boomerang was published by Carlton Press, New York in 1983. The novel was written with a Sri Lankan background in the all too rare intervals between his work in Zambia. He has written many short stories which appeared in French, Flemish, Canadian, Australian and Sri Lankan magazines/newspapers and in anthologies of popular writers such as Jack London, Tennessee Williams, H.G.Wells, Lord Lytton and Pearl Buck. These anthologies were published in the USA and the UK in 1968 and 1970. His first book of short stories was published in Sri Lanka in 1971. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with his family in 1989 after the loss of his daughter Ramani. (Daily News Archives & Yvette Paulusz)
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Ramani Elizabeth, born, September 1, 1966, Sri Lanka, died, June 30, 1987. She completed her education at Holy Cross College, Gampaha. She was the daughter of Leslie Mark & Kamala Bartholomeusz. At the age of 16, she was screened in Lester James Peiris’s 1983 film ‘Yuganthaya’ (‘End of An Era’). She was a model and having been crowned ‘Miss Sri Lanka; in 1985, she represented Sri Lanka at the 1985 Miss Universe pageant. After the pageant she continued acting and appeared in many films, she was also a popular television actress. She died at the age of 20 when she was allegedly pushed out of a moving car after a dispute. (Wikipedia)
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Reggie, educated at Wesley College, Colombo, was one of the finest sportsmen who had a profound career with his school Wesley College later had an enthralling club career finally ending up donning the National jersey for the country handling the oval shaped ball. As a tiny nursery kid his mother was very particular about enrolling him at a Catholic school and he started his education at St. Bridget’s convent until grade two. Then he was transferred to Wesley College, Colombo for further studies. From his childhood he had a desire to get into sports and finally his dream became a reality. He transformed himself as a champion athlete from under-10 to 19 age category, later went on to establish a record in100 yards in 10.5 seconds in 1965 for his school which is an unbroken record so far. He also played Cricket, Rugby and Hockey for college. He played for Colombo North team at the hockey carnival. He excelled as a sprinter representing the Ace Athletic Club in their relay teams at many athletic meets in various parts of the country. He went on to represent Wesley at the public school’s athletic meets in the under-16 and 19 age groups winning colours in these meets. He played rugby for school from 1961 to 1965 as a wing three quarter. He started playing the game at the age of 14 years and went on to represent the college first XV team. He stepped into Club rugby with CR and FC in 1966, under Eric Roles’s captaincy. CR remained an unbeaten side that year, and played in the all India Rugby Tournament in Bombay. He cemented his position at CR in 1967 under Mohamed Azain and in 1968 under Tony Sirimanne (where they won the All India tournament that year). In 1969, under Mohan Sahayam they clinched the prestigious Clifford Cup by beating Kandy SC 12-6 in the final With his fine performance as a player and in his peak, he was picked to play for Sri Lanka that year against the touring Singapore team, where he planted a try which subsequently turned out to be his first game for the country. In 1971 under Dushantha Samarasekera they won the Clifford Cup by beating Police 27-6 in the final and in 1973 under Kamal(Ali) Ratnapala won the All India tournament after emerging unbeaten league champions but were deprived of the double when Army knocked them out in the Clifford Cup semi final 16 -12 The year 1974 was a memorable one for him as he was appointed as captain of the Longden Place Club. They won every game and remained unbeaten League Champions but lost the Clifford Cup when Havelocks beat them 16 -4 in the finals He continued his club career playing in 1975 under Ronnie Schokman and in 1976 under Indrajith Coomaraswamy respectively before he called it a day for the fifteen a side rugby. But he opted to play in the short form of the game, the sevens rugby under Dr. Maiya Gunasekera. He launched his National career from 1969 till he retired in 1976, He first played for Sri Lanka in 1969 against Singapore in Colombo under Hadji Omar, then played under Jeff Ratnam in 1970 against the Bosuns and Blackheath Rugby Club, England and Paris universities. In 1972 played under Y.C. Chang at the Rugby Asiad in Hong Kong while playing against other touring teams like Dubai Exiles, Australian Emus, Singapore, Japan, Nachanga RFC just to name a few. His greatest joy was playing for the Pink Elephants, a team of all retired players meeting up to have a run around and a good social night. After retiring from playing, he coached the Wesley College team for a decade from 1971 to 1978. He immigrated to Australia in 1984 with his wife and children and played a few games for the Box Hill Quenches, which is a team of all retirees over 40 and then coached the Boxhill under-14 and 16 for about four years until he retired permanently from the game. (Althaf Nawaz, Ceylon Daily News)
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Dr Wilfred Arthur – born November 10, 1891, Colombo, Ceylon, died April 9, 1939, Colombo, Ceylon. He joined the Civil Medical Department in 1915, having taken his diploma in Medicine and Surgery at the Ceylon Medical College. Later, having visited England and obtaining British qualifications, LMS (Cey), LRCP & S (Edin), LRFP & S (Glas), CTM (Lon), he filled the more important posts of Medical Officer at Kitulgala, Karawanella, Tangalle and Matale, after he had served some time as Medical Superintendent of the Convict Establishment in Colombo. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIX, Part 1, 1939 & Bobby Caspersz)
BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Dr Warwick, born, November 9, 1925, Colombo, Ceylon. Education: MBBS (Cey). Doctor in the Ceylon Medical Department. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
BEEKMEYER, Bishop Dom Bede, O.S.B., - (Francis Robert BEEKMEYER) – born October 11, 1873, died Kandy, May 22, 1935. He began his studies at St Benedict’s College, Colombo, later moving to St Anthony’s College, Kandy, when the St. Benedict order moved to Kandy. He was one of the first students of the Papal Seminary at Kandy. He was ordained Priest by Bishop Pagnani, on June 24, 1899. He was then appointed as Assistant Priest at St Anthony’s Cathedral, Kandy, and shortly after as Parish Priest. He was later appointed Vicar-General and as Chancellor. When Bishop Pagnani died in 1911, he was appointed Bishop of Kandy and consecrated Bishop on June 30, 1912. (DBU Journal, Vol XXV, Part I, 1935)
BELING, Dr Christopher Charles – born Ceylon, April 4, 1873, died New Jersey, USA, November 30, 1946. Passing out of the Ceylon Medical College in 1897, he served for a short time under the Government and then left for Scotland and entered the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, where he gained his qualifications in 1900. From 1901 to 1906 he was assistant Physician at the New Jersey State Hospital for the Insane. From 1907 to 1912 he was clinical assistant at the Vanderbilt Clinic in New York. He was visiting neurologist at Newark City Hospital and St Michael’s Hospital from 1908 to 1923. In 1923 he was a Judicial Counsellor of the Medical Society of New Jersey, and a member of the board of governors of the Essex County Medical Society. In addition to these appointments he was also a member of various medical societies around the world. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXVI, Part 4, 1947)
BELING, Henry Prins – born December 12, 1864, died October 27, 1944. He retired from the post of Municipal Assessor. He served in the Government Clerical Service for many years before joining the Municipality. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIV, Part 3, 1945)
BELING, William James Geoffrey – born September 23, 1907, died 1992. Artist and educator. A founder member of the ’43 Group of modern painters, so-named after the year it was formed. A painter of landscapes and still-life, he was also a gifted portraitist, as evidenced in his ‘Portrait of Lionel Wendt’. After he gave up painting, he became, as Chief Inspector of Art, an evangelical promoter of interest in the art of both East and West in schools. He designed the Lionel Wendt memorial arts complex in Guildford Crescent, Colombo. (C.A.Gunawardena – Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka, 2003)
BELING, William Wright – born Colombo, December 31, 1867, died, June 23, 1928. He began sketching and painting at an early age. It has been said that Guns and game-shooting sometimes even overmastered his love for Art. His paintings of the Minneriya landscapes carried off the Governor’s prize one year. He joined the Customs service, rising to be the head of the Department. (DBU Journal, XVIII, part 2, 1928)
BERENGER, Very. Rev.Fr Dom John Marie, O.S.B. – born Kandy, October 18, 1873, was educated at St Benedict’s College, Colombo, and later St Anthony’s College, Kandy. After leaving College, he joined the Benedictine Order of Monks on December 15, 1889. In June 1893, after four years of studies at St Anthony’s Abbey he entered the Papal Seminary at Ampitiya, after a further seven years of study in Philosophy, Theology and Cannon Law, he was ordained a Priest on June 24, 1899. In 1900 he was appointed, (without as usual having to serve as an Assistant), Parish Priest of Dimbulla, comprising Talawakelle, Lindula, Agrapatna and Pundaloya right up to Nanu Oya. He was treated with great respect and good will by the planting fraternity being admitted to all their various social and athletic clubs. There was hardly a function to which he was not invited. Leaving Dimbulla in 1905 he was appointed to Badulla where he served for 15 years. He was also at various times Parish Priest at Nuwara Eliya, Nawalapitiya and Bandarawela. He was finally appointed to the Kadugannawa- Galagedera District where he worked for ten years. He was no mean linguist, besides English, in which he was a facile writer and fluent easy speaker, he read, spoke, wrote and preached in Sinhalese, Tamil and the local Portuguese patois. Latin, Italian, French and German were the other languages he mastered. (DBU Journal, Vol XLI, Part 1, 1951)
BEVEN, Lt Col. Allan – born November 19, 1867. Educated at Royal College. Barrister-at-law, Mid Temple, Cadet, local division, Ceylon Civil Service, September 1892. Assistant Collector of Customs, Galle, January 1893, Police Magistrate Panadura, Kalutara and Chillaw, March 1895 to November 1896. District Judge Batticaloa, Kalutara, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Negombo, Tangalle, March 1899 to October 1914. Additional District Judge, Colombo, June 1921. District judge Kurunegala, September 1922. Lt. Colonel, Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI) (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
BEVEN, Alan Karl, born 23 November 1874, Colombo, Ceylon, died 9 March 1959. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo. He took to planting and was in charge of Franklands although Francis was still its owner and chief occupant. A smaller bungalow was built on the property where Alan resided with his family. Family lore suggests that despite father and son living in separate houses on the same property, relationships were formal as was customary in Victorian times. When Francis had Alan and family over for a meal for instance, the invitation was on a hand written card served on a silver platter delivered by a liveried butler!! (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BEVEN, John Francis (Francis), born 11 February 1847, Colombo, Ceylon, died 6 June 1921, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo won the coveted Turnour Prize. He was enrolled as an Advocate at the age of 23 and at the time was one of only 21 advocates practicing in the island. He commanded a lucrative law practice from his early days. He was also associated with the Examiner newspaper, a bi weekly founded in 1846.It was purchased in 1859 by Charles Ambrose Lorenz reputedly the most highly regarded and famous member of the Burgher community of all time. At the age of 23, Francis Beven became a co proprietor of the Examiner together with Lorenz and Leopold Ludovici. He was also its Editor for many years developing the paper to be a very influential and powerful voice for the Burgher community at a time when the country was under total British rule. Later the paper took a “pro Ceylonese” stance and was the voice for the entire community. The Examiner together with The Observer and Times were the only English newspapers of that era. As a busy lawyer and Editor of an influential newspaper he was both well-known and powerful. He was acting member of the First legislative Council and in the words of JR Weinman writing in 1918 “Francis Beven who hurls his thunderbolts from the Olympian heights of Veyangoda in the form of letters to the various Colombo journals, acted for some time for the late Mr Loos (in the Legislative Council). “F.B” as all Ceylon knows him is a man of great capacity.. Everybody who came in contact with him had the highest opinion of him.” At the age of 34 Francis Beven had already made a fortune at the Bar especially at the Courts in Kandy where he commanded an extensive practice. A hearing impairment however impeded his further progress at the bar and in 1881, when 34 years old, he chose to try his hand at agriculture. He had earned enough at the bar to purchase a 250 acre coconut and cinnamon property near the Bandaranaike homestead. It is believed that the property was purchased from Mudaliyar DCDH Dias Bandaranaike the father of Sir Solomon and the only son of Don Solomon.. Francis named his property “Franklands” and built a comfortable house to which he moved soon thereafter. The Bandaranaike’s and the Beven’s became firm family friends and neighbours. Sir Solomon in his memoirs “Remembered Yesterdays” recalls his visit to Europe in 1914 where he met Mr and Mrs Francis Beven also holidaying in London. The family connection may have been so close that Francis Beven’s youngest brother H.O.Beven negotiated with Sir Solomon to lease the latter’s Weke Estate. That transaction soured later and Sir Solomon wrote” I was also compelled to go to law at this period(1915) as a result of some differences with HO Beven, who was the lessee of my Weke Estate. I was very sorry , as we had been friends for a long time. The late Mr W. Wordsworth tried the case(which was decided in my favour, with Beven cast in stiff damages), and I was represented by Mr EJ Samarawickrema (now KC) instructed by Messrs FJ and G de Saram while Mr EW Jayawardene(also now KC) instructed by Messrs Mack appeared on the other side. The case went up in appeal, and the damages were a little reduced.” Francis Beven seemed to have lived in style emulating the life style of his illustrious neighbour Sir Solomon who was the confidante of successive Governors of Ceylon and known for his lavish entertainment of visiting royalty. . With a palatial residence served by a string of domestic staff, Francis was also in the lap of luxury. As for Franklands, Alan willed the property to the Anglican Church and there ended the Beven’s century old connection with Horagolla. For some years the legal firm of Julius and Creasy managed the property on behalf of the church. The Bandaranaike’s and the Beven’s have in their own way played dominant roles in the development of Sri Lanka during colonial days and their generational triumphs and vicissitudes seem to mirror to some degree the hey-day of British colonial rule and its ultimate demise. The descendants of the Beven’s have since chosen to seek greener pastures overseas for their future generations. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BEVEN, Dr John Justus Osmund, born 19 January 1889, Colombo, Ceylon, died 1930, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo and was a Medical doctor. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BEVEN, Ivor Victor Rex, born 5 January 1928, Nugegoda, Ceylon, died 27 January 2020, Sydney, Australia Educated at St. Lawrence’s, Wellawatte, Colombo.. He joined the Ceylon Government Railway ( CGR ) when he was 19, and was appointed engine driver, he remained with them until he migrated to Australia in 1961. He played hockey, but his main love was for boxing in the Light Weight division. In 1948 Ivor won the National Boxing Championship of Ceylon in his weight division. Also in 1948 he unfortunately lost in the Olympic qualifying meet, and so missed out on a place to compete at the Olympics. He did represent Ceylon at the Asian Games, but was beaten on points by Peter Prince. In Australia, He immigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1961, where he trained to be a nurse, completing yearly exams and on the job training, ultimately qualifying as a registered Psychiatric Nurse in January 1966, continuing with the same employer until his retirement in 1985. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BEVEN, Thomas Edwin, born 23 October 1843, Chillaw, Ceylon, died 12 October 1919, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo, who was later a well-known Proctor in Kandy and a Lieut Colonel in the Ceylon Light Infantry. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BEVEN, Victor Rex, born 24 May 1883, Colombo, Ceylon, died 14 November 1935, Colombo, Ceylon. Assistant Divisional Transportation Superintendent ( CGR ). He had a strong Christian faith and was Church Warden at St. John’s Nugegoda in 1935. Victor tragically lost his life in a hunting incident, when his hammer gun accidentally discharged hitting him in his arm. The others in the hunting party, including his brother were unable to stem the flow of blood, and he was rushed first to a dispensary, and then to Wathupitiwala hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BEVEN, Rev. Francis Lorenz – born October 30, 1872, died March 11, 1947. Educated at Royal College and Christ’s College, Cambridge. M.A. (Cantab). Returned to Ceylon in September 1895 and ordained the following month. Curate St Paul’s Church, Kandy for six years, later for ten years Incumbent of Christ Church, Kurunegala. Appointed Vicar St Paul’s Church, Pettah, Colombo in 1912. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
BEVEN, George Victor Lorenz, born 8 June 1929 in Negombo, Ceylon. He first attended Newstead College, Negombo, where his mother was music teacher, and later Maris Stella College, Negombo. George had no formal training, and he began his career in 1950, working for the Ceylon Observer doing fashion drawings for the women’s pages, and illustrating short stories. In 1951 he enrolled in the Heywood College of Fine Arts where David Paynter was one of his tutors, and George regards him as his greatest inspiration, and from whom he learnt to draw the human form. In 1955 Management decided to send George to London to learn more of his craft where he enrolled for one year at St. Martin’s School of Art and in 1956 he returned to SL, where he developed a friendship with two artists who taught him to paint on canvas and rush mats using his finger as a brush. In 1958 he decided to return to the UK, where he held his first exhibition to much critical acclaim. His enthusiasm never waned, and he exhibited whenever he could, but it did not provide him with a living, and so in 1960 he joined a travel agency. During this time he continued to paint, and he developed his unique “ monotone “ style - a method of flicking ink off a toothbrush onto cartridge paper to produce portraits, and they included many famous people including Princess Margaret and his portrait of her hung in Kensington Palace until the time of her death. In 1980 George returned from self-imposed exile and held his first exhibition in Colombo, where he now exhibits regularly. His portfolio of work includes informal portraits, landscapes, village life, people in various activities, and male nudes. He paints using gouache colours and they are a dominant force in his paintings which capture the beauty of Sri Lanka. He believes he is one of the last line of painters whose forte is the human figure. George divides his time between London and Negombo. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
BHIKKU KASSYAPA (PEREIRA, Dr Cassiua A., LMS (Cey), LRCP (Lond), born September 9, 1882, died September 12, 1963. He had listened to the Venerable Ananda Metteyya Thera speak on the "Three Noble Truths", decided at the age of sixty five years, to embrace Buddhism. He took the Sangha name Bhikku Kassyapa of the Vajiraramaya Temple, and became a "champion" of the Theravada School of Buddhism. He was energetic, to propagate the Buddha Dharma, and wielded his pen diligently and masterfully. Along with a few others, on 16th April 1921 he founded The Servants of the Buddha Society, and became her first President. During the formative years, several notable persons were associated with the society, and a few of the names recalled are the Venerable Naradha Maha Thera. Hema Basnayake QC (later a Chief Justice) and Victor Pulle, who had been baptised a Roman Catholic and was educated at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena - he was later ordained, taking robes as Venerable Soma Thera of the Vajiraramaya. Also H.A. de Abrew and W.J. Soysa of Bambalapitiya were among the others. In January 1925, the first issue of ‘The Blessing’ was published. This was the "Dharma - Patrika" of the Society, and was edited by Dr. Cassius Pereira. The first issue carried 38 pages, and was sold at 50 cents, which then was valuable money. It is interesting to note that in the foreword the Editor said: "This long outstanding aspiration of a few keen Servants of the Buddha, is partially satisfied with the launching of ‘The Blessing’..." The Editor continued later to say: "In the ocean of Pali texts lie hidden many a pearl of great price whose radiant beauty, and placid perfection are lost to all but a few yellow robed lovers of the law, who alone possess the secret that enables them to plunge into tranquil depths. In the secluded temples of the East, remote from the restless turmoil of a world wrapped in materialism, these single-minded members of the Buddha Sangha, have preserved almost untarnished through passing centuries, the very words in the very language of the Great Master." ‘The Blessing’ usually carried translations (from Pali) of the Majjima Nikaya. It is from the "Maitri Hall", Lauries Road, Bambalapitiya (named after Ven. Ananda Metteyya Thera), a stately building built by the father of Dr. Cassius Pereira, and projecting an unique Anglicised architecture with heavy furniture like pews of a church but having on the wall at the entrance an ornate freeze of distinct Buddhist outlook relating to the Gupta period, that the untarnished Message of the Master, has radiated. It has throughout been a "Power House" of Buddhist thought. People of all walks of life who seek the samaric clear path to Nirvana, striving to eradicate themselves from the Three evils of Loba, Dhosa and Moha, gather there to listen to the glorious Dhamma, and to live with that Dhamma. He is the author of ‘Anapana Sati’, published in English in 1928 (Google Information)
BLAKE, William Alexander, Jnr, born November 16, 1922, Kandy, Ceylon, died May 17, 2015, in Toronto, Canada. Educated at Trinity College, Kandy, where he captained the college boxing team and developed his love of the arts. His passion with the movies began when they were screened in mobile tents in many parts of Ceylon. He would often sneak away from school to watch movies at the Wembley Cinema. On leaving school he enlisted in the Navy and at the end of World War 2, he joined the Railway Security Service. He then joined the Government Film Unit as a camera man. In the early 50’s he left the security of government employment and accepted an offer to work as a camera man with another young film maker, Lester James Peries. This partnership changed the course of Sinhala Cinema. Prior to this, films were made in South Indian Studios and shot indoors on sets. They abandoned the film studio sets and moved outdoors. Their first movie Rekava broke new ground, shot entirely on location using natural light. It was nominated for the Palm d’ or’ at the Cannes Film Festival. He worked on the movie Tarzan, the Ape Man, and The God King, also collaborating with Lester James Peries on many other movies for the Sinhala Cinema. When the film Bridge on the River Kwai was shot outdoors in Ceylon, he was the second unit cameraman. The film got a nod for 8 Academy Nominations and won a record 7, cinematography was one. He cherished Ceylon's jungles and its wildlife, which led him to purchase a property at Rugam in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, where he and his family spent their holidays. The family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1972, where he was employed as a security guard. Around this time, the Thomas Craven Film Corporation in New York (whom he previously worked with in Ceylon) provided him the opportunity to continue his passion. He travelled to many locations around the world filming documentaries for the Craven Corporation. In the process, he was commissioned to film an interview in a new maximum prison cell with a disillusioned US military contract worker who became a spy for the Soviet Union - a character better known in the Hollywood film version The Falcon and the Snowman. His other accomplishments were: Capturing for the first time on celluloid the total eclipse of the sun, an invitation by his alma mater, Trinity College to receive the prestigious Night of the Lions Prize, awarded for the first time for cinematography, the “Golden Lion” once-in-a-lifetime award from the Sri Lanka National Film Corporation and a lifetime “Presidential Film Award” for 'capturing the ambience and flavour of Sri Lankan life and landscape.' (Contributed by Allan Goodchild & Anthony Fernando)
BLAZÉ, Benjamin Richard, B.A.(Hons, Lond), Dip. Ed, B.Ed (Melb), F.C.I. (Birm), FGSV. Born 1907, died 1988 in Melbourne. He excelled in English, Latin, Greek, History and Literature before going to University. Captained the University Hockey and Rugby teams. Graduated with Hons from the London University, subsequently graduating in Accountancy, Music and Education. Principal of several colleges in Ceylon, among them Arethusa, Wesley and Maradana Central College. He wrote and published many books, composer of school and college anthems. He immigrated to Melbourne with his family in 1955. He was a founder member of the Council of the Genealogical Society of Victoria and the Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies. He was Research Officer and Editor of their magazines. He was a Founder member of the Australia-Ceylon Fellowship (ACF) and with assistance and encouragement was able to have the ACF qualify to obtain interest free loans from the World Council of Churches, to enable the ACF sponsor approximately 300 families from Ceylon to settle in Australia. He was an accomplished pianist and played regularly in the Methodist Church, where he was a Lay Preacher. He wrote the words and music for the Springvale Secondary College anthem and designed their logo and blazer. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, Dr Edmund Carel Thomas, BDSc, LDS (Vic), born 1944, immigrated to Australia in 1955. In 1968 obtained his dental qualifications from the University of Melbourne. 1980-1995, 1997-203 involvement in Local Government as a Councillor. 1985-1986, 1994, 1998-1999 served as Mayor of the City of Knox, Melbourne. 1985-1995 Dental Consultant to Dandenong Hospital, Melbourne. Past President of Rotary International. Lay Preacher. Awarded Centenary Medal for Community Service. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, John Henry – born 1791. English Master in the Wesleyan Methodist Mission School, Bentota. Headmaster of the Government Boy’s School, Paiyagala. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, Dr John Robert, OBE, 1894-1958, Physician. Degrees: L.M.S. (Cey), M.B., M.D., MRCP (Lond), Senior Physician, General Hospital, Colombo. King’s Physician and eminent heart specialist. Professor of Medicine at the University of Ceylon. Classical Scholar. Consultant to the World Health Organization. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, John Thomas M.A (Oxon), 1853-1921, Winner of a University Scholarship to Oxford University. Barrister-at-law, Middle Temple, London. A brilliant orator. Lecturer in Law for the Council of Legal Education. Advocate, Police Magistrate and Commissioner for Requests. Editor of the Examiner, the Standard and finally the Independent. He was also a Lay Preacher. . (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, Louis Edmund, C.B.E. – born Kandy, September 29, 1861. He received his education at Trinity College, Kandy. In January 1880, having passed the Calcutta University First Examination in Arts, he was appointed Headmaster of the Lower School at Trinity College. . He left for Calcutta in 1882 to take up the B.A. Examination of the University. Having graduated, he taught for three months at Bishop’s College, Calcutta, then for nineteen months at St James’ School, from 1885 to1890 he was Second Master in the Boy’s School, Lahore. Returning to Ceylon in 1891, he was undecided whether to stay in Ceylon or go back to India. But he had long cherished a keen desire for a School of his own, which he could work in his own way. The School was opened on May 4, 1891, in a house in Pavilion Street, Kandy. There were eleven pupils present on the opening day, but the number gradually increased and two-and-a-half years later the average daily attendance was 31. The School had outgrown the accommodation in Pavilion Street and moved to a house in Brownrigg Street. The name was changed to Kingswood, after John Wesley’s well-known School, soon the terms Head Master and School, became Principal and College. In 1916 a block of land in Peradeniya was purchased with the help of a grant from the Wesleyan Missionary Society in London and another gift from Sir John Radles, a distinguished Wesleyan Methodist in England, made it possible to embark on new buildings. On retirement, he accepted the editorship of “The Ceylon Independent”, which soon reached a new standard of excellence. He was offered several high educational appointments and accepted for a time the Principalship of Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. His wide range of writings and lectures are too numerous to mention. He was all his life an ardent collector of books and pamphlets on Ceylon and newspaper cuttings on men a matters. A keen stamp collector, even match box labels were not below his dignity, while the genealogies of families interested him deeply. In 1929, the distinction was conferred on him of being made an Officer of the British Empire and finally a Commander of the British Empire (DBU Journal, Vol XLI, Part 4, 1951)
BLAZÉ, Dr Louis Ezekiel - 1827-1894, Medical degrees from St Andrew’s University, Edinburgh, Editor of the Penang Times, Malaya. Coffee Merchant. Clerk in the office of the Government Agent, Kandy. . (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, Dr Louis Gerard, 1894-1960’s, Degrees: L. M. S. (Cey), L.R.C.P. & S (Edin), L.R.F.P. & S (Glas). Senior Medical Officer and one-time head of the Ceylon Medical Department. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, Robert Ezekiel, JP, UPM, 1863-1918, Crown Proctor, Badulla. He was referred to in newspapers as the “Uncrowned King of Uva” for his renowned hospitality, wit and involvement in local charities. He holds the distinction of being the first person to own a ‘horseless carriage’ and a house with electric lighting. . (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
BLAZÉ, Vivian Louis, Dip-Ag, born, December 11, 1929, Galle, Ceylon, died, November 29, 2006, Perth, West Australia, Educated at S. Thomas’ College, Colombo, where he excelled at sport, captaining the athletics and swimming teams. Public schools champion for his ‘alma mater’, later the all-Ceylon 440 yards hurdles champion. He Matriculated in 1948. He was a gangling raw-boned youth, 6ft 2 ins tall and all of 150 lbs, he was enticed into the thriving plantation industry because of his athletic qualities. He represented Ceylon at the Empire Games in Auckland in 1950, where he won a bronze medal in the 400 metres hurdle (440 yards). He excelled at swimming, water polo and was a fine rugby player. He was also an exceptional marksman and acquitted himself well in Tennis, Snooker, Bridge, Poker. He “crept” under Budge Birkett on Cocagalla Estate, Madulsima. He was appointed a Junior Assistant Superintendent on Mahadowa Estate in 1950 and was later transferred to Alnwick Estate in Uda Pusselawa. In the next few years, various transfers as Assistant Superintendent to Sarnia, Mahadowa and Cocagalla followed. He continued planting as SD on Haputale (Golconda Divison) and later (about 1955) was transferred as “SD in charge” to Annfield in Hatton. From there he was promoted to Rahanwatte in Lindula and then as Manager of Haputale Estate. In late 1959, he became Manager of Edinburgh Estate, Nanu Oya. While at Edinburgh, he played Rugby for Dimbula. He was next promoted to Mahadowa Estate, Madulsima in 1962. He describes it as a “large property’, comprising of 1300 acres of tea in bearing, 400 acres of gums and about 250 acres of patana. The yield when he took over was 900lbs per acre, which he later increased to 1500lbs per acre. He was a hands on planter, his estate was the highest profit maker in the company and “Mahadowa” was verily, the jewel in the crown of the Scottish Tea and Lands Company. He became President of the Madulsima Club in 1964 and also captained the Uva Rugby Club. Another step up the career ladder came in the form of a transfer to Sarnia group, Badulla in about 1969. During this time he acted as General Manager of Scottish Tea and Lands and was appointed Visiting Agent for many upcountry estates. Despite a busy work schedule, he fitted in regular sport, playing tennis and rugby for the Uva club, where he was President. His other interest aside from planting and sport was enjoying the jungles of Sri Lanka. He purchased a beautiful holiday home on the East Coast The family spent many a holiday at “East Wind”, which included swimming in the bay, lobster trapping, fishing, boating and shooting. In 1972 he decided to quit because of the prevailing uncertainties, and immigrated to Perth, Australia with his family. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Vicki Vanden Driesen (nee Blazé)
BOLLING, Deshabandu Donald Julian, born Colombo, June 19, 1966. Educated at Royal College Primary School. A swimmer from is young days. He was awarded a four-year degree in Water Sports by the Clarion Swimming School, Pennsylvania, USA. On his return he joined his family’s Academy of Swimming, run by his Mother and two brothers. He later established his own Swimming Academy, ‘The Rainbow Swimming Academy’ Freestyle Butterfly Swimmer. He has represented his country at numerous international competitions. He has won 15 gold medals for Sri Lanka at the South Asian games between 1984 – 1991. He also represented Sri Lanka at three Olympic Games, first at Los Angelse (USA) in 1984, then Seoul (South Korea) and finally at Barcelona (Spain) in 1992. His best performance at an international meet was at the Colombo South Asian Games where he won six Gold medals. He was honoured in 1988 by being awarded the Deshabandu, which is the third highest national honour awarded in Sri Lanka. (Wikipedia & Sunday Observer, June 28, 2020)
BROHIER, Col. Douglas Vernon, ED, born June 1, 1914, Colombo, Ceylon, died May 2002, in Modbury, South Australia. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Joined the Ceylon Engineers as a 16-year-old in 1930 and posted to Signal Company. In 1942, promoted to Sergeant and received a commission in the Volunteer Force Signal Company as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1943, joined the Ceylon Corps of Signals, in its inaugural year as an independent Regiment. With the granting of Independence to Ceylon, the regular army was formed in 1949 and he became the first-ever Troop Commander of the Regular Signal Corps of the Ceylon Army. In 1951, he served in Malaysia with the Gurkha Signal Training Wing, he was awarded the Malaysian General Service Medal. With the expansion of the Ceylon Army in January 1952, the Signal Troop was elevated to a Squadron and he was promoted to the rank of Major taking over duties as Squadron Commander. In October 1958, his vision to see the Signal Corps elevated to Regimental status was realized. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel, becoming the first Commanding Officer of the Regiment and Chief Signals Officer. He is affectionately known by all Signals soldiers as the “Visionary Father of the Regiment of Signals”. In 1960, he took over Radio Ceylon with his Regiment at the request of then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in what were troubled times for the nation. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel on his premature retirement in 1962, after 32 years of service to the Army. He immigrated to Sydney Australia in 1969, where he worked for the Sony Company before final retirement and moving to Adelaide, South Australia. (Contributed by Rev. Richard Brohier)
BROHIER, Dr Eric Stanley – born August 16, 1894, died August 9, 1961. he was educated at Royal College. At the age of 17, he passed the entrance examination which was the qualifying test in those times for students who desired to take up medicine. He completed his professional studies in the minimum period, which was then five years, carrying off the Garvin Gold Medal for Surgery in the final examination. He obtained his Licentiate in 1916. After an interneeship of a few years as house officer at the General Hospital and as resident M.O. of the Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital and a tour of outstation service at Bogawantalawa, he proceeded in 1919 on war service for two years, having accepted a Commission in the Indian Medical Service. Reverting to the Department he served as D.M.O. Trincomalee and Maturata and thereafter proceeded to England for further qualifications in 1924. On his return a year later, he swerved in many outstations as D.M.O. and Superintendent of the Camp at Mandapam. He was Assistant Director M & S Services at the time of his retirement in 1954. He was of great service to the Red Cross Society as Chairman, he also served on the Board of Governors of the Deaf & Blind School. In 1959 he was pressed into the House of Representatives as an Appointed Member. He served for two years as President of the DBU in 1959. (DBU Journal, Vol LI, Part’s 3 & 4, 1961)
BROHIER, Nathaniel Henry Lorenzo, born April 12, 1847, died 1914. From 1871 – 1872, he was a teacher at the Central School in Kandy. He worked closely with St Joseph’s Church in Kandy during the time of Bishop Clemente Pagnani, where he was an organist and composer. In 1885 he moved to Kalutara, teaching at a private Roman Catholic School, which he set up in a rented bungalow with a view to teaching English. The school is today known as Holy Cross College, Kalutara. His moving from Kandy to Kalutara showed his willingness to travel and the determination to teach English. From Kalutara he moved to Aluthgama around 1890. This new venture saw him as a teacher of English and the people fully supported him in establishing another English school and made him Head Master. The new school was named Aluthgama Boys English School, it started in 1890 with 9 students at Dehigahawatta in Aluthgama. He was the Principal and teacher of every student. Being the first English teaching school in the region, its popularity spread down south. Within a year a Committee of Aluthgama residents made an official agreement with him to facilitate the school. They were responsible
for repairs to the school, collection of school fees, supplying the school necessities and payment of salaries. Subjects taught at the school, included Scripture, Reading, Grammar, History, Recitation, Idioms, Composition, Arithmetic, Dictation and Copy, Drawing, Drill and Geography. He was an educationalist with a vision of teaching. He had made arrangements to hand the school over to the Methodist Mission, when he suddenly died in 1914, aged 67 years. With the arrival of a new headmaster, the school was then named Methodist Boys High School. (Contributed by L.Henry de Silva)
BROHIER, Rev. Richard Angell, born January 1948, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at S’ Thomas’s College, Mount Lavinia, 1955-1968. Institute of Chartered Secretaries, 1968-1972. Internal Auditor, Ford Rhodes and Management Aides, Colombo, 1968-1971. Ministry Director and Board Member, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka, 1972-1987. Theological Studies at Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia, 1978-1980. Licensed Lay Reader and Assistant at Christ Church, Galle Face, Colombo, 1980-1987. Founding Board Member YGRO Ltd, a national NGO under the Ministry of Social Service, established in 1975, to offer job programs, vocational training and micro credit development for vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka. Training Director and Associate Area Director, Asia Pacific Region – Youth for Christ International. Member World Leadership team, 1980-1985. Chairman, International Committee for Research and Development, 1985. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia and lived in Geelong, in 1987.Executive Director, Geelong Youth for Christ, 1987-1994. National Board Member, Youth for Christ, Australia, 1988-1993. Church and Development Consultant, Church resource Ministries, 1994-2000. Pastor Kardinia Church, Geelong, 1994 to date, with 3 Campuses. Founding Director, Kardinia Institute for Leadership and Training, 2004-2008. Mission & Ministry Coach, Churches of Christ, Victoria/Tasmania, 2013-2018.Ordained and Endorsed Minister of the Churches of Christ, Victoria/Tasmania. International Faculty Asian Access, training leaders in 12 countries, 2000 to date. Resides in Geelong, Victoria. Contributed)
BROHIER, Richard Leslie de Boer – born October 5, 1892, died 1980. His work in the Survey Department made him knowledgeable about even the remotest part of the island. This was reflected not only on his works on irrigation and maps but also in books on travel in the island. His three-part ‘Ancient Irrigation Works of Ceylon’, published 1934/35 was a pioneering work that stimulated efforts to restore the extensive irrigation systems that had supported the ancient agrarian civilisation of the island. After he retired from the post of Surveyor-General, he served on the Gal Oya Development Board that oversaw the country’s first major post-independence irrigation project. The Institute of Surveying in Diyatalawa is named after him. (C.A.Gunawardena - Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka, 2003)
BROHIER, Dr Samuel Orlando Lindsay - born January 1, 1883, died Durban, South Africa, August 10, 1945. He was educated at Royal College, on leaving school he entered Medical College. Having taken his degree in Ceylon, he proceeded to England. In addition to the degree of the College of Surgeons, England and the College of Physicians, London, he secured the D.P.H. in London.. He accepted an appointment in the Medical department of the Gold Coast Colony. After years of service there, which impaired his general health, he retired to England. He later moved to Durban where he settled down. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXV, Part 2, 1945)
BUULTJENS, Alfred Edward – 1865 – 1916. He had a brilliant career at St Thomas’ College, Mutwal and won a Ceylon Government Scholarship in 1883 and went to England. He graduated from St John’s College, Cambridge in 1877. In Cambridge his studies for the history tripos included a course in political economy. He renounced Christianity while in Cambridge and became a Buddhist in 188 after his return to Ceylon. The authorities of his old school scandalised at his conversion had his name erased from the school’s panel of honour. He played a vital role in two important movements, the cause of Buddhist education, and the introduction of trade unionism. In 1889, at the age of 24 he became the Principal of the Pettah Buddhist Boys School (later Ananda College). From 1890 to 1903, as the General Manager of Buddhist Schools. He helped establish Buddhist Schools in all parts of the island. For several years he edited ‘The Buddhist’ a militantly anti-Christian weekly which attacked the missionary objectives of conversion. In the 1890’s he as active in the Women’s Education Society and helped establish Buddhist Girls Schools. He was one of the most distinguished scholars of his time. Among his accomplishments he knew mediaeval Dutch and Pali. He contributed several learned articles to many publications. (DBU Journal, Vol LXII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1985)
BUULTJENS, Edward Justin Ambrose – born September 21, 1863. Educated St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Whilst at College he won the Calcutta University entrance prize. Proctor Supreme Court, Chairman Urban District Council, Matara. He owned extensive property, planted with coconut, rubber, cinnamon and citronella in Matara. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
BUULTJENS, Edward Wilhelm Adolphus, born February 13, 1913, Matara, Ceylon, died May 1980. He was educated at Trinity College, Kandy, and received his Lion (an equivalent of the English Blue) in Rugby in 1933. He played first-class Cricket for Ceylon His first recorded cricket match for Ceylon came during the 1935–36 season, when a Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) side stopped over in Colombo on its way to a tour of Australia and New Zealand. He made his first-class debut less than a week later, playing for Ceylon against the touring Australian side led by Frank Tarrant. On debut at Viharamahadevi Park in late October 1935, he came in third in the batting order in both innings. In the first innings he scored two runs, he fared no better in the second innings, bowled for a duck,, but he did take the wickets of Wendell Bill and Jack Ryder, finishing with 2/35. He again played for Ceylon against the MCC during the 1936–37 season. Later in the season, he made his second and final first-class appearance, against a touring side organised by South African businessman Sir Julien Cahn. He opened the batting, making 10 and 7. He bowled nine overs in the South Africans' first innings, but failed to take a wicket. (Wikipedia)
BUULTJENS, John – born Matara, June 22, 1829, died, October 1, 1881, educated at Galle, on admission as a Proctor of the District Court at the age of twenty-two, served his apprenticeship under Proctor Ludovici of Galle. Two years later he passed as a Proctor of the Supreme Court. He had a successful practice at Matara and Tangalle. He took part in the public life of the town, from the inception of the Local Board in Matara, he was a member. He was also a member of the District Road Committee. (DBU Journal, Vol XXI, Part 1, 1931)
BUULTJENS, Prof Ralph, born Colombo, Ceylon. He is a professor at NYU and former Nehru Professor and professional fellow at the University of Cambridge (UK). He was on the faculty at the New School University, is a well-known media commentator, and has been a consultant/advisor to the UN. Among his publications are ten books (including Windows on India, The Decline of Democracy: Essays on an Endangered Political Species, Rebuilding the Temple: Tradition and Change in Modern Asia, Politics and History: Lesson for Today, and China After Mao: Death of a Revolution) and several hundred articles, monographs, and essays. Dr. Buultjens’ awards include the Toynbee Prize for the Social Sciences and the French Order of Arts and Letters. He has chaired the International Development Forum and the Society of Asian Affairs. He is a contributing editor of the Boston Book Review, and he writes a syndicated column on international political economy. (Contributed by Dr Pauline Schokman)
BULNER, Malcom, born Kandy July 9, 1944. Educated at St Sylvester’s College, Kandy, where he excelled himself in Boxing. A Southpaw pugilist, he was trained by Derrick Raymond, who was a notable boxing coach in his time. A Welter Weight Boxer, he represented Ceylon at the 1962 British Empire Games in Perth and at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, where he was selected to represent Australia in the Olympics Games, but was deprived of this feat for technical reasons. He has qualified as a world class boxing referee and has officiated in several boxing competitions in Australia and overseas. (Wikipedia & Hafiz Marikkar, ELanka website)
CARNIE, Dr John Arnold, MB.BS, MMED, FRAGP, FECP (Lon), FAFPHM, MPH (Harvard), DCH (Lon), Chief Health Officer, Victoria for 30 years, retiring in 2011. He joined the Victorian Department of Health in 1981 working in the area of drugs and poisons. In 1988, he moved to the Infectious Disease Unit of the department of Human Services, going on to become Manager in 1994. He was appointed as Director of Disease Control and Research in 2001, taking on responsibility for areas covering communicable diseases, prevention and perinatal health, biotechnology and ethics, public health training and biomedical and public health research. In April 2007, he was appointed as Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, providing a primary source of expertise within the department and a leading expert to government on public health issues and matters of public and community interest. In January 2005, he led Team Golf, a 24-strong team of doctors, nurses, environmental health officers, microbiologists and a logistician - from Victoria and the Northern Territory - to provide assistance in Banda Aceh following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. He was President of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians between 2003 and 2006 and was awarded a Public Service Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2009. (Victorian Department of Health, Press release, 2011
CASPERSZ, Bernadette, Rev. Mother, born Colombo, Ceylon, died 1956. Daughter of Cloudesley Henry Caspersz & Clotilda Carolina Holsinger. She entered the Order of the Sisters of the Holy Angels and was known by thee title Rev. Mother. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Christine Elizabeth Lois (nee ANDERSON), born July 27, 1947, Colombo, Ceylon, She was educated at St Paul’s Milagiriya Girls School, Colombo, entered the Law Faculty, University of
Colombo. Immigrated to Perth, West Australia with her family in July 1969. She was employed as Export & Logistics Officer, Brownes Dairy, Perth, WA, later Partner, Elvatech, Malaga, WA. She married Dwight Francis Swinbourne Caspersz, in Colombo, Ceylon. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Cloudesley Henry, born, September 7, 1865, Colombo, Ceylon, died, January 1951, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. On June 1, 1887, appointed Telegraph Master, later District Inspector of Post Offices. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Dwight Francis Swinbourne, born September 24, 1945, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, Ceylon. Immigrated to Perth, West Australia, in July 1969. Managing Partner, Elvatech, Malaga, WA, Australia Dwight Designs and Construction Custom made lifts for homes and commercial buildings. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, “Cissy”, Rev. Mother Superior Cecilia, born 1896, Colombo, Ceylon, died May 6, 1987, Elpitiya, Sri Lanka. Daughter of Cloudesley Henry Caspersz & Clotilda Carolina Holsinger. She completed her studies to Standard 8 at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, Colombo She joined the Sisters of the Holy Angels in 1918, at Ganagama, Galle. In 1928, she was Superior in Colombo. She then acted as Head Mistress of the school in Balangoda for a time. In her later years she was stationed at Liyana, Moratuwa and finally lived at St Gabriel’s Convent, Colpetty, Colombo and St Therese’s Convent, Elpitiya. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Ernest Andrew James Gerald, born November 30, 1900, Colombo, Ceylon, died September 29, 1979. Employed as an Apprentice in the PWD between January 20 1917 and January 19, 1922. Head Overseer Government Factory October 1, 1924, Executive Engineer, Government Factory January 7, 1944. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Modeste Boniface Aloysius, born June 16, 1906, Colombo, Ceylon, died November 1979. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Employed as a Lecturer in Mathematics. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Prosper Paul Robert Bernardin, born June 30, 1907, Colombo, Ceylon, died June 18, 1983, Waitara, New South Wales, Australia. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Land Surveyor stationed at Badulla, Galle, Kalutara, Ratnapura and Badulla. Promoted as Superintendent of Surveys and finally as a Deputy Surveyor General. Emigrated to Australia in June 1973, employed as Store-Keeper for National Cash Register, eventually retiring due to ill health. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Osmund Augustine Melchiades, born December 10, 1910, Colombo, Ceylon, died February 20, 1990, Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Employed in Tea Control 1938-1944, Inspector, Food Control 1946-1950, Deputy Food Controller 1950-1963. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Dr Eric St John, born December 12, 1898, Colombo, Ceylon, died August 27, 1930, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Obtained the London Inter-Science Examinations, Roll of Honour. Employed as Acting House Officer, November 18, 1925. Appointed Medical Officer, Grade II on December 1, 1925. House Surgeon, De Soysa Lying-in-House, Colombo on March 26, 1926. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Col. Francis Joseph Gerard, born December 2, 1912, Colombo, Ceylon, died September 14, 1995, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. A brilliant student in Mathematics and English Language. He was recognised as one of the Caspersz geniuses in Mathematics. Major and then Colonel in the Ceylon Army Engineers. Employed as a Civil Servant in the Taxation Office and Ministry of Defence, Administrative Officer to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Colombo, Assistant Government Agent, Hambantota. Superintendent of Works, Baur & Co, Fertiliser Department, Kelaniya. Awarded the MBE Medal. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Mary Clare (nee ARNOLDA), born, October 2, 1919, Colombo, Ceylon, Died June 26, 2011, Borella, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Daughter of Bobby Arnolda. Educated at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, Colombo. She founded the Claremont Finishing School, Kotahena, Colombo, in 1960. The Finishing School conducts short intense course for Ladies in “Social Graces”. She went to London for further studies and studied in well-known cookery, dress making and beauty culture schools. In 1970, she established the Claremont Hotel School in Kotahena, Colombo. Successful students were awarded Scholarships to Switzerland for practical training. Her many students have been successful in their professions in Sri Lanka and abroad. She had immense pride about her students who held various positions in the hotel trade all over the world. Several of her students are the proud owners of successful catering businesses in the country. She married, Col. Francis Joseph Gerard Caspersz, they have five sons. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Rita, Rev. Mother Superior, born, Combo, Ceylon, died, January 17, 1998. Daughter of Cloudesley Henry Caspersz & Clotilda Carolina Holsinger. In 1929, she entered the Convent of the Sisters of the Holy Angels, at Ganegama, Galle. In 1934, she was transferred to Elpitiya, where she and her sister, Rev. Mother Cecilia were teachers. In 1959, she was Principal of St Scholastica’s Convent at Mahaiyawa, Kandy. At the Orders Chapter of April 1969, she was elected Superior. In 1970, she attended the Orders meeting in Rome. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Bernardin Vincent – born May 20, 1867. Chief Clerk, Colonel Secretary’s Office, October 1914. Appointed to Class 5 of Civil Service, local division, July 1919. Extra office Assistant to the Colonial Secretary, May 1920, Office Assistant to Colonial Secretary, January 1921, Secretary, Ceylon Savings Bank in addition to his own duties. He held several appointments in the clerical service from June 5, 1884 to June 30, 1919. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
CASPERSZ, Daniel John, 1864-1942, Chief Reporter, Ceylon Examiner newspaper. Manager, Ceylon Examiner Press & Manager of Caxton Printing Works. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CASPERSZ, Dr Donella Winifred, born, May 16, 1959, Colombo, Ceylon. She is the daughter of Trevine Caspersz & Dawn Rita Weinman. She completed her education in Australia where she was raised. She obtained her degrees from Curtin University – B.App Sc (Social Work), Grad Dip (Car.Ed) – ECU: MIR, Phd – UWA. She is a Lecturer at the University of Western Australia. She completed her PhD in the area of Asian industrial relations examining export processing zones and the status of labour. Teaching interests include Australian and international industrial relations, Asian business and industrial sociology. Current research focuses on the use of teams as a teaching and learning strategy and the role of government in stimulating industry development. PhD related papers have been published in both international and Australian based journals. One of her current research projects relates to family business identity and sustainability in the information age. She is collaborating with colleagues from the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, China, Sweden, France and Malaysia, and with a postgraduate student in Pakistan. She believes the work is highly important because it addresses key issues of identity and sustainability of business, people and the wider community. In addition to her research, she has adopted a workshop and conversational approach to teaching and supervising PhD students. She has been highly recognised throughout the University and most recently received a Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education Teaching and Service Award for Research Supervision. She is a Board Member, International Family Enterprise Research Academy, Committee Member, Family Business Australia, WA, Western Region Coordinator, Enactus Australia. President, Zonta Club of Perth. She is married to John Loney. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Elroy Prosper Denver, born, September 25, 1938, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Aloysius College, Galle and St Joseph’s College, Colombo. Served in the Ceylon Navy, 1956 as a Lieutenant Commander. Immigrated to Sydney, Australia on November 11, 1972. Served as a Lieutenant Commander, Australian Naval Reserve, Training Officer at Royal Naval College Dartmouth, UK. Employed as Marketing Services Manager and Group Corporate Planning Manager of Ralph Symonds Ltd, a large Plywood Company in Sydney. Employed as a Managing Director of Symonds & Styenmark, a Home Building Company. Employed as a Managing Director of Whytehall Pty Ltd, one of the Companies in the Sellers Group. Owner and Manager of Ostaline Ltd, Representing Principals in Sweden, South Aftrica, Italy and UK, supplying mechanical spare parts to the mining industry. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Geraldine Lorna (nee KELAART), born November 8, 1943, Colombo, Ceylon. She is the daughter of Joseph Tyrell Kelaart and Lorna Marjorie Joyce Jacobs. Educated at St Bridget’s Convent, Colombo, 1950-53, then All Saint’s College, Borella, Colombo, 1954-62. School Captain in final year. Trained at the Wendy Whatmore School of Speech & Drama and received the Trinity College, London Diploma in Speech and Drama. Trinity College of London 1962 Diploma Associate/Teacher. 1963 Diploma Licentiate/Performer. Member of the “Dramateurs” Drama group which performed at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo. Was one of the leading actresses during the period 1961-65. Her acting career started in her early school years and at age 11 was given the leading role in a play performed at St Joseph’s College, Colombo for the Marian Pageant, directed by Fr Noel Crusz. Her promising acting career came to an end when she married and then left England to take up training to be a nurse, which was her main goal in life. Employed as a Clerk, Eastern Bank of Colombo, between 1972-67. Immigrated to England in 1967 for 3 years of nurse training, British Nurse Registration in 1970. Employed as Sister-in-Charge of Wards at St Mary’s Hospital, London, between 1967-1977. Emigrated to Australia in 1977. Employed as an Associate Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Geelong Hospital between 1977-2001. Employed as Critical Care Nurse in Emergency Dept, Alice Springs Hospital in 1997. Completed Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing, Latrobe University, Melbourne. Returned to England, September 2002. Employed as Critical Care Nurse, Queen Mary’s Hospital, Siddcup, Kent in 2002. Critical Care Nurse, Newham General Hospital, London in 2003. Returned to Melbourne, Australia in July 2003. Employed as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Mercy Hospital, Werribee, in 2003. Associate Nurse Manager, Mercy Hospital, Werribee, in 2004. Critical Care Nurse – Cardia and Thorasic Unit, Geelong Hospital, in 2005. Associate Nurse Manager, Mercy Hospital, Werribee in 2006. Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Department, Gold Coast Hospital, Queensland in Jan 2007. Employed as a Part-Time, Registered Nurse, Allamanda Hospital, Gold Coast in Aug 2007. Part-Time Cardiac Nurse, Allamanda Private Hospital, Gold Coast, Oct 2007. Seconded to the Rural Nursing Service of Queensland at Eidsvold Hospital in Jan 2009-2011. Resumed employment at Emergency Department, Gold Coast Hospital between Aug 2011 – April 2013. Employed Permanent Part-Time at Allamanda Private Hospital, Gold Coast, May 2014. Retired in March 2017. Voluntary work for Surfers Paradise Catholic Churches, May 2017 – 2020. Married Bobby Caspersz, on July 9, 1966, All Saints Church, Borella. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz),
CASPERSZ, Col. Francis Joseph Gerard, 1912 – 1995, Education – St Benedict’s College, Colombo, enjoyed a brilliant career at school, especially in Mathematics and English. Attached to the Ceylon Civil Service, he worked at the Taxation Office and Ministry of Defence, Administrative Officer to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Colombo, Assistant Government Agent, Hambantota. Superintendent of Works Baur & Co, Fertiliser Department. Part of a team resurrecting the old Sinhalese reservoirs and canal systems under the Colombo Plan. Colonel and Commanding Officer of the Ceylon Engineers. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CASPERSZ, Col. Francis Joseph Gerard, born December 2, 1912, Colombo, Ceylon, died September 14, 1995, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. A brilliant student in Mathematics and English Language. He was recognised as one of the Caspersz geniuses in Mathematics. Major and then Colonel in the Ceylon Army Engineers. Employed as a Civil Servant in the Taxation Office and Ministry of Defence, Administrative Officer to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Colombo, Assistant Government Agent, Hambantota. Superintendent of Works, Baur & Co, Fertiliser Department, Kelaniya. Awarded the MBE Medal. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ – Rev. Fr Dom James, OSB, (Julian Sinclair Caspersz). Born July 4, 1881. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. Ordained in 1906. Art Master St Anthony’s College, Kandy. A fine administrator and leader of men. After he became Principal, he presided over its transfer from Kandy to Katugastota. He expanded the College and the Department of Education officially recognized St Anthony’s College as a fully organized Secondary School. He set up two schools at Badulla, which still do well. He was parish Priest at Gampola, Welimada, Kadugannawa and other places. He was a member of the Badulla Town Council and one of the first priests in Ceylon to own a motor car. (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy & Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, John Louis Zozimus, born 1876, Factory apprentice and overseer, Public Works Department, Superintendent Village Tanks, Irrigation Inspector, Asst Irrigation Engineer – Matara, Kalmunai and Hambantota Divisions, In 1928 Civil Engineer and Deputy Director, Irrigation department, Ceylon. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CASPERSZ, Juliana Sarah (nee OVERLUNDE), born January 7, 1845, Colombo, Ceylon, died January 5, 1914, Colombo, Ceylon. Owner of a Dress Making Business. She employed as many as 7 tailors at her home in Walls Street, Kotahena, Colombo. She married Robert Bernard Caspersz, on June 24, 1861, St Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena, Colombo. They had 13 children. The house was demolished in the early 1950’s and St Lucia’s School was built on the site. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Maurus Leonard Baradat Joseph, born March 4, 1909, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 1, 1965, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. He matriculated and then taught for a short time at St Benedict’s College. By a process of study and examination he became a member of the Society of Radiographers, London. In the mid 1940’s he obtained patent rights in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and Ceylon for inventing an enhancement to the then X-Ray machines so that they would provide accurate measurements of the body part that was being X-Rayed up to the nearest millimeter. He advanced to becoming the first Electro Medical Technologist in the Department of Health and was awarded a WHO Fellowship in 1951 to the US, UK, Holland and Germany to visit the leading manufacturers of X-Ray equipment. He worked at the General Hospital, Colombo until he became the Head of the Department of Electro Medical Engineering Division. For his invention which he got extensive patent rights he did not cash in on any commercial aspect he was not entitled to since he was a Government Servant. He however did get an honorarium of Rs 600.00 awarded to him on the directions of King George V for his invention with the citation that it was in the interest of the cause of humanity. The only person to disagree with the honorarium of Rs 600.00 was the intellect K. Sunderalingam who wanted it increased to Rs 6,000.00 (reported in Hansard). The Cobalt Therapy Unit for treating malignant tumours at the Maharagama Hospital was installed under his supervision. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Maxim Lucien, 1912 – 1999, Education – St Benedict’s College, Colombo. Degree B.Sc (Hons) Lond. Additional Police Magistrate, Assessor Department of Income Tax, Censor Post & Telegraph (War Years), Deputy Food Controller, later elevated to Food Controller, Principal Collector of Customs, Chairman, Ceylon Shipping Corporation. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CASPERSZ, Rev. Fr Paul Anthony Aloysius, SJ, born 1925. Early education not known. Licentiate in Philosophy in 1943, Ordained a Priest in the Society of Jesus (SJ), in 1952. Licentiate in Theology in 1953. M.A, Oxford University in 1957. Principal of St Aloysius College, Galle, 1963 – 1971. He founded Satyodaya Centre, Kandy - a Centre of Learning for disadvantaged persons of all denominations. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CASPERSZ, Rev. Fr Dom Phillip, OSB. (Kennicus Francis Caspersz) Born, October 11, 1875 in Colombo. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. He was employed as an Arts Master at St Anthony’s College, Kandy in 1905. He was the Sylvestro Benedictine Novice Master for some years. He was Principal St Anthony’s College, Kandy, between 1906-1915. For the first time on December 20, 1907 an Annual Prize Giving was held.. He was a pianist and composed Christmas Carols which were sung by the family. He was a Mystic. (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy & Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Robert Bernard, born March 27, 1839, Colombo, Ceylon, died January 25, 1915, Colombo, Ceylon. Employed as a Printer, later Chief Clerk, Times Newspaper in Colombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
CASPERSZ, Ubald Diendonne Robert (Dido) – born May 17, 1895, died August 5, 1964. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Colombo, University Scholar 1908, B.Sc (London). Lecturer in Mathematics, University College, Colombo. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
CHRISTOFFELSZ, Arthur Eric, CMG – born August 22, 1890, Educated at Royal College, Colombo, winner of Government University Scholarship, 1909, B.A., L.L.B. (Cantab), Barrister-at-law Gray’s Inn, Cadet local division, Ceylon Civil Service, attached to Colombo Kachcheri, March 1915, Kegalle Kachcheri, 1916, Acting Extra office Assistant to Government Agent, Province of Sabaragamuwa, October 1916, Assistant to Government Agent, Uva, March 1919. In between these appointments he acted on several occasions as Police Magistrate at Kegalle, Jaffna, Dandagamuwa and Kurunegala. He was Ceylon’s principal Collector of Customs. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1949. He served as President of the Ceylon Board of Control for Cricket from 1950 – 1952 (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Wikipedia)
CHRISTOFFELSZ, Dr. Edwin Lionel – born March 9, 1887. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. M.R.C.S. (Eng), L.R.C.P. (Lon). House officer, General Hospital, Colombo 1914, on military duty in England, November 1915 to August 1919. Second Assistant Port Surgeon, Colombo, September 1919, Medical Officer, Madulkelle, January 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
CHRISTOFFELSZ, Dr Herman S. – Educated at Royal College, Colombo. L.D.S., R.C.S., L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P and S (Glasgow). Dental Surgeon, Colombo (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
CHRISTOFFELSZ, Moritz Sperling – born, May 12, 1891, died December 28, 1932. He had his schooling at Royal College, Colombo and later on threw up a promising career in the Ceylon Police to take up a course in Engineering. He was appointed by the Secretary of State in 1917 and assumed duties as District Engineer in charge of the construction of the Agalawatte-Badurueliya road which opened up considerable areas of forest land in the Kalutara District. Later on he was District Engineer at Vavuniya, reverting to the Public Works Department was District Engineer at Avissawella and Galle respectively. (DBU Journal, Vol XXII, Part 4, 1933)
CHRISTOFFELSZ, Dr Rachel, born 29 September 1885. Daughter of William Sperling Christoffelsz and Mary Anne Fretz.. After going to Mina Johnson’s Private School, Rachel Christoffelsz joined Ladies College, Colombo in 1900 and gained admission to Medical College on a government scholarship in 1904. Her elder brother Dr Herman Christoffelsz was a doctor (and later a Dentist) and may have inspired her to study medicine. On completing her studies in 1909, Rachel Christoffelsz worked for many years in the Municipal Medical Service. She was sent for three months training on child welfare to Madras and was then appointed (in 1925) to be Assistant Medical Officer of Health of the Public Health Department in charge of the Child Welfare Branch. She also had some private patients among the Muslim community, especially wealthy families such as the Abdul Gaffoors and Macan Macars. Her work in the Municipality among the urban poor included the training of Health Visitors and the supervision of municipal midwives. The Health Visitors examined poor children, advised mothers on the feeding of infants and on the hygiene and cleanliness of the house. She also held ante-natal clinics at four Municipal dispensaries and supervised the supply of milk to needy children. In her annual report in 1925 she claimed a reduction in infant mortality from the previous year and an improvement in “the general health and condition of slum babies” (Ceylon Sessional Papers 1926), Municipality of Colombo: 81-3).More progress was recorded in the next year’s report, but she retired in 1927 after her marriage to A.P.Rowlands, a pioneer in automobile engineering, whom she first met when he taught her to drive a car; he became a Director of a successful enterprise, Rowlands Garages, from until 1922 until he retired in 1943". (Google Information)
CHRISTOFFELSZ, William Sperling. I.S.O., – born June 30, 1846, in Colombo. He was educated at the Colombo Academy and, for a short time at St Thomas’ College, Mutwal. He regretted that he left school too early, but, after a short period in a Bank, he entered the Colonial Secretary’s Office, where he remained until his retirement in December 1920, as an Officer of Class V of the Ceylon Civil Service. In August 1906 he was awarded the Imperial Service Order for his long and meritorious service. He served fourteen years longer, retiring at the age of 75. He was appointed to a J.P. ship for the Island in 1916. (DBU Journal, Vol XXVI, Part 4, 1937)
CLAESSEN, George – (1909-1999). The only one among modern artists to favour abstract art, he was a founder member of the ’43 Group. He was self-taught and worked for a time as an architectural draftsman. His early paintings and line drawings showed excellent draftsmanship. His output included portraits, still-life and pictures of animals. But he felt that abstract painting, to which he was increasingly drawn, was the most representative of his work. He maintained a steady out put up to the time of his death, a few days short of his ninetieth birthday. (C.A.Gunawardena – Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka, 2003).
CLAESSEN, Radley Lorenz, born 1930, Education – Wesley College, Colombo, where he was Head Prefect. He also captained the first XI cricket team. In 1953 he commenced his working career at the Times of Ceylon. In 1959 he immigrated to Perth, West Australia, but after a few months the family moved to Adelaide, South Australia. In 1964, after five years in the private sector, he joined the South Australian Public Service. He held the position of principal private secretary to the Premier, Don Dunstan. He retired as the Publicity and Promotions Officer of the South Australian Road Authority of the Highways Department. In 1983 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. In 1988 he was President of the Australia-Sri Lanka Association in Adelaide. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CLAESSEN, William – Educated at Wesley College, Colombo. M.A.S. (Lon), F.S.A. (Lon), Architect, Colombo. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
COLIN-THOME, Justice Percy, born December 5, 1922, died October 12, 2001. He lived in Galle and had his early education at Richmond College. After graduating from the University of Ceylon, he studied at Downing College, Cambridge and was called to the Bar from Gray’s Inn. He was enrolled as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Ceylon in 1951 and was appointed as Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s Department in 1952. He was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court in 1976. He was also a victim of Article 163 of the Constitution, to which reference has been made and lost his seat in the Supreme Court in 1978 but was appointed to the Court of Appeal. Thereafter he rose once again to be a judge of this court. His travails did not end with that. Together with two of his colleagues late Justice Wimalaratne and late Justice Vythialingam, he had to face a motion of impeachment before Parliament. Undaunted, he defended himself in the proceedings before the Select Committee and was finally exonerated. He retired as judge of this court on 12.05.1987. Justice Colin Thome' devoted much of his spare time to drama and the theatre. He excelled on stage as an actor. He produced and directed several plays in English and attracted talented legal personnel to the stage. He entertained mature audiences with his perfect diction and superb acting. (Sarath Malalasekera, Daily News, March 17, 2003)
COLIN-THOMÉ, Prof. David, OBE, born 1943, in Colombo, Ceylon. Lived in the United Kingdom since 1947. Schooling- Hutton Grammar School, Preston, Lancashire., Newcastle University Medical School graduate 1961-1966, Four years hospital service in the North East of England, House Officer in Surgery and Medicine – 6 months each, Senior House Officer- Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology – 6 months each, Paediatric Registrar – Newcastle-on-Tyne Teaching Hospital – 2 years. He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of General Practitioners and of Physicians and Fellow of the Faculties of Public Health and of General Dental Practitioners (honorary). Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – 1966, Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology – 1969, Diploma in Child Health – 1971, Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners – 1973, Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners – 1990, Member of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine – 1994, Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine - 2002, (now Faculty of Public Health), Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners – 2005, Fellow Royal College of Physicians – 2006, Fellow Queen’s Nursing Institute – 2009, Honorary visiting professor of Health Policy and Management Manchester Business School and of the Centre for Public Policy and Health. Awarded The Order of the British Empire, 1997. He was a General Medical Practitioner at Castlefields Health Centre from 1971-2007 and National Clinical Director for Primary Care, Department of Health 2001-2010. David is currently an Independent Healthcare Consultant. He was made an Honorary Visiting Professor at Manchester Business School, Manchester University since 2002 and an Honorary Visiting Professor, School of Health, at the University of Durham from 2003. David is also a Trustee of Guy’s and St Thomas’ charity and a Non-Executive Director of London Cancer as well as Chair of PCC – a community interest company. GP from 1971 at Castlefields Health Centre Runcorn, retiring in March 2007, Formerly visiting professor of the Centre for Public Policy & Health, School of Health, Durham University, Appointed as National Director for Primary Care and medical adviser to commissioning and system management directorate, DH 2007 and retired December 2010, He was previously National Clinical Director for Primary Care, DH 2001-2007., Prior to being appointed as National Clinical Director, He was for two years adviser on primary and integrated services for Central Manchester University Hospital 2005-2007, director of primary care at the Department of Health’s London Regional Office (1998-2001), and senior medical officer at the Scottish Office NHS Management Executive (1997-1998). He has lectured extensively in the U.K and overseas. Travelled overseas on behalf of the British Council to South Africa, Colombia and the World Bank in Washington D.C. Temporary Faculty Member Harvard University Public Health Department for yearly seminars on Managed Care – an International Perspective Address to commemorate the granting of a chair to Professor Nancy Kane, Harvard University 2003. Chair of the Mersey Faculty of the Royal College of GPs. Future Healthcare Workforce (Bournemouth University formerly Manchester University), Member of Steering Group. Editor of Fundholding Management Handbook. Member of the DH Abrams Committee. Member of the DH Functions and Manpower Review Committee. Member of the National Community Care Development Programme Steering Group. Committee Member, National Association of Fundholding Practices. Member of the Steering Group of the National Primary Care Research and Development Centre. Member of the Chief Medical Officer’s project to strengthen the Public Health function in England. Member Royal College of Physicians Working Party – New roles for the Healthcare Workforce. School Governor. Parliamentary Candidate. (Google Information)
COLLETTE, Aubrey Carlyle, was born in Ceylon on 5th of September 1920. The youngest son of a celebrated portrait photographer, Jos Collette, he spent his childhood drawing. His father died when he was just 13 and his mother, Aileen, a music teacher, and his eldest brother Lyn were left to support the family. After attending Royal College for his education he was appointed art master there. Along with Ivan Peries he took painting lessons from artist David Paynter, and in 1943 they approached Lionel Wendt with the idea of forming the alternative painting fraternity, the '43 Group, that was to become Ceylon's first Modern Ar tmovement. Successful exhibitions in London, Paris and the Venice Biennale put Ceylonese art on the International map. In 1946 his talent for caricature was recognised by the Times of Ceylon and he became their full time political cartoonist. Here he met Joan Gratiaen, a journalist, and they married in 1947. His first book of cartoons "Ceylon since Soulbury" was published in 1948, and later the couple moved to Lake House where Tarzie Vittachi was editor. Their witty collaboration documented the political trajectory of the country from British colony to independent nation in The Observer and the Daily News. In 1952 he travelled around America on a prestigious art scholarship to meet fellow cartoonists and in 1954 held a large solo exhibition in Colombo entitled "1954 Faces", seventy three pastel caricatures of the leading political and socialite figures of the day. His next few years were marked by a period of personal and political turmoil. After the election of Mrs Bandaranaike's government in 1960 he became "persona non grata", and with tightening boundaries on political commentary his presence in the country became unsafe. In 1961 he left Ceylon with his second wife, Pauline, and their family, and spent a year in London before immigrating to Australia in 1962. He joined the staff of The Australian newspaper in 1965 and began another successful career as a political cartoonist, winning the coveted Walkley Award for best cartoon in 1970. He moved to The Herald in Melbourne in 1971, followed by The Straits Times in Singapore in 1984. A regular contributor to the Asia Magazine, his strip cartoon Sun Tan ran for many years. Always remembered as a gentle, humble and humorous man by all who knew him, he died in Melbourne in1992 aged 71. (Contributed by Cresside Collette)
COLLETTE, Cresside, was born in Ceylon on the 8th of September 1950, the eldest child of Joan and
Aubrey Collette. Experiencing an early childhood where her father's art and her mother's writing were part of daily life, her own future career seemed a natural choice although circumstances dictated that she had no contact with her father for 26 years after immigrating to Australia with her mother, brother Adrian and grandmother in 1962.She trained as a Graphic Artist at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and was employed as a foundation weaver of The Victorian Tapestry Workshop in 1976. In 1980 she undertook post- graduate studies in the Tapestry Department of the Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland, and subsequently completed a Master of Fine Art (by Research) at Monash University in Melbourne in 2003. Known primarily as a tapestry weaver, drawing has always been an integral part of her fine art practice. She has exhibited in both individual and group shows consistently since 1971, and in 2003 and 2004 she was awarded residencies at Bundanon where she pioneered working "en plein air" in the medium of tapestry. Over the last 25 years she has combined her own exhibition practice with designing and producing community tapestries for schools, city councils and universities. A tutor in drawing and tapestry weaving in the Studio Textiles Course at RMIT University for eleven years, her paper, " In translation - drawing as the foundation for and manifestation of tapestry", was delivered and
published as part of the "DrawingOut" conference in Melbourne in 2010. Cresside's current art practice examines the dichotomy of belonging to two lands, exploring their colours and sensations in visual form. A visit to Sri Lanka to attend the Lanka Decorative Arts Workshop in 2009 has inspired her to return each year to pursue her own work and add to her knowledge of her father's legacy. (Contributed)
COLLETTE, Henry Adolphus – born January 26, 1844, died June 26, 1931. He entered the Police Department, where by strict rectitude and an uncommon devotion to duty he rose to the important position of Assistant Superintendent of Police. He retired in 1900. He served as a Committee member of the DBU for a number of years. (DBU Journal, Vol XXI, Part 1, 1931)
CONDERLAG, Merle Vivette Adine (nee FERDINANDS), born September 2, 1914, Colombo, Ceylon, died May 26, 2008, Perth, West Australia. She was the daughter of Frederick Charles Bertram Ferdinands and Vivienne Anne Constance Van Cuylenberg. She was educated at Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy. She was well-known for her creative and skilled millinery, exquisite bridal headdresses, artistic bouquets, handmade flowers and love of all people. She married Eustace Quint Ondaatje on June 3, 1935. Although they had no children, they were the universal favourite Aunt and Uncle of many nieces and nephews. In the early 50’s, Merle accompanied her husband to the Eastern Province Hydro Projects at Gal Oya and Minneriya. There the American ladies encouraged her and she completed a Correspondence Diploma at the Louise School of Millinery, in the United States. When they returned to Colombo she yearned to learn more, so they went on an year’s ‘working holiday’ to the UK in 1956-57. She further polished her Millinery skills at Barratt Technical College, designed and made hats at a wholesale factory and helped design a West End Milliner’s Spring Collection. She gained a Diploma at the Eva Richter School of Millinery in London and attended several weekend workshops in Paris. Her Hat Shows and Fashion shows in Colombo were well attended, usually held at the GFH where she cajoled her nieces and many young girls to be models. The functions were in aid of charity and held on her wedding anniversary or birthday. She helped the YWCA, Red Cross, DBU’s St Nikolaas’ Home and others. Merle and Eustace immigrated to Perth, West Australia in January 1967, where she had a Millinery Shop on Stirling Highway, near Bay View Terrace, Claremont. After a year or so, she moved her “work room” to the third floor of a modest building in William Street and eventually saw clients at her home. Alongside these pursuits she was a dedicated church-goer, an inaugural West Australia - Ceylon Association (WACA) member, now West Australia Sri Lanka Association (WASLA). A keen committee member she organised many well attended social events. When the Burgher Welfare League (BWL) began in 1989, she enthusiastically took part in their fund-raising efforts. Until aged 90 years, she attended daytime functions. (Contributed by Rosie Zuiderduyn)
COOKE, Percy G., – Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Proctor S.C. and Notary, well known in racing circles. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
COOKE, Victor J., J.P., U.P.M. – Educated Royal College, Colombo. Proctor Supreme Court, Chillaw. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
COOKE, William Henry Jansz, employed as a renowned Ceylon Artist and Architect. Employed as a Chairman and Managing Director of The Ceylon Furnishing Co. Ltd. Chairman of Botticelli & Co (Piano Co), Colombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
COX, Thomas (Bobby) Harold, born March 17, 1901, Teldeniya, Kandy, Ceylon, died 1983, Melbourne, Australia. As travel was tedious and slow in those days, he was boarded as a young lad in the home of the late L.E.Blaze, the founder of Kingswood College Kandy, a Methodist Mission School. The school at this time located in Brownrigg Street Kandy was in its infancy, with only a few students most of them the sons from the Planting Community. At school he played in many sports and was a Sergeant of the Senior Cadet Battalion. He always showed a keen interest and a flair for technical pursuits, so, on completing his Elementary School Leaving Examination in 1921, he joined Hutson & Company, as an engineering apprentice in Colombo. On completion of his apprenticeship he joined Walker & Sons, Kandy, as a Workshop Foreman in March 1925. At this time Kandy did not have a Fire Brigade. However, in June 1929 he responded to a newspaper advertisement for the post of Officer in Charge, Kandy Fire Brigade & Superintendent of Vehicle Maintenance, Kandy Municipal Council. As the successful candidate, he was required to attend training for a period of three months at the already established Colombo Fire Brigade. On completion of his training he returned to Kandy and set about recruiting and training a new crew of fire fighters and setting up the new Fire Station located in the centre of the town. It was interesting that as part of their training my father introduced the new recruits to physical fitness routines and sport. They also followed drill procedures similar to the military, and frequently marched in the local area, as part of their off duty program. Also in their spare time, when on duty the recruits were encouraged to develop and cultivate vegetable and flower gardens, on the premises of the Fire Station resulting in a very attractive display. As toys were scarce during the war years he used his engineering and wood working skills to turn out toys for the extended family. He also made many toys to be distributed to local children at Christmas time by the St Pauls’ Church Mothers Union, of which my mother was a very active member. His son, Dennis has a strong memory of a beautifully crafted, working model made to scale, of a tea factory operated by a water turbine, which showed in detail the various stages of tea making .He retired in 1961, after having served the Kandy Fire Brigade from 1929 as its Chief Fire Officer, a man of strength and strong leadership qualities as well as a keen interest in his hobbies, especially radio technology. In 1968, he immigrated with his wife, two daughters and two grandchildren to Melbourne, to join and family, who had arrived earlier. As a heavy smoker all his life he now suffered acutely from emphysema and had become dependent on oxygen. In his new home in Carnegie, Melbourne, in spite of the warnings on the oxygen cylinder about the danger of smoking when the cylinder was in use, he still persisted in smoking his beloved pipe. He eventually succumbed to emphysema in 1983 at the age of eighty two. (Contributed by Dennis Cox)
CRAMER, Frank Thomas, baptized, Kandy, March 16, 1856. In 1896, was employed by C. B. Rowlands in Kandy. Reputed watch repairer, Established in 1872. Honorable mention – Matale Exhibition. Silver Medal – Kandy Exhibition in 1891. Established F. T. Cramer & Sons, watch, clock and musical instrument repairers, carried out by reliable workmen. (Contributed by Bobby Cramer)
CRAMER, Rev. Fr. Dr. Louis Hermagild, SJ, born 1924. Early education is not known. In 1941, he graduated in Biology at the Indian University in Bombay. After graduation he went to Naples for theological studies, he entered the Jesuit Order (SJ) in 1943. In1953 he joined the staff of St Aloysius College, Galle, as Assistant Prefect of the Boarders, later he took over as Prefect of Games. He assisted in the Biology Laboratory and taught Biology and Religious Knowledge in the Upper classes. In 1955, he was ordained a priest in Naples. Back at St Aloysius College, Galle, in 1961, he was appointed Assistant House master, Neut House, Ii addition to his staff duties. He was also Director of Life Saving. During this period in college, he obtained his PhD in Botany, having done research for his thesis in Rumassala, Singharaja and Delft. He is one of Sri Lanka’s renowned Botanists and has authored publications and articles on Botany. He is also a noted author of two books on the flora of Ceylon. Later he was a lecturer in Botany at Peradeniya University. He celebrated 60 years as a Jesuit in 2003. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
CRAMER, Dr. Stanislaus Leonard, 1887-1941. Degrees L.M.S. (Cey), L.D.S. (Edin), L.R.C.P. & S (Edin), L.F.C.P. & S (Glas). Set up private Dental practice in rooms at ‘Creighton’, 80 Ward Place, Colombo. Appointed Chief Dental Surgeon, Dental Institute, Ward Place, Colombo. Later District Medical Officer at various locations in Ceylon. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
DANIEL, Annesley Young – born February 5, 1858, Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Senior of the firm of A.Y.Daniel & Son, auctioneers and brokers, Colombo. He was well-known in sporting circles, being a keen racing enthusiast and one of the oldest members of the Ceylon Turf Club. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DANIEL, Francis, J.P., U.P.M. – born November 27, 1847. Educated at St Thomas’ College and Royal College, Colombo. Proctor and City Coroner, Colombo. Acted for some time as Superintendent of Minor Roads, W.P. Treasurer of the New Courts Law Chambers, President, Ceylon Poultry Club. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DANIEL, James Harcourt, born September 10, 1866, A.S.P., Colombo, January 13, 1904, A.S.P., North Province, December 3, 1909, Acting S.P., North Province, July 1, 1910, Acting S.P., Colombo, July 1911, S.P., February 1, 1913, Acting Senior S.P., June 21, 1915, D.I.G. of Police, C.I.D., September 1, 1915. Acting I.G.P. April 16, 1919 – November 30, 1919 and April 10, 1922 to November 19, 1922. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DAVIDSON, Alexis Neville Trevonne, born 9 September 1946 in Kotahena; Colombo. Early education at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena and, subsequently at St Joseph’s Jesuit College, Trincomalee where his father, an Army man was transferred to 1958. he returned to St Benedict’s College in 1963 and completed his studies. An avid sportsman, he played Basketball, Soccer and Athletics as a junior and, as a senior at Regional Club Level. First employed at the Ceylon Development Engineering Company as a Bookkeeper / special apprentice at the Uda Walawe Hydro-Electricity and, Mousakelle Dam Projects. Immigrated to Australia in 1969 and, worked for Encyclopedia Britannica and, at Dunlop Industrial & Aviation Division at their Head Office in Bayswater. In 1973, sat for the Victorian Public Service Examination and, was offered a position in the Education Department of the Victorian Public Service in 1974. He retired in 2009 following 35 years of service. He completed Adult Education Courses and has Diplomas in Web Site Design & Construction, Graphic Design and, computer maintenance. Played Club Basketball, coached junior boys’ and girls’ teams at a local suburban level and, qualified as a Basketball Referee; finally succumbing to the aches of advancing age and retiring from it all at age 60. Member of the Burgher Association, Australia, BAA since 2007 and, took over the role of Editor in March 2016. He was also, Editor of the Voluntary Outreach Club’s Newsletter from 2012 to 2018. (Contributed)
DAVIDSON, Dr Evelyn, born about 1879, Ceylon, died September 14, 1951, Yorkshire, UK. Daughter of Andrew Davidson and Eliza De Haan. She qualified as 'Licentiate of Medicine and Surgery' in 1899 at the Ceylon Medical College. She had been one of the first two women, to be admitted to the college in 1892, the other was Dr Henrietta Keyt who worked in the Medical Mission Jaffna. They were known as 'Angels of Help'. She moved to London and first appears in the UK Medical Register in 1911 add: 14 Ravensdon Street, Kennington Park London SE, she then lived at Camberwell infirmary, 80 Mill Hill Road, Acton, in 1921 at New Walk Beverley, Yorks, and from 1936 at 7 Eastgate, Beverley, Yorks. Evelyn was a school medical inspector. (Google Information)
DE HOEDT, Sgt Major George Frederick, born January 4, 1866. Educated Trinity College, Kandy. Landed Proprietor, for many years a leading Colombo broker and auctioneer. Originally in Government Service in the telegraph department. Sergt-major in charge of the Ceylon artillery section at the jubilee celebrations in England in 1897. He received the jubilee medal from the hands of Queen Alexandra (then Princess of Wales) at Buckingham Palace, and the long service medal. Capt and Assistant Adjutant, Colombo Town Guard. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DIRECKSZE, Rev. Fr Dom Philip, OSB, born Negombo, dies in 1919. He was ordained a Priest on June 6, 1868 under the title service to the Mission. His first appointment was Bolawalana, 1869-1870. He was then sent to work in Kandy, Matale and Gampola. In 1878 he was appointed to the Pro Cathedral in 1878, he was conversant in four languages. (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy)
DORNHORST, Frederick, K.C., born Trincomalee, April 26, 1849 died April 24, 1941. He had his early education at St Thomas’ College and the Colombo Academy, and at the Training College, after which he was a master at the Academy for six years, he later entered the legal profession, rising to be a King’s Counsel. Barrister-at-law, admitted as an Advocate of the Supreme Court, 1874, called to the English Bar, 1901. One of Ceylon’s most distinguished lawyers until his retirement and departure for England to settle down. President of the Colts Cricket Club. (DBU Journal, Vol LXV, Part’s 1 – 4, 1991& CEYLON, Plate Limited, 1924)
De Boer, Dr Alice, LRCP (Edin), born 1872, died 195. Daughter of Henry Arnold de Boer & Eliza Joselina Van Geyzel. She went on to become the very first woman physician in the island country. She began as an assistant to Dr. Mary Nona Fysh, MB, London, who was the Medical Officer-in-charge of the Lady Havelock Hospital for Women. Mary was appointed to her post in 1899 and Alice became her assistant, along with the Matron of the Hospital, M.E. Richardson, and Winifred Nell, the House Surgeon. (Wikipedia)
DE KRETSER, Amyas Ivan Eustace – born March 21, 1923, died Perth, Western Australia, September 8, 2006. He had his education at St Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and after leaving school followed a two-year course of training at the School of Agriculture, Peradeniya, from 1940 to 1942. After creeping at Walahanduwa Estate, Galle he was appointed Assistant Superintendent, Pimburagala Group, Wanduramba, in 1943. He served on several estates and was Superintendent of Kuttapitiya Estate, Pelmadulla, 1959-1961, Kiriporuwa Group, Yatiyantota, 1962-1971 ad Dyraaba Estate, Bandarawela, 1971-1975. He was also Visiting Agent of 30 estates on behalf of Carson Cumberbatch & Co. Ltd, Whittal Estates & Agencies Ltd and George Steuart & Co. Ltd. He was Director of Mackwoods Estates & Agencies Ltd., from February 1975 to March 1976. From April 1976 to December 1977 he was appointed Regional Manager, Janatha Estates Development Board, Avissawella. He was General Manager/Executive Director, Sri Lanka Sugar Corporation from January 1978 to December 1983. Later on he was appointed a Senior Executive of Carson Cumberbatch & Co. Ltd. He also served as President of the Dutch Burgher Union. On retirement he immigrated to Perth, Western Australia. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989)
DE KRETSER, Arthur Colville, born August 29, 1901, Colombo, Ceylon, died November 13, 1984, Melbourne. Educated at St Lawrence’s, Wellawatte, Colombo and then Royal College, Colombo. Served in the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI) Regiment. Employed as Chief Clerk, Carson & Cumberbatch Co, Colombo. Elected Vice-President of the Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU). Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
de KRETSER, Rev. Dr Bryan, D PhD, born1918, died 1997, Ordained Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, following completion of a Bachelor of Divinity from the Theological College, Bangalore, India. Inaugural President of the Presbyterian Youth League (PYL). Received Doctorate in Philosophy from the Edinburgh University for his thesis “Man in Buddhism and Christianity’. A difference of view on Church Doctrine saw him leave the Dutch Reformed Church and continue his ministry in the Church of the Servant Lord, in Colombo. In 1961 he left the ministry and joined the Roman Catholic Church in a lay capacity. In 1964 he started the first home for disabled children in Ceylon, called the “Prithipura Home’ and devoted the rest of his life to the cause of spastic children. In his later years he was profoundly influenced by Buddhism. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
de KRETSER, His Excellency Prof. David Moritz, AO, born April 27, 1939 in Ceylon. He arrived with his parents in Melbourne in 1949. Educated at Deepdene State School, Camberwell Grammar and University of Melbourne. In 1962, obtained his MBBS, MD at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. 1963-1964 Resident Medical Officer, Prince Henry’s Hospital, Melbourne. 1965, Monash University: Demonstrator, Department of Anatomy, 1966-1968 Lecturer, Senior lecturer, Departments of Medicine and Anatomy, 1971-1985 Assistant Endocrinologist, Prince Henry’s Hospital, Melbourne. 1973-1974 Physician, Monash Medical Centre. 1974-1978 Senior Research Fellow, Medical Research Centre. 1976 Consultant Reproductive Medicine Clinic, 1976-1978 Reader in Anatomy, Monash University. 1977-1978 Associate Director, Medical Research Centre. 1978-1991 Professor & Chairman, Department of Anatomy, Monash University. 1969-1971 Senior Fellow in Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. 1985 Specialist, Infertility Clinic, Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. 1970 Received the Wyeth Award, Annual Meeting Pacific Coast Fertility Society. 1977 Awarded the Organon Prize, Australia & New Zealand Endocrine Societies. 1996 Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. 2002 Founding Director of Reproduction & Development, Monash University. 2006 Associate Dean at Monash University. 1969 Graduation from Monash University, Melbourne where he received his MD. 1996 Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, Director of the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development. 1999 Head of Andrology Australia – the Australian Centre for Excellence in Men’s Reproductive Health. In 2000 awarded Order of Australia in recognition of his significant contribution to medical science as a researcher, educator and university administrator. 1999-2005 Director, Monash Institute of Medical Research. In 2004 he won the Robert H Williams Distinguished Leadership Award (US). The Monash University Faculty established two awards, which acknowledge individual’s contributions to the Faculty and to Medical Science generally. The David de Kretser Medal and the Lifetime Achievement Medal were awarded at an inaugural presentation ceremony. Named in his honour, whose links with the faculty stretch back to 1969 when he received his MD from Monash, the Medal will be awarded annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution in any area of the faculty’s operation over a significant period in their working life at Monash. In January 19, 2006, he was appointed 27th Governor of Victoria. This appointment emphasized his contribution to medicine and his high standing in the Community. His term as Governor expired in 2011. He is the holder of international patents on inhibin, recombinant inhibin and follistatin as well as provisional patents on follistatin isoforms, action on follistatin and activin in inflammation. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
De KRETSER, Dr Duncan Terrence Anjou – born June 8, 1882, died March 31, 1941. Educated Royal College, Colombo. L.M.S. (Ceylon), L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas). House officer, General Hospital, Colombo, July, 1907, later at Kurunegala, Dolosbage and Chillaw. Asst Port Surgeon, Colombo, Medical Officer, Government departments, Colombo. Kegalle in 1922. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE KRETSER, Edward Hypolite, I.S.O –born July 31,1854. Employed in Colonial Secretary’s Office, May 8, 1872, Assistant Auditor-General, January 1, 1901, Assistant Controller of Revenue, March 1907, Secretary Savings Bank, in addition to his duties, August 1908. Retired January, 1921. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE KRETSER, Eric Shelton – born April 29, 1891. On leaving Royal College where he was educated, he worked for a short time at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, but later accepted a position on Pahan Estate, Kalutara, which at the time, with rubber booming, was being opened up with other large tracts for the cultivation of rubber. He never looked back from that day in 1911 when he nursed Pahan Estate from new clearing to prosperous plantation for nearly 46 years. A keen sportsman, while in Colombo, he played regularly for the Ramblers and B.H.& F.C. and proved an outstanding hockey forward, representing the Ceylonese against the Europeans more than once. (DBU Journal, Vol XLIX, Part’s 3 & 4, 1959)
DE KRETSER, Herbert Kenneth – born November 13, 1880, died Brisbane, April 7, 1966. He had his education at Royal College and later was able to proceed abroad to qualify professionally in Civil Engineering. He had his training at the Burgh & Patric Glasgow Corporation, and was appointed to the Public Works Department by the Secretary of State for the Colonies on October 21, 1904. Returning to Ceylon he was stationed at Jaffna and after a few months He was appointed Engineer in charge of the Mihintale District, he was later stationed as District Engineer in the Matale District, Kegalle and later Matara. He then proceeded to Jaffna as acting Provincial Engineer and to Badulla when he was confirmed in the capacity of provincial charge. He was a Founder Member of the Engineering Association of Ceylon and elected its President in 1936. He was elected President of the DBU, in March 1942. His standing and national services were recognised by his being awarded Companionship in the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in 1950. He migrated with his family to Brisbane, Queensland. (DBU Journal, Vol LVI, Part’s 1 – 4, 1966)
DE KRETSER, Horace Egerton – born September 16, 1877, died April 15, 1918. Educated at Royal College. District Engineer, PWD, seconded for service in the Irrigation Department, May 1900, District Engineer at Maradankadawala, June 1902, Acting Provincial Engineer, North Central Province, November 1922. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE KRETSER, John Henry Erhardt – born April 5, 1893. Attached to District Engineer’s Office, PWD, Colombo, October 1918, Acting Government Engineer, Mandapam, April 1919, Mannar, 1920. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924
DE KRETSER, Michelle, born November 11, 1957. Educated at Methodist College, Colombo. Moved to Australia when she was 14. In Melbourne she studied at Elwood College and later completed her Master’s Degree in French Literature in Paris. Whilst studying towards a PhD and tutoring at the University of Melbourne, she was one of the founding editors of the postgraduate journal ‘Antithesis’. Abandoning her Doctorate, she was employed by ‘Lonely Planet’, a travel guides company as an editor and set up the company’s office in Paris. From 1989 to 1992 she was a founding editor of the ‘Australian Women’s Book Review’. Whilst on sabbatical in 1999, wrote and published her first novel “The Rose Grower”. Her second novel published in 2003, “The Hamilton Case” was winner of the Tasmania Pacific Prize, the Encore Award (UK) and the Commonwealth Writers Prize (Southeast Asia and Pacific). Her third novel, “The Lost Dog”, was published in 2007. It was one of 13 books on the long list for the 2008 Man Booker Prize for fiction. Her fourth novel, “Questions of Travel, won several awards, including the 2013 Miles Franklin Award, the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal (ALS Gold Medal)), and the 2013 Prime Ministers Literary Award for fiction. It was also shortlisted for the 2014 Dublin Impac Literary Award. Her 2017 novel, “The Life to Come”, was shortlisted for the 2018 Stella Prize, and won both the Miles Franklin Award and the Christina Stead Prize for Fiction. This is the third time Michelle has won this award. She is the daughter of Oswald Leslie De Kretser (Jnr) and Sonia Joan Marshall (Wikipedia, Elwood College Website & Genealogy of the De Kretser’s – Ivor De Kretser)
DE KRETSER, Oswald Leslie (Snr), C.M.G. – born June 7, 1882, died November 11, 1959. He received his secondary education at Royal College, winning the Director’s Prize for Classics. He served in the Chambers of B.W. Bawa and took his oaths as an Advocate of the Supreme Court on April 18, 1905. He commenced his practice at the Bar at Matara and Galle, mainly on the Civil side. In 1924 he was invited to Colombo, and began his Judicial career on October 1, 1924 as District Judge, Batticaloa, he also served as District Judge, Chillaw from May 14, 1925 to May 2, 1927, when he assumed duties as Acting Second District Judge of Colombo. He subsequently served as Additional District Judge of Colombo, Acting District Judge of Jaffna,, Acting Solicitor-General and as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. From October 12, 1926 he served as Commissioner of Assize at Negombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura and Jaffna. He was appointed an Acting Puisne Justice on January 31, 1938and confirmed as Puisne Justice on April 8, 1938. His outstanding contribution made to the life and thought of his country was acknowledged in 1951, when he was made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
DE KRETSER, Oswald Leslie (Jnr) – born January 21, 1910, died December 1, 1987. He had a fine all-round career at Royal College, Colombo, from 1920 to 1928 playing in various teams, winning his colours for tennis, actively participating in the affairs of the Debating Society and winning the Governor’s Prize for Latin Prose, the Director’s Prize for Classics, the Harward Prize for Ancient History and the Cecil Perera Prize for History. At the University College (1928-1931) he continued to be a keen sportsman and having read Classics, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of London. He was called to the Bar on April 19, 1937 and practiced for three years on both criminal and civil sides at the metropolitan Bar and in the outstations. He joined the Judicial Service on June 3, 1943 as Acting Magistrate of Chillaw. He had on various occasions between 1940 and 1943 acted as Crown Counsel and Assistant to the Legal Secretary. On December 30, 1944 he was appointed Acting Additional Magistrate of Colombo. On February 5, 1945 he was transferred to Jaffna as Acting Magistrate. On July 14, 1947, he was appointed District Judge of Tangalle. On March 18, 1949 he was appointed District Judge of Balapitiya and on August 14, 1950 he was transferred as District Judge of Chillaw and Puttalam. On November 19, 1952 he was appointed District Judge of Nuwara Eliya, and in the following year, on September 15, he was appointed District Judge of Panadura. At various times from April 20, 1956 he functioned as Additional District Judge and was Chief Magistrate of Colombo. He served as District Judge of Jaffna and District Judge of Colombo and was appointed a Commissioner of Assize. He then served on the Bench of the Supreme Court from May 6, 1968 to January 21, 1972. He also had many other interests, such as writing lyrics for songs. Unfortunately, an accident damaged
his fingers, impeding his notable performances on the violin. He was also interested in fishing and things aquatic, landing a rare specimen belonging to the genus Mulpulutta , whilst fishing in a stream in Hettipola. The unique species he discovered was named Mulupulutta kretseri in his honour. In addition to his other considerable achievements, he was the author of a book on The Pope Murder case. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
DE KRETSER, Victor Stanley, I.S.O. – born December 2, 1889, died July 1, 1949. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Can rightly claim a place among the best eleven all round Ceylonese cricketers during the period 1899 – 1924. At Royal College he showed early promise of things to come and as a member of the Colts C.C. he fully realised expectations. In later years he won much of his success for the BRC of which he had been a very efficient captain for many seasons. In the Government Service Competition, first for the Police, and afterwards for the Secretariat, he has been a tower of strength. Appointed to the Civil Service in 1935, retiring in 1949 holding the position of Assistant Controller of Establishments(S.P. Foenander – Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket, 1924).
DE LA HARPE, Ernest Augustine – Born April 29, 1877. Educated at Royal and St Joseph’s College, Head Master, Training College, English School, January 1903, Inspector of Schools, August 1906, Acting Divisional Inspector of Schools, April 1922 to 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE LA HARPE, Dr Lawrence Isidore Michael – born September 29, 1872, Educated at Royal College, L.M.S. (Cey). House Surgeon, Galle Hospital, May 1895, Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Ammapatam, South India, November 1898, Medical officer, Vavuniya, 1900 Deltota, 1905, Assistant Port Surgeon for Immigration, Colombo, October 1907, Police Surgeon, Colombo, July 1911, Medical Officer, Gampola, November 1917. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE LA HARPE, Peter Henry, ISO – born April 12, 1877. Educated Royal College, appointed to Class V of the Ceylon Civil Service, June 1923, extra Office Assistant to the Government Agent, Southern Province. He then held several appointments in the Medical Department and in the Clerical Service from January 1895 to June 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE LIMA, Charles, born Koddamunai, Ceylon, September 11, 1876, died February 4, 1956. Apothecary on Kiriporuwa Estate, Bulathatkohupitiya in the Kegalle District. He ran a dispensary and carried out minor medical procedures. (Contributed by Jeremy De Lima)
DEMMER, Lt. Col Alan Bertram – born August 26, 1898, died 1960. He served in the Ceylon Government Railways for 41 years and rose from the rank of apprentice Locomotive Foreman to act as General Manager. After retirement in 1955, he served as Equipment Manager with the Gal Oya Development Board to the time of his sudden demise. During World War 1, at the age of 16 years, he was mobilised when his unit: the Ceylon Artillery Volunteers, was called up. When acting as General Manager of the CGR, he was gazetted: Lt. Col of the Ceylon Railway Engineering Regiment. (DBU Journal, Vol XLIX, Part’s 3 & 4, 1959)
de NIESE, ALAN, born Colombo, 9 August, 1950. Educated at St. Peter’s College, Colombo, is an artist and singer, holds a Bachelor of Business degree and is a Fellow of the Australian Insurance Institute. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, George de Niese and uncle, Terry de Niese, painting the portrait of a St. Peter's College Rector, Rev. Fr. Joe. Wickramasinghe. The three generations of portrait painters' works hang on the walls of the College Hall. He also painted the portrait of Rector, Rev. Fr. Claver Perera, which is held in his own private collection. Alan immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, on 8 April, 1972. Within days of his arrival he obtained employment by Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited where, in due course, he progressed to positions of responsibility. In 1984 he moved to a senior position in Adriatic Life Limited. In 1987 he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in business and became a Fellow of the Australian Insurance Institute. He continues to pursue his art and music endeavours. He has held the position of cantor with the Julian Singers at St. Francis Church, Melbourne City and is a guest cantor at many churches throughout Melbourne. His bass baritone voice contributed to the Melbourne Chorale, the Victoria Chorale and Heidelberg Choral Society. He was a core member of the de Niese Family Choir. He is a radio presenter of Wednesday Night at the Opera for 3MBS 103.5 FM and Great Voices for 3CR 855 AM. (Contributed)
De NIESE, Danielle, daughter of Chris & Beverly de Niese, born in Melbourne, on April 11, 1979. In 1989, at the age of 9, she became the youngest ever winner of the Australian TV program ‘Young Talent Time’. In 1990, her family moved to Los Angeles, where she appeared frequently on a weekly arts showcase for teenagers, ‘LA Kids’ for which she won an ‘Emmy Award’, at the age of 16. She was trained in dance and piano, as well as music at the famous Colburn School in Los Angeles, before going to New York in 1997 to attend the Mannes School for Music. She made her professional operatic debut at the age of 15 with the Los Angeles Opera. At 18 she became the youngest ever to enter the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Arts Development Program. A year later, aged 19, she made her house debut as Barbarina in a new Jonathan Millet Production of ‘Le nozze di Figaro’. Soon after her Met debut came important operatic debuts with the Netherlands Opera, Saito Kinen Festival and the Paris Opera. She has enjoyed operatic success on the stages of Paris Opera, Zurich Opera, Netherlands Opera, San Francisco Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. She married Gus Christie, Chairman Glyndebourne Festival Opera, on December 19, 2009, in St Bartholomew-the-Great, London. Since her marriage, she has lived in Glyndebourne in Sussex, England. (Bach Cantata Website)
DENLOW, George, born 11.4.1916, died 12.7.2012. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. He secured a first class pass in the Cambridge Matriculation examination, and was the youngest student to do so. He secured a teaching position at St Anthony’s College, his Alma Mater and continued there for many years. He was a reputed teacher of Geography and was the authority in his time. He was always precise in his speech, very amiable and helpful to any student who sought his assistance. Prior to retiring, he painstakingly put together his vast knowledge in teaching, in three volumes, which were translated into Sinhala by Lake House Press, for the benefit of Sinhala students. He immigrated to Australia in the 1950’s, and at the age of 92 published his memoirs - “The Two of Us – Memoir of a Good Life” (the two of us refers to his wife Eileen and himself. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg, Melbourne)
DE ROOY, Samuel Earnest – born, Jaffna, January 22, 1870, died October 9, 1950. He joined Government Service in 1887 and was Chief Clerk of the Solicitor General’s Office when he retired on medical advice in 1911. (DBU Journal, Vol XL, Part 4, 1950)
DE ROOY, Col. William Edward Van Der Smagt – born February 17, 1880. Since leaving Royal College he played a leading part in public life. Compelled by adverse circumstances to prematurely end his school career, he accepted, while yet in his teens, a clerical post at the Secretariat and soon made his mark as an officer of exceptional quality. In a few years he resigned his appointment to become Private Secretary to the Hon. Justice Wendt. He also registered as a Law Student and in due course qualified as a Proctor and Notary. A skilled draftsman, he was Conveyancer for the Crown before his retirement from practice. He did invaluable work for the Orient Club and the Colombo Lawn Club. He was also one of the moving spirits of the Nondescripts Cricket Club and the Havelock Golf Club. Later he became the Colonel of the Ceylon Engineers, in January 1932 he was appointed to act as Commandant of the Ceylon Defence Force. He was appointed a member of the Colombo Municipal Council where for several years he rendered valuable service. (DBU Journal, Vol XLVII, Part 4, 1957)
De RUN, Nihal Malcom Dudley, was born 9th September 1945 and educated at Royal Primary and Royal College in Colombo Sri Lanka. He left College very young ( 17 ) to pursue a career in Tea Tasting & Exports, firstly with Whittall Boustead Bosanquet & Skrine then later with Shaw Wallace & Hedges. Having married young and started a family he decided to immigrate to Australia at 25. Realising the need to gain tertiary qualifications he chose a Diploma Course at Swinburne Technical College, then enhanced that with a Graduate Diploma in Physical Distribution Management at Chisolm Institute. Never being satisfied with available resources he decided to produce a text book to help students and teachers of Supply & Distribution. He published this in 1976 and was awarded the Harold Jones Memorial Gold Medal by the Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Australia in recognition of his honorary contribution of time and energy. He lectured in Supply & Distribution at Swinburne, Footscray and Moorabbin whilst holding Executive roles at Mobil Oil and later at Bowater Scott. A change of profession beckoned him in 1980 when he joined the Financial Planning and Investment industry which he eventually left in 2014. The final chapter in his working life was to help build an Accident & Emergency Hospital in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Motivated by a visionary, Dr David Young a renowned Orthopedic Surgeon and Philanthropist from Melbourne, Nihal took on the honorary role of CEO to work with the Sri Lankan Government’s Ministry of Health to build an 86 bed, three storey A&E hospital with three operating theatres etc at a cost of US$10 million; a third of which was donated by the Foundation that Nihal administered. Nihal is Past President and currently Vice Patron of the Royal College OBA in Australia, and still holds the position of Executive Vice President of the Foundation Supporting a National Trauma Service for Sri Lanka. (Contributed)
de SILVA ABEYSENA, Iroma Frescia Anne (nee HOLSINGER), born 22 July 1914, Colombo, Ceylon, died 31 May 2000, Colombo, Ceylon. She is the daughter of Andrew Holsinger & Eunice Caspersz. Educated at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, Colombo. Employed as Primary School Teacher, St Paul’s, Waragoda, Kelaniya, later at De LaSalle College, Mutwal, Colombo. She was a reputed Seamstress, Patch Work, Cake Decorator, Flower Maker and Vegetable Carver. She was a Piano teacher and Singer. She married Joseph Tennyson de Silva Abeysena. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
DE VOS, Charles Edward – born September 3, 1871.Educated at Royal College Colombo and St Peter’s College, Cambridge. B.A. (Cantab), Crown Advocate, Galle, Member of the Municipal Council, Galle, author of “Mohammedan Law”. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
DE VOS, Frederick Henry – born Galle, September 14, 1857, died Galle, July 23, 1920. He had a fluent knowledge of Dutch and Dutch history. He translated and put together many genealogies of the families of the Dutch Burgher Union, Colombo. His translation of the Beknopte Historie for the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society is perhaps the largest complete work which he has left; but the sum of his writings is considerable. (DBU Journal Vol XII, Parts 1-4, 1920).
DE VOS, James Percival – born, March 1, 1850, died, January 22, 1931. Having received his education at St Thomas’s College, he entered the Colonial Secretary’s Office at an early age and soon made a favourable impression on his superiors. On the Third Clerkship of the Colombo Kachcheri falling vacant, he applied for and was appointed to the post. On the retirement of the Head Clerk, he was appointed to succeed him at 39 years of age. He was later appointed to the post of Chief Clerk at the Colonial Secretary’ Office. After a time there he longed for the freer atmosphere of the Colombo Kachcheri and went back at his own request. Here he worked until his retirement. After retirement he continued to act as appraiser to the Loan Board and the Ceylon Savings Bank, in addition to writing to the press on public questions. He was connected to the DBO from its very inception, being one of its earliest committee members and served in that capacity for many years. His services to the Dutch Reformed Church, of which he was a very loyal member, were of no less value than his services to the DBU. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, Part 4, 1931)
DE VOS, Dr Samuel Dennis Austin (Sam), born May 15, 1925. Having completed his course at the Ceylon Medical College and having taken his degrees at the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, he joined the Ceylon Medical Department, but retired in 1942 and took to business. He made a name for himself in Ceylon Mercantile Circles. He was a director of several tea and rubber companies and was managing Director of the Colombo Hotels Ltd and the Cargills – Millers group. (DBU Journal, Vol LIII, Part’s 1 & 2, 1963)
de ZILWA, Rev. Fr Dom Thomas, OSB, Prior of the Sylvestro Benedictine Monastery, Kandy 1976-1989. (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy)
de ZILWA, Dr Lucian Arnold Emmanuel, born January 8, 1875, died June 11, 1969. He was educated at home by his parents until the age of twelve. He then lived for two years in the Benedictine Monastery of St Anthony in Kandy before arriving in Colombo to enter St Thomas’ College. On his second day at school on his insistence he was allowed to study Greek and passed in Greek at the Junior Cambridge. In 1889 he passed the Junior Cambridge with Honours in the First Class. In 1891 he got a First Class with one distinction in the Cambridge Senior, and also carried off in the same year, the Divinity Prize, the Old Boys Prize and the Victoria Gold Medal. In 1892 he won the Gregory Scholarship, the Williams Prize, the Weerasinghe Prize, the Miller Mathematical Prize and the University Scholarship. In England, he obtained the Degree of B.Sc, winning the Gold Medal in Physiology. He was Gynaecological and Obstetrical House Surgeon and worked at Brixton Dispensary for three and a half years until he obtained his M. D. (London) and returned to Ceylon in 1907, after having spent 13 years abroad. He was Physician and Gynaecologist at the General Hospital, Colombo for 28 years. For several years he was Senior Physician. He was also lecturer in Physiology, Gynaecology and Clinical Medicine. In later years he was awarded Doctorates in Medicine, Science and Letters. He was also a brilliant orator, making numerous speeches and lectures without notes. He also published three novels and wrote his autobiography. He also designed and built “Tintagel” in Rosemead Place and later sold it to Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. (DBU Journal, Vol LXVII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1993).
DE ZYLVA, Charles Bertram – born September 3, 1885 Educated at Wesley College, Colombo, Proctor, Supreme Court, Negombo, a keen sportsman, he was the moving spirit of cricket in Negombo for over twenty years. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
De ZYLVA, Dr. Quintus Lloyd, MBBS, FRCP, FRACP, Born Ceylon 1937. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. Entered University of Ceylon, Colombo and graduated MBBS in 1963. Immigrated to Melbourne in 1963. In 1967 Granted Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh in Cardiology. In 1968 granted Fellowship of the Australian College of Physicians. In 1969, appointed Consultant Physician to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Honorary Tutor in Medicine of the University of Melbourne. 1985, formed the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria and has been the Australian representative of Sri Lanka Cricket. 2005, formed the Australia-Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team (AUSLMAT) soon after the 2004 tsunami. 2005-2007 oversaw donations in excess of Aus$4 million for medical equipment and consumables to the Galle and Hambantota Hospitals. Since the tsunami he has made many trips to assist the Teaching Hospital in Galle and another in Hambantota. 2006 awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal by the Australian Government. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
DE ZYLVA, St Leger Hope, born, May 31, 1888, Colombo, Ceylon, died, January 9, 1943, Colombo, Ceylon. He started a Troop of Boy Scouts at Trinity College, Kandy. After two years pioneer he had to temporarily give up his scouting activities from 1916 to 1922 on account of the special nature of his work as Secretary to The School of Tropical Agriculture in Peradeniya. In 1922, he joined the staff of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Colombo, where he founded a Troop in 1923. In 1925, he attended Part 2 of the Scout Wood Badge Course and put new life to Scouting in the Southern Province, where he sent two years as Scoutmaster at Richmond College and Secretary of the Southern Province Boy Scouts Local Association. In addition to Association work, he was the Editor of the “Outdoor Life”, which was then known as “The Ceylon Scout”. It was mainly due to his efforts, Scout Camp, Bouna Vista was established at Galle, as a permanent camping ground. In 1927 he rejoined the Department of Agriculture and returned to Peradeniya as Headmaster of the Farm School. For two years he was Headquarters Commissioner and helped the Movement generally in the District. In 1929, he attended the Coming-of-Age Jamboree at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead, as Deputy to the Chief Commissioner who was the leader of the Ceylon Contingent of fifty. On this occasion “Big Stick”, the name as he was well-known by, was afforded the opportunity of taking the Scout Wood Badge at Gilwel. On his return to Ceylon, he was appointed District Commissioner, Kandy, which position he held until his retirement from Government Service in 1940. In 1933, he was appointed a Scout Deputy Camp Fire Chief for Ceylon, in which capacity he was of great assistance to the Team. The finest work he did in Kandy was perhaps organising of a series of preliminary training camps in Scouting at the Peradeniya Gardens which resulted in an enormous increase in the number of Troops in the Central Province. At the time of his death he was Messenger Commandant in the Colombo A.R.P. Scheme, an appointment he assumed when the Messenger Service was inaugurated. He was also Deputy Camp Chief for Ceylon, Honorary District Commissioner, Kandy, a member of the Committee of the All-Ceylon Scout Council and of the Executive Committee of the Colombo Boys Scout Local Association. He will always be remembered as a great school master and gifted writer. He was a good disciplinarian and was blessed with a very high sense of Scout Spirit. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
DE ZYLVA, Walter Felix, born August 26, 1915, Colombo, Ceylon, died July 11, 2001, in Bundaberg, Queensland. Founder of the Surf Life Saving Association of Ceylon. 1947, Founder & President of the Ceylon Motorcycle Club, Colombo. 1967, President of The Otter Aquatic Club, Colombo. 1940, Clerical Officer, Ceylon Government. 1944, Depot Manager, Firewood Supply, Borella, Colombo. 1945, District Superintendent, Animal Husbandry for Southern & Sabaragamuwa Provinces at Matara. 1947, Proprietor – Wallys Garage, Kotahena, Colombo. Immigrated to Australia in 1974. Clerical Officer, Contracts Section, Telecom Australia, in 1975. Worked for H & R Block Income Tax Consultants in 1983. Later moved to Bundaberg, Queensland. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
DRIEBERG, Allan – born September 5, 1873, died London, October 2, 1938. He was educated at St Thomas’ College. He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple. He had, however, first read medicine. After enjoying a lucrative practice on the Civil side, both at the metropolitan Bar and in the outstations, the dignity of Silk was conferred on him. He was the elected Burgher Member of the Legislative Council. He resigned his seat in 1921, when he left for England. He also served as Chairman of the Low Country Products Association, Patron of the BRC and President of the Havelock Golf Club. He accepted judicial office as an Acting Puisne Justice on January 12, 1927 and a permanent appointment on September 19, in the same year. He served on the Bench until 1935. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
DRIEBERG, Christopher, born, December 17, 1862, died December 25, 1935. He had his education at Trinity College, Kandy, later going on to the University of Calcutta to read for the BA Examination. Visiting London in 1885, he attended a two-and-a-half year course on Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. On returning to Ceylon on February 10, 1889, he took up duties as the Superintendent of the School of Agriculture, Thurstan Road, Colombo. When the School was closed down, he was appointed (1902) Superintendent of School Gardens. In 1919 when he retired from office, there were no fewer than 400 school gardens. In January 1923, he took up the editorship of the “Ceylon Observer”. The editorship ceased at the end of May 1925 and in January 1926 he appears to heave edited the “Ceylon Morning Leader” for a very short time. He was also an active member, of several scientific and literary Societies, including the Ceylon Society of Arts. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIV, Part 2, 1944)
DRIEBERG, Christopher Johann, born November 7, 1949, Kandy, Ceylon, educated at St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy. He played Rugby for St. Anthony's College and Kandy Sports Club. On leaving school he worked with his parents at Hentley Garments. He immigrated with his parents and two brothers to Perth, West Australia, in 1971. Went back to Ceylon to marry Marie Gillian Harris in December 1973. Due to lack of job opportunities in Perth at that time the two of them drove across the Nullarbor to reside in Victoria, Australia. He worked for some time as an Administrative Officer with the Victorian State Public Service, he then started a Shipping business with a partner from 1983 until 1993. From the 1993 he has been a full-time Real Estate Agent. He is very actively involved with the Old Boy’s Association of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, in Australia. (Contributed by Lindsey Ambrose)
DRIEBERG, Phyllis, (nee LAWRENCE), born February 21, 1918, Kandy, Ceylon, died May 6, 1996, Melbourne, Australia. She was the daughter of Benedict Andrew Lawrence & Natalia Natalia Taylor. She started her schooling at St Scholastica’s Convent, Kandy, then boarded at Good Shepherd Convent, Kandy. She obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate. She then obtained a teaching position at St. Scholastica’s Convent, as a Kindergarten Teacher in the morning and Domestic Science Teacher in the afternoon. Later she was a Sales Distributor for Hentley Garments and travelled island wide. Her husband subsequently joined Hentley’s when they opened a new shirt factory, manufacturing Manhattan Shirts. On leaving school, their eldest Christopher too joined Hentley Garments. The family had worked at Hentley’s for 15 year when they immigrated to Perth, West Australia in 1971. Later moving to Sydney, she worked in a Laundry. After her husband’s death, she moved to Melbourne, where her son Christopher lived. She then assisted many of her elderly friends, assisted the Church in many roles, including being a housekeeper for many priests. She lived independently till the end. She was married to Atty Drieberg, they had three sons, Christopher, Michael & Patrick. (Contributed by Christopher Drieberg)
DRIEBERG-COOPER, Micaela, born Melbourne, Australia, February 23, 1979 (twin sister to Bianca Drieberg). Daughter of Christopher Drieberg and Gillian Harris. After completing a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Health Promotion, she entered the health sector, managing a drug prevention program working with young people and went on to work with hospitals, general practitioners and non-government organizations before being sought as an Adviser to a former Victorian Health Minister. At the age of 29, she was elected as a Councillor in the City of Monash, a city with a population of over 200,000 people, where almost forty percent of its residents were born overseas. She was unanimously elected as Mayor during her second term with the City of Monash, becoming the first female mayor of Sri Lankan descent to be elected in Australia. She served as Mayor in 2012/2013 before retiring from the role in 2016. She has always been passionate about how gender and where people live, work, play and study can influence their lives. She has lectured and coordinated public health and urban planning subjects for 15 years with numerous universities, including Monash University as a Teaching Associate. In 2011 she established a Consultancy – 3Hills – through which she supports local government and health services with various work, including planning, professional development, facilitation and community engagement. Inspired by 2020 events, she has recently returned to the public health coal face and commenced a new role as Director of Strategy & Development with the Victorian Healthcare Association – the peak body for public hospital and health services in Victoria. In addition to this she is on the Board of Directors for Connect Health & Community, a not-for-profit community health service, helping residents in Melbourne’s Bayside and Glen Eira areas. She continues to live in the City of Monash with her husband Te Hira Cooper and their two sons, Anderson and Regan. (Contributed by Valleri Blake)
EATON, John Henry – born September 18, 1829, died April 26, 1906. He had his schooling at the Academy and blossomed into an able Advocate, orator and litterateur. He had a large practice in Kandy. He was Police Magistrate. Kandy for eight years. Though a Burgher he was appointed Member of the Legislative Council to fill the vacancy of Sir Muttu Coomaraswamy during his absence in England from 1862 to 1865. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989)
EBELL, Adrian John, M.D, born Colombo September 20, 1840, died April 10, 1877. At about ten years of age he was brought to New York to be educated, joining an older sister who had married an American Missionary. He entered the Academy Department of Sheffield Scientific School, a Yale College, with the class of 1862, remaining two terms only. The next year he again entered college with the class of 1863, but left again at the end of term one. He began working in photography and also stated a “phantasmagorical” magic lantern show in Hyde Park and then Chicago with a partner. In August 1862, both decided to travel to Minnesota to photograph the Dakota tribe for use in their magic lantern show. By the time they got there a full blown war, called the Dakota Sioux uprising was, he managed to take some photographs of straggling Sioux along the way. Later, some of his Dakota photographs were published in the June 1863 edition of Harper’s Magazine as wood engravings with his article “The Indian Massacres and War of 1862”. He then returned to New Haven and graduated from the Scientific School. During the next few years he was involved in several pursuits on of which was the study of insects, and he published the book “Structure and Classification of Insects”, which became Part 2 of the “Textbook of Natural History”. He afterwards studied medicine at Albany Medical College, graduating with an M.D. in 1869. In the meantime, he had begun to lecture before schools and lyceums on natural science and in 1871 he established himself as director of “The International Academy of Nature Science”, in New York City with a similar Academy in Berlin. The Academy’s agenda was a plan of travel and study in Europe for annually organized classes of young ladies .In late March 1877, he embarked from New York on board the steamship ‘Frisia’ with a group of young women making one of his Academic tours. He became ill almost immediately, upon arrival at Hamburg on April 10, he was able with assistance to get on board the small steamer carrying passengers to the dock, bur died before reaching shore (Alberta Beckelheimer – The Ebell Club of Anaheim)
EBERT, Gerardus Adrianus, born 1792, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 23 1860, Colombo, Ceylon.
Occupation: Proctor. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
EBERT, Rycloff Johannes, born, January 16, 1758, Colombo, Ceylon, died, April 17, 1833, Kalutara, Ceylon. Sitting Magistrate, Kalutara Ceylon, Comforter of the Sick and Lesson Reader of Negombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
EDEMA, George William, born June 24, 1816, Colombo Ceylon. In 1836, was a signatory of the letter to Governor Horton, requesting that the Colombo Academy be government assisted. Employed as Registrar of Lands Western Province in 1840, Notary Public, Central Province in 1845 and Advocate, Registrar of Lands, Kandy. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
DICKSON, Stewart, born Colombo, Ceylon, September 15, 1948. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo, where he passed the GCE “O” Level. One of two Burghers at the University of Ceylon, Katubedde, Ratmalana, in 1970. Completed a three-year course in Production Engineering. Worked for Colombo Commercial Engineers on the Hotel Oberoi, Colpetty, Colombo. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with parents and siblings on September 16, 1973. Completed a Bachelor of Business Accounting at Phillip Institute (now RMIT) at Bundoora, Vic. Six years part-time studies whist married. Asset Accountant at Kodak for 33 years, then Asset Accountant at Australian Leisure & Hospitality (a subsidiary of Woolworths). Registered Tax Agent with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for the past 35 years (Contributed)
DIRCKZE, Scott, born July 4, 1929, Kegalle, Ceylon, died October 20, 2019, Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo, then went to Cambridge for higher studies. On his return from Cambridge, he taught briefly at Royal College, Colombo – his old school – before joining Mackwoods, eventually becoming its Head of Finance. In 1964, he joined GS&Co at the invitation of its Board, replacing the retiring Finance Director, John Ferguson. He became Managing Director in 1973, when Tony Peries, then Chairman, abruptly left the country, paving the way for Trevor Moy to become the Chairman. Hey became Chairman in 1986, on Moy’s retirement and himself retired in 2001. One of his greatest disappointments in professional life was that unlike the other Agency Houses, G.S&Co was unable to branch out into new businesses early, in preparation for the impending nationalization of large private plantations and the consequent loss of the lucrative estate agency business. He attributed this failure, not so much to a lack of foresight, but more to a combination of restrictive historical circumstances and the aversion to both change and risk, on the part of a Board which, till 1964, was entirely British. Notwithstanding Scott’s semi-Victorian upbringing, education and Westernized background He was a classicist who became an accountant but who may have been happier as an automobile engineer, or a paddy cultivator in the North Central Province, or a tea grower in the Morawaka Korale. In fact, for many years Scott was thus engaged, first with his fifty-acre paddy farm close to Mihintale and, later, with little tea estates in Neluwa and Ingiriya, consecutively. Kannattiya Kele Watte, the paddy farm was, for decades, was a favourite holiday destinations. In between, there was also a dalliance with a rubber plantation in Kuruwita. His knowledge of automobile engineering, was unique, he has been heard to explain precisely, over the phone from his hospital bed, to a mechanic perplexed by the intricate electricals of his latest model Citroen, how to carry out a complex repair. A favorite, post-retirement pastime was the buying and restoration of derelict vehicles – invariably Peugeots or Citroens – under his supervision, in the little workshop that he had set up at his home in Pelawatte. He lost his mother when very young and was brought up, largely, by his father Dr. Herbert Dirckze, who retired as Chief Medical Superintendent of Colombo. He was passionately Sri Lankan, and a fierce advocate of local products, local innovation, and of the imperative of achieving sustainability through national enterprise.(Contributed by Anura Gunasekera)
EBERT, Dr Sylvia Ethel, born March 28, 1882, died March 9, 1930, L.M.S. (Ceylon), L.E.O.P. & S. (Edin.), L.R.F.P, & S. Ceylon Medical Department. Daughter of Charles Godfried Ebert & Louisa Rudolphina Jonklaas. She married Roland Clarence Aldons. They had one son.(Google Information)
EPHRAUMS, Arthur Edward – born October 3, 1879. Educated All Saints’ School, Galle and Ceylon Technical College. Hotel Proprietor and Managing Director, Colombo Pharmacy Syndicate. A keen sportsman and patron of the turf. His crack horse ‘Orange William’ winning most of the races in Calcutta and Bombay. He is the only Ceylon owner (up to 1924) who has succeeded in winning the Viceroy’s Cup. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
EPHRAUMS, Mervyn Leslie (Letcho), born 1927, educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo. War service: 1943-1945, leaving school at the age of 16 years, he joined the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. 1949-1960, held the rank of Inspector in the Ceylon Police. In 1950, the first Havelocks player to be selected as a wing-forward to represent Ceylon against the British Isles. In 1950, he represented Ceylon in the All-India Ruby Tournament. In 1951, Havelocks were the inaugural winner of the Clifford Cup, in which he played as wing-forward. In 1955-1960, captain of the Police Rugby team. In 1957, he was made Captain of the Havelocks. Leaving the Police Force, he was Shipping Manager of Aitken Spence & Co, Colombo. In 1965, he immigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
ERNST, John Henry – born, July 15, 1852, died February 2, 1900. A studious young man, he headed the list in the Ceylon Local Examination and won a scholarship to the Colombo Academy. Entering the Calcutta Entrance Examination, he was the only candidate who passed in the First Division. He passed as a Proctor of the District Court and later as a Proctor of the Supreme Court. He was a member of the Church of England and served as Warden of St Thomas’ Church, Matara for many years. (DBU Journal, Vol XXI, Part 1, 1931)
ERNST, Noel Edward – born December 21, 1891. cadet local division Ceylon Civil Service, attached to Kachcheri’s at Ratnapura, Trincomalee and Jaffna, May 1912 to July 1913, Police Magistrate, Jaffna and Kayts, Avissawella and Gampola, November 1914 to March 1918. District Judge, Batticaloa, July 1921. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
FERNANDES, Erin (nee DE SELFA), born March 19, 1926, Colombo, died September 2013, England. As a teenager in Colombo, she drew crowds of music lovers to her performances at the Silver Fawn night Club in Union Place, which was owned by Mr. Cyril Gardiner. Her stage name was Dinah & the Red Tails Minstrels. In a short while, she graduated to the Mascarilla Night Club at the Galle Face Hotel, where she sang with leading names in our musical scene – Luis Moreno, Luis Pedroso, Mario Manricks, Sacha Borsteinas, the Italiares, etc. She had two shows a night and every show was sold out. According to a leading music critic, this “fabulous legend of yester-year, has yet to be paralleled in our show biz scene”. In 1960, with Lyle Godridge and the Italiares, she appeared free at a concert in aid of the ‘Missions to Seamen’. The Governor General and the Bishop of Colombo attended. She first married Donovan Andree, the show biz promoter who was many years her senior. From Ceylon (as it then was), she was invited to sing at the Taj Mahal in Bombay and toured India – the highlight of her tour being a command performance for the Maharajah of Baroda. At 18, she set her sights on the UK entering the International music scene. She was engaged by Jack Hylton with whom she performed for over 2 years, including a performance at Windsor Castle. She also sang with Edmondo Ros at the Copacabana, the Café Royal, the Blue Angel, the Hirondelle and the Casanova Club. She worked with Tony Burrello who was Frank Sinatra’s pianist, through the William Morris Agency in New York and performed at the Mocambo in Hollywood following after the famous Lena Horne. She also performed at the Theatre Lirico in Milan for the Italian producer, Giganto. Erin was featured on BBC Radio and on BBC TV. In 1946, she made her debut in films in the movie “Caravan”, starring Stewart Granger, Denis Price, etc. Almost 50 years ago, she married Neri Fernandes who was one of three Goanese brothers who were fine pianists in the UK. Lord Louis Mountbatten, one of her fans, wished everyone to express in healthy fashion, their appreciation of excellent entertainment. She was domiciled in London for the last 50 years of her life, she was plagued by bronchial problems which brought the curtain down on her singing career. She was a regular visitor to Sri Lanka and often stayed at the Galle Face Hotel. Neri Fernandes played at the “1864” Restaurant during the season and Erin was always at his side, greeting her old friends and keeping everyone entertained with her anecdotes. A few years ago, Malcolm Andree organized a show in memory of his late father Donovan at the BMICH and Erin made a brief appearance. This show was also televised. Her son with Donovan Andree, had to undergo a tricky lung transplant a few years ago, and unfortunately, did not survive. This was a great blow to Erin. Erin is survived by her husband, Neri Fernandes and their children and grand-children, who live in London. (Lalith Rodrigo, October 4, 2013)
FERDINANDS, Frederick Rodney Lorenz, 1925 – 1999, Educated at Trinity College, Kandy. He was the first to pass the Accountancy exam and then graduated as a Chartered Accountant and was promptly offered positions by the Public Service Board in the Taxation Department and in the Government’s Accountancy Service. He immigrated to Melbourne in 1962 and continued working in the field of Accountancy and Financial Management. In 1982, he was elected President of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Victoria. Returning to study, he graduated from LaTrobe Universty with a BA in Sociology. He spent the years 1992-1995 researching and writing the history of the Burgher Community in his publication, “Proud & Prejudiced” – The Story of the Burghers of Sri Lanka. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FERDINANDS, Ivor Lorensz, born 1926, Education, 1935-1950, Trinity College, Kandy, 1941-1944, St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Colombo, on a Schneider Scholarship. 1942-1943, winner of the Arndt Memorial Prize for English Literature in both years. 1943, winner of the History Prize and the Molamure History Prize, Appointed House Prefect College Debating Team, Captain and Secretary of the College Debating Society. 1943, London Matriculation (First Division), 1944 Higher School Certificate (HSC) History Exhibition in University Entrance Exam. Represented the College in Boxing, Athletics and Football. Honours Degree in Economics from the University of Ceylon. . 1947 appointed Assistant Assessor, Income Tax Department, Colombo. 1948 Civil Service Exam – placed first with high marks. 1949, appointed to the Ceylon Civil Service and held the following posts – Exchange Control Department: Badulla Kachcheri: Ministry of Commerce: Import & Export Department: Assistant Government Agent, Kalutara. In 1953, he resigned from Government Service and entered Mercantile Service as an Executive, Whittall Boustead Ltd, Colombo. 1963, Executive Director, later Managing Director, Mackwoods Estates and Agencies Ltd. In 1969, he resigned his appointment and immigrated to Melbourne with his family. In Melbourne, he entered the Victorian State Public Service, Industrial Advocate for the State of Victoria, and was a Consultant to the Victorian Public Service Board. He was also a committee member of the Ceylonese Welfare Organisation (CWO) and the 80 Club. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FERDINANDS, John Richard Vanden Driesen, born August 2, 1898, Colombo, Ceylon. Degree LLB (Lon), Advocate. Appointed Commissioner, Compensation Claims, March 1, 1934 (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
FERDINANDS, Rupert, born 23rd April 1936 in Ceylon. Educated at St. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia. Appointed Head Prefect of the school in 1956 and won the Victoria Jubilee Gold Medal award for the best all-round student that same year. Graduated with a BSc. (Hons) degree at the University of Ceylon and soon after joined the Ceylon Brewery Nuwara Eliya as an apprentice brewer. Sent to England for over a year to learn the finer points of brewing, and on his return, was appointed Assistant Brewer. Was the Ceylon Brewery Colombo Branch Manager for some time. Appointed Acting Head Brewer shortly before immigrating to Australia in 1972 with his wife and three kids. In Australia, joined Standards Australia as a Projects Manager to prepare Australian Standards mainly in the medical and dental fields, with some of the Standards called up in legislation. Was Secretary of an International Standards Organisation (ISO) committee preparing ISO standards in the medical area. Retired after over 30 years service with Standards Australia. In sports, whilst at school, won tennis, soccer and fives colours, and whilst still at school, as a 16 year old, was selected in Ceylon’s first ever Davis Cup team to travel abroad to play Holland, followed by a tour of England, playing in County tournaments. Was coached by Fred Perry whilst over there. At 12 years old, won the Ceylon under 16 junior singles tennis title. Won this event again at 13y and 14y, and at 15y, although still eligible to play in the under 16 event, won the under 19 junior singles title and kept winning this title till no longer eligible to play. Won the Ceylon National singles title in 1957, 1963, 1969 and 1970, the Men’s doubles title 4 times, the Mixed Doubles title 5 times, and twice won the Ceylon National Triple title (Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles) in the one and the same tournament. Was Ceylon’s No. 1 Singles tennis player for over 15 years and played Davis Cup for Sri Lanka for about the same period of time. Whilst in University, won the University chess championship. Played “Sara” trophy cricket for Dimbulla Cricket Club and also for Colombo Cricket Club. His forte was wicket-keeping. Also excelled at table tennis and had a notable win against Charlie Daniel, then ranked No. 2 in Ceylon, in the Up-Country table tennis championships held in Nuwara Eliya. In Australia, he passed his tennis coaching exams and was subsequently awarded a Level 3 Certificate by Tennis Coaches Australia. He was appointed to the Board of Management, Tennis Coaches of Victoria—a position he held for over 15 years. During this time, he was appointed Manager of the Victorian Training School for Tennis Coaches where his duties included lecturing to the trainees, preparing their theory exam papers and conducting their practical exams as Chairman of the Examination Panel. He is also a qualified tennis umpire in Victoria. He was invited to speak at National Tennis Coaches Seminars in some of the States, and has written several articles on various aspects of coaching in Australia’s TENNIS Magazine from 1985 -1989. In 1989, he was appointed to a 5-person National Technical Committee for standardising stroke techniques for teaching purposes for tennis coaches around Australia. In November 2010, because of his pro-active attitude and programs over the years, enthusiasm and dedication to the tennis coaching profession, genuine hard work, a lifetime contribution to the game of tennis, and been instrumental in the success of many coaches in Victoria, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Tennis Coaches of Victoria at an Awards Night held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Victoria. A rare honour indeed. On 29th January 2014, he was invited by the Ministry of Sports, Sri Lanka as a sporting legend to travel to Sri Lanka and attend a special ceremony where he was felicitated by the then President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse, himself and awarded a 5 sovereign gold medal. On 31st January 2014, he was invited as chief guest to officially declare open the Davis Cup match between Sri Lanka and the Philippines played in Colombo. In his retirement, he plays a fair amount of Contract Bridge and is a State Master with the Australian Bridge Federation. (Contributed)
FERNANDO, Douglas Beauchamp, 1922 – 2007. Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers and built many roads and bridges in the war ravaged areas. At the end of the war, he was sent with his Battalion to Singapore to supervise Japanese POW’s, before their repatriation to Japan. On return to Ceylon, he was demobilised. In 1948, he immigrated to Melbourne. He was an Accountant with the Victorian State Public Service. He was the founder member and player of the Warblers Sports & Social Club in Melbourne, where he held every executive position, including that of President for many years. In the latter years, he was a tireless worker for the Ceylonese Welfare Organization (CWO). (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FOENANDER, Dr Frederick Vander Smaght – born January 26, 1867, August 31, 1944. Educated at St Thomas’ College. L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas), Medical Assistant, June 16, 1890, Sub Assistant Colonial Surgeon, January 1893, Medical Officer at Balapitiya, Maskeliya, Gampola from December 1901 to July 1908. J.M.O., Colombo, July 1910, Acting Provincial Surgeon, Eastern & Northern Provinces, March 1913 to December 1916. Provincial Surgeon Northern Province, February 1919. A keen follower of sport, he was a good cricketer in his day and played for the Thomian XI. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
FOENANDER, Major. Dr Clarence Oscar (Larry), born 1927. From 1935-1943, he was an outstanding student at Royal College, Colombo, winning college colours in Rugby, Boxing and Athletics. Held the rank of Sergeant in the Royal College “A’ Platoon of the Cadet Battalion. In 1944, joined the Medical College where he captained the Rugby, Athletics and Boxing teams. In 1948, captained the Havelocks Rugby team that became Clifford Cup winners for the first time ever. 1951-1952, selected for the Ceylon Barbarians. In 1953, after a brief spell with the Government Service Health Department, he joined the Ceylon Army, as Medical Officer-in-Charge of Army Health. In 1957, selected to referee the All-India Rugby Finals. In 1958, appointed to referee first class rugby games in London, as a member of the London Referees Society. 1959-19670, received Diploma and Fellowship from the University of London. He was attached to the British Army serving as a medical officer on the Rhinear Osnabruck, the former Gestapo Headquarters in Germany. He not only captained the Havelocks Rugby team in 1948, then creditably coached it for a long period ((1960-1968). As coach he had the pride and pleasure seeing the Club win the Clifford Cup after ten years. In 1961, he captained the Combined Defence Services rugby team. In 1964, he was elected President of the Referees Society in Ceylon and Vice-President of the Ceylon Rugby Football Union. In 1965, he was elected President of the Havelocks Club. In 1966, he was selected to referee the All-India Rugby finals. In 1968, he immigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FOENANDER, Samuel Peter, MBE, 1883-20.4.1967. Educated at Wesley College, Opening batsman and wicket keeper for Wesley College, captained the side 1901-1903. World renowned cricket writer and historian. Teacher at Royal College. First Honorary Secretary of the Ceylon Cricket Association (CCA),Sports Editor, Ceylon Observer 1927-1965. First Honorary Recorder of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Author of the publication “Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket”. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FORBES, Rev. Fr. Dalston, OMI, born October 15, 1926, Slave Island, Colombo, Ceylon, died January 21, 2010, Kohuwela, Sri Lanka. He was educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo He then began reading at the Ceylon University in June 1944 and in. 1947, graduated from the University of Ceylon with a BA (First Class Honours) in History, Geography and Economics. He joined the Oblate Novitiate in August 1947 and left for Rome for studies at the Oblate International College. In 1951 received his Licentiate in Philosophy. In 1954, ordained a Priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), 1955, received Licentiate in Theology. In 1958, received Doctorate in Theology from Gregorian University in Rome. 1958. He served as Vice-Rector of the National Seminary, Ampitiya, Kandy, Ceylon, 1964-1972. In 1972 he was appointed Assistant General of the Order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) for the Asia Region. From 1972 – 1978 he served as General Councilor of the OMI Congregation in Rome. 1978-1984, Lecturer at the National Seminary, Ampitiya. 1984-1990, served as Superior of the Oblates Provincial House, Colombo. 1989-2001, Lecturer in Philosophy at Aquinas College, Colombo. Among his personal interests are classical music and the violin. He learnt to play the Violin at school from the 4th to 7th standard. A member of the orchestra in his college in Rome and at the National Seminary, Ampitiya. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Bobby Caspersz)
FORBES, Dr Samuel, born March 27, 1823, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 6, 1858, Kirinde, Ceylon. In August 1884, was accepted for Medical Training in Calcutta, India and passed out as a qualified doctor. In June 1847, Medical Assistant, to the Principal Medical Officer, Colombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
FORBES, Samuel Leo, born 1831, Colombo, Ceylon. Ships Supplier, Colombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
FORBES, William Edward (Bill), Born Colombo, 1938, immigrated to England in 1955. In 1958 lived out his dream of being a famous singer by appearing regularly at the ‘Bread Basket’, coffee bar in Tottenham Court Road, London. Two talent scouts approached him and asked him to audition for the show ‘Oh Boy’ which had just blasted on to the nation’s television screens. From the 30 artistes auditioned he was one of two picked. In December 1958 he made his debut, singing the spiritual ‘God’s Little Acre’. In 1959 he signed a recording contract with Columbia Records ad released eight singles. By 1960 his reputation had spread globally, between 1959-1967 he made a total of eleven appearances on the ‘Oh Boy’ shows and released ten singles. In 1963 he formed his own band ‘The Contrasts’ and began performing at cabaret/night clubs and holiday camp circuits. He has since given up show business and lives in retirement at Huddersfield, England. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FORSTER, Victor Arden, born September 1942 Kandy. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. On completion of his GCE level, he worked for Rajawella Produce Pty Ltd in charge of New Clearing Division. As a talented musician, he was the leader and lead guitarist of the ‘Hezonites’ who were crowned ‘Beat Kings of the Year 1965’ but his Dad insisted on him immigrating to Australia and hence he left Ceylon on 28 October 1968. In Australia he worked for Olivetti (Aust) Pty Ltd as a technician, Ozapaper Pty Ltd as a copying machine technician, RACQ as a Driving Instructor and latterly worked as a Sole Trader under the name of Commando Pest Management and retired in 2007. As a musician, he was the lead guitarist with ‘Gingerbread’ who were voted best cabaret band three years in succession beginning 1984. He now gigs as a solo artist and a keen golfer. Lives in Brisbane. Contributed)
FRANCKE, Adrian Edward William, 1913 – 1990, Born on a rubber plantation in Perak, Malaysia. The family returned to Ceylon in 1915. Education – Holy Cross College, Kalutara, St John’s, Panadura and St. Thomas’ College, Colombo. Joined the Customs Department as a clerk, when he retired in 1958, he held the position of Chief Customs Appraiser. A dedicated cricketer, he earned fame when he and his brother-in-law, Earle Scharenguivel, created cricketing history with their 100-run partnership in the final of the ‘Daily News Trophy’, which Kalutara won for the first time. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
FRANCKE, Rev. George Roosmalecocq – born Kalutara, December 5, 1863, died May 18, 1928. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo. From early youth his disposition was markedly religious and in 1887 he entered the Wesleyan ministry. His first station was Kandy and as then transferred to Kalutara a year later. He resigned from the Wesleyan Mission in 1890 and on July 15, 1891 was formally ordained in the Galle Church as a Presbyterian Minister. He later on became the Pastor of the Galle Church, labouring there for an almost unbroken period of thirty one years. In September 1923 he was inducted into the pastorate of the Church at Matara. He left Matara in 1924 for Dehiwela, where he worked until illness overtook him. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, Part 1, 1930)
FRANCKE, Malcolm, born 2.10.1939. Right hand batsman, leg break googly bowler. Played for Ceylon, 1957/58, then worked and played cricket in England for several years prior to immigrating to Australia. He represented the State of Queensland from 1971/72 to 1985/86. He went on to take a total of 167 career first class wickets for Queensland, with an innings best of 6 for 62 against South Australia in 1974. (Wikepedia)
GARVIN, Sir Thomas Forrest, K. C. – born August 8, 1881, died England, June 19, 1940. He was educated at Royal College. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn. On March 23, 1908, he was appointed third Crown Counsel and on June 9, 1909, he was promoted to the position of Second Crown Counsel.. From July 1911 he served as Acting First Crown Counsel and on July 12, 1912 was promoted as Senior Crown Counsel. He then held various other positions until his appointment as Puisne Justice on January 15, 1929. He acted as Chief Justice on a number of occasions. He was knighted in 1933. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
GERREYN, Joseph, born, August 5, 1889, Grandpass Colombo, Ceylon, died May 19, 1967, Colombo, Ceylon. April 16, 1904, Apprentice Ceylon Government Railway CGR), Kadugannawa. Between 1910-1915, at KKS, Kurnegalla and Anurdhapura. Between September 1915 – November 27, 1920, Boiler Fitter, Ceylon Planters Transport Co. Ltd, between December 7, 1920 – February 1, 1921, Electrical Welder, Walker Sons & Co. between February 7, 1920 – August 20, 1920, Mechanical Overseer, Railway extensions. August 22, 1921, Workshop Foreman, C.A. Hudson & Co. Ltd. March 1, 1924 joined M.D.F.Perera and started doing business as J.Gerreyn & Co. Ltd. November 4, 1924, A. B.Gomes bought the business, which was then registered on November 11, 1925, as Gerreyn’s Engineering Works. On June 30, 1927, sold the business to C. E. Perera of Panadura, On July 1, 1927, joined S.M.Martinoe of Moratuwa and started business under the name of Gerreyn & Co. Later joined C.I.S.I.R, retiring on November 1,1961. The same day he started business as J.Gerreyn & Co. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
GERREYN, Edgar Malcolm Augustine, born August 28, 1925, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 8, 2014, Melbourne, Australia. He received his formal education at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, where he won awards for rifle-shooting as a cadet. He joined the staff of Cable & Wireless as a telegraphist and served the company for two decades before immigrating to the UK in 1958. He had been a left winger and avowed Communist from his late teens and became an active member of the Workers revolutionary Party in the era of Vanessa Redgrave. He had a notable talent for sleight of hand drawing and writing, and was besotted with the art of the cinema and film making. He first employment in Britain as freelance script-writer for Pinewood Studios and when the enterprise folded up he secured a job as a librarian at the British Library. Always a revolutionary socialist and man of principle, Malcolm broke with Stalinism and joined the Trotskyist Socialist Labour League in the 1960s and became a founder member of the Workers Revolutionary Party, the British section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. After the 1985 split in the Workers Revolutionary Party, Malcolm joined the Marxist Party and contributed articles for its magazine, Marxist Monthly, amongst them "Shoot to Kill -Review of Stalker" and "The Blind Watchmaker", under the nom de plume Adrian Edgar. Failing health, advancing age and the emigration of their second son Boris and his family take up a prominent post as a Senior Scientist/Oeanographer in Victoria. pushed him and his wife themselves to immigrate to Australia in June 2014 in Melbourne. He was ecstatic in the fulfilment of his plans but sadly his fragile health gave up and he passed away in October 2014. (Contributed by Max Gerreyn & Corina Lotz)
GERREYN, Mark Oswald Alexander, born April 25, 1931, Colombo, Ceylon, died November 16, 1989, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, Ceylon. In the middle forms he won the elocution prize three years in a row. He was in the College Cadet Corps. In 1951, he was first employed as a typist at Free Lance Insurance Co, and then recruited by Lake House as a Cartoonist, he started out at the Dinamina newspaper in 1953.He then took over from Collette as the political cartoonist for the Ceylon Daily News. Shortly after which he created his alter-ego character Simple Simeon, which became a regular strip feature that endeared him to whole generation of readers for several years. He resigned from Lake House in the late 1970’s and then worked for the Sun and Island newspapers where his readership and popularity and skills grew and flourished. In total he held sway as Ceylon’s and then Sri Lanka’s leading political cartoonist and humour monger for over 35 years. The International Pavilion of Humour honoured him on four occasions and the International Salon of Cartoons, cited his cartons on nuclear war and the horrors of famine as exceptional works, in 1986. President Jayawardene collected his original works and President Premadasa honoured him with a special presentation on national television. His talents were also much in demand by the Corporate and Commercial Sector, to illustrate journals/periodicals/souvenirs and from friends and associates at times to paint/draw cartoon pictures for children. He was a talented carrom and snooker player and won the ‘Lanka Plate’ once for Snooker. (Contributed by Maxwell Gerreyn)
GERREYN, Maxwell Spencer Joseph, born July 27, 1937, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, Ceylon. He completed his SSC with 3 distinctions and a credit in Sinhala. He also passed the GCE (Advanced Level) as an external student of Aquinas College, Colombo. The following year he aborted further academic studies and found employment at the Bank of Ceylon. He has been drawing, painting and cartooning from an early age. He was a pupil of the late Mudaliyar A.C.G. S. Amerasekera and David Paynter, in his teens. He holds a Diploma in Banking – Associate of The Institute of Bankers London (AIB). He was employed by the Bank of Ceylon, Colombo from 1959 – 1977. He contributed cartoons and illustrations to all the English medium newspapers in Colombo and free-lanced as the cartoonist for The Daily and Weekend Sun newspaper of the Gunasena Group for over 15 years. His character Chula was the first cartoon strip to be published in colour in newspapers in Colombo. He immigrated to Perth, West Australia in June 1977. He was employed by the Commonwealth Public Service, Australia Customs Service, Perth from 1982 to 1999. He acquired a Diploma in Fine Arts (Painting Major) from the Claremont College of Art, Perth. He has exhibited his work at various venues in Perth’s metropolitan area, staged two one-man shows, shared a First Prize in Print Making, done portraits of the longest served Honorary Sri Lanka Consul in Perth, Frank Crawley and one-time Anglican Archbishop of West Australia, Rt. Rev Roger Herft. He has made one unsuccessful attempt at the Archibald Prize, he has had an entry in the first Black Swan Portraiture Prize in Perth and has been a multiple successful finalist in the Bald Archy Portrait Prize, where all his entries were bought by collectors. He continues to draw/print cartoons and has sold to clients Australia wide and in the UK, USA and Sri Lanka. (Contributed)
GODLIEB, Dr Edward Samuel – born April 18, 1888. educated at Wesley College, Colombo. L.M.S. (Cey), L.R.C.P.and S (Edin), L.F.P.and S (Glas), D.T.M.and H (Eng), Certificate of London School of Tropical Medicine (Honours). Medical Assistant, Avisawella, August 1910, and later at Moneragala, Beruwala, Talaimannar. Director Anchylostomiasis Campaign, 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
GRAHAM, Leslie Harry, born , May 22, 1921, in Kandy, Ceylon, died December 15, 2020 in Sydney Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy, where he was a boarder from 1928 to 1939. He actively participated in Soccer. When he completed his studies and awaiting the results from England, he was given the opportunity to teach Grade 5 at St Anthony’s. In 1939, when WW 11 broke out, he was 18 years-old and enlisted with the Ceylon Royal Artillery, a branch of the British Royal Artillery. He was based at Trincomalee when the Japanese Forces bombed the China Bay oil fuel depot. In March 1971, Leslie, Olive, his wife and 5 of their 9 children immigrated to Australia (Sydney) and within 2 years the rest followed. He was employed by News Limited. (Contributed by Charmaine Rebeira).
GRATIAEN, Edward Frederick Noel, Q. C., C.M.G. - born December 30, 1904, died England, February 20, 1973. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. He obtained a third in Honour Mods at Oxford, which was not so good for a boy described by Warden Stone as the most brilliant classical scholar he had at St Thomas’. He was obliged to make his career the hard way. He was compelled to earn a livelihood and pursue his legal studies in Ceylon. He became a political journalist and lobby correspondent for “The Ceylon Independent”. Not long at the Bar, he was marked as a rising star by some of the more experienced and astute Proctors. Meanwhile he distinguished himself in other ways. He became a leading player in Ceylonese Rugby Football. He captained the CF & FC, later becoming it’s President and also the Ceylon Rugby Football Union President. He also became a member of the King’s Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and was nominated to the House of Representatives. At 42 he earned the Silk robes, at 43 he was elevated to the Supreme Court, the youngest Ceylonese to become a Judge of the Supreme Court. In 1952 he received the honour of being made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). In 1955 he was appointed Attorney General in Mr Bandaranaike’s Government. According to what was then the custom he might well have returned to the Bench as Chief Justice, but he had other ideas. After resuming private practice for two years he left for England in 1959 and joined Chambers in the Temple. Thereafter, he was constantly engaged in the Privy Council and in various Commonwealth countries from Guyana to Singapore. He was awarded silk at the English Bar as well. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIV, Part’s 1 – 4, 1990 & A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986 )
GRATIAEN, Edward Gerald – born October 12, 1885. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Proctor, Supreme Court and Notary, partner De Vos & Gratiaen. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
GRATIAEN, George Herbert – born 1891, died May 26, 1956. he was educated at St Thomas’ College. He was a well-known Colombo Lawyer who had been in practice for nearly forty years. He had passed out as a Proctor and notary in the years that preceded World War 1, and in the early stages of his career was with the firm De Vos & Gratiaen. He was appointed a Platoon Commander in the Dutch Burgher Town Guard. (DBU Journal, Vol XLVI, Part 4, 1956)
GRATIAEN, Leslie Jocelyn – born February 28, 1889. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo, Assistant Lecturer, Government Training College, July 1912, District Inspector of Schools, June 1921. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
GRAY, Edward Ian “Eddie”, born Colombo, 1918, died, Melbourne, 2004, he was educated at Royal College, he began his sporting career at the tender age of 10 years. He represented the College in Boxing at the Stubbs Shield Meet in 1930. Five years later he bagged the Colonel T.Y.Wright Cup awarded to the Most Scientific boxer at the Stubbs Shield. He was also the captain of the Royal College Athletics team in 1936 and showed his prowess while competing in the one mile, quarter mile and pole vault events. He also went on to captain the Royal College Rugby Team in 1937 and was later awarded school colours in boxing, athletics and rugby. He was also a member of the Royal College Rifle Rangers Team which clinched the Governor’s Cup, at the Cadet Battalion Meet. He was also Senior Prefect. Thereafter, he joined the Ceylon Police force as a Sub-Inspector in 1939 and became the first Ceylonese to be in charge of the Police Mounted Section in Colombo. He was a superb and stylish horseman. He immediately shone when he won his bout at the Burma-Ceylon Boxing Meet. In 1940, he went on to annex the National Boxing Championships. He was selected to compete in the 1948 London Olympic Games following a series of selection trials. At the Olympic Games he overcame A. Petriyana of Czechoslovakia during his first-round competition, but went down to E.H.Howard of Canada in the quarter final bout. After returning from the Olympics he continued his form and qualified for the 1949 National Boxing finals. He retired from the ring after having participated in the 1950 Empire Games in Auckland. He later became a top boxing coach and an International Boxing Judge and also won his colours whilst turning out for the CR & FC Rugby Team in 1950 and 1951. He also rendered yeoman service to uplift boxing in Sri Lanka whilst serving as the Secretary and President of the Ceylon Boxing Association during the period 1958-1970. In 1957, he resigned from the Police and joined the Mercantile Sector as an Insurance executive at Colombo Assurances Ltd. In 1959, he was awarded a six-month scholarship under the Colombo Plan to further his interests in Insurance, in Sydney, Australia. Under his supervision, Sri Lanka was able to compete in boxing events in Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea whilst several other nations visited Sri Lanka to participate in tournaments. He was instrumental in organising the third Asian Boxing Meet in Colombo in 1967. He also served as a judge at the 1966 Asian Boxing Meet and in 1968 was selected as a member of the Boxing Jury for the 1968 Mexican Olympics. He was presented with a special medal for his services at this Olympic Games. He had the honour of holding office as Secretary of the NOC during the period 1970-1973 and was the Manager of the Sri Lanka contingent for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In 1977, he immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, where he found employment as an Insurance Underwriter with Lumleys. He became a founder member of the Royal College Old Boys Association in Australia. He was also became a member of the Duncan White Foundation, which funds deserving athletes. In 10985, he was made a Trustee of the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria. (Ceylon Daily News, February 10, 2021)
GRENIER, Dr Francis Charles Henry (Frank) – born June 7, 1868, died England, June 7, 1947. Winning the University Scholarship from St Thomas’ College, he proceeded to England and won high medical distinctions. He then returned to Ceylon and began his career in the Medical Department as Visiting Surgeon of the Friend-In-Need-Society’s hospital at Jaffna in 1892. He served as Deputy Colonial Surgeon in Dickoya and Nuwara Eliya. After a visit to England for research work in tropical diseases, he returned to Ceylon and was connected with the General Hospital, Colombo, from 1909 until his retirement in 1926 from the post of Senior Physician.. After his retirement he lived in Nuwara Eliya, where he had a consultant practice. He went to England about 1935. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXVII, Part 1, 1947)
GRENIER, Gerard Vernon – born November 8, 1882. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Crown Counsel, October 1915, Deputy Colonial Commissioner, Boy Scouts, Ceylon. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
GRENIER, Sir John Samuel – born, June 10, 1840, died October 31, 1892. He received his education at the Wesleyan Central School and part of his education in the Chundikuli Seminary, later St John’s College. He showed such high intellectual gifts that before he was twenty he was appointed Head Master of the Central School. Moving to Colombo, he commenced reading law under successful Advocates and Proctors. He helped out as Sub-Editor of the “Ceylon Examiner”, while studying law. He passed out as an Advocate in 1864, but continued his connections with the “Ceylon Examiner”, appearing only in assigned cases before the Supreme Court. In 1865 when the Colombo Municipality was established, he applied for and obtained the post of Secretary. In 1868 he applied for permission and was allowed to act occasionally as Police Magistrate, Colombo. Resigning his appointment as Secretary to the Municipal Council, he devoted all his energies to his practice at the Bar. So high was his reputation and integrity that in eight years, he was offered an appointment to the Supreme Court Bench. In 1884 he went to England and was called to the Bar and on his return was offered Acting Attorney Generalship. In 1886 he was appointed Burgher Member of the Legislative Council, but he never took his seat, as in the meantime he had been appointed permanent Attorney General. In August 1891, he went to England on twelve month’s leave and early in the following year he received the honour of knighthood. Sir Samuel Grenier returned to Ceylon in June 1892 bearing his honours very modestly. Shortly after wards his health failed him and he passed away. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIX, Part 3, 1940)
GRENIER, Joseph, K.C. – born Jaffna, July 4, 1852, died May 26, 1926. After his early education in Jaffna he came to St Thomas’ College. He studied Law at Calcutta University, on returning to Ceylon he commenced practice as an Advocate in 1874. Despairing of being able to build up a practice in the District Court of Colombo, he returned to Jaffna and settled down to practice and acted on more than one occasion as Deputy Queen’s Advocate. He remained in Jaffna until 1878 when he returned to Colombo and began practicing at the Appeal Court, later moving to the District Court where he commanded a large practice. In 1890, he was appointed at the early age of 38 to act as District Court Judge. He next acted successfully as Puisne Judge, Solicitor General and Commissioner of Assize and was permanently appointed District Judge of Colombo in 1903. After 3 years of strenuous work he went to England and was called to the Bar. Returning to Ceylon in 1906 he resumed duties as District Judge of Colombo, but shortly afterwards was appointed to act on the Supreme Court Bench until he was permanently appointed Puisne Justice in 1911. (DBU Journal, Vol XVI, Part I, 1926)
GULAMHUSEIN, Yvonne (nee TOUSSAINT), born 1927, died 12 July 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Educated at St Clare’s College, Wellawatte, Colombo. Daughter of Royston and Mavourneen Constance Garth. She began her career as a cabaret dancer and everything she wore was nothing compared to the ‘in’ style. It was a mix of everything. She was crowned “Queen of the Bathing Belles” at a contest at Bentota on May 27, 1946. In 1946, she applied for an advertisement by the Herald, for the Cover Girl Competition, and the picture she forwarded was selected as one of the joint winners of the competition; and hence on 15th of September, 1946 Yvonne graced the cover of Herald Vol No 12., and was described in it as “ a Ceylon born girl, educated at St Clare’s College, Wellawatte. Expert ballroom dancer and swimmer and an experienced cabaret entertainer. At present a well reputed dancing instructor.” She was already in the public eye as a dancer who did demonstration dances at Service dances and other gala events. Quoting one of the many clippings in her scrap book, “Miss Yvonne Toussaint whose new dance number ‘Viennese Waltz’ was a highlight of the gala opening night at the Silver Fawn, Colombo. Shen was the most paparazzied young fashion plate in her day – and as one gets an exclusive peek at her Scrap Book from 1945, with paper clippings from various newspapers and magazines which reported her many accomplishments as a dancer, her triumphs as a beauty queen, cover girl and then later on , as a much admired fashion icon, we begin to realize that she was way ahead of the times in her understanding of the power of the press! Certainly, for a teenager way back in the ‘40s! It is when browsing through this scrap book, that it strikes one that her life as documented in these pages provide an enchanting and fascinating insight into an era long gone…an era in which our country was called Ceylon under the British, then Independence in 1948. And as the decades roll on post-Independence to the present, when old black and white photographs change to colour, in these pages of Yvonne’s rich life, we catch glimpses of the history of our country - how British Ceylon to came to be the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. She married Onally Gulamhusein. On Friday, August 27th, 1948, Yvonne wed Onally Gulamhusein at a reception at the Galle Face Hotel. Yvonne was a very demure bride, clad in “ a fragile net saree worked in an all over design of stars. Her blouse was in silver. She wore no veil, but a beautiful headdress of flowers. In the morning, Yvonne went through rites of a Muslim wedding. In the evening she entertained a gay crowd of friends as the Galle Face Hotel. In her scrap book, the Wedding Invite and the accompanying Thank You notes, the Menu of the Wedding Buffet are well preserved for posterity. It is said that Onally Gulamhusein came to learn dancing from her and fell in love. For we find the gorgeous Ms Toussaint and the handsome Onally Gulamhusein strolling elegantly at the Races in August, 1948. Dressed exquisitely, she made it as the Cover Girl of The Ceylon Causerie in August, 1948. The magazine states, “Miss Yvonne Toussaint had her exquisite off-shoulder white lace picture frock partnered by a large white lace crownless picture hat and an elegant frilly white parasol. Nesting amongst the folds of her frock were posies of purple flowers – the whole a most striking ensemble.” The beautiful home and mansion, ”El Patio Yveony”, owned and lived in by Onally and his celebrity wife Yvonne off the next block of land adjoining Station Road. Onally, nicknamed “Jutehessian” and his wife the socialite Yvonne Gulamhusein, nee Toussaint, was referred to as Mrs. Ooh La Jute Hessian. Yvonne and Onally were part of the jet set in the post-Independent Ceylon. They were great friends of Sir John Kotelawala, who later became Prime Minister after Dudley Senanayake. She was part of the smart set of women who formed a fan club around Sir John, and were dubbed the ‘Purple Brigade’. They partied with the likes of Viscount Soul bury, the then Governor General of Ceylon. Aga Khan was a dear friend of the couple, and visited them twice in Ceylon. Yvonne in her later years was a fashion columnist for the Sunday Times, a job which she enjoyed very much. In one of her fashion articles, she reported on the first ever Yves Saint Laurent fashion show in Sri Lanka. Tarzie Vittachi used to write frequently about her calling her ooh…la…la Jutehessian and Collette used to lampoon her. She attracted attention wherever she went both for the often outrageous fashions she would carry off with great élan as well as for her striking beauty .(Familypedia)
GUNASEKERA, Anne (Marbit) Marguerite (nee BLAZÉ), died September 6, 2000, Colombo, Sri Lanka. She was the daughter of Fred & Nell Blazé. She was educated at Badulla Girls’ High School, to prepare for the University Entrance Examination she joined Girls’ High School, Kandy. She exceled in her studies where she was awarded the Gold Medal for English Essay twice during her two-years at the school. She entered the University of Ceylon in Colombo, where she read English for her degree and passed the finals with 2nd Class Honours. She was then employed as a Teacher at Methodist College, Colombo, in 1950. In 1963, she was appointed Vice Principal. She retired in 1987, but continued as a part-time teacher. She was a loyal member of the Old Girls’ Association. She was an excellent teacher of English. Her work in school took her beyond the walls of the classroom and beyond normal school hours. She helped with Music and Singing, Drama, Oratory and Debating. She was married to Ben Gunasekera, they had three children. (Shanthi Peiris, Sunday Times, 15.11.2020)
HAY, Lt. Dr. George Powell, Educated at St Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Medical Degrees: LRCP, LRCS (Edin) LFP, LFS (Glas). 1891, Colour Sergeant in the Ceylon Medical Corps (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
HENRICUS, Ansdale Basil, 1891 – 1977, died in Melbourne. Boxing Champion and Administrator. Got his first boxing lessons at the YMCA in 1911 and continued winning all his matches, he beat R. Wright for the feather weight title. He boxed and played soccer for the YMCA, the United Services Boxing Association of Ceylon and the Amateur Boxing Association of Ceylon. He helped build the Baptist Church in Nugegoda and was its Treasurer for twenty five years and was made a Life Deacon. He worked at James Findlay & Company for 40 years and was rewarded with a life pension. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
HENRICUS, Major Basil Cholmondeley, 1922 – 2002. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. In 1943, commissioned in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a Sub-Lieutenant and was attached to the special Branch of the Fleet Air Arm. In 1951, commissioned into the Ceylon Army as Captain and achieved the rank of Major.. After a short commission in the Royal Military Police, he joined the Prisons department as House Master of the Training School for young offenders. First played rugby union for Royal College He took to athletics whilst in the army and successfully equaled the National Record. Played rugby for the Low Country in the Capper Cup. A member of the all-conquering All Ceylon teams in the All-India Tournament played in India and Ceylon. In 1956 he was chosen with for other officers and sent to Lebanon as part of the Ceylon commitment to the UN peace keeping force. In 1957 he represented All-Ceylon in the Services team in Madras. He managed the first soccer team from Ceylon on an overseas tour (China) in the early sixties. In 1963 he was Manager of the Ceylon Services team at the All-India tournament. He represented Ceylon in Boxing at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. He was Honorary Secretary of the Ceylon Football Association and the Amateur Boxing Association. In addition he was the Sports Officer, Ceylon Army and Secretary, Combined Services Sports Board. Promoted to Major he was appointed Commandant of the Army Detention Barracks. He immigrated to Melbourne with his family in 1970. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Nihal de Run))
HENRICUS, Ansdale William (Barney), 1915 – 2007, Education – Royal College, Colombo. Officer in the Ceylon Police Force, from 1922-1955. Immigrated to the US in 1988. He made an indelible mark in Boxing in Ceylon. He boxed in the ‘featherweight’ division. In 1938 he represented Ceylon in the British Empire Games, held in Sydney, Australia. He was also a reputed ballroom dancer. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
HENRICUS, Capt. George Oscar, born 1928, educated at Royal College. A keen boxer, he participated in the Stubbs Boxing Championships. He was also the best boxer on the vessel ‘Dufrin’ and also boxed in Bombay. In 1947, he joined the training ship ‘Dufrin’ and went to sea were he passed out as a Master Mariner – Foreign Going. In 1955, he was appointed to the Colombo Pilot Service as Harbour Pilot, Colombo. 1958-1979, appointed Port Commissioner, Colombo. He retired and was subsequently retained as a consultant for three to four years by the Sri Lanka Government. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
HEPPONSTALL, Wilfred. Hector, J.P., U.P.M. – born January 23, 1878, died June 28, 1944. He was a Proctor and practiced his profession in Kalutara. On his retirement from active professional work he settled in Colombo, where he filled at different times the offices of Deputy City Coroner and Head Air Raid Warden. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIV, Part 2, 1944)
HERFT, Joseph Anthony Clair, born in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 15 June 1932, died July 15, 20221, Melbourne, Australia. He started school at Holy Family Convent, Dehiwala, a school run by the nuns of the Holy Order. He later attended secondary school initially at St Peter’s College and then at St Joseph’s College. His parents ran their own private school from the family home for about 10 years. So unfortunately, for him and his siblings, during school holidays they also had to attend their parents’ school during their own school holiday period. At the tender age of 10, he wanted to become a priest and he entered St Aloysius Seminary, known as the ‘little seminary for junior students’. He spent 3 years at the seminary, only going home on school holidays. After completing senior schooling, his desire to join the priesthood was still very strong. In 1951 he decided to join the Benedictine Order and made his way to the Monte Fano Seminary in Ampitiya, Kandy. After about 18 months he decided that priesthood was not for him. His inability to remain silent and sit still for long periods of time, together with his attraction to girls made this decision easy for him. Throughout his early years, he held various jobs such a casual teacher as well as teaching English to monks at the local Buddhist temple. He was a clerk at a vehicle dealership, when he participated in a major industrial action over the withdrawing of Christmas bonuses. He was dressed up as Santa Claus in 35-degree heat and went in a motorcade parade down the main streets of Colombo. The industrial action was a success and his photo as Santa made it on the front page of the daily newspaper. However, shortly after that stunt, Santa got sacked. He also did some journalism for a short period of time in the Maldives. Due to his insecure nature of employment, Mum and Dad agreed that he would stay home and look after the six children, whilst she continued to work full time. In a way, they were ahead of their time as far as the wife being the main bread winner and the stay-at-home father taking care of the children. Their prayers were answered when they managed to migrate to Melbourne, Australia on 13 May 1972, through the generosity of family and friends. They arrived with one suitcase and little cash and have now built a legacy of a large loving and caring family. Money was still scarce and while the family missed out on many things, they always had food on the table, a roof over our head, clothes on ourselves and were all educated. He commenced work at the Herbert Adams factory on Springvale Road. He walked to work at 3 o’clock in the morning in freezing temperatures as there was no available public transport at that time. He preferred to walk in the middle of the road because of his fear of dogs. In 1973 their youngest Christopher was born. Unfortunately, the family only enjoyed Christopher for four short years until God called him home. This was a difficult time for him as he had to manage his own grief and that of his children, whilst managing his wife’s grief and the start of her ill-health. He took over the management of the household during this period. In 1977 he commenced work in the Medical Records Department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. His main job was to maintain the control sheet of the location of every patient’s medical file. That would have been a huge task as it was before computer systems, and they relied on his amazing memory to locate patient files. This gave him the opportunity to wander around every part of the hospital and get to know just about everybody. Everybody was his friend and wanted to chat with him. His, Angelo evidenced this himself on the numerous appointments he took him to in his later years. He managed to jump the waiting queues, get cake and coffee at every visit, and was attended to by the very best medical professionals. He used to tell his family that he ran the hospital. Whilst they knew he didn’t run the hospital, they were I’m fairly sure the hospital couldn’t run without him. Immediately after he retired at the age of 60, he commenced as a volunteer in the hospital’s pastoral care team. Over the next 25 years he would make the trip to the hospital twice a week by public transport without failure. Over 60 kilometres each day, twice a week, walking, catching trains and trams in inclement weather without complaint. He was very dedicated to serve those in their time of need. Regardless of their religious backgrounds, he would pray with the sick or the dying, listen to them, be with them throughout their darkest hours and provide them a ray of light. He finally managed to live the life of service he had been called upon by God so many years ago. His voluntary work was recognised in 2015 when he was nominated for the Victorian Volunteer of The Year Award. At the ripe old age of 85 and with failing health, he finally decided to retire from his role as pastoral care worker. He received a farewell Mass and lunch from many of his colleagues, including the hospital’s CEO at the time being in attendance. His love and loyalty to the Royal Melbourne Hospital was second to none. He spent 40 years associated with the hospital, which he called his second home. He was a valued employee and volunteer and highly respected by his colleagues and patients. He and his wife retired at the same time and finally managed to spend some time together. They were fortunate to travel overseas on numerous occasions and loved travelling around Australia too. They also bought their first holiday home in Phillip Island. It was here that the whole Herft and van Rooyen clan have fond memories of their very own Boxing Day Test matches. He and his wife were blessed to celebrate 62 years of married life. They celebrated the key milestones of their 25th, 40th, 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries with extended family and friends. He loved his children and grandchildren very much and took a great interest in their activities and was proud of their achievements. He loved his Motherland, Sri Lanka. He made numerous trips back to his motherland and always looked forward to them. His two sisters and extended families loved having him back there. They have so many fond memories of him. He continued to take great interest in what was happening over in Sri Lanka and always followed their local news and events. He loved people around him. He was a social butterfly and the life of the party. He would set the room alight whenever he entered with his jovial and mischievous nature. He was always the prankster, the boy who never grew up. He would cheat at board games with his grandchildren and his nephews and nieces and was a good storyteller too, even if he told many fibs along the way. It was his way of keeping everyone engaged and entertained. He also had a great passion for his garden, something that his children have inherited. He took great pride in every garden he had and spent many an hour maintaining his beautiful plants. Amongst his many plants he had, he loved his orchids and ferns. He loved his cricket and enjoyed playing it with his sons and watched it on television, always supporting the teams that played against Australia. His wife wouldn’t allow him to get his car driver licence. So, at the age of 48 he decided to get a motorcycle licence instead. His little putt putt was his key to his social life. He rode it everywhere. Dressed in his long bright yellow rain jacket and pants, everybody knew when he arrived to see them. Armed with a pen and note pad in his top pocket he was always ready to get names and addresses of people he hadn’t previously met, so he could invite himself over to their house for lunch one day. He started having serious health problems 5 years ago. Around 14 months ago, he made the agonising decision to place himself in an aged care facility. Whilst he was not happy with this decision, he was somewhat content when his wife joined him there a short time later. Unfortunately, her stay there was ever so brief, and she passed away in August 2020. His health continued to deteriorate as he tried to soldier on without his lifelong partner of 62 years by his side. (Adapted from his son Angelo’s eulogy for his Father)
HERFT, Rt. Rev. Roger, B.tH, Bd, born Wattegama, Ceylon July 11, 1947. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Worked in the mercantile sector and was called to Sacred Ministry in the Diocese of Colombo. Completed his Bachelor Theology and Bachelor of Divinity at the University of Serampore, India through the Theological College of Lanka in Pillimatalawa. In 1977, he was linked to the Christian Council of Asia (CCA) attending the Assembly in Penang. After working in Parish Ministry and Prison Chaplaincy in Ceylon, in 1983, he was invited by the Diocese of Waikato, New Zealand to become a pastoral consultant. In 1985 he was elected Bishop of Waikato, becoming one of the youngest Bishops in the Anglican Communion. He was Consecrated on October 28, 1986. He was elected as Bishop of New Castle, Australia in 1992 and enthroned in May 1993. He was Chaplain to the 13th Lambeth Conference, held in England in 1998. In 2004, he was elected as the Seventh Archbishop of Perth and Metropolitan of the Province of Western Australia and was installed on June 11, 2005. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 for Services to the Church, particularly interfaith relations and social justice. “On July 21, 2016, the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) published an article which stated the “one of the nation’s most Senior Anglicans, the Archbishop of Perth, Rev. Roger Herft received complaints about a priest in a pedophile ring but allegedly failed to formally report him to police”. On October 10, 2016, he wrote a pastoral letter stating that he was ‘standing down’ as Archbishop to “focus my attention on the Royal Commission’s ongoing inquiry into the Diocese of Newcastle” (Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse). On December 15, 2016 the Diocese of Perth announced that he would retire on July 7, 2017 and remain on accrued leave until that date. This would be a year earlier than previously anticipated. He thanked the Royal Commission for holding him “personally accountable” during the hearing. He stated that he had developed a “much more realistic view” of the priesthood and hoped first-hand accounts from survivors would lead to widespread changes within the Anglican Church (Wikipedia)
HERFT, Dr George Reiner, born, Colombo, Ceylon. Port Surgeon, Colombo. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
HERMON, Reginald (Reggie), born August 8, 1898, Colombo, Ceylon, died June 22, 1970, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. Enlisted in the 5th Battalion of the Coldstream Guards at the age of 17 years and 7 months, stating he was 21 years of age. He was the first non-white recruited to the Guards Regiment. Volunteered for service in France on October 6, 1917, suffered shell-shock on February 28, 1918. Was wounded near Cambrai on October 9, 1918. Was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Was demobilised after service 2 years and 145 days at the end of WW 1. Returning to Ceylon, he took up a career in Planting. Known Estates he worked on: Ambampitiya Group, Golinda Group and Madeniya Group. During the Depression he was employed by James Finlay & Co. Ltd and was the first non-expatriate Ceylonese to be employed by the Agency House. He was Senior Asst Supdt on Pelmadulla Valley Group, Kahawatte. He was promoted Manager, Mahawella Group, Ratnapura and retiring from James Finlay, he worked on Miyanawita Estate, Deraniyagala and Templestowe Estate, Rozelle. He bought a small Rubber Estate, Meelagashena in Galagedera, which he owned for some time. He was also Visiting Agent (VA) and Director of Various Plantation Companies. He subsequently retired due to ill health and lived in Katugstota, Kandy. He was a keen Sportsman, Cricketer and Tennis Player and enjoyed playing for Ratnapura Cricket and Tennis Teams. He was passionately fond of the Ceylon Jungles, hunting and fishing being his favourites. He was also a good shot. (Contributed by Richard Hermon)
HERMON, Richard (Dickie), born, April 1, 1941, Balangoda, Ceylon. Educated at Ratnapura Convent in 1946, then St Thomas’ Prep School, Bandarawela,1947-1952, Trinity College, Kandy, 1952-1958. At S. Thomas’ College, he actively participated in Athletics, Swimming and Gymnastics. At Trinity College ,he played Rugby 2nd XV in 1955, 1st XV in 1955, 1956, 1957 & 1958 and awarded colours. He was also Rugby , Out Station School and Combined Schools ,representative, 2nd Battalion Ceylon Cadet Corps representative. Athletics: Central Province Meet, Public Schools Meet, Inter-School Pentathlon Meet. Trinity College: Choir (Music Prize), Junior Cadet Sergeant (Drill Prize), Senior Cadet. Alison House – Rugby (Captain), Athletics, Boxing & Hockey. Alison House Touring Club Secretary, Organising House Trips & Excursions, Natural History Society, Secretary, Organising field trips and excursions for collection of Specimens for Science Lab. Academic results: GCE “O’ Level, 1 Distinction, 5 Credit Passes, I Ordinary Pass, Referred in Sinhala for SSC exam. Planting Career with Carson & Cumberbatch & Co. Ltd. ‘Creeper’ at Kallebokke Group, Madulkelle, (Tea & Cardamom) , Doloswella Group (tea & Rubber), Asst Supdt Kallebokka Estate, Madulkelle (Tea), Asst Supdt at Nakiadeniya Group Udugama , (Rubber). Changed Employment Agency to George Steuart & Co. Ltd – Asst Supt at Millawitiya Estate, Lelopitiya. (Tea), Glenanore Estate, Haputale (Tea), Actg Manager, Mocha Estate, Maskeliya (Tea), Manager: Upper Ohiya Estate, Ohiya, Factory Manager: Ury Group, Passara (Tea), Tea Manufacturing advisor Nahavilla Estate, Hali Ella, Shawlands & Adawatte Estates (Lunugala), Manager , Brownlow Group, Maskeliya. (Tea) Tea Manufacturing Advisor to George Steuart & Co, Ltd Estates. Overlooking Supdt (Tea), Stamford Hill Estate, Dickoya. He was a member of the Ceylon Institute of Planting (MCIP), Member of the Ceylon Planters Society, President Ceylon Planers Society, Haldumulla Branch. He was called upon at Various times to visit and advise Estates within the agency house, that had problems with manufacture, identifying and report on problems with equipment. Member of and played Rugby for the Kandy Sports Club, Uva Sports Club, Dimbulla Club, Up Country Representative: Capper Cup & Combined Services. In April 1972, he immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, while the rest of the family followed later. His first job was with Shell Co, Australia as a Car washer, he was later given a car wash Managers job. He was trained for 4 months full-time at the Shell Training School at Kew and posted as Asst Manager to various sites and finally to Shell, Ashburton. He then joined AMP Society, and after a 2-week training course, started at the Camberwell branch, in March 1973. In the first 9-months he became a Blue Ribbon Agent. In the 2nd year he moved to Glen Waverly. He qualified for the Diploma of the Australian Insurance Institute (Dip All), normally a 3-year course in 8 months and also earned a Blue Ribbon that year. He continued with AMP and qualified many times as a Blue Ribbon Rep and was appointed Senior Representative and qualified as a retirement Counsellor and licensed dealer’s representative. He retired in 1992. In 1993, he bought “Gumbarwill Park”, a small farm in St Andrews, North of Melbourne and established an Aberdeen Angus Cattle and Alpaca Farm His cattle fetched top prices at the cattle sales and the Alpacas regularly won Supreme, Champion , & Class Ribbons. The farm was broken up and sold in 2015. He enlisted in the Australian Defence Force, Army Reserve as a Mature Age Officer Cadet in February 1975. He completed the 21 months training period (100 days a year) whilst still managing his Insurance Agency and graduated in October 1976 and was awarded the Prize for the highest marks for a Cadet, without previous military experience. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the Royal Australian Ordnance Corps (RAOC), He was then transferred into the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) and was posted to 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse regiment, a Reconnaissance regt. He served in the Regt as a Recon troop leader, 2IC Training Squadron. He was next posted to a non-Corps posting to Monash University Regiment as an officer cadet instructor and commanded an Infantry Company as a Lieutenant and was later promoted Captain. He was next posted to Staff College as a student, where he was awarded the Prize for War Administration. He was next posted to the Officer Cadet Training Unit, (OCTU)as the Senior Instructor of the Military Arts Wing and was promoted Major. He was next posted to Reserve Command and Staff College,(RCSC) as a Tactics Instructor in Mechanised and Combined Arms, Warfare, as an Armoured Corps Instructor. He was retired on March 31, 1988,the day before his 48th birthday, as that was the retirement age for an Officer in his rank serving in a Combat Arm. His other achievements in the ADF: nominated for CESROF Scholarship, completed Regimental Officer’s Advanced Course at Puckapunyal, Vic, completed Tactics Instructor Corse at Canungra, Land Warfare Centre, Qld., completed Wargames Controllers Course, 2 Training Command, Middle Head, NSW. Was awarded the Australian Defence Medal (ADM) for his service. Other Rugby interests: Attended Rothmans National Rugby Coaching Course ,and was accredited Level2 Coach, by national coaching council, and Coached ST Kevin's College Toorak in Rugby Both Seniors and Juniors . He is currently retired. (Contributed).
HEYN, Major General, Deshabandu Bertram Russell, “Russell”, born October 6, 1912, Colombo, Ceylon, died February 3, 1998, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo and at the Government Training College for teachers at Maharagama. He played for the cricket team at Royal College, debuting in 1930 and played in the Royal-Thomian. He played for the Ceylon cricket team and his most famous feat was getting Sir Donald Bradman out on his last appearance in Colombo, in a one-day match between Australia and All-Ceylon on 27 March 1948. Bradman was able to score only 20 runs before being caught out by R.L. de Kretser off Heyn's bowling. He also played hockey and rugby for the Ceylonese (at the age of 23 in 1936), he played for the Havelocks FC. His profession initially was teaching – he spent about six months teaching at Royal College, then six years at Arethusa before WW 2. He joined the CLI Volunteers and received a Commission on September 1, 1940. In 1941 he attended a Small Arms Course at Sangoor, India. He was promoted to the rank of Lieut on November 9, 1942 and Captain on June 23, 1944. He was promoted to the rank of Major on October 13, 1945, and with general demobilisation after the 2nd World War, was made non-effective on January 1, 1946. He was awarded the Defence Medal and the War Medal for his services during the war. After the formation of the Ceylon Army, he joined 1CLI on February 10, 1951, receiving a Commission in the rank of Major. After serving in various positions in the Army, he was confirmed in the rank of Lieut Col and appointed Commanding Officer 1CLI and OC Troops Panagoda on February 9, 1955. He was a keen sportsman, having represented Ceylon at Cricket, Rugby Football and Hockey. In his later years he managed the Sri Lanka cricket team and served as the head of the Cricket Board, as well as on the Sri Lanka Olympic Council. He was the President of the Burgher Recreation Club from 1965 to 1976. In 1990, the Government of Sri Lanka awarded Heyn the title of Deshabandu, the third highest Sri Lankan national honour, for meritorious service. For wartime service, he had earned the War Medal 1939-1945, and for service in the Ceylon Army, he received the Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and the Ceylon Armed Services Inauguration Medal. In civilian life he was a Commissioner of Labour. After demobilisation he went back to teaching for about three years at St Peter’s College, Colombo, then changed course and had a couple of years at the Labour Department, Colombo before he joined the newly formed Ceylon Army where he remained until retirement. (History of the First Battalion, CLI 1949-1975, Wikipedia & David Heyn)
HILLEBRAND, Johannes Godfried, MLC – He was appointed Acting Second Puisne Justice on November 23, 1839. He was the first member of the Burgher community to sit on the Bench. He was also the first Burgher member (1825-43) of the Legislative Council. He retained his seat in the Council during the time he acted on the Bench. The Hillebrand Gardens in Wolvendaal alone keep his name green. (A.R.B. Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986
HINGERT, Maureen Neliya, born January 9, 1937, in Colombo, Ceylon. She was educated at Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, Colombo, until she was 18 and then continued her College education in Los Angeles, California, USA. In 1955, she was crowned Miss Ceylon and subsequently selected as a contestant in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant. She remains the only Ceylonese representative to win an award at a Miss Univserse pageant, after finishing as the second runner-up at the 1955 event. Due to her very high placement in the Miss Universe Pageant, she has long been revered as "putting Ceylon on the map" and being an ambassador for her country, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka] Following the contest, she was put under contract to Universal International Studious and 20th Century Fox. Some of the movies she appeared in include: The King and I, Fort Bowie, Gun Fever, The Adventures of Hiram Holiday, Moroccan Halk Moth, Pillars of the Sky, Dangerous Search, Gunmen from Laredo, The Rawhide Trail and the British TV Series Captain David Grief She was sometimes billed in films as Jana Davi. She was also a dancer and gave solo performances at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and other major Los Angeles venues. She married American designer/artist, Mario Armond Zamparelli in 1958. Zamparelli was best known for his work as designer of Howard Hughes' empire. The couple had three daughters, one of whom, Gina Zamparelli (died 2018), achieved fame in the arts and entertainment and was active in the field of historic preservation. In July 1970 she divorced Zamparelli, and in 1976, married William J. Ballard in Los Angeles. Ballard died in 2012. She was the daughter of Lionel Hingert and Lorna Mabel de Run, (Wikipedia)
HOLE, Dr George Adolphus, born, September 8, 1868, Colombo, Ceylon, died, April 24, 1904, Colombo, Ceylon. Education: LMS (Cey), Superintendent of Salt Division. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
HOLSINGER, Alfred Peter, born August 23, 1880, Colombo, Ceylon, died January 19, 1942, Yorkshire, England. Educated at St. Thomas College, Mutwal, Colombo. He immigrated to England in 1899 in search of fame and fortune. He was Ceylon’s first professional cricketer and was also the world’s first professional cricketer of colour to play in the English Cricket Leagues. A supreme wicket taker in both school and club cricket, he is said to have been Ceylon’s bowler prior to 1900. His career began in the Isle of Wight, when he started playing for Ryde Club. It was in a game between this club and Haslewood Club that he took six consecutive wickets. He then moved to the Ribblesdale League in Lancashire and played for St Andrew’s Burnley Club. He averaged 26.1 with the bat in 1901 for St Andrew’s scoring 522 runs, with the highest score of 76. He picked up 94 wickets at 9.6 runs apiece. He followed that up by picking up 102 wickets in 1902. In 1907, he started playing in the Minor Counties by representing Lincolnshire. In 1908, against Staffordshire he picked up 6 wickets for 37 runs in 27 overs. In 1910, he began playing for Llanelli in Wales. He played for the Players of Glamorgan against the Gentlemen of Glamorgan twice, once in 1912 and again in 1913. He also happened to play in a benefit match in 1914. In 1915, he picked up six wickets playing for Mirfield against local rivals Hopton
Mills, a team for which he also played at some point. He also appeared for Liverpool Nomads, Lincoln Lindrum and Eppleton in the Durham League. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
HOWIE, Irwin educated at Trinity College, Kandy, he played Rugger at College at all age groups starting as scrum-half as a 15 year old and ended as one of the best fly halves. At senior level, he was well known for his kicking, at which he was good in scoring drop goals from any angle and he was also good in punts and cross kicks. He was one of the top fly halves to come out of Kandy, he was a dynamic and cheerful rugby star in the nineteen sixties and seventies. It was due to his motivation, that Kandy Sports Club entered the Cup final after nine long yeas in 1978. He was one of the best fly halves-the country has seen. He first played for Trinity College senior side in 1969. He was a regular member of the combined schools team. While in school Irwin played for Dickoya MCC, the area where his father was planting, and gave his best. Seeing his ability, CH &FC pulled him to Maitland Crescent and after a short stay, he crossed over to CR & FC and played from 1972 to 1974 helping the Red Shirts to emerge unbeaten league champions in 1973 and 1974 . However he enjoyed his rugby after coming to the city of Kandy where he learnt the game, it was 1975 he first played for Kandy SC under Iswan Omar. Then came his turn and he led in 1978 under the Presidency of Dr. C.D.L. Fernando. He coached this team with the assistance of Sarath Imbuldeniya and took the side to the Presidents Trophy finals, and lost to Anton Benedict’s Havelock Sports Club,4-10 which final was refereed by late Lt.Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa, the 1969 Kandy Sports Club’s cup final captain.(Daily News, June 21, 2021)
HUNTER, Louis Lucien – born December 3, 1889, died Sydney, Australia, July 25, 1959. He was educated at Royal College and joined the Civil Service in 1914. He held various judicial and revenue appointments. He rose to be Government Agent of the Central Province, from which post he retired in 1934. During the Second World War he was connected with food production work as Additional Director of Agriculture. He was recalled from retirement in 1948 and appointed Government Agent Western Province, when there was a dearth of Senior Civil Servants to many key posts. He was also an appointed M.P. and Senator, who served for a time as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance. He immigrated to Australia about two years prior to his death. (DBU Journal, Vol L, Part’s 1 & 2, 1960)
HYDE, Rev Fr. Dom Basil, OSB (Albert Ernest Hyde), born Madras, India, May 19, 1884, died Kandy, Ceylon April 23, 1957. He was a child prodigy, at the age of fourteen he had come first in his Matriculation, in India. Studied at St Anthony’s College, Kandy, and was known as Berty Hyde in school. Even while doing his theology, he had to teach at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. He entered the Benedictine Monastery in 1899, professed in the Sylvestro Benedictine Order on May 25, 1901, he did his studies of Theology and Philosophy at the Papal Seminary, Kandy. Ordained Priest, Kandy, May 25, 1907. Immediately after his ordination, he went to St Anthony’s College as a teacher, after 8 years of teaching, he was promoted Principal in September 1914. At the end of 1915 he moved to various parishes in the Kandy Diocese, beginning with Nuwara Eliya. In October 1925, whilst in the Parish of Talawakelle he was nominated Prior of St Anthony’s Monastery Kandy, resigning from the position at the end of 1926 he continued working at various Parishes, such as Matale, Wahacotte, Peradeniya, Hatton etc. A man of keen perception with a prolific memory for facts, he could wade through the most ponderous material and come out with a simple clear summary. The Sunday Sermons which he published every week for the Catholic Literature Committee were sold at all churches in all Parishes of the Diocese. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg & Nephew, Basil Hyde)
HYDE, Very Rev. Fr Dom Lawrence, OSB (Arthur Edgar Thomas Hyde), born November 8, 1891, in Ootacamund, India, died December 21, 1982, Kandy. He was educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy from 1901 – 1907. He took the habit of the Sylvestro Benedictine Monks at St Anthony’s Monastery, Kandy in 1908 and was ordained a Priest on December 22, 1917. He was appointed Principal of St Anthony’s College, on May 11, 1921 and in 1927 championed the move of the College from Kandy Town to Katugastota. From March 17, 1936 to 1958 he was Vicar General of the Kandy Diocese. On December 27, 1950 he was appointed Parish Priest, Peradeniya. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg & Basil Hyde)
INGLETON, Cdr. Darley Cunningham, 1920 – 2004, Educated at Bishop’s College, Colombo and Trinity College, Kandy, before leaving for St Michael’s College, Westminster, London. Returning to Ceylon, he was boarded at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. He represented St Michael’s College at cricket and athletics. At S. Thomas’ College, he learnt to swim, eventually becoming Ceylon’s National swimming champion, holding the national record in the breast stroke. He also represented Ceylon at water polo and surf lifesaving. In 1940 he joined the Royal Naval reserve as a signalman/gunner. His ability to command was recognised with a King’s Commission. In 1945, he joined the fledging Royal Ceylon Navy as a Petty Officer, he retired from the Navy in 1970 with the rank of Commander. He coached naval and defence services sides in rugby, hockey swimming, diving, water polo, boxing, athletics, shooting and surf lifesaving. He was also in charge of physical fitness of national teams in tennis, cricket and rowing. He was rugby coach of the Havelocks, CR&FC, CH&FC, the combined services and All-Ceylon teams. A rugby referee he officiated at national and international level. He was also President of the Ceylon Society of Rugby Football Referees, Ceylon Rifle Association and the defence services hockey association. He also qualified as a foil and sabre judge. In 1960, he was Chef-d-mission of the Ceylon team to the Rome Olympics. In 1975 he was appointed to the National Sports Council by the Sri Lanka Minister of Sports. He then immigrated to Melbourne, Australia. In 1994 he competed in the World Masters Games and holds six national and eighteen Victorian records in his age group 70-74. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
INMAN, Clive Clay, born January 29, 1936, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo, he played Cricket for his school with great distinction and crowned his school cricket career by scoring a glorious double century (204) in the big match against St Joseph’s College, Colombo. He played for the school’s First XI cricket team for five seasons and captained it to victory in the Battle of the Saints – against St Joseph’s College – in the final season in 1954-55. He also plated first class cricket for Ceylon from 1956 – 1966 and for Leicestershire, in the English County Season until 1971. He made his first class debut in 1955, representing Ceylon against India, he went on to play another 254 first class matches. A middle-order batsman, he made sporadic appearances for Ceylon in the Gopalan Trophy Tournament against Madras during the remainder of the decade, before moving to England and first played for Penzance CC before joining Leicestershire CC. His first match for the English Club came against the touring Australian side in 1961 when he contributed 30 and 45no. He had to wait until 1963 to make his official County Championship debut and a few days later scored his first maiden century against Cambridge University. He had his most prolific season in 1968, scoring 1,735 runs at an average of 36.91. In his final County Season in 1971, he scored four hundreds. He also played some List “A” cricket while representing Derbyshire in 1973. (Mahinda Wijesinghe – Sunday Times, 25.10.2020)
JACOBS, Dr Elmo Brian Alexander, born September 1, 1924, Galle, Ceylon, died November 22, 2004, Cricklewood, England. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo, Ceylon Medical College, University of Ceylon, Colombo, qualified as MBBs (Cey). Immigrated to England. Director of Psychiatry, Wormwood Scrubs, London. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
JANSEN, Col. Dr Terence Richard (Terry), 1896 – 1975, Educated at All Saints’, Galle and Trinity College, Kandy. Degrees: L.M.S. (Cey), L.R.C.P. & S (Edin), L.R.F.P. & S (Glas), D.O.M.R.C.P. & S (Eng). Visiting Surgeon - Victoria Memorial Hospital, Colombo. Honorary Surgeon to the Governor General of Ceylon, Lord Soulbury. Chairman – Red Cross Society, 1940-1941. Command Officer, Colonel-in-Chief, Ceylon Medical Corps, awarded the Efficiency Decoration (ED) in 1944. Promoted Colonel and awarded MBE (Military). Awarded OBE in 1956. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007
JANSZ, Rev. Charles Norton, born, 1948, in Dehiwela, Colombo. He began his schooling at Presbyterian Girls School, Colombo and then moved to Arethusa College, where he completed his schooling. He attended Sunday School every Sunday at D/CRC, Dehiwela. After completing his O/L exam, he worked as a typist clerk for six months. The call to the Ministry was tugging at his heart. In mid-1967, he applied to be a Student in Training at the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) Seminary. He was duly accepted and enrolled in the Seminary and Bible Institute in July 1967. He graduated with a Bachelor of Theology in 1971 and pursued his Master of Divinity, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA in 1981. He was ordained on March 4, 1971, at the DRC Wolvendaal, Colombo. He was later enrolled at Pretoria University, South Africa for doctoral studies. This required time and the exigencies of Ministry did not allow him to complete these studies. He has served as a Pastor of Christian Reformed Church congregations in Dehiwela, Bambalapitiya, Regent Street and Wolvendaal, Colombo. He has also served in local and international Christian missions. Some of these key positions include President of the Christian Reformed Church, Chairperson National Christian Council, Chairperson National Christian Evangelical Alliance. Vice Patron National YMCA, Executive member of the World Alliance of
of Reformed Churches, Vice Chairman United Bible Societies (Global Board), Executive Member of reformed Ecumenical Council and Editor of ‘The Herald’. (Contributed by Prabhath de Silva)
JANSZ, CHOLOMONDLEY ELMO, was born on the 4th. Of January 1910 in Colombo. He died on the 23rd. of July 1978 also in Colombo. He had his entire schooling at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia where he completed the Senior Cambridge and London Matriculation Examinations. On leaving S. Thomas’ College he joined the Ceylon Government Railways as a special apprentice at the Ratmalana Workshops. He spent five years as an apprentice and during that time acquired a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Govt. Technical College. He was awarded the Sri Chandra prize for the best student that year. On completing his apprenticeship, he was appointed Locomotive Foreman. He was involved in the commissioning and maintenance of the first Armstrong Whitworth Diesel Locomotives purchased by the CGR. He was responsible for organising the rail travel for many of the visiting overseas dignitaries which included the Queen to whom he was introduced. He re-designed the electrical systems in the Brush Bagnall locomotives (M1) that the railway had acquired at an earlier date. Some of these were used until very recently. It was one of these that powered the Queens’s train. In 1955 he travelled to the US and Canada and brought out the first batch of locomotives from General Motors. These locomotives were maintained by him and some of them were used until very recently. In the late 1960s he set up the Hydraulic Shed at Maligawatte. This is still in operation. It was his idea to set up the first inter-city links from Colombo to Galle, Colombo to Nanu Oya and Colombo to Jaffna and these were powered by the new Canadian locomotives. In 1970 he retired from the Railways while holding the position of Transportation Superintendent (Diesels) after nearly 40 years of continuous service. (Contributed by Elmo Jansz)
JANSZ, Claudette Marina (Nee D’SILVA), was born on the 7th. Of March 1940 in Colombo. She is the daughter of Claude Mervyn D’Silva and Joyce Plunkett. She had her entire schooling at the Sacred Heart Convent, Galle. She is a fellow of the Trinity College (London) in Speech and Drama. She has taught speech and drama to a very large number of students at the Sacred Heart Convent, Galle and the Convent of Mary Immaculate, Matara. In both schools she prepared students for the Tinity College (London) Exams. In 1964 she was chosen as the Centenary Queen by the Ceylon Government Railways when they celebrated 100 years of service. She married Elmo Vivian Jansz on the 30th. Of March 1970 at All Saint’s Church, Borella. In 1979, she moved to Hobart and taught Elocution at St. Cuthbert’s School in Lindisfarne, Tasmania for a few years. (Contributed by Elmo Jansz)
JANSZ, Cyril Charles Arnold – born September 12, 1856. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo, Principal St John’s College, Panadura for many years. Honorary Secretary of the Ceylon Educational Association. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
JANSZ, ELMO VIVIAN, was born on the 10th. of March 1941 in Colombo. He had his entire schooling at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.He has an Honours Degree from the University of London in Mathematics and Physics and a Diploma in Electronic Engineering from CIT (Melbourne).
He is a Corporate Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (London) and a Corporate Member of the Institute of Engineers (Australia). In 1966 he won a French Government Scholarship to France where he worked on Semiconductor Optoelectronic devices for nearly two years. On returning to Sri Lanka he joined the Applied Physics Department of the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (CISIR) as an Experimental Officer. In 1963 he immigrated to Australia and worked at LM Ericsson as an Engineer at their Broadmeadows plant. In 1979 he moved to Hobart and worked for TAFE (Tasmania) as the Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, a position he held for over 25 years. He counts a very large number of students in the Tasmanian Hydroelectric Commission, the ABC, Telstra and several other State and Private Organizations within Tasmania and inter-state. He has published a Text Book on Electronic Communications and also published several articles in Australian Electronic Magazines. He is a Ham Radio Operator with Call Sign VK7CJ. (Contributed)
JANSZ, Ernest Lorensz Henley – born February 24, 189, died August 4, 1924. Educated at St John’s College, Panadura. B.A. (Oxon). Barrister-at-law, Gray’s Inn. Crown Counsel, September 1921, Lieutenant, Ceylon Light Infantry (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
JANSZ, Geoffrey Paul (Geoff), B.Pharm (Syd), born 1960’s, Colombo, Ceylon. Immigrated to Sydney, Australia. 1984, graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and for three years worked as a pharmacist. In 1987, he opened his own restaurant in Piction, New South Wales, where he began honing his ‘garden to table concept’. He came to prominence when afforded the opportunity of displaying his cooking talents on Australian daytime television (Channel 9) with a show that was highly successful. He continued his passion for knowing about, preparing and sharing food over the years by hosting TV shows and documentaries and contributing articles for books and magazines. He has written three books on the subject of food. He also runs a very successful cooking school and studio on his Bowral farm. He produces programs highlighting his very hands-on and professional approach to quality ingredients, equipment and cooking methods. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JANSZ, Sir Herbert Eric, CMG – born November 13, 1890. – Educated St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Cadet, Ceylon Civil Service, local division. Attached to Kandy and Batticaloa Kachcheri’s, September 1914 to December 1914, acting office Assistant, Batticaloa and Kegalle Kachcheri’s, August 1915 to September 1915. Police Magistrate, Kalutara, March 1920. Later appointed Chairman of the Public Service Board. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
JANSZ, Neville Joseph Louis – born 1923, Enjoyed a brilliant career at Royal College, Colombo. At University College, London, he obtained a First Class Honours in Physics, as an external student. In 1942, he joined the Ceylon Civil Service as a cadet and had an equally brilliant career later serving as Assistant Government Agent in several provincial areas (Badulla, Batticaloa, Kalmunai). Returning to Colombo in 1945 he was appointed to the Chief Secretary’s Office and served in Immigration and Defence. In 1948 he became an obvious choice in the newly created Ministry of Defence and External Affairs for the position of Assistant Chief Secretary (Defence). After a conference of the Economic Commission for Asia held in New South Wales, Australia, he was asked to spend a few weeks in the Australian Department of External Affairs, to observe their methods and procedures in handling diplomatic matters. In 1957, he went back to the Treasury and also served as Secretary of the Salaries Commission. In 1960 he was appointed Chairman of the National Sugar Corporation. In 1962, he retired from the Civil Service, under the language provisions. In 1969 whilst working for Nestles (Ceylon Nutritional Foods Ltd) the Government invited him to be their next High Commissioner in Australia, which he accepted. In 1970 with the change of Government in Ceylon, his three-year contract as High Commissioner was terminated with a three-line-telegram. He then sought permanent residence in Australia, which was duly granted. He obtained employment as a middle level clerk in the Aboriginal Affairs Department and eventually retired in 1982 holding the position as First Assistant Secretary in charge of Operations. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JANSZ, Canon Paul Lucien – After a brilliant career at Royal College he went to Cambridge University where he obtained Honours in the Theological Tripos in 1911. He was ordained deacon and priest in the Diocese of Norwich where he served for a brief period as Curate of Methwold. Returning to Ceylon, he served as curate in St Mark’s, Badulla and All Saints’ Church, Galle, and was appointed Sub-Warden of St Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, in 1917. After 4 years there, he turned from education to pastoral work of the Church and was appointed Vicar of St Paul’s in 1921. (DBU Journal, Vol XLIII, Part 4, 1953)
JANSZÉ, Douglas St. Clive Budd – born Kandy, February 16, 1909, died June 16, 1964. His education was at Trinity College. On the results of the honours and distinctions he obtained at the Cambridge Senior Examinations he was awarded a scholarship at the University College, where he obtained an Honours Degree in Classics. He thereafter entered the Law College and was admitted an Advocate in 1934. After a few years of private practice he held acting appointments from time to time in the Attorney General’s Department, in which he was confirmed as a Crown Counsel in 1946. In 1956 he rose to be Solicitor General and in due course won the status of a Queen’s Counsel. He was later appointed to act as Attorney General, being confirmed in that high office in 1957. (DBU Journal, Vol LVII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1967)
JOACHIM, Anian Walter Richard, born 1901. Educated at St Benedict’s College, Colombo. Degrees: B. Sc (Lond), A.I.C. Dip Agr (Cantab). Office Assistant to the Director of Agriculture and later Director of Agriculture. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JOACHIM, Prof. Arthur Percival – born May 5, 1882. Educated at Royal and Wesley College. On the staff of St Joseph’s College, Colombo for nearly twenty years. Professor of English and History. Honorary Secretary and Treasurer Colombo Teachers’ Association. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
JOACHIM, Aubrey Einstein Anthony, born, Colombo, August 21, 1954. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo and St Peter’s College, Colombo. 1973-1977 commenced his career in the Finance Department of Unilever, Colombo. Begins Accounting studies of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in 1975. Takes a break from Business to serve in the Sri Lankan Air Force as a Volunteer Officer 1977-1979. Accountant, at a leading Garment manufacturer in Sri Lanka 1979-1982. Joins The Dubai operations of McDermott International, a US Conglomerate involved in oil and gas, as an Asset Accountant. Later promoted to Senior Finance Management responsible for the Middle East and Asia. In 1984, he completed his exams and becomes an FCMA two years later. In 1988, he leads a team of Accountants from McDermott to victory in the prestigious Benson & Hedges Middle East Management Challenge. In 1991, he won The CIMA/Reed Global Management Accounting Competition. A year later, he is transferred to McDermott’s London office as Projects Finance Manager. In 1993, he moved to Sydney, Australia, working as a Consultant in the Financial Services and then joins Sydney Water Corporation as a Senior Finance Manager. In 2005 he sets up a Consultancy running Financial and management Accounting workshops, courses and conferences around the world. He also speaks regularly at Conferences for the Australian, Malaysian, Singaporean Accounting Bodies and writes for a number of professional journals as well as other publications. In 2009 elected the Global President of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) UK. He was the first non-UK or Irish President of the Institute in its 90 year history and the first person of Sri Lankan origin to hold the position. He continues to be a trainer and mentor to leading account bodies. (Contributed)
JOACHIM, Maurice, educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy and one of the top ruggerites to come out of St Anthony’s College who gave his best for the school and led Kandy SC to win the Clifford Cup for the first time in 1992 by beating Police 22-9 in the final. That year Kandy SC team came up to the semi-finals under the leadership of Ananda Kasthuriarachchi who led the side in the league to take the second place. Then in the knockouts the authorities tried to bring in two new players, who had not come for practices, Ananda Kasthuriarachichi a product of Kingswood College said how can they be included without attending practices, then the head of the club over ruled him and decided to ‘rest him’, from the cup final which paved the way for Maurice to lead in the final. Maurice had said, it is not done, how can I lead, but the President had said we have decided to, do so. Maurice Joachim played for the Antonians in the years 1984 and 85 under the captaincy of Priyantha Ekanayake and M. Naleef and played for the outstation schools under Jeremy John. After his school career he had an idea of joining the Police or the Army , it was Nihal Viper Gunaratne who had seen him in action in school matches and was impressed, who lured him to Kandy SC. He was guided in the correct way at school by coaches like Kalu Perera and Ajith Fernando and at Kandy SC by Alex Lazarus and Nimal Malagamuwa. Maurice led the Kandy Sports club side first in 1990 and again in the knockout finals in 1992. He had a taste of captaincy when he led the team in some games in 1988 and 1989 when either Anil Jayasinghe or C.S. Ekanayake was injured Maurice was called to lead and he had a set of top players in his team to win the first ever trophy, that was history. Kandy SC benefited from his running, ball handling, tackling and kicking skills from1985 to 1993. As for international exposure, Maurice played for the Sri Lankan under 24 team led by Imthi Marikar in a match against Hong Kong. 1990 was a memorable year for his rugby, as he was selected to represent the country in a sevens tournament in Sicily. Maurice gave his best for the club, and was a man who contributed a lot to improve the game. During his days was rated as one-of the top class three-quarters and was good in ball handling, running, tackling and was famous for his scissor passes and dummies. Kandy’s rugby community still talks about Maurice Joachim’s rugby. (Hafiz Marikar, Ceylon Daily News)
JOACHIM, Dr Michael Emil, died, May 28, 2017, studied at St Benedict’s College, Colombo. In school an all-rounder, actively taking part in sports and other extra-curricular activities. A brilliant athlete winning the Championship’s Trophy in all-age groups. An opening bowler for the college side, he later represented the University in the Sara Trophy. An outstanding cadet, He won the All-Island individual shooting competition obtaining 39 out of 40 points. He topped the all-island Engineering Entrance list. He obtained a Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1963. He joined the National Housing Department and was later absorbed into the State Engineering Services. He was also later Superintending Engineer Housing, Director of Programming, National Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Director Urban Development Authority and Head of the Department of Building. On retirement in 2000, he served as the Managing Director of Colombo Land Ltd, focusing in Infrastructure Planning and Buildings. He thereafter set up his own Consultancy Firm, Project Management and Development, of which he was the Chairman. In 2015, he was appointed as the Chairman State Engineering Corporation. At his demise in 2017, he was the Chairman of the Construction Development Authority. (Contributed by Sivaguru Ganesan)
JONKLAAS WILLIAMS, Aimée Gholdstein, born August 19, 1919, Gampola, Ceylon, died July 11, 2000, Spain. Daughter of E.G Jonklaas and Amelia née Daniels. After her early schooling at a Convent in South India, she completed her formal education, then went to the United Kingdom. It was here, during World War II, that she joined the Royal Air Force (RAF), a move that would have a profound effect on her life. Among the many qualities she possessed, she was a clever and “fast” cook, always leaving behind a fastidiously clean kitchen. A Graceful dancer, her aim was to live life at the optimum. One of her great loves was the Yala wild life sanctuary, During the Fifties and Sixties, she organised jungle trips for herself and her friends, attending to all the minute details with slick efficiency. They would camp in tents, usually beside a river, for days at a time. In the true spirit of outdoor adventure, she and her companions washed their clothes and bathed in the river, cooked meals over firewood and sat patiently for hours in tree hideouts waiting to observe the abundant wildlife. As a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), she met and married a Belgian Squadron Leader of the Netherland Air Force named Gilles de Neve. Sadly, only a few days after their wedding, de Neve was shot down and killed, leaving her a young war-widow. Enlisting in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA)of the WAAF, she became a pilot herself. Although women were not permitted to fly combat missions. ATA pilots like her played a vital role ferrying warplanes from factories and maintenance units to RAF squadrons all over the British Isles. Remarkably, the women flew these aircraft all by themselves, and the type of aero planes they operated would vary from day to day. Aimée Jonklaas de Neve learnt to fly in small planes, then graduated to the Harvard, an American trainer. She described it as “very exciting”!. The Harvard felt so powerful after all the light aircraft. Then, echoing the sentiments of thousands before and after, she was exhilarated when her turn came to fly a Spitfire solo for the first time: “My first Spitfire flight was unbelievable”!. This beautiful aircraft was actually all mine for a brief time. In 1945, she left the air force and married again. He second husband was a Norwegian naval officer, Jan Helen, a native of Bergan. Living in Norway, they had three children. She kept her hand in as a flying instructor in Norway, much to the initial consternation of her students, to whom a female instructor was a rarity. Much later, after her second marriage ended in divorce, she met Mark Williams in Sri Lanka, they married in London. During her latter years, she lived a life of quiet retirement in Brighton, England. Despite her failing health, she maintained regular contact with her many friends and relatives scattered all over the globe. With her passing, the final chapter has closed on one of Sri Lanka’s unsung heroines. A woman, who contrary to the norms and conventions of her gender, made a sterling contribution to the Allied cause during the dark and dangerous days of World War Two. (Contributed by Roger Thiedeman)
JONKLAAS, Colonel Algernon Clarence Byrde – born October 28, 1876. He was one of the original eleven boys present when Kingswood was opened, and remained a fiercely loyal supporter of the school. He entered Technical College for his professional studies, to qualify eventually for appointment in the P.W.D. Later years was to prove him as one of that band of road makers and bridge builders, who with “sweat and tears” and bullock drawn rollers, founded the network of roads which are in use today. He retired in 1936 from Government Service, in which he had risen to the staff-post of Provincial Engineer. His record as a ‘volunteer’ of the Ceylon Light Infantry and as an officer of that military unit, which he rose to command from 1923 to 1927, was one packed with unflagging enthusiasm. (DBU Journal, Vol XLI, Part 1, 1951)
JONKLAAS, Rodney, born 1925, died 1989. Educated at Trinity College, Kandy. A renowned legendary pioneer diver in Sri Lanka. He was a renaissance man: a fine free diver, SCUBA diver, spear fisherman and underwater photographer. Original member of the Kinross Swimming & Life Saving Club. In 1946/47, he was a founder member of the” Reef Combers of Ceylon” one of the world’s earliest diving clubs. He was a renowned racing cyclist. He was a marksman with pistol, rifle and shotgun, a good musician, playing the electronic organ, harmonica and piano accordion. He was the author of a few books and numerous scientific papers. In 1967, he discovered the wreck of the aircraft carrier ‘Hermes’ which was sunk by Japanese bombers in 1942 off the east coast of Sri Lanka. A former Assistant Superintendent of the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens. Two species of freshwater fish have been named after him. One ‘Lepidocephalichthys jonklaasi’, known as the ‘Jonklass Loach’, is an endemic fish species restricted to the wet zone of Sri Lanka. Due to its restricted range and the threats to its habitat it is listed as an endangered species. (Contributors, Rex De Silva & Fazli Sameer)
JOSEPH, Arthur Francis, JP, 1834-1902. Tertiary education at St Andrew’s University, Edinburgh. He was Chief Clerk, Galle Customs and then Colombo Customs. He retired as Chief Clerk. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JOSEPH, Cedric Rienzi, born September 16, 1898, died April 9,1936, Leading Practitioner at the Colombo Municipal Court. Member of the Ceylon Army Reserve. Sang on National Radio regularly with his wife Hazel Esme Joseph. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Dr Pauline Schokman)
JOSEPH, Rev. Duncan Evan, born 11.2.1885-1958, Educated at Royal College and the United Theological College, Bangalore. Represented Royal College in the annual ‘Royal –Thomian’ cricket matches from 1901 to 1904. Ordained as a Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, Wolvendaal, 1939 – 1945 Chaplain to the Ceylon Defence Forces. Appointed Moderator of the Church in 1950. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JOSEPH, Lt. Col. Ernest Henley, VD, born June 16, 1868, died April 13, 1941. Educated Bath College, Somerset. Joined the “Ceylon Independent” in 1883, as a general assistant, and was appointed Manager in 1892. Appointed Secretary of the Colombo, Municipal Council, 1913. Officer Commanding the Ceylon Artillery Volunteers, in 1920. Was one of best cricketers in Colombo in the 1880’s and 1890’s and was chosen to play for Ceylon against Stoddart’s team in 1894 and against the Australians in 1896. He played for the Ceylonese against the Europeans in 1887. He was one of the original members of the Nondescripts. Later on he proved to be one of the best writers on the game, and as a bold critic he did much good for cricket in Ceylon. (S.P.Foenander – Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket, 1924)
JOSEPH, Lt. Col Ernest Mervyn Corbett, born August 20, 1890. Educated at Royal College and Lorenz Tutory. Proctor, Supreme Court and Notary, acting Police Magistrate, Kegalle from 1918 to 1921. 2nd Lieutenant C.G.A., Municipal Magistrate, Colombo. Private Secretary to Sir Alexander Wood Renton, the Chief Justice of Ceylon. He defended the Ceylonese troops involved in the Cocos Island mutiny. Keen sportsman, playing for Nondescripts and Municipal S.C. (CEYLON – Plate Limited 1924 and The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JOSEPH, Hentley Clarence, born October 13, 1913, died February 26, 1963. Founder of Hentley Garments Ltd. The Company was incorporated in 1954 and named after its founder. Hentley Garments Ltd pioneered the garment industry in Ceylon. He was able to forecast correctly that consumer trends in Ceylon were beginning to focus on ready-to-wear garments, the signal to move on what was to be a highly lucrative business in the years to come. When the operations commenced, the factory at Old Airport Road, Ratmalana had a workforce of 29 girls working on 13 machines, manufacturing shirts for the domestic market. Nine years later in 1963, with the passing of the Managing Director, Hentley Joseph, the Hentley label had become the best seller among local shirt buyers. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg)
JOSEPH, Major. Dr Hugh Percival, born September 5, 1876, died May 1, 1927. He took to the study of medicine and distinguished himself in his course at the Ceylon Medical College, passing out as a full-fledged medical man at the early age of 21. After some years of service he visited Europe, where he took his British qualifications, specialising in Ophthalmic Surgery. At the time of his death he was Surgeon In Charge of the Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital in Colombo. He held the rank of Major in the Ceylon Medical Corps. (DBU Journal, Vol XVII, Part I, 1927)
JOSEPH, Dr Sidney Percival , born February 20, 1873, died April 26, 1934. L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas). He served for 27 continuous years in Government service and worked in many scattered outstations as Medical Officer/Provincial Surgeon working for the Medical department. His postings included Maskeliya and Trincomalee, when he was promoted to Grade1 in May 1918, he was stationed at Balapitiya. He joined the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI) in 1890 at age 17, and was posted to Bearer Company. In 1902, aged 29 years, he was a member of the CLI contingent that attended the coronation of King Edward VII, in England. At that time he was a L/Sgt in the CLI. In 1911 he went on to be a member of the Ceylon Volunteer Medical Corps (CMC), when it became a separate unit. He was commissioned a Lt in the CMC in 1920. He was a Captain-Major in the CMC between 1927-33. Elected member of the Colts Cricket Club, played in the European-Ceylonese matches till 1900. (Joe Simpson – Canada and The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JOSEPH, William Rowland (Bill), born 1928, educated at Carey Baptist College, Colombo. 1942-1945, war service with the Royal Navy, as an ordinary seaman. 1952, immigrated to Melbourne, Australia. 1952, first employed at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, Melbourne, as a storeman. 1953, his next venture was as a dance instructor at the Arthur Murray School of Dancing, where he won the coveted Australian Ballroom Dancing Championship. 1960 – 1980, premier entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, Manager and Owner of ‘Premier Artists’ – a company created to oversee the career of many young stars, who went on to make a name for themselves. They included Billy Thorpe, John Farnham, Russell Morris, the Bee Gees and Olivia Newton John. In 1968, he was instrumental in founding the first national booking agency ‘AMBO’ (Australian Management and Booking Organisation), a company that managed leading bands from the 1960’s onwards. During the 1950’s to the early 1980’s, he managed twenty rock and disco venues around Melbourne and country Victoria. In 1985, ill health forced his retirement from the industry. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
JURIANSZ, Denham, born 1950, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo from 1955-1969, Cricket was his choice of sport, beginning in the Under-12’s, progressing through to Under 14’s then Under-16’s and in 1966 was selected to play in the senior team. In 1969, he was selected as Captain of the College team. He was selected to represent the Ceylon Schoolboys against a touring team, the Hyderabad Blues. Leaving school, in March 1969, he proceeded to the UK, where he spent the English Summer playing for Cheetham Hill Cricket Club, in the Lancashire League. On his return to Sri Lanka in late 1969, be began playing for the SSC, a club he represented until he left for Australia. Whilst playing for the SSC, he was selected to represent a Board of Cricket XI, playing a touring team from Hong Kong. He was a member of the St Mary’s Youth Club, Dehiwela, until the family left for Australia. In January 1973, the family immigrated to Melbourne, Australia. Not long after arriving he joined the Richmond District Cricket Club, where he played with and against many Australian Test players. He worked as Import Manager for a large organisation until his retirement. He spends his time travelling, socialising with family and friends and an occasional game of Golf. (Contributed)
KELAART. Allanson Mervyn Henry, 1908- 1968, Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. Office Manager, National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Ltd. Cricketer for St Joseph’s College and Burgher Recreation Club (BRC). Left hand batsman, right arm medium pace swing bowler, he compiled more than 15 centuries in club and mercantile cricket. Played in the local Test, Europeans vs Ceylonese, All Ceylon vs MCCC, All Ceylon vs Australia and All Ceylon vs India and in 13 International matches. Statistics: 123 not out, BRC vs Colombo Cricket Club, 8/21 BRC vs Police. Imigrated to England in 1956, where he played for Ranleagh Cricket Club from 1957-1963. Imigrated to Melbourne with his family in 1964. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
KELAART, Denver Edward (Dick), 1922 – 1992. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo. 1939 – 1945, enlisted in the Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (CRNVR), and saw service during WW 2 in the Royal Navy at sea and in the Trincomalee Naval Base. In 1946, he was demobilised and immigrated to Sydney, Australia. In 1948, he accepted a position with the Department of External Affairs and was posted to Papua New Guinea, as a District Patrol Officer (DPO). An enterprising man, he saw the potential for export of timber and built and ran a small saw mill. With Independence he resigned his commission. He proceeded to Europe and joined the Blue Cross Insurance Company as partner. He was appointed to the South East Asian Region as the company’s representative. In 1981 he returned to Australia and set up restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne. He died in Brisbane. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
KELAART, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Frederick, M.D., A.M.S. – born Colombo, November 21, 1819, died August 31, 1860. He attended classes for medical students, which was started in 1835 in Colombo. He left for England in May 1837. He entered Edinburgh for the study of medicine. He was M.D. of Edinburgh, Fellow of the Linnaean Society, Fellow of the Geological Society, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London, Fellow of the Royal Botanical and Physical Societies of Edinburgh and Corresponding Member of the Zoological Society of London etc. He came back to Ceylon in 1841 as Staff Assistant Surgeon. He returned to England in 1843, where he married. He then served in Gibraltar for a while, returned to England in 1845, his wife died in 1847, in 1849 he returned back to Ceylon. He published Flora Calpensis, the flora of Gibraltar, in 1845. He was promoted Staff Surgeon in a few years. He served in various parts of the island, chiefly Colombo, Trincomalee and Galle. He especially studied the highland regions of Nuwara Eliya. He made a large collection of reptiles of Nuwara Eliya and sent them to the museum. In 1856, he was made Naturalist to the Government of Ceylon. His first work was to study the pearl fisheries. His taxonomic contributions included the description of 16 species of Turbellara, 22 species of Actiniaria and 63 species of Nudibranchia. Dr Kelaart was accompanying Major-General Lockyer, who was appointed to act as Governor of Ceylon to England, as the acting Governors health had broken down, unfortunately he died at Sea, on August 30, 1860, the following day, Dr Kelaart died of heart disease, on board the S.S.Rippon and was buried at Southampton. Dr Kelaart left a large collection of writings dealing with various subjects, some of which were on Zoological, Botanical, Mamalia, Ornithological, Flora. It is said that he was not only a clever surgeon but also a Naturalist of no mean reputation. In 1852 he authored of Prodromus Faunae Zeylanicae, on the Ceylonese Vertebrate fauna. Two species of birds found in Sri Lanka are named after him: the black-throated munoia (Lonchura kelaarti) and the hawk-eagle Nisaetus kelaarti. The Sri Lankan subspecies of jungle nightjar, Caprimulgus indicus kelaarti, also refers to Kelaart. The disused monotypic genus Kelaartia (yellow-eared-bulbul) likewise commemorated him. A toad Adenomus kelaareti is also named after him. (DBU Journal, Vol XV, Part 3, 1926 & Wikiwand)
KELAART, Edward George Samuel, 1900 – 1989, Education – Royal College. All Ceylon Cricketer and Captain, his career span at cricket was from 1921 – 1934. Played in fourteen European – Ceylonese Test matches. In the 1930 All Ceylon vs Australia unofficial Test, he captured 6/65 off 29.5 overs. The only Ceylon player to be invited by the Maharaja of Vizianagram to play for his team in the Gold Cup Tournament in India. His cricket statistics included 14 Tests vs International Teams, 14 in European / Ceylon Tests and four International vs India. He immigrated to Melbourne 1n 1957. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
KELAART, Ernest Colvin, born 1922. Educated at Royal College, Colombo, 1938 -1939, represented Royal College in the annual Royal vs S.Thomas’ cricket matches. Played in six cricket Internationals, 1949 vs Pakistan (debut), 1949 vs West Indies, 1950 vs India, 1952 Commonwealth XI vs MCC, 1953 Ceylon Cricket Association vs Madras .His professional career was in the Royal Ceylon Navy. From 1949 – 1960 he played in the Inter Services Cricket Tournaments for the Royal Ceylon Navy. From 1940 – 1960 he played for the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC), captained the side to two premierships in 1952/53 and 1955/56. He was an elegant right hand middle order batsman and a right arm medium pace swing bowler and a versatile fielder. He also played Hockey for the BRC and the Royal Ceylon Navy. He was captain of the Navy hockey team. Other Sports: Athletics, Rugby Union and Soccer. He immigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia, in 1963. He played cricket in Melbourne from 1963 – 1966. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
KELAART, Harris Colvin (Collie), 1862-1939, Educated at ‘The Academy’, represented the Academy at cricket. Right hand bat, right arm fast bowler, wicket keeper. Retired as Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office, after nearly thirty years in Government service. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
KELAART, Jeffrey, educated at St Joseph’s College, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka., where he regularly attained top marks for Art. Although a Burgher he was bi-lingual. He started posting pocket cartoons to newspapers, his first pocket cartoon was carried in the Upali newspaper ‘Chithra Mithra’ in 1980. That year he joined ‘Quest Advertising’ and drew creative advertisements and graphics. Later he was hired by the advertising department of the ‘Divaina’ Sinhala language newspaper. Meanwhile, the ‘Sunday Island’ and ‘Daily Island’ newspapers commissioned him to draw cartoons for features, short stories and such. In 2005, when the resident cartoonist Wijeyesoma retired, he was the uncontested replacement. He went on to win the Journalism Awards for Excellence, Cartoonist of the Year 2005, 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2017. He also does book covers and artwork for children’s magazines. He is also a musician, sings and plays guitar and has his own band ‘Blaze’. (Daily Island, February 5, 2019)
KELAART, Thomas Cuthbert Bede, born, November 6, 1934, Colombo, Ceylon. Degree: B.Sc (Chem), Ceylon & London. Senior Director, Colombo Commercial Company. Emigrated to Sydney, Australia in April 1989. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
KELAART, Thomas Herbert, 1906 – 1989. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. He joined the Police force in 1925 and was stationed at Panadura for many years. His cricket career spanned from 1932-1936, which saw him make national appearances and was chosen to represent Ceylon at home and abroad. As Superintendent of Police, he sat and passed all the Sinhala proficiency exams. He retired as Deputy Inspector General of Police in 1966. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
KELAART, Walter Thomas (Tommy) – born October 1, 1871, died, Perth, Western Australia, May 25, 1950. He left school, St Joseph’s College, Colombo to join the Police. He was a prolific cricketer in his school days and was instrumental in his school winning every single match, but one. He produced some of his most glorious innings when his side was in difficulties. Bowling was his forte and he was a utility bowler. He as an automatic choice for Sri Lanka’s 1932 tour of India. His all-round performances for the next two decades gave pleasure to more cricket goers and watchers, than his own supporters. He played with great distinction and authority for the Police SC, Nondescripts CC and Panadura CC (when he was stationed there). He has an unique record for then greatest number of Hat-Tricks in Sri Lanka. There has been a possible reflection that if he had not been such a good bowler he might have been an even greater batsman or vice versa, but the best all-rounders seldom worry about such things, and Tommy was indeed one of the best magnificent fieldsman as well. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIV, Part’s 1 – 4, 1990)
KELLY, Desmond Anthony Carl (Des), born July 2, 1936, Colombo, Ceylon. Early education 1941, at Convent of Our Lady of Victories, Moratuwa, Secondary education at St Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, Colombo. At the age of 5 he sang his first solo on-stage for the Convent’s Annual Concert. At 10 years of age he met Wally Bastiensz, who taught him the art of singing baila. He won his first professional baila competition on-stage, although he hadn’t a clue as to what he was actually singing about. At St Peter’s College, he joined the Music, Art & Drama Society under Fr Noel Crusz, OMI. . He continued with both singing and acting in various roles and taught himself to play the ukulele. He started his own Christmas-Carol Party at Lorensz Road, Bambalapitiya. In 1950, an English circus troupe came to Ceylon under contract to Donavan Andree, Dad decided to leave school and run away from home to join the circus. By this time he had learned to play the acoustic guitar. He played and sang with the show that The Jenkins and Schuberts Circus Troupe called the “Continental Non-Stop Revue”. They played all around the Island for nearly 5 months, 3 separate shows, 7 days a week, 2 hours at a time, featuring music, magic, comedy and general circus acts non-stop and he enjoyed every single minute of it. The circus was the ultimate in show-biz for him. When they were about to leave Ceylon, Fred and Edna Jenkins wanted to adopt him as, sadly, their eldest son had passed away in India enroute to Colombo. He would have loved to have gone around the world with his new circus family but his mother refused point-blank to sign-over her eldest son to anyone. Being held back from joining the circus, he went to work part-time for Donavan Andree who was, who Des says was, “Undoubtedly, the biggest and best showman Ceylon ever had and will ever have”. He was the first professional entertainer to work for the great man. Then one of Ceylon’s radio greats, Vernon Corea, took him under his wing and taught him how to handle radio. he became the first radio entertainer to be featured on a show called “Spotlight”. One interview created so much publicity that he ended up with a fan-club of around 250 people, mostly women. During 1953, there was hardly a week that passed when he was not featured on radio and doing various floor and stage shows for Donavan, and there wasn’t a night-club or hotel worthy of their name where he didn’t feature in a show. He sang everything: baila, ballads, calypso, country, Latin. You name it, he sang it. And the reason he was so popular? He knew what people wanted and sang what they wanted to hear. A natural performer and entertainer, he knew how to engage his audience with music and make them want to sing and dance. He always appreciated the help and backing of Donavan. He continued to work part-time for Donavan but also began a regular job early in 1954 at the age of 18 when he joined the Royal Ceylon Navy as a Supply Assistant. Where he had Donavan’s help on the outside, in the Navy it was Rear Admiral Royce de Mel who backed him. The Rear Admiral was very proud of the “Singing Sailor”, as he called him, and gave him every assistance to further his musical career while also serving the Senior Service with integrity. By now he had become a household name. He was easily identified as he was rarely seen without an old acoustic guitar slung across his back and there was hardly a concert staged in Ceylon that did not feature his name in their program. It was around this time that, without any musical theory whatsoever, he began to write his own songs. He found that he could write lyrics and fit in a tune with natural ease. He then wrote Dream-World (for Neliya Hingert), wrote a song called “Celonia” for his musician-friend, Melroy de Zilva, a song for a girl named Aloma, and other songs inspired by the numerous girls he had met. Had wrote lyrics and music to many songs but it was Dream-World, recorded in 1957 together with his singing group “The Semi-Tones” which included his brother, Rogan Kelly, Charley Schokman, Conrad de Silva, and produced by his friend, Chris Greet (of Commercial Service of Radio Ceylon), that became a perennial favourite both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Another first, Dream-World was the only English original composition to be accepted by Philips in Holland from a selection of many others submitted from Ceylon at the time. The single, with “Cha Cha Baby” on the flip side, sold thousands of copies before it had even arrived in Ceylon. Once there, it went straight into the “Hit Parade” and topped the charts inside of one month. It stayed at the top for three months relegating Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” to number 2 for that whole period of time. From Ceylon, Dream-World went into the Indian “Binaka Hit-Parade” and reached the top in India also. From 1936-1962, he had a very brief but extremely full young lifetime of 26 years in what he calls his “Lovely Island Home”. In 1962 he left the Royal Ceylon Navy and immigrated to Melbourne Australia with his wife and young family, and his brothers, Michael and Douglas. For all the years since he left the Sri Lanka, Dream-World is still requested and played on-air in Sri Lanka. In Australia, he took on acting roles in several Crawford Production dramas, including “Homicide” and “Hunter”; secured a part-time job as an Assistant Entertainment Manager for the huge Federal Hotel Group in Melbourne, for whom he organized and ran the biggest talent quest at the time called “Search for a Star”; and managed several bands and other entertainers while still doing the odd floorshow himself at top nightclubs. He recorded “Folk-Songs of Ceylon” for the Crest label and taught “The Midnight Five” to sing in Sinhala, making them the first and only Australian group to do so (the Sri Lankans loved it). He won a television competition with a song about road-safety (another original composition), wrote the lyrics and music of more than a hundred songs and recorded many CDs. For many years in addition to all this, he ran his own Security Company (D.K. Security). Today he still plays keyboards and records various songs at his home and is now also considered an international journalist as articles written by him are accepted and have been published in America, England, Canada and, of course, Australia where, currently, he is the Editor-on-Chief Lanka Times (Newspaper) and eLanka, the largest Website for Lankans in Oz and around the world.. Although he cannot move around as well as he used to (due to a spinal problem), he plans to retire, but only when they “carry him out”. (Contributed by Michelle Kelly)
KEUNEMAN, Rev. Algernon Herbett Scott, B.D. – born May 5, 1909, died April 15, 1977. He was a teacher at Richmond College, Galle, in the 1930’s where he made a deep impact teaching English Literature, Drama and Music. Later he was ordained a priest in the Anglican Church. (DBU Journal, Vol LX, Parts 1 – 4, 1982)
KEUNEMAN, Arthur Eric (Snr)– born April 8, 1885, died 1958. He won he University Scholarship in 1905 and went to Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he obtained the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor Laws degrees. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn. On returning to Ceylon he began practicing at the Bar. He took Silk on June 26, 1936. He functioned as Commissioner of Assize from July 27, 1936 and on November 29, 1937 was appointed as Acting Puisne Justice. He acted as Chief Justice on several occasions. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
KEUNEMAN, Arthur Eric (Jnr) – born February 14, 1920, died Melbourne, July 11, 2006. He obtained his Master of Arts degree from Cambridge University, England. He was called to the Bar on November 17, 1944, he acted as Crown Counsel from March 18, 1948 to September 39, 1949 and was appointed a Crown Counsel on October 31, 1950. He retired from service on October 25, 1961 and immigrated to Australia with his family. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986 & David Keuneman)
KEUNEMAN, Gerald Edward – born, December 8, 1849, died December 1, 1922. A studious young man, who received his education at the Colombo Academy. He turned to law and served his apprenticeship under Frederick de Vos of Galle, he qualified successfully as a Proctor of the District and Supreme Courts. He was a staunch supporter of the Dutch Presbyterian Church in which he successfully held office both as Deacon and as an Elder. (DBU Journal, XXI, Part 1, 1931)
KEUNEMAN, Gerald Percival (Percy) – born May 21, 1882, died Matara, December 9, 1946. He was educated at Kingswood College, Kandy and at Royal College, Colombo, where he distinguished himself in study and sport alike. He took to the study of Law, and passing out in due course as a Proctor, he joined his father in Practice, the firm being known as G. E. & G. P. Keuneman. Here he helped his father to enhance the already reputation of the family for strict integrity and businesslike methods. He was held in high esteem by all communities and took his full share in civic activities serving as a member of the Local Board for many years. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXVI, Part 3, 1947)
KEUNEMAN, Pieter Gerald Bartholomeus – born October 3, 1917, died 1997. He had a distinguished career at Royal College and after a year at the Ceylon University College, he went to Cambridge (Pembroke Academy). He was successively secretary and president of the Union Society, edited ‘Granta’ and became a Marxist. On returning to Sri Lanka, after a short period as a journalist at Lake House, he gave all his time to political work in the left movement. He was a founding member of the United Socialist Party in 1941, which became the Communist Party in 1943. He entered Parliament in 1947 as a member for the Colombo Central electorate, which he continued to represent until 1977. He was the only member of the Burgher community to be prominent in politics after independence. He became Minister of Housing in the SLFP-led United Front government elected in 1970. He became a fluent speaker in Sinhalese and Tamil besides English. (C.A.Gunawardena - Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka, 2003)
KEYT, Dr Francis Fitzroy – born September 13, 1874. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. L.R.C.P.and S (Edin), L.F.P.and S (Glas), L.M.S. (Cey). Served in hospitals at Negombo, Colombo, Kurunegalla, Kotmale, Diyatalawa, Nuwara Eliya, Dickoya, Mannar, Lunugala, Dimbula, Badulla, Haputale, from May 20, 1899 to 1917. Provincial Surgeon, Uva, September 1919, Port Surgeon, Colombo, August 23, 1920. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
KEYT, George Percival Sproule, 1901 – 1993. He studied at Trinity College, Kandy, and spent most of his life in a Kandyan village. He is the best known and most prolific of the country’s modern painters. He developed a distinctive style that reflected both his deep immersion in Buddhist and Hindu culture and assimilation of western techniques. His work may also be seen at the Gotami Vihara in Borella in Colombo, where he was invited to paint murals on the life of the Buddha on the temple walls in the late 1930s. He was the author of several books of verse in English. He was also one of the artists who set up the ’43 Group. (C.A Gunawardena - Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka, 2003)
KEYT, Dr Henrieta, born April 7 1852, Colombo, Ceylon. She worked for a medical mission in Jaffna and along with the other Lady Doctors was known as “Angels”. She along with Dr Evelyn Davidson, was admitted as the first female students at the Ceylon Medical College, Colombo. (Google Information)
KOCH, Alston, born Slave Island, Colombo Ceylon. He was educated at Wesley College Colombo...In Sri Lanka (Ceylon then) he became the lead singer with Ceylon's celebrated and most popular group THE JETLINERS & toured the Sub Continent with them. He immigrated to Sydney, Australia in January 1971, & was most successful in the entertainment and professional music industry while recording for RCA Records and the Australian TV Network Channel 9's "Living Sound" recording label. Currently a Permanent Resident of America Alston carried away The Best Actor award at the SIGNIS ASIA FILM AWARDS in 2109 for his role as Father Matthew Pieris in the award winning film ACCORDING TO MATTHEW. The Film also won the BEST FILM at the PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS in 2019. He was also a recipient of the GLOBAL ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR & SRI LANKAN OF THE YEAR at The DERANA AWARDS held in Sri Lanka in 2018. In Australia, he formed his band DARK TAN performing, recording & composing three international hits on the RCA label. He has performed internationally in most countries of the World. A regular on Channel 9's BANDSTAND his band performed with ABBA on the BEST OF ABBA TV Special in 1977. One other notable appearance was during 'The Stars & Stripes Concert' in 1976, performing under the Sydney harbour bridge on a floating pontoon for Radio 2SM. Rock Brains Of The Universe and music historian Glenn.A.Baker has said that 'Alston & Dark Tan' were the originators of Disco Music in Australia. Since 1975 he has released 21 singles and 4 albums through record labels such as RCA, BMG, EMI and Sony. In 1986 he was selected and commissioned by the Australian Task Force to write, produce and perform the America's Cup album, The Kookaburra Connection with the theme song "Kookaburra" released both as a single and music video broadcast during the race. His first self-written major hit, "Disco Lady", earned him his first gold record. The song also won him and Dark Tan the 'Best New Talent' at the 1979 International Disc Jockey Association Awards (Before the ARIA'S ) and that same year Dark Tan won Australia's Observer newspaper's 'Best Disco Band' award. The Daily Mirror (Australia) presented them with the Best Disco Band Award in 1978 and the producers of the Channel 10 TV show Thank God it's Friday presented the band with a Gold Disc during the performance of "Disco Lady". He received his first ARIA (Accredited Award) for Melissa 'Read My Lips' (1990). Three Gold Awards and one Platinum Award from ARIA (accredited) and a recipient of a Gold Disc from RCA/Laser Records in 1978 for "Disco Lady". Since 2007, he has been the Ambassador for Tourism for Sri Lanka. In the same year, he wrote and performed an official song for The Sri Lankan cricketer and world record holder and world champion Muttiah Muralitharan. He was often lauded in the Australian and Asian media as "Asia's King of Pop" or "Pop King of Asia" after gaining international success in the late 1970s. He has performed worldwide and achieved international success in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Sri Lanka among other places. He received the State of California Senate’s Certificate of Recognition and Certificate of Special US Congressional Recognition for improving the lives of the communities in America. In 2008, he wrote a song about climate change for a United Nations WTO presentation in London. The song was also presented by Geoffrey Lipman Chairman of ICTP at the 'Live the Deal Climate Change' conference in Copenhagen to all the World's leaders. He is the Goodwill Ambassador for the campaign, and the song has been promoted globally by ICTP in their campaign for green growth. Barbara Follet (Minister of State for Great Britain) certified it as 'A gift in song to the world suffering due to Climate Change' while the song received a standing ovation when performed by him. He was commissioned by Cricket Australia to sing the National Anthem at the One Day International Cricket matches and the important Boxing Day Test. In 2009, he was appointed to the committee for the Cricket World Cup tournament staged in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and was the official 'GOODWILL AMBASSADOR' for the tournament. In 2010, he was inducted into the Hard Rock Hotel's 'Hall of Fame' at a ceremony in Pattaya, Thailand, when the album, Kookaburra was installed on the venue's 'Golden Wall of Memorabilia'. In April 2012 his latest album "Don't Funk With Me" written and produced by Alston & the Sherifs, debuted at No. 42 on the official ARIA top 50 Albums chart, eventually peaking at No.16. He was also the first Australian recording artist to launch a single (official release) at an International Cricket final when his song "Soul Sounds" (From the album Don't Funk with Me) was launched during the Australia Vs Sri Lanka final. Member of The Grammy Academy (U.S.A). He is Member of The Australian Performing Right Association.(APRA), Ambassador for Climate Change (I.C.T.P),Ambassador for Sri Lanka Tourism, Member of PPCA (Performing & Publishing Copyright Association of Australia), Member of AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Organisation), Ambassador for FAMILY FILM AWARDS (USA) for Australia, Ambassador for The ARTS FOR PEACE FOUNDATION (U.S.A) Award for the Global Entertainer of the Year 2018 - Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year. He was the Lead Actor in the Film ‘According to Mathew’, he played the lead role opposite Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez. Executive Producer for ‘Impact Earth’, a Hollywood movie released worldwide in 2015 for Alta Vista Entertainment, Associate Producer: ‘The Road from Elephant Pass’’ (2011) (Wikipedia & Contributed)
KOCH, Prof. Arthur Cecil Elsley – born 1903, died 1969. He had a brilliant career in the medical College. He was the first Ceylonese to be appointed Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Ceylon. He was the General Editor of the ‘Ceylon Journal of Science’ and Co-Editor of the ‘Ceylon Medical Journal’. (DBU Journal, Vol LXII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1985)
KOCH, Edwin Godfried - born October 27, 1881. educated at St Benedict’s Institute. Photograph-artist,. Obtained the diploma of the Berlin Society of Photographers. Plate Limited. His work as an artist in oils and water colours is well-known, he enjoys the reputation of having some of his paintings permanently exhibited at the Imperial Institute, London (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
KOCH, Dr Edwin Lawson, M.D. – born, November 29, 1937, died December 20, 1877. He was first educated at Jaffna, where his father was a successful Proctor, when 20-years-old he obtained a Government Scholarship and entered the Bengal Medical College in Calcutta. Here he had a very successful career, winning Gold Medals and the General Proficiency Prize in 1862 and also obtaining the degree L.M.S. Calcutta. On returning to Ceylon he entered the Ceylon Civil Medical Services as a Medical Assistant and after a brief stint in Scotland, obtained the degrees M. D. and C. M. Within five years of his appointment he was made an Assistant Colonial Surgeon of the 1st Class. When partly through is efforts, the Medical School was opened in Colombo in 1870, he was one of three lecturers there. In 1875 he succeeded Dr Loos as the Principal of the Medical School which post he held until his tragic and untimely death two years later. He received a post mortem wound, was infected and died of blood poisoning. When only 30 years-old he was the most successful doctor in Colombo. (DBU Journal XXVIII, Part 4, 1939)
KOCH, Florence Lillian (Flossie) (nee KRIEKENBEEK), born Colombo 1889, died Colombo, 1963., daughter of Clement Kriekenbeek and Florence Foenander. She married Hugh Theodore Rosslyn Koch, in 1915. They had three children (2 girls and a boy). She was educated at Ladies College, Colombo. Almost from the time of her marriage to Hugh Theodore Rosslyn Koch she was the strength behind him right up to the beginning of his own real financial success. She maintained the whole Koch family by means of her dairy (called Glenrose Dairy, after the name of their home). Her excellent little dairy, located in the substantial land at the rear of their Havelock Road home, now assessed as No 1, Gower Street, delivered fresh milk daily by bicycle, in her “Glenrose” branded bottles to the whole neighbourhood and beyond. A fluent Tamil speaker, as all her workers were Tamil, she was up at 3.30am each morning to start her working day. Rosslyn Koch himself would be the first to admit that it was Florence’s unrelenting hard work and sacrifice during those early years that provided most of the income that maintained their children, their home and lifestyle. Known for her good heartedness, her fiery temper and her passionate love of dogs. (Rosslyn Koch might have been a pillar of the Kennel Club, but it was she that bred their scores of canine champions). Together, they built a true partnership, and a very Burgher one. (Contributed by Stephen LaBrooy & Hilary Meynert (nee Koch), his grandchildren)
KOCH, Francis Harold Bertram – born August 8, 1879 He was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple and began his carrier at the Matara Bar and came to Colombo in 1904 where he was much in demand. He had on various occasions between October 1930 and January 1931acted as Solicitor-General. He served as District Judge of Colombo from May 4, 1931 to November 30, 1931. The dignity of Silk was conferred on him on August 25, 1932. He acted as Puisne Justice on two occasions and as Commissioner of Assize on several occasions. He was sworn in as a Puisne Justice on July 15, 1935. After he retired he served as Chairman of the Debt Conciliation Board. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
KOCH, Gladwin Ellis – born March 24, 1876, died June 30, 1931. After a creditable career at Royal College took to the study of Law. He passed out as an Advocate in 1900 and started gaining his first experience of work at outstations. In Colombo he practiced in all the Courts for many years. In 1921 he was appointed Commissioner of Requests. From there he went to the District Court and held an acting appointment for some time. Later on, for some years he was Police Magistrate of Gampaha. (DBU Journal, Vol XXI, Part 2, 1931)
KOCH, Hugh Theodore Rosslyn, born Colombo, December 21, 1886, died Colombo, April 24, 1961. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo. By the time he successfully completed his secondary at Royal College, there was no funding for further education (he wanted, by all accounts to qualify and become a Doctor – a never fulfilled ambition). He thus began his early working life as a planter, managing and supervising the family owned coconut and rubber estate in Gampaha. He recounts that one of his first duties was, literally, “riding shot gun”, in the early hours of the mornings on a bullock cart carrying the estate produce to market. After two years he had quickly become very knowledgeable about estate management – rubber and coconut production and put together a consortium – consisting of friends and relations to open up 700 acres of Rubber in Deranaiyagala (KV District). In 1915, he built and operated Dessicated Coconut Mills and Fibre Mills at Radawana and Delgoda in the Gampaha District. Five years later, in 1920 he returned to Colombo and began his own trading and brokering company and quickly became well-known in commercial circles both for his trading acumen and his unwavering integrity. He joined th4 first board of Directors of Ceylon Insurance Ltd (later to become Ceylinco) as Deputy Chairman and later as Chairman, a position which he held until 1960, he was Managing Director of Colombo Apothecaries Co Ltd and Director of Colonial Motors Ltd in the early fifties., in both of which companies he held a substantial stock holding. He was also non-executive Director of several Tea & Rubber companies. During the 1950’s, the zenith of his life, he became one of the commercial giants of Ceylon’s business world. He was also a Member of Parliament, representing the Burgher community. Initially appointed at Independence in 1948 by D.S.Senanayke, served under him, then Dudley Senanayake, Sir John Kotelawala and ultimately from 1956 – 1959, at the new Prime Minister’s personal request, under S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike. In his private life, he was known as an active Freemason, staunch member of the Kennel Club and active member of the Dutch Burgher Union (DBU). He was awarded the OBE in 1952. (Contributed by Stephen LaBrooy & Hilary Meynert (nee Koch), his grandchildren)
KOCH, Dr Wilfred Vincent Miller – born October 29, 1862, died August 28, 1939. He was educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. He left for England and studied at the Royal High School, Edinburgh and Edinburgh University. He graduated M.B., C.M. in 1884 and M.D with highest honours and Gold Medal in 1895. He was Government Medical Officer at Trinidad 1889 -1903, Hong Kong 1903 – 1917 and Superintendent of the Government Civil Hospital 1914 – 1917. For some years he was a lecturer in Systematic Surgery at the University of Hong Kong. He was a member of the British Medical Association for fifty-two years. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIX, Part 3, 1940)
KRIEKENBEEK, Clement Henry – born August 22, 1857. He received his early education at the Colombo Academy. He then proceeded to England to complete his studies. Returning to Ceylon, he joined the staff of Royal College where he served for many years. H was one of the finest Fifth Form Masters that Royal College ever had. In 1904 he was rewarded for his 23 years of excellent service by his appointment as Inspector of Schools. He served in this position for 14 years, and shortly after his retirement he returned to duty as Supervisor of Examinations, holding this responsible office for a number of years. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIII, Part 2, 1933)
LA ‘BROOY, Benjamin Vere, born, May 13, 1933, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 16, 2020, Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was educated the Industrial; College, Colombo, Ceylon His prowess at Hockey and Cricket earned him early recognition and in his teens was invited to play for the Burgher Recreation Club (BRC), where he performed with the nonchalance of a veteran. He was drafted to the National Pool in the 60’s and was always on standby with the cricket and hockey pools. He joined the Ceylon Navy. During the Joint Exercises in Trincomalee (Commonwealth) Naval Exercises (1960-61), he was in his element. He was called upon to assist in arranging, managing and executing a varied sports program catering to around 40 warships of the Commonwealth. He coached the Old Antonians SC, Wattala for a number of years, leading the team to a high standard at competition level. (Contributed by Andrew Buultjens)
LaBROOY, Eric Charles Theodore, born, Colombo 1918, died Colombo 2002 Educated at Royal College, Colombo, where he excelled in Boxing and obtained his Rugby Colours. Married Frances Kathleen Theodora Koch and had by her Rosslyn Stephen Theodore LaBrooy, Born 1946, Colombo. A prodigious moment in his boxing career in the late 1940’s was when he defeated the British Lightweight Champion in a National Championship at the Colombo Town Hall. He obtained a Law degree from Colombo Law College and the Honorary Society of Lincolns Inn, England. He began his legal career as a Proctor working at D.L. & F.De Saram and subsequently being called to the Bar as a Barrister in Criminal Law. He moved to the Bench in 1957 as Magistrate Kurunegala and then in 1959 in Avissawella, first as Magistrate Avissawella, then Additional District Judge and later District Judge. His defiantly courageous and humanitarian act in the communal riots of 1958 is often remembered, when after about 5 days of real carnage occurred before the Government declared an Island-Wide Emergency, he as Magistrate, Kurunegala, after two-days of this became sickened by the carnage, some of which he himself had witnessed, found that he had the power under an obscure legal enactment to declare Emergency himself in his jurisdiction. He ordered the Police to open fire on a large mob ransacking the Town Centre, bringing Kurunegala under control almost immediately, an act which saved hundreds if not thousands of Tamil lives in the area. The carnage continued for another 3-4 days elsewhere in the country until the Government declared a National Emergency and brought it under control. The only account of the communal riots was in a courageous book by Tarzie Vittachi Emergency 1958, which mentions his involvement in Kurunegala. He left the Judiciary in 1961. Through the 1950’s and 1960’s he was heavily involved in sport. First through Boxing as Chairman of the ABA and eventually Chairman of the National Olympic committee and accompanied the Ceylon Olympic team to the Melbourne Olympics. From 1961 he served as non-executive Director on several Boards of Commercial Companies, most notable Colombo Apothecaries Co Ltd (CAC). In 1962 he became manager director of CAC which was one of Colombo’s leading department stores and furniture makers as well as a printing establishment. At same time he was appointed to the Upper House of Parliament (The Senate) as a Senator by the SLFP, the only Burgher before or since to be politically appointed by the SLFP. In 1964, he was part of a cross-over to the UNP. He resigned his Senatorship in 1965. He resigned from all commercial activity in 1971. (Contributed by Stephen La’Brooy)
LaBROOY, Frances Kathleen Theodara (nee KOCH), born, 1916 Jaffna, died 1965, in Scotland U.K. She was the daughter of Rosslyn Koch and Florence Lilian Kriekenbeek. She completed her Secondary Education at Ladies College, Colombo, then at the Royal Academy of Music, London, where she obtained her licentiate (LRAM). Although she obtained a teaching and not performance degree, she was selected to perform as piano soloist with the Royal Academy Orchestra. On her return, she found that teaching piano was really not to her liking and took up what she enjoyed most dress making. She started a school of dress making. From a humble beginning of one student on the back verandah, her school developed in the 50’s and 60’s into a famous “local institution” with hundreds of students and about 25 trained teachers, the best of whom were sent to academies and designers in Paris and London to bring back the latest ideas and scientific methods. The school had branches in every major town and city in the country, even as far as Jaffna. A “Kathleen School of Dressmaking Diploma” became highly prized and much sought after. She was also the very first in the country to hold fashion shows, staged in the best hotel ballrooms in Colombo. Tragically, she passed away suddenly in the 1965, aged 49. Her school was gifted by her surviving family members to the senior teachers of the school at the time, but the new phenomenon (at the time) of mass manufacturing of designer clothes made the practice of home-made clothes redundant. With this came the eventual demise of her school not long after her death. Sadly there is no tangible legacy left of this highly talented lady. (Contributed by Stephen La’Brooy)
LABROOY, Graeme Frederick, born June 7, 1964 in Colombo. A right-hand bat and right-arm fast medium bowler, he played in 9 Tests and 44 ODIs from 1986 to 1992. He took 124 first class wickets at 33.56, however struggled in the international arena with averages in the mid-40s. Together with his moderate batting ability, he enjoyed occasional all round success – most notable seven wickets and 70 from 80 deliveries against Australia later in his career. Due to political tension in Sri Lanka, his nine Test matches were sporadic and all played abroad, On 15 September 2017, he was appointed as the chief selector of the national team. After retirement, he became a board member of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, and also served as an international referee. In January 2020, he was named as one of the three match referees for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup tournament in South Africa. (Wikipedia)
LA’BROOY, Fredric Ian, born August 22, 1920, Colombo, Ceylon, died March 28, 1984, Melbourne. Educated at Royal College, Colombo, achieving College Colours in both Rugby and Boxing. In 1929, he won his first cup at the age of 9 years (Inter-House Meet). In 1930, he won his first Stubbs Shield bout. In 1933 won the Featherweight Title at the Stubbs Shield. 1934-1938, he continued to box and winning six consecutive titles in the Stubbs Shield. In 1937-1938, he played Rugby in the College First XV. In 1942, he won the A.B.A. Featherweight Championship and held the title until after World War II, on one occasion beating Basil Henricus for the Title. After WW 2 he joined the Havelocks Sports Club. First Captain of the Club from 1949-1951, inaugural winners of the Clifford Cup in 1950 and the following year. In 1950 & 1951 held a Ceylon and possibly a world record, where ‘no team crossed their line to score’. Played for All Ceylon 1950-1951 and the Barbarians 1950-1951. 1956-1967, he judged most boxing meets – schools, ABA (Ceylon) Meets and Asian Amateur Championships held in Ceylon in 1967. He also played Soccer for Cargills and Cricket for the Warblers Cricket Club, that competed in the Daily News Trophy. He joined the Royal Ceylon Navy, during WW II and reached the rank of Petty Officer; leaving the Navy he worked for Cargills Department Store and then the Trincomalee Tea Administration, until December 1967, when he immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with his family. In Australia, he worked as a Victorian State Public Servant in the Probate Office. (Contributed – Michael La’Brooy)
La’BROOY, Rosslyn Stephen Theodore, born, October 1946 Colombo. He had his Primary education at S. Thomas’ Prep School, Kollupitiya, Colombo and at S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Colombo. He completed his secondary education at St Peter’s School, Southbourne, Bournemouth, England and returned to Sri Lanka in 1966. His business career has been almost entirely in international trading. After training in the Tea Trade in Colombo, he worked for Merril Fernando and Shaw Wallace Ltd. He moved back to the UK in 1971 and after 6 years working for the London Office of the Japanese trading giant Itohchu Corporation, he moved in 1977, for the next twenty years to the ED & F Man group, trading initially in Man’s Coffee Division where he rose to be Managing Director of their London coffee operation. In 1984 he moved to Sugar. Man Sugar Division was at the time the largest trader worldwide in Sugar. His career in Sugar trading took him to several postings internationally – to Sri Lanka from 1984-1987 where he set up a successful entre pot trading operation, thence to Singapore, from 1987 to 1990, as Commercial Director for Man’s sugar refinery in Singapore, back to London from 1990-1993 as Director of E.D & F. Man Sugar covering all South Asian Trading. 1993-1996 in Hong Kong as Managing Director of E.D & F. Man Hong Kong Pvt Ltd. The area covered all Asian Markets, except Japan, also East Africa and Eastern Russia. He retired from Man in 1996 and lived in New Zealand from 1996-2002 in semi-retirement. He returned to Sri Lanka in 2002 to retire from all commercial activity. Since returning he has been hugely involved in most things to do with the Burgher Community. He has been a member of the DBU Committee since 2003. President of the DBU from 2016-2020. He also authored the chapter “The Dutch Burghers of Sri Lanka” in the Government Publication “People of Sri Lanka”. He is an active contributor to the Sponsorship of Burgher Children’s Education via the DBU as well as to the Burgher Welfare Programs run by the DBU. (Contributed)
La ‘BROOY, Sean Trevor, born 1929. Education – S.Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa. Immigrated to Townsville, Brisbane. 1971-1985 moved to the Northern Territory having joined the Federal Government’s Department of Aboriginal Affairs. In 1985 appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Northern Territory. He had a wide and varied knowledge of the Aboriginal Community, and at one time it was said that he knew over three thousand Aboriginals by name, in Queensland and the Northern Territory. His literary efforts include the publication of two articles in the Australian Medical Journal, which were done in conjunction with an eminent Radiologist in Darwin. He also wrote a Paper on the ‘Behavioural Patterns and Juvenile Delinquency of the Groote Eylandt Aborigines’. In 1988, moved to Darwin on retirement and has authored several books – a semi-autobiographical account of his adventures, both in the jungles of Ceylon and the Australian outback. He has also authored two books of poems. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
LAWRENCE, Benedict Andrew (Benny), born July 1, 1883, Kandy, Ceylon, died June 4, 1970, Kandy, Ceylon. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. He was the first school boy to captain the college cricket team, prior to 1906, Priests and Teachers captained the side. He was the Cricket Coach in those years when Antonian Cricket was in its infancy. He was a Broker and Commission Agent, dabbling in Investments. He was closely associated with the Sylvestro Benedictine Order in Kandy and was also closely associated with the College for the greater part of 87 years. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Claude – He served for some years in Fiji as a Surveyor, and on his return to Ceylon took to planting. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIV, Part 4, 1945)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Gerard Edward - born Jaffna, March 28, 1849, died August 12, 1934. In June 1871 he was taken into the Surveyor General’s Department on the Unfixed Establishment. In 1884 he was employed in revising the surveys made for registration of titles in Colombo South. In 1896-97 he was appointed Chief Surveyor, Eastern Province and in July 1899, was appointed Fifteenth District Surveyor, rising rapidly to be Assistant Superintendent, Siyane Korale in 1897. He became the first Ceylonese Superintendent of Surveys in 1902. This post he held until retirement in 1907. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIII, Part 2, 1933)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Henry Ulrich – born, Matara, December 6, 1875. L.R.C.P. (Edin), L.M.S. (Cey).Sub-Assistant Colonial Surgeon, Negombo, August 1899, Assistant Port Surgeon, Colombo, April 1899. On service to the army, June 1915 to January 1919. Police Surgeon, Colombo, January 1919. J.M.O., Colombo, April 1920. Provincial Surgeon, Eastern Province, March 1924. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Julian – born December 26, 1873, died October 1944. After some years employed in Malaya, he returned to Ceylon and served for over 30 years in the Way & Works Department of the Ceylon Government Railway, retiring from the office of Clerk of Works. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIV, Part 3, 1945)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Rex Grenville – born August 11, 1895. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. B.Sc (Engineering) London. District Engineer, P.W.D., Ratnapura, January 1921, Nalanda, April 1921, District Engineer, Maradankadawela, October 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Robert Henry – born Jaffna, November 12, 1844. In his teens he entered as an assistant master at the Wesleyan Central School, Jaffna. He received his first promotion and was appointed headmaster of the Government Boy’s School at Matara. Later on he was to return to Jaffna as Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools for the Northern Division. In 1879 he was appointed headmaster of the female Seminary in Dam Street, with his wife as his first assistant.. At the end of 1884 Government abolished all their English schools with the exception of Royal College, he then served for a short period in the Clerical Service. From the Railway Department he was promoted head clerk of the Attorney General’s Department and latter head clerk of the Colonial Secretary’s Office. In 1892 he was appointed Inspector of Schools, Northern Division, a post he held with great acceptance up to his retirement on January 1, 1904. To this day his name is held in high regard in the North. (DBU Journal, Vol XIX, Part I, 1929)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Rev. William Henry de Boer, born 1886, One of the early settlers from Ceylon who arrived in 1904, at the age of 18. Years, starting life working on a farm in Queensland. About 1911, he graduated in Divinity from Brisbane University, and held many charges as a Minister of the Wesleyan Mission. Several years of his missionary life was spent in the Solomon Islands, which then had a sinister reputation, left three sons when he died. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
LEEMBRUGGEN, Dr Wilmot Edgar – born October, 26, 1856. Educated at Jaffna College. L.R.C.P.and L.R.C.S. (Edin), L.F.P. and S. (Glas). Medical Officer, Avisawella. In 1900 he accompanied the Ceylon contingent to the South African War as medical officer, on his return he was appointed Medical Officer, Negombo. Retiring from government service, he set-up private practice in Negombo. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LEEMBRUGGEN-KALLBERG, Dr Elisabeth Ann, born 1952, Colombo, Ceylon. Daughter of Capt. Herbert Leembruggen and Barbara Ann Bartholomeusz. Educated at Boston University, Boston, USA and Leiden, Netherlands, and was on scholarship at Eberhard Karls Ruebingen University, Germany. She is a Chartered Psychologist and Registered. Applied Psychological Science Supervisor with the British Psychological Society, UK. She has lectured at Queen Mary University, London/Gozo, in the psychological sciences., whilst providing pastoral and academic support to students as Mental Health Coordinator at the University. Prior to this she was at Webster University – Leiden Campus, where she held the posts as University Counsellor, Senior Faculty and Dissertation. Advisor in the Behavioral Sciences Programme. She also lectured at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam at Azusa College. She is currently employed by the Maltese Government providing psychological support to asylum seekers and refugees. She is a published author and member of the Boston University research team, GIDGAP, contributing several articles and book chapters in Springer, Erlbaum and Peter Lang Publishers. She also contributed to aspects of the Sri Lankan religious experience in The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. She continues to research on the intersection of religious spirituality with mental health in colloquies as well as the International Association for Counselling; The Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers and other organisations. She taught and lived in Germany for several years prior to moving to the Netherlands. She is married to Dr Samuel Kalberg, they are child free. (Contributed)
LEITCH, Ronnie Luke “Thattaya”, born, October 19, 1953, Dehiwela, Colombo, Sri Lanka, died, October 1, 2018, Perth, West Australia. At the age of 8 years, he made his foray into the entertainment industry by participating in an ‘All Island Talent Contest’. He also performed in many outdoor and indoor musical shows. He engaged with many musical bands in the early 1980’s, such as ‘Pioneers’, ‘Super Golden Chimes’, and ‘Super Stars’. He had his first overseas tour in 1986 with the band ‘Super Stars’. In 1989, he rose to prominence by singing his most famous solo ‘Thattaya’. Largely popularized as a comedian, he was a singer, having gained fame for singing over 350 songs. He also performed in many duets with Corrine Almeida and Mariazelle Gunathilake, he also entered television, hosting the children’s program ‘Poddanga Weda’ in 2016. He performed as a comedian in many films. He was an active social activist, involving himself in charity work and donations across the country. He worked for the Ministry of Defence for six years. He died whilst on a musical tour of Australia. (Wikipedia)
LIEVERSZ, Brian, born July 22, 1947, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College, 1959 to 1968. He represented the College in the 1st Fifteen Rugby from 1964 to 1967, captaining the College in 1967. Represented the College in Athletics from 1964 to 1967 at the Public Schools meets in High Jump, 400 meters, 4X100 meters and 4X400 meters Relays and was Vice-Captain of the team in 1965. He represented the College in 1st Eleven Cricket from 1965 to 1967, opening the bowling in 1967. He left College in early 1968 to take up employment in the Plantation Sector on Mattakelle Estate, Talawakelle. He also worked on Diyagama West Estate, Waverley Estate (Agrapatana), Helbodde Estate (Pussellawa) and as Superintendent on Hapugahalande and Opalgala State Plantations in the Matale District and Pingarawa State Plantation in Namunukelle. He continued playing Rugby representing the Dimbulla Club in Radella (1968, 1969 & 1970). Represented the Up-Country team against the Colombo Clubs in the Capper Cup Rugby Tournament. Was a member of the Meridian Art Group in the Up-Country District of Sri Lanka due to his passion for art, in different mediums, mostly oils and pastels. Immigrated with his family to Sydney, Australia in 1983 and worked for Dulux Company. He moved to Melbourne in 1986 and worked at Sigma Pharmaceutical Company, he retired in 2013, when the company closed business. Due to his passion in Art, he ventured into Picture Framing as a business. (Contributed by Darrell Lieversz)
LIVERSZ, Darrell, born June 7, 1943, educated at Royal College, Colombo, where he opened the bowling and captained the Cricket team in 1962. In 1961, he toured India with the Ceylon Schools Team. He also captained the College Athletic Team in 1961. He won the 220 and 440 yards finals at the Public Schools Athletics meet in both 1960 and 1961. He was also a member of the Public Schools Athletic team that toured Australia in 1960. After he left school he joined the Colts Cricket Club and in his first season of top-level cricket, took 72 wickets at an average of 9.78, setting a new record for the number of wickets in the tournament. Continuing his athletics he broke the 400 metre Ceylon record and represented Ceylon in the 100, 200 and 400 metres in the 4th Asian Games in Jakarta. He made his first-class debut in cricket representing the Board of Control for Cricket in the Goplan Trophy match against Madras in 1963 and was then selected to open bowling for Ceylon against Australia captained by Bobby Simpson. He was Ceylon’s leading bowler, taking 5 for 40 and 4 for 28, when Ceylon beat a strong Pakistan team in Colombo in August 1964. He toured India with the Ceylon Cricket Team in 1964-65, playing in the victory over India in Ahmedabad. He played no further first-class cricket after that tour. He went to work for the Duckwari Estate tea plantation, in Rangala in the Central Province and was unable to get sufficient practice to keep in top form. However, he continued playing cricket for Kandy and Dimbula Clubs in the Daily News and Donovan Andree Tournaments and was selected to represent the Central Province Team to play against England (MCC), captained by Colin Cowdrey. In 1976, he and his family moved to Ontario, Canada working as a Production Planner in North Bay and Burlington. He played cricket in Toronto and Ottawa and baseball for the company team he worked for. In 1968, he and his family immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, where he worked for Coca Cola. He is now retired and spends his time enjoying the company of his seven grandchildren and takes pleasure in his hobbies of photography, water colour painting and wood carving. (Contributed)
LIEVERSZ, Douglas Winston Lloyd, born January 18, 1907, Colombo, Ceylon, died March 18, 1996, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at Royal College, Colombo and later furthered his studies in England and Germany. Whilst at Royal College he captained the school in Cricket, Athletics, Rugby and Soccer and also won his colours in Tennis. In Rugby, it is recorded that he was the first ever Royalist to cross the elusive Trinity line since its inception of these encounters in 1920. In Athletics he was champion athlete of the school for three consecutive years; 1924, 1925 and 1926. In 1926 he was Head Prefect of the school and captained the cricket team that beat S.Thomas’ College in the legendary Royal-Thomian encounters. After leaving school he played cricket for the Colombo Colts Cricket Club and was picked to represent Ceylon against Australia captained by Jack Ryder in 1932. He was subsequently elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket and was also Chairman of the selection committee for many years. He was also elected as President of the Colombo Colts Cricket Club for over ten years. Another significant event in his life was when he was selected as Foeman of the Jury at the Bandaranaike Assassination Trial in Colombo in 1960. On his return to Ceylon, he was appointed Electrical Engineer with the Department of Government Electrical Undertakings. As a Junior Electrical Engineer he was involved in the hydro-electric scheme that involved the Dam at Norton Bridge and the Power Station at Laxapahana. He also had a stint as Electrical Engineer in charge during the Construction of the Ceylon University Campus at Peradeniya in the early nineteen fifties. He rose to the top rung of the Department and retired in 1975, as Divisional Manager, Colombo after well over forty years-service. (Contributed by Darrell Lieversz)
LOBO, Rev Mother Maurice, RGS, (IDA LOBO), born January 15, 1912, died, January 21, 2005. Daughter of Maurice Peter Lobo and Anne Isabelle Van Reyk. Joined the Novitiate of the Good Shepherd Order in 1934. Professed, October 17, 1936. Superior of 7 Regional Convents in the Kandy Diocese, including Kandy, Katugastota, Matale, Gampola, Nawalapitiya and Nuwara Eliya. Superior of 3 Elders Homes, including Kandy. (Contributed by Michael Macky)
LOOS, Frederic Charles, C.M.G., M.L.C. – born January 3, 1836, died August 21, 1911, first President of the DBU. He represented the Burgher Community in the Legislative Council for over eleven years. (DBU Journal, Vol 1V, 1911)
LOOS, Herman Albert – born Colombo, July 21, 1865. After having been educated privately and at Royal College, he went to England in 1879 and entered the City of London School, then continuing at University College, London. He then went to Cambridge where he graduated in 1887. In the same year he was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple. On return to Ceylon, he was admitted as an Advocate of the Supreme Court and became Private Secretary to Justice Clarence. In 1890 he commenced his practice at the Bar and then joined the Attorney-General’s Department as Acting office Assistant and Additional Crown Counsel. In 1903 he was permanently appointed Office Assistant and Crown Counsel and later as Senior Crown Counsel. In 1906 he functioned as Acting District Judge of Colombo. (A.R.B. Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
LOOS, James, M.D. – born, Colombo, July 17, 1822, died Colombo, May 4, 1904. In October 1838, he was among the first batch of students to enter the Colombo Academy. In 1838, when he was sixteen years old, he went to Calcutta to study medicine in the newly established Bengal Medical College, returning in 1843, he was appointed Medical Sub-Assistant. He was Assistant Colonial Surgeon in 1858 and acting Colonial Surgeon of the Southern Province from June 1862 to December 1866. He proceeded on leave to St Andrew’s University in England an obtained his M.D. He was then appointed Colonial Surgeon of the Northern Province in January 1867. He became the first Principal of the Ceylon Medical School, in June 1870, in 1875 he was appointed Colonial Surgeon of the Central Province. In 1881-82 he acted as Principal Civil Medical Officer and retired from Government Service at the end of 1882. (DBU Journal, Vol XV, Part 1, 1925)
LOOS, David Gladwin, 1925 – 2006, Educated at Wesley College, where he was school prefect. He was the winner of the Wesley College’s High Silver medal. In 1945 he entered the University of Ceylon where he secured a First Class in Economics. In 1950, having obtained a Bachelor of Arts (First Class), the Civil Service was his obvious choice. The Central Bank offered him a scholarship to Oxford, but he turned it down, because as a Civil Servant he was able ‘to do something for the country’. He was one of a team that negotiated the original terms of the ‘Mahaweli Project’. In 1970, he was posted to Washington to serve as Sri Lanka’s Counsellor for Economic Affairs, with Ministerial rank, at the Embassy. A complete master on the subject of budget and finance, he accepted a position of loans officer at the World Bank in Washington. In 1985, his final stint was the appointment as the World Bank’s Special Representative to the United Nations in New York. He retired six years later after moving amongst Presidents and Prime Ministers, and returned back to his home in Washington. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
LOOS, Lindsay Vernon – born August 2, 1899. Educated at Royal College, Colombo, Barrister-at-law, Inner Temple. Advocate, Kandy. A fine exponent of Lawn Tennis, he was the winner of the doubles championship of Ceylon with Mr O.L.M.Pinto in 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LOURENSZ, Rev. Fr. Dr Donald Ainslie Lambert, born Galle 1920, died, October 8, 2014, in the 27th year of his priesthood. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Matara, 1930 -38, University of Ceylon, 1938-46, where he obtained the MBBS (Ceylon) Degree. From 1946 – 1953, worked for the Government Health Services, Ceylon. Immigrated to London in 1953. Once in England, he climbed the ladder, rung by rung, till he reached Consultant status in his chosen specialty – Ear, Nose & Throat. In 1962 he obtained the FRCS (Eng) degree. From 1964 – 1981, he was Consultant ENT Surgeon, St Andrew’s Hospital, London. He was an ENT Surgeon in Bermuda in 1982-1983. He was born into a believing practicing Anglican family in Ceylon. As a boy of 13, he stumbled on two books in his late grandfather’s library on the Catholic Faith, he read them avidly and soon began having doubts about his Anglican Faith. With the death of his wife, in 1952, entered Beda College, Rome in 1983, to study for the Catholic Priesthood. In 1998 he was ordained a Priest for Bermuda. He later immigrated to Melbourne, and served as an assistant priest at Wodonga, Victoria. He retired from the active Ministry in 1997 and lived with his daughter in Melbourne. and then on his own. His hobbies included: Golf and Contract Bridge. He was a qualified bridge teacher and tournament director. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Victor Melder)
LORENZ, Charles Ambrose Lionel – born Matara, July 8, 1829, died Colombo, August 9, 1871 He received his early education privately at the hands of his father. When he was 13 years of age, he was brought up to the Colombo Academy. At the Academy he rapidly worked his way up to the top, and at the age of 17 he crowned his achievements by sharing the Turnour prize with Frederick Nell, his senior in years and in training. He was a prolific contributor to “Young Ceylon” from its very inception. In 1849, at the early age of 20, Lorenz was enrolled a Proctor of the Supreme Court and commenced private practice. His musical talents were once more revived and under his leadership was started, what was known at the times as the Lorenz’s Band. Lorenz led the band with his flute. The fame of the band spread all over Colombo and it was in frequent demand. In 1853, he left for England to read for the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn. In 1855 he was called to the Bar, after which he returned to Ceylon. On his return he was appointed Acting District Judge Chillaw and 27 years of age was offered the position of Burgher Member in the Legislative Council. He moved to Colombo and began his lucrative practice. It was not long before he attained the position of first lawyer of the day, both civil and criminal. He also undertook and successfully carried through the editing of the Law Reports from 1856 to 1859. In 1861 Lorenz succeeded Louis Nell as the Editor of the ‘Ceylon Examiner’ Lorenz was gifted with the artist’s pencil as with the pen, and often found time for a humorous sketch of passing events. Books of his sketches presented to friends, still exist, handed down with reverent care. His genius, his achievements and his magnetic personality still continue to be the subject of interested conversation and writing among all the communities of the Island, and not least the Community to which he belonged. He shone as proctor, Advocate, Member of the Legislative Council, Editor, Artist and Litterateur. (DBU Journal XVIII, No II, 1928 & Vol XIX, Part 2, 1929)
LUDOVICI, Edward, born 1915. Passed out as a Solicitor and worked in the Law Firm of F.J & G. de Saram, before serving as a Private Secretary to several Supreme Court Judges in Ceylon. He then was appointed as a Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court. In 1949 he immigrated with his family to Perth. After five weeks of working as a clerk at Elders-Excell in Perth, he obtained employment as a Conveyancing Clerk in the Solicitor General’s Office. He was subsequently admitted to the Bar in Perth and practiced as a Solicitor in the Crown Law Department, where he worked as a Parliamentary Draughtsman. On a brief visit to England, he worked with a Solicitor friend. On returning to Australia he obtained the position of Assistant Parliamentary Draughtsman in Adelaide. Ten years later, in 1959, he was appointed Parliamentary Draughtsman of South Australia, which designation was changed to Parliamentary Counsel. On his retirement in 1972, he practiced at the Adelaide Bar until 1982. He is remembered for his ‘magnus opus’: the Compilation of Statutes of South Australia. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
LUDOVICI, Dr Edwin – born June 28, 1865, died Colombo, February 22, 1942. Educated at Royal College. L.M.S. (Cey). In Government Service from 1887 to 1897, and thereafter in private practice in Galle. Member of the Municipal Council, Galle, Secretary, Galle Gymkhana Club. (CEYLON – Plate limited, 1924)
LUDOVICI, Dr Henry Lawrence – born May 22, 1874, died Kandy, August 13, 1963. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. L.M.S. (Cey), L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas), Honours Certificate in London School of Tropical Medicine. Medical Officer Negombo, Aranayake, Aluthnuwara, Nawalapitiya, Kandy, Maturata, Jaffna, Ratnapura, Balapitiya, Badulla, Dimbulla, Matara from October 1896 to May 1915. Acting Inspecting Medical Officer, Central Province, January 1918, Inspecting Medical Officer, June 11, 1920. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LUDOVICI, Leopold – born Matara, April 11, 1833. He spent the earlier years of his life as a Government Surveyor. He was a self-taught man, his best known to fame as the author of “Lapidarium Zeylanicum”, being a collection of monumental inscriptions in the Dutch Churches and Churchyards in Ceylon. Ludovici had made the acquaintance of Lorenz, who offered him an appointment on the staff of the “Examiner”. Ludovici was now in his element, and was always ready to take up cudgels on behalf of the weak and oppressed. (DBU Journal, Vol XVIII, Part 2, 1928)
LUDOVICI, Sqdn Ldr Lorenz Victor, 1890, took up the calling of his ancestors, Charles Ambrose Lorenz and Leopold Ludovici, who had made names for themselves over a hundred years earlier in the field of English prose. He left Ceylon for England in1931 with the object of making literature his life’s work. He joined Dennis Archer and Metheun as one of their literary editors. He founded the firm of Andrew Dakers of London and was its literary editor. He translated many books from French and German. He compile a narrative of the Night Defence of Great Britain. In 1940/1941 he joined the RAF as an Aircraftsman and received his Commission in December 1941, performing fighter control and special intelligence work.. He was appointed Staff officer at the Air Ministry with the rank of Squadron Leader, engaged in preparation of narratives of Air Histories. In 1948 he resigned the directorship of the firm of Andrew Dakers. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
LUDOVICI, Pieter James – born Colombo, September 10, 1877, died Colombo, 1953. Educated at Royal and St Thomas’ College. Inspector of Police, February 1908, Assistant Superintendent of Police, February 1918, A.S.P., Colombo, 1924. He was a member of the Government Clerical Service from May 1897 to February 1908. A fine all round cricketer, he has played in several matches for the Colts against the Europeans. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LUDOVICI, William Ambrose – born Colombo, February 10, 1876, died Colombo 1939. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. He entered the Police Department in 1898 as Inspector of Police, he followed closely on the heels of Altendorff in his promotion to the various grades of the higher service. A.S.P. Colombo, Matara, from November 20, 1905 to 1907. S.P., North-West Province, Kandy District, Central Province, Western Province, from October 1, 1915 to March 20, 1921. While on leave in England in 1927, he went through a course of instruction at Scotland Yard. Shortly after his return he acted successively as Deputy Inspector-General of Police, CID. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, Part 4, 1931 & CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
LUDOWYK, Evelyn Frederick Charles “Lyn” – born October 16, 1906, died June 1,1985. He received his early education at Richmond College, Galle and entered the Ceylon University College in 1925 where he received First Class Honours in English and won a scholarship to Cambridge in 1929. At Cambridge he obtained a First Class in the English Tripos and also won the coveted Oldham Shakespeare Prize – the first Asian to do so. Returning to Ceylon, he was appointed Lecturer in English in 1932 and became Professor of English in 1936 at the early age of thirty. He was elected dean of the Faculty of Arts in 1940, the first Ceylonese to hold this high office. On his retirement in 1956 he was appointed Professor Emeritus of English. He wrote three readable books on the island’s history and Buddhist culture. An authority on Shakespeare, he wrote ‘Understanding Shakespeare’. He made an enduring contribution to the development of the theatre, widening interest in it and creating an audience by staging a varied range of plays by leading European dramatists. With his broad cultural interests and enthusiasm, he was an important influence on the generation of students who entered the university in the 1940s and the 1950s. (Encyclopaedia of Sri Lanka, 2003 & DBU Journal, Vol LXII, Parts 1 – 4, 1985)
LUDOWYK, Travice Augustine Ladislaus, born 28 August 1932, Kandy, Ceylon, died 1 May 2005, Canberra, Australia. He studied at St Sylvester’s College, Kandy up to Grade 10. It was a boys’ only school. His parents then sent him to St Joseph’s College, Darley Road, Colombo 10, to study for his HSC. His sister Monica Moldrich, says she does not know how her parents afforded it as they also paid his swimming fees and for him to board separately in Colombo. They sacrificed a lot to educate him. (When he was leaving St Sylvester’s the principal asked his parents why they were taking one of his best students out. He won many prizes at St Sylvester’s). At St Joseph’s he did extremely well in the SSC (O level) and HSC (A level). On the basis of his performance at HSC/University Entrance he was invited to sit a Scholarship test. He scored first place in the country on that test and he was awarded the scholarship. He was exempted from the GAQ and went straight to an English Honours Course in the University. Winning the Scholarship meant that his whole university education was completely free. This included accommodation at the Residential University of Ceylon and expenses for books. In 1955, he completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English at the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya). He took French as his subsidiary subject. Later in life he went back to his study of Latin and reached a level of competence where he was reading texts in the original Latin. After he graduated he entered the Diplomatic Service in Ceylon. He then joined the Ceylon Civil Service and after a period of Cadetship, was appointed to the position of Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs. He also held positions as Assistant Government Agent Batticaloa and Government Agent in Kandy and Puttalam. When he retired from the Civil Service prior to leaving for Australia, he held the position of Deputy Director, Land Development. The Ceylon Civil Service was the Senior Executive service within the public service, and its members were an elite group. To get into the Civil Service you had to do a competitive exam and interview on which you were assessed. They also took into account your level of achievement in your degree. Most often there were only eight vacancies to be filled each year. So you had to be in the Top eight to get a position. Even after all this, he never big-noted himself and was a very humble man. He and his family left Ceylon for Australia in January 1968 because English wasn’t the priority language in the schools anymore. He wanted his daughters to have an education in English as the first language. His favourite hobbies were reading, watching movies and photography. He has left us many beautiful photos of our family, friends and Ceylon scenery to treasure.. (Contributed by Francine Horne (nee Ludowyk) 2021
MAARTENSZ, Lewis Matthew – born July 9, 1876, died January 14, 1942. He was educated at St Thomas’ College and the Law College. He was called to the English Bar by the Middle Temple. He began his career in Ceylon, on July 6, 1901 as an Acting Crown Counsel. He served in the Attorney-General’s Department for several years. On October 10, 1910 he began his judicial career in Kandy as Additional District Judge and Additional Commissioner of Requests. He then served in Colombo from April 30, 1911 on various occasions, as Additional District Judge, Acting District Judge and District Judge. He also functioned as Commissioner of Assize. There were numerous occasions on which he functioned as an Acting Puisne Justice, until he was appointed Puisne Justice on February 18, 1935. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
McCARTHY, Patrick (Pat) Covell Derrick, born 1919, Educated at Royal College, Colombo. In 1935, as a 17-year old schoolboy he played in the Ceylon trials, in 1938 he was Royal College Captain. In 1938, he was invited to play for the ‘Rest’ in the Pentangular Tournament in India. Represented Royal College in the annual ‘Royal-Thomian’ cricket matches, 1935-36 and 1937-38. He was a brilliant batsman and close-in fielder. In 1935 to mark the centenary of Royal College, the Old Boys Union contributed to sending a schoolboy cricket team to Australia. Five matches were played against leading schools in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. In Adelaide he scored 63 vs St Peter’s College and 52 vs Scotch College, Melbourne. In 1938-39 he was selected to play in the European-Ceylonese Tests. On debut he scored 105no, following it up with 63 in the second match. He also represented his College as a Sprinter and Pole Vaulter and was the winner of the under-16 Junior National singles in Tennis. He was also the winner of the under-19 doubles team in the Public Schools Championships. In 1940-41, he declined to tour India due to his military duties – 2nd Lieutenant in the Ceylon Garrison Artillery (CGA). In 1945 he represented All Ceylon against All India and the Australian Services Team. In 1948 he immigrated to Perth, West Australia. On his debut for East Perth he scored 101no and was the first Ceylonese to represent Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield Competition. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MacHEYZER, Dr. J. C. born 1874. Educated at S. Thomas’, Colombo He was an able batsman, in fact the Colts consider him one of the best half dozen they have ever had. He holds several records for the Colts. As a bowler, he was a marked success in his school days at St Thomas’ College. Doctor of Medicine. (S.P.Foenander – Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket, 1924 & (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MACK, Dr Edmund Garvin – born December 6, 1883, died, September 6, 1934. Educated at Royal College, Colombo and London University. M.D., B.S. (Lond). He won the Government University Scholarship in 1903.Physician, General Hospital, Colombo, August 1910. Lecturer at the Ceylon Medical College (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
MACK, Michael Lloyd, 1933 – 2005, Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo. In the early 1950’s he joined Aitken Spence as a Trainee Tea Executive in the Shipping Department. The core business of the company at the time was restricted to Shipping, Insurance (Agency of Lloyds of London), Printing and Plantation, to name a few. Rising through the ranks he was appointed to the company’s main board at the relatively young age of 37. Among his pioneering endeavours was the commencement of the hotel sector, the first being the Neptune Hotel. He was also instrumental in procuring the Singapore Airlines Agency (Asset Airways), in addition to other pioneering ventures, notably the Agri business. It was under his direction that the conglomerate ventured into the apparel business. In 1992, he succeeded the veteran leader, Charith P.de Silva as group Chairman. He pioneered the group moving into container handling. He was also a former Chairman of the Ceylon Association of Ships Agents (CASA), in the 1990’s. In 1993, he was appointed Founder Chairman of the Advisory Council for Industry. He also served as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MACKY, Rev. Fr Dom Columban, OSB (Richard Macky), born Kandy, Ceylon, May 15, 1907, died Kandy, May 9, 1970. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. He was a model student and played cricket in the first eleven team as an opening batsman for two years. In March 1927, he made his vows as a Novice at ‘Monte Fano, Ampitiya. Kandy. He then came back to St Anthony’s College in charge of the Dormitory. When St Anthony’s moved to Katugastota, the then Principal, Fr Lawrence Hyde, made him part of his team turning the old ‘Wallauwa” into the magnificent buildings and playing fields and the surroundings that the present generation enjoy. He was made Prefect of Games and under his guidance St Anthony’s College began its dominance in Sports. The standard of Cricket, Soccer and Athletics showed a marked and significant increase. He was instrumental in introducing new Sports, like Rugby and Basketball. During his tenure as Prefect of Games St Anthony’s produced three national “School Boy Cricketer of the Year”, an “All Ceylon Cricketer”, an “All Ceylon Soccer Player” and an “All Ceylon Athlete”. He went to Rome in 1962, to complete his studies for the Priesthood and was Ordained in Rome in 1964. On his return, he served as a Priest at St Anthony’s Cathedral, Kandy. In 1966, he returned to St Anthony’s College, as Principal of the Primary School. He served his “Alma Mater” for 35 years. (Contributed by his Nephew, Michael Macky)
MACKY, George, born July 19, 1903, died August 4, 1973. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy. He passed the Cambridge Senior with Exemptions from the London Matric in 1922. He did self-study to pass the Inter-Arts (London), the first Antonian to do so. He took up a teaching appointment at St Anthony’s on April 1, 1923, aged 19 years and 10 months and was a reputed Mathematics Teacher. Was successful in the London BA Exam in the Classics (self-study, whilst teaching), securing a pass in Latin, Greek, English and Pure Maths. He excelled himself in Cricket, Soccer and Athletics and captained the College Cricket, Soccer and Hockey teams winning the coveted “Eagle” in cricket. Captained the College Cricket XI in 1922. He also excelled in Tennis and Billiards. He retired from his teaching position in 1960, a year before his wife passed away, rejoined the College staff soon after and remained until 1971. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg, Melbourne)
MARKS, Lt. Col Boris Jon, born, 1938, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Ananda College, Colombo and became an authority in the Sinhala language. He was a champion swimmer, like his older brother Geoffrey. In nine years of competing in the annual Two-Mile swim off the Mount Lavinia coast,
in Colombo, Geoffrey won the race and Boris was second. As a Major and later Lt. Colonel in the Ceylon Army, he was involved in front-line duty during the war with the LTTE. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
MARKS, Dr Geoffrey Charles, born, January 3, 1932, Colombo, Ceylon, died Melbourne Australia, mid 1980’s. He gained a BA (Hons - Cey) and a PhD in Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, USA. He was a renowned swimmer, unbeaten in his time in Ceylon. He won the annual Two-Mile sea swim off Colombo consequently for nine years. He represented Ceylon at the 1956 Helsinki Olympics. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, where he worked for the Victorian Forest Commission, specialsing in forestry and forest management and was considered a world authority on plant diseases. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
MARKUS, Charles Peter, J.P. – born 1854.Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Proctor, acted on various occasions as District Judge, Commissioner of Requests and Police Magistrate, Kurunegala. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
MARTENSZ, James Aubrey, C.B.E. – born September 25, 1885, died 1963. After his education at Royal College, Colombo, he was registered as a student-in-law. Before qualifying as a Proctor, he served as Private Secretary for some years to the Hon’ble Justice Wendt and in 1908 was admitted to the profession. He then joined F. J. & G De Saram, becoming in the fullness of time its Senior partner and an outstanding member of the Profession. He was created a Justice of the Peace and also nominated as a Member of the State Council. In Council, he was Deputy Chairman of Committees. He also officiated both as Deputy Speaker and Speaker. In 1949 he was appointed first High Commissioner for Ceylon in Australia and continued until 1955 when he returned to Ceylon for a few years. He was elected President of the DBU in 1957 and held office for two years. Early in 1959 he returned to Canberra where he had made a second home. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIX, Part 1, 1949 & Vol LIII, Part’s 1 & 2, 1963)
MARTIN, Nathaniel John, J.P., U.P.M. – born October 14, 1866. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. Elected Member for the Burgher Electorate, Proprietary Planter, Crown Proctor and Notary, Additional Commissioner of Requests and Police Magistrate, Chillaw, Chairman, Chillaw Co-operative Society, President of the Chillaw Club, Patron Burgher Recreation Club. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
MASON, Edward ‘Bugs’, 1915 – 2002, Education – Primary and Secondary at St Anthony’s College, Kandy, final years at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. While in college he represented it in cricket, soccer, athletics and cadetting. He served in the Ceylon Army during the war years. In 1947 he began his motor racing activities when he entered his ‘Bug’ Fiat Topolino for the circuit organised at Ratmalana. In the 1948 ‘Monsoon Reliability Trials’, which covered 461 miles, he entered his ‘Bug’ and won the event. Hence his nickname. Since 1953 he was involved in organising Vintage Car Rallies in Ceylon. In 1991 he was made the first honorary life member of the VCOC. He compiled the ‘Observer Motormag’ for ‘Lakehouse’ for forty years. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MAY, Walter J, born January 8, 1929, Matara, Ceylon. He was educated at Richmond College, Galle, in the 1940’s. He played cricket for Richmond in 1945 and 1946 as an all-rounder in the team. He later played for S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Colombo. He held the opening partnership record in the Big Match – ‘Royal Thomian’, which was not bettered for a couple of decades. He excelled as an athlete
and went on to break several records in track events. He was victorious in the 200-meter hurdles and 400 meters at the Public Schools meet in 1947, and at the Inter Faculty meet at the University. He was the national champion in the 400 meter hurdles thrice between 1948 and 1951 at the AAA meets. He represented the country at Inter University Championships in India. At the 9th, All India and Ceylon Inter University Championships he won the 400 meters hurdles final in 58.4 seconds missing the record by 0.1 second. On completing his academic studies at the University of Ceylon, graduating with a Second-Class Honours Degree, he returned to Richmond College, Galle, as an English Teacher in 1952
and continued until 1956. He was also the College Cricket and Athletics coach. Leaving Richmond College, he joined the Royal Ceylon Air Force in 1956, and was a Commissioned Officer with the rank of Flying Officer and was stationed at the Ground Combat Training establishment at Diyatalawa. He played cricket for the Air Force, captaining the side. He emigrated to Australia in 1962, with his wife and son, where he served in the Department of Civil Aviation, as the Human Resource Manager, until 1989. (Contributed by the Richmond College 60 Club)
MEIER, Dr Ivo Eric – born December 30, 1889, died Colombo, June 17, 1931. He was a very popular Doctor. His death was an inseparable loss to the community. (DBU Journal, Vol XXI, Part 1, 1931)
MELDER, Derrick Christopher, born 25 August 1946, Kandy, Ceylon.. Educated at Catholic Colleges in towns of Nawalapitiya and Bandarawela, Ceylon. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in December, 1965 after completing GCE exams. In Melbourne, Completed an Indentured Apprenticeship as a Plumber and Gasfitter winning several scholarships during the Indentured period. Conscripted and completed National Service with the Australian Army. Completed further studies and is also Registered and Licensed as a Builder and Electrician. Qualified as a Hospital Engineer and was Engineering Manager of the Repatriation Hospital, Heidelberg, Bundoora and Macleod. Retired after 28 years with the Australian Public Service. Joined the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions as a Senior Works Supervisor and successfully completed two tours of Antarctica rebuilding the Australian Antarctic Stations holding the position of Construction Project Leader at Davis and Mawson Stations. Conducted business as a Developer/Builder and won several State Housing Awards. In 2006 commenced work as a Senior Construction Project Manager based at Melbourne Airport. Secretary of Melbourne Wanderers Cricket Club for over twenty years. Premiership Captain of the 4th Eleven (Contributed)
MELDER, Gary, born Colombo, 1955, died, Colombo, July 15, 1998, Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. He was one of the fines team men in the Josephian cricket teams of the early nineteen seventies, a great all-rounder and a sound captain in seasons 1973 and 1974. Nature endowed him with a good height, an average frame, a sharp cricketing brain and strong fingers and an extraordinary equable temperament an amiable outlook in life. He was a simple, unassuming person who never sought the limelight, never looked for profit or gain out of his duties; never hankered after position but simply carried out his assignments without fear of favour according to his own judgment. Be it a failure or virtue, he brushed trouble under the carpet and was not prepared to face trouble or unpleasantness, when it arose. He was an overworked person both on and off the field and this no doubt contributed to the stress and tension that dealt him the final cruel blow. He could be a dour, determined and dominant figure and once he made up, his mind would not change it readily. He dominated the Josephian teams from 1970 to 1974 as a great all-rounder and was an automatic choice when international teams visited Sri Lanka. His planting career naturally upset his sporting career because some of his contemporaries and even lesser men went further gaining international and even Test recognition. He was the ideal man for any occasion. His work in the field, his amazing natural skills is told in the record books; as an outstanding left hand batsman, a wicket taking strike bowler and a brilliant close-in fielder. He gave back a great deal to the old school by undertaking the coaching, a thankless job at the best of times, but his unbeaten record in three years of coaching speaks volumes. That it was extraordinary valuable no one can ever dispute. Gary was one who would never compromise truth for temporary gain, the true qualities of the great sportsman and a man of character that he was. His courage, his grit, his unswearing honesty and integrity, his courteous manner made him a truly great personality. He was never flamboyant and he always went about his life in a self-effacing manner. That is why he was so much loved by his superiors, subordinates and companions alike. A Cricketing Trophy has been named after him – The Gary Melder Trophy, awarded each year in the “Joe-Pete” Veteran’s (over 40) match. (Harold de Andrado, Daily News (http://www.lanka.net & ‘Sunday Times, February 28, 2010)
MELDER, James Anthony (Anton), born June 13, 1924, Kandy, Ceylon, died September 15, 1988, Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. Played cricket for Photo CinexLtd. Managing Director Office Appliances Ltd and Director Photo Cinex Ltd. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in 1974, with his two daughters and youngest son. Employed at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Melbourne. (Contributed by Larry Melder)
MELDER, Kevin Phillip, last schooled at St Joseph’s College Bandarawela, left school at 17½ because of the Sinhala only Policy, as only courses available in English were shorthand and typing. Worked at St Anthony’s Hardware Stores, Colombo, assembling radios and at Photocinex as a technician. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in December 1965. Joined an English company, Ozapaper as a technician repairing photocopy and plan printing machines, was transferred to Perth in 1968 as Service Manager, transferred back to Melbourne to manage three factories. Joined Dexion Australia in 1978 as a Sales Engineer, was transferred to Perth as State Manager, transferred to Malaysia as General Manager Exports in 1987. Joined a Swiss company Diethelm in Malaysia in 1992 as General Manager Engineering. After a total of 11 years working in Asia returned to Perth in 1998 and has since worked as a Senior Consultant specializing in storage and handling system engineering for seismic zones and high-rise system design in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Kevin travels extensively conducting seminars, design training workshops and designing automated storage systems. (Contributed)
MELDER, Sri Lanka Ranjana, Randolph John Victor, born 16 September 1935 in Kandy. Educated at St Sylvester’s College, Kandy and St Mary’s College. Nawalapitiya. 1955-1956, employed as a Clerical Officer, Kandy Municipal Council. 1956-62, Special Apprentice Driver, Ceylon Government Railway (CGR), trained on both steam and diesel locomotives. In 1962, appointed engine driver served in Colombo, until transfer to Galle in 1964. He resigned his position as driver, CGR at the end of December 1967 and immigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia, in March 1968. During the period 1968 - 1993, he was employed by the Victorian State Public Service, and worked as an Administrative officer in the Fisheries & Wildlife Department, Department of Conservation, Forest Commission and Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. In 1968 he set up the ‘Victor Melder Sri Lanka Library’, perhaps the only one of its kind on Sri Lanka overseas. The library contains over 5,000 publications, over 2,000 magazines and journals. The entire set of DBU journals and indexes to the Wolvendaal Church Marriage and Baptism and the two Volumes of Dutch Company Servants are available in the Library. In 1993, the Government of Sri Lanka in recognition of his twenty five years of meritorious service to Sri Lanka, awarded him the National Title: “Sri Lanka Ranjana” (Sanskrit translation: Pleasing, Delighting, Gratifying). In 2016 he was awarded Honorary. Life Membership of the DBU, Colombo in recognition of services rendered. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MEURLING, Chetwynd Lionel – born Galle, October 15, 1869, died August 3, 1909. He had his early education at St Thomas’ College, for which he cherished the strongest affection. He was always a proud defender and advocate of the Dutch Burgher and often wrote on the subject. He was a hard worker and a voracious reader, usually reading till about Midnight. (DBU Journal, Vol II, Part 3, 1909)
MISSO, Dr Clifford Joseph Le Dulx, 1909 – 2007, Education – St Joseph’s College, Colombo. Gained the University of Cambridge Senior School Certificate at the age of 16. Entered Medical College having passed the Entrance Examination with First Class Honours. He subsequently went on to gain the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in England, and served for many years as a Consultant Surgeon at the General Hospital, Colombo, where he taught scores of medical students in the highest standards of courtesy and compassion. He immigrated to Melbourne in 1972. He then worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs and in private practice from his home in Glen Waverley. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MODDER, Major Francis Hudson Lowe, F.R.G.S, 1861-1916, Major in the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI), Proctor & Notary Public. Appointed to the Bench and later served as Chief Justice of Ceylon. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MODDER, Dr Montagu Frank, MA, BD, 1891 – 1958, Educated at Royal College, Colombo and Springfield College, Massachusetts, USA. He served with the British armed forces in the 1914-18 Great War. He went on to receive degrees from Clark University (MA), the University of Michigan (PhD), pursing additional graduate studies at Yale, Cambridge and Oxford Universities. He spent the majority of teaching years (1935 – 1957) at Beliot College, Wisconsin. He is best known as the author of a monograph, ‘The Jew in the History of Literature’. Many of his political cartoons were featured in the prominent magazines and newspapers in the USA. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
MODDER, Ursula Merle, OAM, born Negombo, Ceylon, 16 February 1923 died Brisbane, Australia, 15 October 2006. Educated at Newstead College, Negombo. Trained in the Froebel method of Kindergarten teaching. She then established with the help of her sisters, the “ Modder Private School “ for the toddlers of British expatriates in Colombo. At its peak the school had about 25 students, and was at the CCC clubhouse, at Maitland Crescent. She immigrated to Australia in 1959, where she secured a job with the Creche & Kindergarten Association.In1973 she helped establish the Queensland Department of Education’s Pre School division, and was the Deputy Director of that division at her retirement in 1987. She was awarded the OAM in 1990, and the citation read “ for public service and particularly to early childhood education. “ She was the daughter of Vyvil Ellis Stanford Modder & Ruth Salome Beven. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
MODDER, Vere Frank, MM, born 1895. Officer British Rifle Brigade. Served with the British Expeditionary Forces in France during, the First World War, 1914-1918. He was awarded the Military medal for gallantry at the Third battle of Ypres, when he rescued his wounded officer under heavy enemy fire. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007
MOLDRICH, Ryle. Joseph, born, August 24, 1943, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Sylvester’s College, Kandy and St Joseph’s College, Colombo. Trained as a Boxer at St Sylvester’s College, fought in the Stubbs Shield meet, losing in the finals. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in September 1969, he completed his education at RMIT and Swinburne University of Technology. He has been active in the communication industry both in radio and television for a number of years. He began his working life at the Commonwealth Department of Navy (pay section) .While there he was asked to sit for the permanent position exam, which he did and passed. He then applied for a position at BP Australia Ltd and got the job. ‘Stock clerk’ Port Melbourne Installation, He remained at BP for nearly Ten years. While still there, he was invited to join Lions International, Noble Park Branch, he remained an active member for around 9 years, did the lot including Secretary, Treasurer and Zone Chairman & second Vice President. He was endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Holt and stood against Michel Duffy. He lost but was one of the few seats than managed to lessen the margin (he is claiming a small Victory) While working for BP around 1978, he was installed as a Commissioner of Declarations and Affidavits. When John Cain came to power as Premier, he in his wisdom did away with the office of Commissioners and brought in the Office of ‘Bail Justice’. Ralph Moldrich JP (his brother) and he were in the first batch that were educated at the Leo Cussen Courses and Practical Legal Training to hold the position of Bail Justice in the state of Victoria. (A position he held until last year). Radio 97.7 Started in 1984 where he attended the inaugural meeting. He was among one of their first broadcasters and remained on Radio until 2019. He was invited to TV with Vishvavahini TV, where he has met some very well-known Australians, including Mike McCall-Jones, Senator Darrin Hinch, Philip Brady OAM, Ted Hamilton, Kevin Trask, Neil Mitchell to mention a few and several notable Sri Lankans. Judge Christy Weeramantry Rev. Jimmy James Cook. (Related to captain Cook) (Contributed).
MORGAN, Sir Richard Francis, born Colombo, February 21, 1821, died Colombo, January 27, 1876. He attended Mrs Taylor’s school and then George Staples Academy and later moved to the Colombo Academy. At the age of eighteen, he became a law student under Sir William Carr. In 1840 he became a Proctor. In 1846 he was enrolled as an Advocate. In October 1851 he was appointed Burgher member of the Legislative Council. In 1856 he was appointed District Judge, Colombo. In December the same year he was appointed Puisne Judge. Between 1861 and 1862 he acted as Queen’s Advocate. In 1863 he was confirmed Queen’s Advocate, a post he held until 1874 when he was appointed Chief Justice. He was knighted the same year. The first Asian ever to be knighted by the King of England in all of Asia. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989 & Wilhelm Morgan)
MORGAN, Wilhelm Owen, born Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 12, 1960. Immigrated from Ceylon 17/06/1968 with his parents and three siblings. Apprenticeship in Jobbing Moulding, studied at RMIT 1978, Dandenong TAFE 1984, RMIT 1985 - 1995 Melbourne University 1998, Victoria University 2004 currently at Griffith University 2020. A specialist in Manufacturing and advanced engineering concepts, and Migration Law and Regulations. A leading Lecturer, international speaker and having published many articles on reengineering of tooling, education and management, 1997-2003. A scholar who specializes in Polymer materials, process optimization, part design and tooling. Professional consultant called upon to solve manufacturing related problems in processes, materials, tooling, management and staff education. Writer of technical notes and learning material and technical advice to Government education departments. An education specialist and creator of education qualifications and pathways. From referral, His work in resettlement/migration law, regulations and process, his case load often represents dismissed individual and family often considered by other legal professional, as outside the criteria of law and regulations. His expertise in cases, called upon by many and seen by people as the last hope in Migration Law, practice and regulations. Founded his own company -WOMCORP Pty. Ltd in 2000. He founded his own college, The Wilhelm Morgan Institute in 2002 to 2017. Morgan Migration consultants Australia in 2007. Still actively involved in Migration law and education. Longest servicing President of the Australia Ceylon Fellowship Inc 2011-2017. Engaged to PARTEC- Plastics and Rubber Technical Training Education Centre. (Contributed)
MOTTAU, Samuel Andrew William (Sam), born August 4, 1902. He was educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo and started his career in the Public Service in 1919 in the Colonial Secretary’s Office. He also served in the Governor’s Office and the General Treasury and was seconded to the Archives Department in 1937 where he worked till 1958, when he retired as Senior Assistant Government Archivist. His self-taught knowledge of mediaeval Dutch made him an authority on the translation of Dutch records in the National Archives and elsewhere. During his career in the Archives, he was responsible for the compilation of the Index to the Land Tombos, including School Tombos, of the Colombo District. He has also translated, catalogued and indexed many more documents of value, they are all too numerous to mention. (DBU Journal, Vol LXI, Parts 1 – 4, 1983)
MULLER, Dr. Bede Kenneth, born 10 October 1924 in Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Joseph's College Colombo and University of Ceylon, He graduated with an MBBS in 1948. He later completed post-graduate studies in London and worked in medical practices in London, Nottingham and New York. He then returned to Sri Lanka in 1956 and worked at his father's medical practice in Colombo and later at Dr Daniel's medical practice in Colpetty, Colombo He was a passionate golfer who played regularly at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. In 1968 he won the club's championship and later represented Sri Lanka in championships in India and Pakistan. He immigrated to Sydney in 1972 with his wife Thelma and three children Philip, Stephen and Leon. He worked in his own medical practice in Concord West for 40 years. He was a passionate medical practitioner who engaged in multiple engagements in Sydney including as a senior sports doctor for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. (Contributed by Leon Muller)
MULLER, Carl, born Kandy, Ceylon, October 22, 1935, died Kandy, December 12, 2019. Dismissed from three schools he was finally educated at Royal College, Colombo. He left home at eighteen years of age to join the Royal Ceylon Navy as a signaler, he then went on to briefly serve in the Ceylon Army and later joined the Colombo Port Commission (CPC) as a signals officer. He next tried his hand at journalism and left Sri Lanka to work for a newspaper in the Middle East. On returning to Sri Lanka he began writing and authoring publications. He is best known for his trilogy about the Burghers – ‘The Jam Fruit Tree’, Yakada Yaka’ and ‘Once Upon A Tender Time’. He won the Gratiaen Award for ‘The Jam Fruit Tree’ in 1993 and a State Literary Award for his historical novel ‘Children of the Lion’. A prolific writer, he has published – Novels, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Essays, Short Stories, Poetry, Children’s Fiction, Academic Works, Views & Reviews, Monographs, Aphorisms, Hobbies, Travelogues and edited Works. (Wikipedia)
MULLER – John Barry, born 1943, educated at St Joseph’s College, Bandarawella, Ceylon. 1968, reporter for the ‘Ceylon Daily News’, then sub-editor in charge of foreign news and features for the ‘Sun’ newspaper. Later an investigative reporter, editorial features for the ‘Ceylon Daily Mirror’. Advertising copywriter with Vison Advertising between Lake House and Independent Newspapers. Relief announcer on the Commercial Service of the then Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation. 1977-1993 overseas to join the hospitality industry as a sales and marketing assistant cum guest relations officer. Served in various Hotels from Gangzhou (Canton) in the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman and Qatar, returned to Ceylon in 1993. Joined the ‘Lanka Monthly Digest’ (LMD) as an editorialist, from 1993-2000, edited various journals, bulletins and newsletters for the Corporate Sector and was Business Editor of ‘The Independent Sunday’. Freelance writer with the ‘Daily News’, ‘Daily Mirror’ and the new ‘Lakbima News’. In 2006 wrote and published a book ‘The Burghers’, a historical view of their accomplishments. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
NATHANIELSZ, Arthur Holman, born January 8, 1878. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo. A.M.I.C.E., M.I.M. and C, A.M.I.W.E., M.R.S.I. Head Overseer, P.W.D., August 1898, Inspector, 1901, District Engineer, Negombo, 1904, District Engineer, Anuradhapura, June 1911, Puttalam, 1914, Matara, 1920, Jaffna, October, 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
NELL, Dr Andreas – born May 3, 1864, died January 22, 1956. Primary education at Matara, Secondary education at Trinity College, Kandy. Medical College in 1882, LMS 1887, House Surgeon 1887-1889, Demonstrator in Anatomy, Medical College, Colombo, University College, England. Served at Charing Cross Hospital, Royal Ophthalmic Hospital 1904. Obtained MRCS in London 1904. Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital 1905, retired in 1925. Student of Ancient and Modern Art, History and Archaeology, Anthropology, Ethnology, Journalist, Architect. Member of the University Council. Author of several publications. (Internet)
NELL, Frederick George, J.P. U.P.M.,born April 9, 1867, Educate at Trinity College, Kandy and Royal College, Colombo. Proctor S.C. (Crown Proctor), Kurunegala. He was for many years officer Commanding “G’ Company of the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI). (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
NELL, Rev. Canon George Alfred Montague, born 1895. Primary education at Bishop’s College, Colombo, Secondary education at Trinity College, Kandy, final education in New South Wales. The family migrated to New South Wales. In 1924 he was appointed Priest-in-charge of the Parochial District of Ashford, a vast district stretching just south of the Queensland border. In 1928 he was appointed assistant Priest in Canberra in the Goulburn Diocese. He served in the diocese at various parishes, for many years. He retired in 1961 at the age of 66 to live in Goulburn, serving as Hospital Chaplain. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
NELL, George Frederick, born October 12, 1828, died 1867. He had his education at the Colombo Academy, where in 1846 was instituted the Turnour Prize or proficiency in Latin, English and History and it was won by Nell. Shortly after leaving the Academy that Nell and his friends started the magazine “Young Ceylon”. The first number was issued in February 1850 under his editorship. He was a contemporary of Charles Lorenz and accompanied him to England in 1853. He had a distinguished career at Cambridge, entered Lincoln’s Inn, was admitted a Barrister and returned to Ceylon. In 1862 he was acting Deputy Queen’s Advocate for the Southern Circuit. (DBU Journal, Vol XXVII, Part 3, 1938)
NELL, Louis, born November 26, 1830, died Cheswick, UK, May 17, 1922. He was of a more artistic temperament and seems to have been a more prolific writer than his brother Frederick. Louis was a better poet than a prose writer and in the opinion of those qualified to judge, is entitled to a higher place among Ceylon poets. He was editor of the “Examiner” at one time after it was bought by Lorenz. He started life as a Proctor and afterwards became an Advocate, serving as crown Counsel in Jaffna, Kandy, Kurunegala and Galle. Retiring in 1893 at the age of 62, he travelled extensively in Switzerland, Italy and Germany and in 1904 published a book of verse entitled “Ideal Art and Faith”. He died at Chiswick in England on May 17, 1922, at the age of 91. (DBU Journal, Vol XXVII, Part 3, 1938)
NELL, Dr Winifred, born 24 March, 1882, died 24 August 1943. Daughter of Louis Nell & Caroline Eliza Cherrington. L.M.S. (Cey), attached to the Lady Havelock Hospital, Colombo. (Google Information)
NICHOLAS, Capt. Cyril Wace, MC, KRR, born August 5, 1898, died August 14, 1961, educated at Royal College, Colombo, he went on to study at the University of Cambridge. However, he left before finishing his degree due to the outset of WW 1 to join the British Army and was commissioned in to the King’s Royal Rifles. He became a subaltern, later promoted to captain. He saw action on the western front, winning a Military Cross for bravery in the field. However, he had to quit the army in two years’ time because of an injury he sustained in battle. The shrapnel remained in his heart muscles and he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in the field. Mr. Nicholas returned to Ceylon at the age of 22.
Sitting for the Special Civil Service Examination for War Service personnel, he was placed first on the list, but was not appointed to the Ceylon Civil Service on medical grounds. He was accepted to the Department of Excise and became an Assistant Superintendent of Excise in Batticaloa and served in many parts of the island. He was promoted as deputy Commissioner of Excise. On December 1, 1950, he became the first Warden of the newly established Wild Life Department. From the outset, Mr. Nicholas also recognized the importance of systematic research and its need as a basis for improved management of wildlife. He worked more by intuition than by method, and given his background in classical education, practiced science as an art. He had a great love for the ancient history of the island, its remarkable irrigation schemes, and its fauna and flora. Being unmarried, he was prolific in his research and publications as a spawning salmon. His writings in The Ceylon Forester, provide a scholarly analysis of the status of the Ceylon elephant in antiquity. Mr. Nicholas traces the fate of the elephant from the early Sinhalese period to that of the British. We learn that centuries before the birth of Christ, the ancestors of the Sinhalese brought with them from Northern India, their inherited skill in the capture and domestication of the elephant, which was found nearly all over the island. Mr. Nicholas was a man ahead of his time. Long before the concepts of the Minimum Viable Population (MVP) and Forest Corridors became a part of the lexicon of Conservation Biology in the west, he had enunciated them in no ambiguous terms. In the Administration Report for the year 1953, Mr. Nicholas states that, "there is a biological minimum for every species of animal; if the population falls below that minimum, breeding ceases and extinction follows". He also recognized the futility of trying to census the elephant in Ceylon, given the dense and tangled nature of the vegetation it inhabits. Instead of being obsessed with numbers, he addressed far more important issues such as migration of elephants; the disruption of migratory pathways by agriculture or human settlement; the colonisation of new habitats by displaced elephants when large areas were opened yearly for agricultural purposes; the importance of forest corridors to prevent (genetic) isolation of herds; the increasing, abnormal proportion of lone, bull elephants; the rarity of even moderately large herds, and the behaviour of wild elephants in the presence of man. In the 1950’s roughly one elephant was killed by farmers per week in defence of crops. Today, the rate has tripled. Mr. Nicholas did not restrict his observations to animals alone. His account of the Wild Flowers of Yala and Wilpattu in The Ceylon Forester (1959) remains a minor classic. In addition, he prepared keys for the identification of the common grasses, sedges, shrubs, and trees in the reserves. In addition to his work on wildlife, Mr. Nicholas was particularly interested in the history and antiquities of Sri Lanka, and devoted almost his entire adult life to the study of ancient inscriptions in the Brahmi script found in caves and rocks in remote areas. When he was the Warden of Wild Life Department, he would visit the caves in Yala (Block I of the Ruhuna National Park) as often as possible and eye-copied the inscriptions for future study. His early military training was certainly an advantage in visiting remote areas in search of cave inscriptions. His detailed study of more than 400 cave inscriptions and the publication of the texts and translations represent a level of scholarship that is unmatched even today. Mr. Nicholas became well known and respected for his numerous scholarly contributions to the Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, and the University of Ceylon Review. One contribution entitled, "Historical Topography of Ancient and Medieval Ceylon" formed the entire issue of the Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (Vol. VI, new series), running to 233 pages! In the words of Prof. Senarat Paranavitana, this monograph "will no doubt remain the standard work on the subject for many years to come". It covers the period from the earliest times to the end of the 13th century A.D. by which time, the medieval Sinhala Kingdom had begun to disintegrate. "A short account of the history of irrigation works up to the 11th century" published in the Journal brings out a vast array of facts hitherto unknown to the general public. The University of Ceylon in recognition of the need to compile a comprehensive History of Ceylon, invited various specialists to contribute chapters in their fields of expertise, and one of them was Mr. Nicholas — a person to whom the lack of a University degree was not a hindrance to the pursuit of excellence. He was also appointed a member of the Editorial Board. A few days before his death the Royal Asiatic Society was on the point of awarding him its gold medal. The University of Ceylon awarded him an honorary doctorate posthumously. (Contributed by Charles Santiapillai & Wikipedia)
ONDARCHIE, Craig Philip, born June 2, 1962 in Australia. Educated at Kingswood College, year 11, in 1980, Certificate of Business Studies 1981-1983 at Swinburne University, Melbourne. Company-sponsored short courses, Financial Management, Media Training, Marketing, Industrial Relations, Management and Leadership, IT, Health & Safety 1985-1982. MBA subjects: London School of Economics, Executive Course 1989, Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Corporate Governance 2002, York University, Toronto, Canada. Executive Director, Marketing Manager. Various Roles, State Electricity Commission 1980-1984, Regional Marketing Manager, State Electricity Commission of Victoria 1991-1994, Manager Business Development Solaris Power 1994-1997, Victorian Development Manager, AGL 1997-1999, Group Business Development Manager, AGL 1999-2002, Executive Director, The Royal Women’s Hospital, 2004-2005, Director, Australia & NZ South West of England, 2004-2010, Managing Partner RADNO Pty Ltd, 2002-2010. A member of the Liberal Party since 1997, he was elected Member of the legislative Council (MLC) for Northern Metropolitan in the November 2010, Victorian State Elections, he was re-elected in November 2018. Shadow Minister for Investment and Jobs, December 2014-December 2018, Shadow Minister for Trade, December 2014-December 2018, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, April 2013-December 2018 (Wikipedia & Victorian Parliamentary Website)
ONDATJE, Frank – born August 16, 1883. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Practised as a Proctor for some years from 1912. Mobilised with C.A.V. during the War years. Later assumed sports editorship of the “Ceylon Independent” in 1919. Captain Royal cricket XI. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
ONDAATJE, Philip Michael, OC, born Colombo 1943, immigrated to England in 1952with his mother, brother and sister. 1962, emigrated to Canada. He attended Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. 1965 received BA from University of Toronto. 1967 received MA from Queen’s University. 1971-1983 taught at various institutions, including University of Western Ontario, York University, University of Hawaii at Manooa, Brown University and the University of Toronto and Glendon College, Toronto. In 1967 he started with poetry publishing. In 1982, he published ‘Running in the Family’ a fictional biography of his childhood in Ceylon. He continued with publications, such as ‘In the Skin of a Lion’, ‘The English Patient’, ‘Coming Through Slaughter’ and ‘Anil’s Ghost’. ‘The English Patient’ went on to win the Booker Prize, the Canada Australia Prize and the Canada Governor General’s Award and was later adapted into an Academy Award winning motion picture. He has done short movies, plays and photography and is also an editor and has read, influenced and shaped numerous Canadian authors. In 1988 he was awarded the OC (Office of the Order of Canada) for his services to Canadian Literature. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007
ONDAATJE, Sir Phillip Christopher, born 1933. As a child he moved to England where he was educated at Blundell’s School, Tiverton. In 1954, emigrated from Ceylon to England. In 1956, emigrated from England to Canada. He became highly successful in banking, finance and publishing. In 1967, he was President of The Pagurian Press Ltd, later Pagurian Corporation Ltd, Toronto, Canada. Before the Company was sold assets of the company totaled Can $500 million, with the company controlling assets of over Can $1 billion. 1970-1988, Founding Partner in Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon & Co. Ltd. In 1992, re-purchased control of the company. In 1995, retired from the world of finance and sold control of the company. Since then he has devoted his time to travelling, writing and administering the ‘Ondaatje Foundation’, which fosters the development of learning and international understanding. Since making a substantial donation to the National Portrait Gallery he has continued to be actively involved in Gallery affairs. The ‘Ondaatje Wing’ opened in 2000. He was a member of the Canadian Olympic Bobsled team in 1964. He has association and membership of ten groups, some of them being - yachting, cricket, travel, geography etc. He is a respected writer of thought provoking books dealing with significant political, historical and geographical events. He had written eight books to October 2003. In 1993 he was named Officer, Order of Canada (OC). Received three LLDs, honoris causa, one from Dalhouise University in 1994, the second from the University of Buckingham in 2003 and third from Exeter University, also in 2003. In 2000, he was made a Commander in the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s birthday honours list. In 2003, he was awarded a Knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours list. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
OORLOFF, Dr Arthur Felix, born, May 5, 1860, Colombo, Ceylon. He obtained his degree, MBCM at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. In 1881, he was Deputy Assistant Colonial Surgeon, 1883, Assistant Colonial Surgeon, 1894, Acting Medical Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Colombo, 1889, Provincial Surgeon, Civil Medical Department. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
OORLOFF, Cedric James, born, December 5, 1906, Colombo, Ceylon, died 1986. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Obtained B.A. (Hons) from London University, also an Honours Degree in Classics. In 1932 he entered the Ceylon Service and served as Magistrate and Assistant Government Agent.
In 1938, he was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Lands. In 1939, Landing Surveyor, HM Customs. In 1942, Deputy Collector of Customs. In 1942, Assistant Government Agent, Hambantota. Whilst serving additional Land Commissioner in Colombo, he was selected as official Secretary to the newly appointed Ceylon High Commissioner to Australia. He was mainly responsible for setting up the Ceylon Embassy in Canberra. Returning to Ceylon in1949, he resigned from Government service to become the first Ceylonese Principal of Wesley College. In 1957 he was appointed Principal of Trinity College, Kandy (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Bobby Caspersz)
OUTSCHOORN, Ladislaus (Laddie) Frederick, – born Colombo, Ceylon, September 26, 1918, died, Westminster, London, January 9, 1994. He was a first-class cricketer, a right-handed batsman and occasional right-arm medium-pace bowler who played for Worcestershire in the years after the Second World War. While working in Malaya, he played two matches for the Straits Settlements against the Federated Malay States in 1939 and 1940. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese in World War II, and went to England afterwards for rehabilitation. A talented cricketer who played for Worcestershire in England, 1946-1959. He was one of the first Ceylonese cricketers to succeed in English cricket. He made his first-class debut in July 1946 for Worcestershire against Combined Services at New Road, scoring 3 and 9. His career proper began in 1947, when he played 21 times for the county, although averaging a mediocre 23.39 with a top score of only 66. He improved markedly the following summer, passing 1,000 runs for the first time, hitting his first century, exactly 100 not out against Derbyshire, and gaining his county cap. He also took his first wickets in 1948, when he took three in a match against Gloucestershire in May. He was a champion close fielder in slip or gully; in 1949 he took 55 catches, more than any other fieldsman in England. Although he never surpassed the 12 wickets he claimed in 1948, his batting continued to improve, and he passed 1,000 runs in seven of the next eight seasons, helped in 1949 by his career-best score of 215 not out against Northampshire. His best year was probably 1951, when he made 1,761 runs at 35.93 (his best season's average) including four centuries, as well as taking 43 catches. His batting declined in the late 1950s, although he rallied himself for his last season, 1959, when he made 1,271 first-class runs. He had an eccentric style of batting, "[rocking] back to cut at almost anything, half-volleys even, or [jumping] out of the crease to make full-tosses of good length balls". Unusually for a cricketer of the period, he exercised with weights every morning. Only five of his 346 first-class games were for a team other than Worcestershire, all for a Commonwealth XI against an England XI at the end-of-season Hastings Festival. His very last first-class innings, in September 1959, was for the Commonwealth XI: he made 58. He played for Worcestershire's second team on several occasions in 1960. He was appointed national coach of Ceylon in 1966. (Wikipedia)
PARSONS, Mauren Mary (nee ARNOLDA), born April 1, 1934, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, Colombo. She is the daughter of Augustus Bobby Arnolda and Mabel Mary Scholastica Kelaart. She married, Noel Augustus Solomons, on May 30, 1953, Bambalapitiya, Ceylon. Employed 1951-1966, Receptionist, Typist, Travel Correspondent, American Express Co, Colombo. Secretary to MD, Ceylon Development Engineering, Colombo. Immigrated to Germany in 1966, she followed a German Language Intensive Course, Goethe Institute, Munich. Employed as a Stenographer (English) Kockner Humboldt, Duetz Engineering, Cologne. Immigrated to England in 1967. Employed as a Personal Secretary to MD, Ansafone Rentals Ltd, London in 1967, Personal Secretary to Director, Commercial Gas, London between 1968-69. She married George William Parsons, on December 17, 1971, in Middlesex, England. Employed at Canadian High Commission, London, between 1970-72. Employed as Private Secretary to Director, National Board of Canada, London, between 1972-80. Employed as Private Secretary to CEO, The Sutton Place Heritage Trust, Surrey, between 1981-82. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1982. Employed 1983-89, as Secretary to Director, Channel 9, Melbourne, Secretary to MD Humes Ltd, Melbourne, Secretary, Shell Co (Australia) Ltd, Melbourne, Secretary, Department of Property & Services, Victorian Government. Secretary, Metropolitan Transport, Melbourne, Assistant to CEO, Child Accident Prevention Foundation, Melbourne. After 1987, Secretary, Woodside Petroleum, Melbourne. Employed as Secretary to Director of Exploration, BHP Petroleum PL, Melbourne, between 1990-94. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
PATERNOTT, Lloyd, educated at Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. An avid cricketer, he was a left hand bat, left arm spin bowler and one of the best fieldsman produced by the College. In the inter-house tournament (under 14) in the finals he claimed 8 wickets for 2 runs. In 1964, he was a regular member of the first eleven cricket team and captained in 1966/67. His best figures were 8/50 versus Zahira College. While at school he represented Moratuwa Sports Club in the Daily News Trophy. Leaving School he joined the Royal Ceylon Air Force and walked into the cricket team. From 1974 – 1980 he played in the Division Two Donovan Andree Cricket Tournament. Leaving the Air Force, he joined the Negombo Cricket Club. He then moved to Oman and joined the Oman Defence Forces as a store keeper. He later joined the Oman Air Force and played in their cricket team, later captaining the team. With the death of his wife, he returned to Sri Lanka, it was also the end of his cricket career. (Contributed by Dilwin Mendis, Moratuwa)
PAULUSZ, James Gerard – born, December 4, 1870, died, October 21, 1939. Educated Trinity and Royal College. He began his careers as an Assistant Master at Royal College in 1890, Senior Assistant Master, 1920. Librarian, 1921 On more than one occasion he acted as Vice-Principal. He too was a loyal supporter of the DBU and undertook and creditably performed the duties of Honorary Secretary of the union. He was one of the prime movers in the formation of the Havelocks Golf Club. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, Part 4, 1931 & CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924))
PAULUSZ, Jan Gilbert, born, November 1, 1929, Colombo, Ceylon, died, December 5, 2017, Fakenham, Norfolk, England. From childhood his ambition was to become a barrister in law. He was home-schooled and had a particular aptitude for Latin in which he later developed a deep knowledge which served him well in his future career. He left Ceylon with his mother and siblings for the UK in 1947 where he attended the Leys school in Cambridge. After completing his National Service in the South Lancashire Regiment, where he saw service in Eritrea, he achieved his ambition of becoming a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn where he was called to the bar in 1957. He was widely regarded as an excellent criminal lawyer and was later appointed one of Her Majesties Recorders. Many of his cases were reported in the press, as for example when he ruled that an unmarried woman had the right to throw out an abusive partner from their home, even if he was the owner of the property, a judgement which was upheld on appeal. He was a persuasive public speaker and had a wide knowledge of English literature and an almost photographic memory for verse. He was convivial friend with a talent for making friends in all walks of life, and he kept a lifelong interest in colloquial Sinhala which he enjoyed using with expatriate Sri Lankans whenever he could. (Contributed by Yvette Paulusz)
PAULUSZ, Jan Hendrik Olivier, born, September 21, 1900, died, November 25, 1993, Westbury, Wiltshire, England. He was known as ‘Generaal’ to his friends. During the Boer War, Boer prisoners were kept in a POW Camp at Diyatalawa, among whom was General Jan Hendrik Olivier. He became a friend of James Gerard Paulusz, ‘Generaals’ father, who asked him to be God Father of his eldest son’. He was a good student and showed promise from an early age at the Catholic Convent he attended in Matara, and later at Royal College in Colombo, where he regularly won prizes in English and Classics, including the prestigious Turnour prize in his last year. He went on to win the Ceylon Government Scholarship in Arts to Oxford in 1920 and at Exeter College took a Degree in Classics. He had been a keen boxer from childhood in Matara and represented the University in boxing and swimming at sporting events. After University, he read 17th Century Dutch in the Netherlands before returning to Ceylon. Back in Colombo he worked in the Ceylon Government Archives, becoming the Assistant Government Archivist in 1940. An important contribution to historical research was his translation of the ‘Secret Minutes of the Dutch Political Council in 1762’. Published in 1954, which gave a first-hand account of the discussions of the Council on matters relating to Ceylon at that time. As well as many scholarly papers on the Dutch Period in Ceylon, he also regularly contributed popular articles on colourful and interesting episodes in Sri Lankan history. He was awarded the Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch) Gold Medal for Historical Research in 1957. He also began working on editing new material for Robert Knox’s ‘Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon’. This works was interrupted when he was appointed Ceylon Chargé d’Affaires to the Netherlands in 1957 – the island’s first diplomatic mission to the Netherlands. His knowledge of Dutch, and the historical connection between Ceylon and the Dutch East India Company were a huge help in arousing interests in Sri Lanka, satisfying the curiosity of the Dutch people about their 17th century links with the island. He went on to serve as Minister Councillor at the Ceylon Embassy in Washington DC during the eventful Kennedy years and finally as Ceylon’s Ambassador to Indonesia, before he retired to North Wales in the UK. He was always a withering critic of the colonial system and perhaps he was amused by the political graffiti painted on walls by Welsh separatists in the sixties near his home. In retirement he had the time to pass lone periods in The Hague at the National Archives completing his work on the introduction to the new edition of ‘An Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon’ by Robert Knox, whch was published in 1989. (Contributed by Yvette Paulusz)
PELLS, Melanie Hester (nee COOKE), born 13 Dec 1973 in Mordialloc, Vic, Australia. She is the daughter of Adrian Victor Denzil Cooke & Margot Valerie Koch. She married Steven Edward Pells on 21 Dec 2001 in North Sydney Christ Church, Sydney, Australia. During High school she studied singing with a prominent classical teacher, but it was in the High School Stage Band that she found her true voice in those mellow tunes from New Orleans. Her singing career started in the back of the family Mazda. Singing along to her father's Linda Ronstadt tapes, she would belt out Blue Bayou on those family road-trips between Melbourne and Sydney. Enrolled in a North Shore primary school she felt like a total outsider and endured lots of name-calling, but by sixth grade she had music teachers in awe of her voice, not to mention those audiences full of amazed parents. There is something Angelic about the way Mel sings Jazz. It's so smooth and honey-sweet. To this day the people who've known Melanie long enough will swear that Jazz is the only kind of music that really brings out the quality of her voice and they mourn the day she forsook it to take up pop. After four appearances in the New South Wales Schools Spectacular where she sang Whitney Houston, Manhattan Transfer and Judy Garland songs to packed houses at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, she completed her HSC and went on to become one of those "suffer for the music" types, who sang Jazz in clubs for next to nothing. Then, under the influence of some Christian musicians she befriended, she began to strum guitars. And the focus began to change. Although Jazz had brought out the qualities of her voice so completely, she was learning to respect the power of the lyric through listening to the great female folk artists of the sixties. Her direction in music took a turn and she started to express her views of the world by writing her own songs. As a young Christian Melanie decided to use her song writing skills to encourage and communicate with others about Christ's sacrifice on the cross and to help people who were already Christian think about the world in which they live. Her first solo album is the pinnacle of a career in Christian music that has lasted ten years. Being part of a Christian band called ‘Northern Line’ was a fantastic experience through which she touched many with her lyrics. And it was busy. There were gigs every weekend, rehearsals and the pressures of trying to hold down a job to keep her ministry afloat. When she began to lose her voice because of nodules growing on her throat she faced her darkest of days. During that time Melanie had to redefine herself and her faith. It brought her closer to God than she had ever been before. Thanks to God, the nodules are gone and so are the dark days. She is a singer/guitarist/songwriter. She combines musical and spiritual experience to produce a performance that is entertaining and challenging. Genre: Contemporary Pop with Rock/Folk influences. About the Album: The album developed over a year as Melanie, her brother John, and guitarist Steve Pells, spent time writing and recording songs in a home studio in the attic of Steve's parent’s house. The development of theme and spirit in the songs, and a relationship between Steve and Melanie, found them scratching together some cash and approaching producer Hugh Wilson with the request produce hootin' album. Ten long days at Timelock studios saw Hugh masterfully nurture the vision and inject his own signature sound, forming an album true both to Melanie's music and person and to Hugh's genius. An album with a unique blend of faith, history, lore and modern grooves. US Release Date: Winter 2002 "Melanie Cooke is a gifted performer. She has a powerful and convincing vocal and draws audiences in with her intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics." – CLAIRE HAZZARD" Melanie Cooke is a singer/guitarist/songwriter. She combines musical and spiritual experience to produce a performance that is entertaining and challenging. Centered around her powerful voice, her haunting melodies and poetry, the sound is enhanced by the soulful harmonies and musical guitar-work of Steve Pells. A lifetime in music and live performances has honed her skills. She has had experience in both the secular and Christian music industries. She has fronted professional Jazz, Funk, Soul and Blues bands on the Sydney music scene. She sang for the corporate function band ‘Hipnosis’ for six years, for the Blues Brothers Cover Band and The Café Show Band for three years. She studied singing under prominent Jazz musicians Joy Yates and Dave McCrae, and under Judy Bailey from the Sydney Conservatorium of music. Melanie's voice has been used for numerous Television and radio advertisements. Her ability to produce "single take" results has earned her performances on several worship music CDs and has prompted other Christian artists to acquire her backing vocals on their albums. During her career Melanie has played to audiences at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, the Opera House, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney's Parliament House, pubs, clubs, concert halls, music festivals, universities, high schools, jails, corporate events, youth groups, youth conventions and Churches. As a soloist she has supported the bands Stella One Eleven, Blue Bottle Kiss and Paul Colman. Melanie has had experience in both the secular and Christian music industries. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
PERERA, Wendy Michelle (nee FORBES), born March 26, 1965, Kandy, Sri Lanka. She is the daughter of Dr Charles Forbes & Noelle Forbes. Educated at St Lawrence’s School, Wellawatte, Colombo, then at Holy Family Convent, Colombo. Awarded Mahapola Merit Scholarship, for entire University Education in Sri Lanka. Between 1988-1989, Audit Trainee Wanasinghe Associates, June 1989 – September 1992, In 1991, Bachelor of Commerce, University of Ceylon, Sri Lanka. Project Officer DFCC Bank, Colombo. Awarded Government of Norway Scholarship for Masters, Business Administration at AIT. In 1993, Associated Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK. In 1994, Masters, Business Administration – Asian Institute of Management, Bangkok, Thailand. August 1994 – August 1996, Assistant Senior Consultant – Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Colombo. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, August 1997. She married Kalutantrige Janaka Weerasiri Perera, on July 4, 1992, Colombo, Sri Lanka. October 2000 – Senior Accountant, Raso & Co. Pty. Ltd, Melbourne. (Contributed by Bobby caspersz)
PEREIRA, Dodwell Augustine Ohlmus, born February 24, 1898, Colombo, Ceylon, died, September 29, 1961, Colombo, Ceylon. He was a distinguished soccer and hockey player and was a member of the Ceylonese team which first met the Europeans in 1921. He represented Ceylon in the Ceylon Field Hockey team for Madras, India in March 1924. He captained the Ceylon Field Hockey Team 1933-1934. He was a member of the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI), he was in the 1918 CLI Field Hockey Team
that retained the Moore Shield. He was employed as the Chief Accountant at the Times of Ceylon. (Contributed by George Pereira)
PEREIRA, Prof. Eustace Oliver Edwin, 1905 – He graduated with First Class honours in the London BSc Examination. He won a Government Scholarship to Cambridge University in 1928 and obtained a First Class in the Mechanical Science Tripos in 1931. He served in the PWD from 1932 to 1047. In 1947, he was appointed Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Ceylon. In 1952 he became dean of the Faculty of Engineering and was appointed Vice-Chancellor 1969 to 1971. (DBU Journal, Vol LXII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1985)
PEREIRA, George Seymour, born October 27, 1942, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo, 1947 – 1960. Sergeant in the Ceylon Cadet Corps and Head of the College Debating Society. Employed as an Apprentice Linotype Operator at the Times of Ceylon from January 1961 to September 1963. Immigrated to Canada in September 1963. Employed at Canada’s largest newspaper, the Toronto Star, from 1964 – 2004. Domiciled in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. (Contributed)
PEREIRA, Eustace Lorenz, July 4, 1939, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo, where he was the Head Prefect (1959) and was awarded the highly coveted Dornhorst Memorial Prize for the best all-round student. He obtained five colours in major sports – cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics and Public Schools Athletics Colours, excelling in all. He also captained the Royal cricket and tennis teams and captained Sri Lanka at Rugby. He was an attacking left-hand batsman, wily off spinner and a gully fielder par excellence. In 1958, he captained the Combined Colleges Cricket team against a visiting Western Australia Schoolboy Cricket team. In 1959, he was awarded the prestigious Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award. In rugby, he excelled playing right wing for Royal, scoring many tries due to his exceptional speed and deceptive running skills. His famous try in the Royal vs Trinity rugby match of 1958, stands out as the most innovative try scored in the history of the game internationally, where playing on the right wing, he threw the ball in a line-out and ran across the ensuing three-quarter movement to gather the ball from the left-winger and score by the left corner flag. Whilst still at school, he was picked to play for Sri Lanka and later played against a full international England rugby team in 1971. Tennis was another sport that he excelled in, being runner-up in the finals of the Senior Public Schools Tennis Tournament. He could easily be regarded as the most outstanding all-round sportsman produced not only in the history of Royal but arguably all Sri Lankan schools. Most importantly, is his contribution to being a true sportsman, both on and off the field. After leaving Royal, he played cricket for the SSC and rugby for the CR and FC, before leaving to study at Cambridge University, UK, where he obtained an MA in Land Economics. At Cambridge he played a few games of cricket for the University. On his return to Sri Lanka, he joined the tea brokering firm of John Keels Ltd and indulged in numerous sporting activities, becoming the first non-white to captain both the CCC and CH and FC, cricket and rugby respectively. He resigned from John Keels Ltd, to immigrate to Melbourne, Australia with his wife and three children in 1974. He joined the Victorian Government Planning Department and rose to be to be a Senior Planner and Project Manager of numerous major mixed-use residential developments valued at over $4 billion. However, his major achievement was the introduction of the retractable roof on the internationally acclaimed National Tennis Stadium. In 2012 he was awarded the Urban Development Institute of Australia Award for Excellence for his work on Urban Renewal. He worked at the Planning Department for 40 years, retiring in December 2019. He was responsible for establishing the Cambridge Society of Australia in July 1984. He was a core member of a Task Force that compiled a planning and development strategy for Sri Lanka titled Urban Revolution of Sri Lanka and was also responsible for writing its foreword and conclusion. The Strategy was E-launched by the President of Sri Lanka on November 2019. (Contributed)
PEREIRA, Mark Anton Ohlmus, born May 21, 1935, died November 21, 2012, Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo, where he represented the College in Tennis and Cricket and was the opening batsman in 1952 and 1953. He was employed by the Accounts Department at Colombo Commercial Company from 1953 to 1965. He played cricket in their team in the Mercantile League and also for the Colombo Colts, where he held the post of Secretary. He immigrated with his family to Toronto, Canada in 1965. There he worked for Byron Jackson and continued playing cricket with the Parkdale Cricket Club. He inaugurated the Toronto-Montreal cricket competition with fellow Ceylonese. He was the founding member of the Iroquois Tennis Club in Agincourt. In 1981, he emigrated to Australia with his wife and younger daughter and was employed by Nissan Motor Manufacturing from 1981 until 2000. He joined Buckley Ridges Cricket Club where he was made life member and continued playing until 69 years of age. He was also a Founding Member of St Paul Apostle Tennis Club. He introduced and mentored numerous young players, including family, in both cricket and tennis (Contributed by George Pereira)
PHOEBUS, Very. Rev. Fr Dom. Gregory, O.S.B. – born September, 1895, died January 20,1957. Educated at St Aloysius College Galle and St Anthony’s College, Kandy. After a short while in Government Service, he entered the Silvestro Benediction Monastery, to study for the Priesthood. He was ordained on December 19, 1925 and Served in various Parishes of the Kandy Diocese. He was for quite some time, the President of the Kandy Social Service League. In 1953, he was elected Superior-Major of the Sylvestro Benedictines in Ceylon, which office he held up till 1959. (Times of Ceylon, January 24, 1957)
PHOEBUS, Michael Vere Derek, born, April 8, 1933, Kandy, Ceylon, died November 26, Melbourne, Australia. Squadron Leader, Ceylon Air Force. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
PIACHAUD, James Daniel (Dan), born, March 1, 1937. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo and Keble College, Oxford, England. Piachaud was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. He made his first-class debut for Oxford University in England in 1958 against Gloucestershire. After playing fifteen matches for Oxford University up until June of the 1960 season, Piachaud joined Hampshire for the remainder of the 1960 County Championship season. He made his debut for the club against Nottinghamshire in July, and represented the club in twelve first-class matches, the last of which came against Somerset in August. He took 29 wickets at an average of 29.31 with best bowling figures of 4-62. This was to his only season with the club. In 1961 Piachaud represented Oxford University in a further seven first-class matches. In all first-class matches for the University he took 149 wickets at an average of 25.25 with best bowling figures of 8-72. He played his last match for the University against Cambridge University in 1961. Piachaud also played three matches of first-class cricket for the Marylebone Cricket Club, making his debut against Cambridge University in 1962 and playing his last first-class match for them against Ireland in 1968. Piachaud also represented his country Ceylon once in first-class cricket in 1968 against the Marylebone Cricket Club. He was selected to tour England with the Ceylon team in 1968, but the tour was cancelled just before it was due to begin. Piachaud also played first-class cricket for the Gentlemen against the Players in 1961; for E.W. Swanton's XI against an Indian XI in 1964; and for the Free Foresters against Oxford University in 1968. He toured Bangladesh with the MCC in 1976-77. In September 2018, he was one of 49 former Sri Lankan cricketers felicitated by Sri Lanka Cricket, to honour them for their services before Sri Lanka became a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).(Wikipedia)
PINDER-MORTIMER, Beverley, born Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 14, 1955. She immigrated to Melbourne with her parents and siblings in the mid 1960’s. Educated at Elwood High School and Springvale High School. Starting out in 1970 with her win in the Junior Miss Victoria Contest (14-16 years), she entered many pageants in her career, with her swansong being the Australian Beauty Queen in 1978. This was the pinnacle that led her to path of public relations and her business life. Since 1985, she has been the Managing Director of Rowland Pinder Communication Consultants. She is also a green belt in Karate. She also founded Beverley Pinder Pty Ltd in 1985. She has nearly 40 years’ experience in the field of Public Relations. She was a Councilor with the City of Melbourne from October 2012 to 2016. She returned to the Melbourne City Council on January 15, 2018 on a countback following the resignation of the sitting Councillor. She chairs a number of Committees in the Council. After completing her first term as Councillor in 2016, she returned to attend to her business full-time. She returned to Council in January 2018, as the Chair of the People City portfolio and deputy chair of small business, retail and hospitality. She also devotes significant time, energy and effort over the years and has been involved in many not-for-profit charities. She donated her salary for the first six months of her second term on Council to the Fr Bob Mcguire Foundation. She is married to businessman and IT entrepreneur Russell Mortimer and has twin sons, Jake and Andre. (Wikipedia)
POTGER, Keith Leon, Born Colombo in 1941. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with his parents and grandparents in 1948. Educated at Melbourne High School. He started out in the music business as a radio producer, then performed with the ‘Trinamics’ and the ‘Escorts’, which was a four-piece group, Keith Potger, Athol Guy, Ken Ray and Bob Turnbull. In 1962, with the change of one member (Bruce Woodley replaced Bob Turnbull), it became ‘The Seekers’, Judith Durham then joined the group as a replacement singer for Ken Ray. In 1968 ‘The Seekers’ disbanded and the members went their different ways. In 1969, Keith with business partner David Joseph, formed a new group ‘New Seekers’, they found instant success that rivalled even that of the original ‘Seekers’. In 1975, Keith, Athol Guy and Bruce Woodley with new lead singer Louise Wisseling got together again as ‘The Seekers’. They continued on but were hardly recognizable as the hit group of the 1960’s. In 1993 Judith Durham returned to the group for a sell-out 25th anniversary tour of Australia and New Zealand. In 2000 they waved the world goodbye on an international tour. Since then he has been forming solo concerts in Australia, the UK and United States. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
POULIER, Reginald Sydney Vernon – born August 3, 1894. Educated Royal College, Colombo. B.A. (Lond).Cadet Ceylon Civil Service, local division., August 1919. Attached Galle Kachcheri, August 1919, Matale, February 1921, Police Magistrate, Matale, February 1921. District Judge, Tangalle, March 1923. He held appointments in the Education Department, from October 1, 1914, until his appointment to the civil service. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
POULIER, William James Stephen, born, August 2, 1915, Kandy, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo. He qualified as a Civil Engineer in Edinburgh, obtaining his BSc (Edin) degree. He was a well-known swimmer and diver and was one of the founding-members of the Otters Aquatic Club, Colombo. He worked for many years as an engineer in the Department of Irrigation and a short while at the Ceylon Transport Board. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
PRINS, Dr Lorenz Arthur – born May 11, 1872. Educated at Trinity College, Kandy and St Thomas’ College, Mutwal, he entered the Ceylon Medical College and took his licence in 1895. In January 1896 he began his career under the Ceylon Government. In 1900 he was appointed one of Dr Garvin’s assistants in the Boer Camp at Diyatalawa. In 1905 he obtained the L.R.C.P. and S. Edinburgh, with an Honours Certificate of the London School of Tropical Medicine in 1906. He served as Medical Officer, Tuticorin from 1909-1916 and as Medical Officer, Nuwara Eliya from 1916-1922. From 1923 to 1930 he was Inspecting Medical Officer and then filled in rapid succession the posts of Assistant Director and Deputy Director of Medical Services. (DBU Journal, Vol XXI, Part 4, 1932)
RAFFEL, Dr William Henry Alan – born February 9, 1875, died 1942 Educated Royal College. As a left-hand bowler he was considered, in his prime, even greater than Tommy Kelaart, but he met with an accident that cut short his bowling career, and hence his record in point of the number of great achievements credited to him is not so striking as that of his famous club mate. He played much club cricket in Scotland, meeting with much success as an all-round player for the Carlton Club. As a batsman too, he met with much success in Ceylon cricket and excelled as a slip fielder. He captained the Colts admirable for many years. (S.P.Foenander – Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket, 1924)
RASQUINHO, Cynthia Doris Frances ‘Raski’ (nee ERNST), died June 17, 2020, in Colombo, aged 91 years. Daughter of Leonard Percival Ernst and Eleanora Dorothea Beatrice Arnolda. She was educated at Methodist College, Colombo, where she excelled in different Sports, from track and field to netball. Although netball was Cynthia’s forte, she also shone in tennis and athletics. Having completed her schooling at Methodist College, Kollupitiya, Cynthia proceeded to Saidapet in Madras and qualified as a Physical Training instructress. She also played for the Sri Lanka Schools’ Net Ball team against Seychelles. She was the first to captain the Ceylon Netball team against Australia in 1952. She established her own netball club ‘The Shamrocks’ and went on to coach Methodist College and St Bridget’s Convent Netball teams for many years. In 1955 she became President of the Sri Lanka Netball Federation. She was the National Coach in 1976. She married Anthony Francis Tibertius (Tilbert) Rasquinho (Lankasara)
RAYMOND, Dr Anton, 1927 – 2007, Educated at Trinity College, Kandy. In 1945 he attended Medical College, Colombo and qualified as a doctor in 1953. He served at the Kandy General Hospital from 1953-1955, but had to leave as patients did not come to him, as they were scared of the family name, which was synonymous with the funeral industry. He moved to London, where he served as a doctor in a UK hospital. He later immigrated to Melbourne, where he had a flourishing practice. . (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
RAYMOND, Cuthbert Russell, OAM, born 1932, Colombo, Ceylon, died August 26, 2019, Karrakkata, West Australia. He was educated at St Aloysius College, Ratnapura and St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, Ceylon. At St Aloysius College he shone at Athletics and was once champion for Uva Province Schools with the Pole Vault event he competed in. At St Benedict’s he represented the college in its Soccer Team. He also had a fine musical ear and voice which made him the life and soul of many parties. In 1974, he immigrated with his wife and family to Perth, West Australia. He was employed as sub-editor at the ‘West Australian’ newspaper and the Editor of ‘The Countryman’. He was actively involved with the Ethnic Communities Council of West Australia (ECCWA) on both State and National level. In January 1994 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the North Perth Migrant Resource Centre (NPMRC) and to the Media. His contribution to the NPMRC since its inception was impressive. Finally becoming its Chairman. In the 1990’s, under his Presidency, ECCWA had an annual turnover of over $5 million dollars and full-time and senior policy positions, focusing on issues relating to women, youth and family. He served on the Boards of many organisations, including some in Office Bearer capacity. Some of which are the Australia Day Council, Advocare, Umbrella Community Services, the West Australian Sri Lankan Association and on the Oz Concert Committee. (Contributed by Lindsey Ambrose).
REDLICH, Vivian Percival, born March 31, 1881, died November 25, 1931. Educated Wesley College, Colombo. Acting Police Magistrate, Negombo, Jan 1908, Avisawella, June 1910, Western Province, February 1913, Additional Police, Magistrate, Kurunegala, June 1916, District Judge, Kegalle, October 1919, Additional Assistant Commissioner of Stamps, March 1923, Acting Police Magistrate, Galle, March 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
REID, Dr Barclay George (Buddy), MBBS (Cey), FRACS, was born on the 4th of November 1940, in Colombo, Ceylon. From around the age of 13 years he ran three parallel careers, in Studies/work, Cricket and Table Tennis. ln studies, At S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, Ceylon he won prizes in Mathematics and Science and in 1958 he won the prize for the Best All round student in studies and sport. He graduated as a doctor in 1965 from the Medical College, Colombo and after immigrating to Australia in 1973 he qualified as a surgeon as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of surgeons in 1975, having worked at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He worked as a consultant surgeon in private and public hospitals in Melbourne, using only the Medicare system so that none of his patients had to pay anything either for consultations or operations. ln Cricket he played for S. Thomas' College from the under 12 stage to the First Eleven and won his colours as opening batsman in 1-959. He then played for the University of Ceylon in the Sara Trophy tournament winning the Macan Markar Trophy for the highest individual score in his first season in 1960, the highest average in the Sara Trophy tournament twice, first in 1963 averaging 50 runs and next in 1964 averaging 42.1, and while playing later for the BRC, he had the highest aggregate of runs in the Sara Trophy in 1968 with 692 runs and again in 1969 with 702 runs. He was vice Captain of the University team that won the Sara Trophy in 1963 and Captain the following year when University was runner up by a narrow margin of 0.14 of a point. He played for Ceylon between 1964 and 1971 against, Australia, England and Pakistan, captaining Ceylon against England in 1969. He ended his career in an unofficial test against England, top scoring in both innings. ln 1995 in Melbourne, he was the first doctor to medically examine Muralitharan and certify his bowling action to be legal with no straightening of his congenitally bent elbow. This was done at the MCG, two days after the no-balling of Muralitharan by umpire Darrell Hair. ln Table Tennis he has won every title in every open tournament and every National title in Ceylon, in singles and doubles at junior and senior level. He was the National champion of Ceylon three times, in 1959, 1960 and 1962. He won the national doubles title 6 times and the mixed doubles once. In 1962 he won the triple crown in all but one of the open tournaments. He Captained the Ceylon team at the Peking lnternational Tournament in China in 1966, the Asian games in Bangkok in 1967 and the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Singapore in 1968. He was at one time, captain of the national team and Secretary of the Table Tennis Association simultaneously and later, Vice President and National Coach. He retired from the game in 1968 and after emigration to Australia he returned to the game 34 years later, in 2002 at the age of 62 years. At Veterans level, he won the Victorian State and Australian National singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles multiple times. His best achievements were becoming World Champion over 75 years in Spain in 2016 and World over 75 doubles champion in Los Vegas in 2018. He captained Australia against New Zealand and is the only man to have won the New Zealand veterans open triple crown three times in a row. He was inducted into the Victorian veterans Table Tennis Hall of fame. He has a few records to his credit. He is the only person to have captained Ceylon in Cricket and another sport. He is a double double international having captained one country in two sports and two countries in one sport. He held the record partnership in unofficial Cricket tests with opening partner Ranjit Fernando. Other sporting achievements were that he and partner P.S.Kumara won both the Tennis and Table Tennis doubles titles at S. Thomas College in 1958 and he also played badminton for the Colege. The Five Reid brothers hold the record for the largest number of brothers to have played for S. Thomas College. The Reid Gunesekera Trophy for the Second eleven Royal Thomian Match is named after the 5 Reid brothers of STC and the 6 Gunesekera brothers of Royal. Buddy played clarinet in the Neurones Dance band while at Medical College and now plays clarinet in Melbourne with the "Timeless" jazz band. ln Melbourne, he sang bass in the Combined Colleges of Sri Lanka choir, the Conchord Choir and the STC OBA choirs. He is a singer song writer with a few CD's to his credit. (Contributed)
REIMERS, Edmund, M.B.E., born January 30, 1881, died June 10, 1964. – He was educated at St Thomas’ College and joined the Government Clerical Service on January 3, 1900. He held several appointments in that Service until June 30, 1921. In 1916 he proceeded to England on War Service. While in the Clerical Service, when attached to the Library and Record Office, he found the time to make himself proficient in translating the old land grants or ‘Tombos’, which had been written in the period of the Dutch occupation of Maritime Ceylon. This interest and his proficiency in rendering into English, the archaic Colonial Dutch terms used in the compilation of old records, was reflected in his being elected to fill the office of Archivist. He spent some time in Holland qualifying himself for this office. On July 1, 1921, he was appointed to act as Archivist, Librarian and Record-Keeper. He was confirmed in that office on July 7, 1931 and retired ten years later. He was responsible for locating many documents, the existence which was unknown and the preparation of a National Archives Register. He was also responsible for the translation and publication of many old Dutch records and manuscripts, among which was the translation of the Memoirs of Dutch Governors. He published many papers on Dutch political and social history pertaining to Ceylon, and was also a popular lecturer on the subject. In 1934, he received the distinction of member ship in the Order of the British Empire. He later also received a decoration for his contribution to Dutch history from the Queen of the Netherlands. (DBU Journal, Vol LIV, Part’s 1 - 4, 1964)
ROBERTSON, Jack Edward, born 05.08.1949 in Galle. He was educated at St Thomas' College Matale and later at St Anthony's College Kandy from July 1967 to April 1969.While at St Thomas' Matale, at the age of 16 he represented the National Schools Cricket Association against the touring London Schools cricket team in 1966. Later playing for St Anthony's College, he was touted as the fastest bowler in schools cricket at the time. Jack also excelled at athletics and was a champion 110 m Hurdler. After leaving College in 1969 he was signed by the Colts Cricket Club to play first class cricket. He catapulted to the top in his first year, emerging as one of the best and most feared fast bowlers in Sri Lankan cricket. Jack was employed by Mackwoods Ltd where he helped their cricket team to be both Mercantile "A" Division and Tea Shippers champions. Jack got his first hat trick in the final of the Tea Shippers tournament. His best bowling effort for Colts was a match bag of 12 for 65 against the BRC. At the age of 21 in January 1971, he was picked for the All Ceylon team that toured South India for the Gopalan Trophy. In 1972 he immigrated to Melbourne Australia with his parents and siblings. He played a season of district for Prahran, but gave up cricket after a few months due to pressure of work at a new job at the Victorian State Transport Authority. (Contributed by Afzhal Laphir)
ROBINSON, Rev, Fr Dom Ildephonsus, OSB, (Theodore ROBINSON), born, November 9, 1924, Matale, Ceylon, died Arcadia, Australia, November 13, 2001. Educated at St Agne’s Convent, Matale, Ceylon and St. Thomas’s College, Matale. He was 17-years of age, when he professed as a Novice of the Sylvestro Benedictine Order, Kandy, After his Ordination, he studied at the University of Madras, India, where he obtained his BA degree, majoring in English, he then proceeded to Rome to further his studies in Theology. He was also at one time the Prior of the Benedictine Monastery, Ampitiya, Kandy. He was Principal St Anthony’s Col1ege, Kandy, during the schools take-over by the Government in 1967-1973. After much agitation and discussion, the College was allowed to continue as a private institution. He was later transferred to the Sylvestro Benedictine Monastery, in Arcadia, NSW, Australia (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy & Chris Drieberg)
RODÉ, Dr Garret Arnold – born October 9, 1865. L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas), L.M.S. (Cey). Medical Assistant, February 1890, Sub-Assistant Colonial Surgeon, January 1893, Deputy, Assistant Colonial Surgeon, December 1898, Chillaw, March 1901, Dambulla, June 1902, Galle, August 1903, Tangalle, April 1904, Deniyaya, January 1907, Ratnapura, Sept 1909, Gampola, September 1910, Convict Establishments January 1912 to July 1916, Port Surgeon, Colombo, March 1917, Provincial Surgeon, Northern Province, July 1921, North-West Province, November 1921. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
ROOSMALE-COCQ, Andrew Hendrik (Henry) born Colombo 26 Jan 1824 died Galle 1896. He was one of only 20 students in the initial intake at the Hill Street Academy started by Rev. Joseph Marsh in January 1835 as a private school and renamed the Colombo Academy as a Government Institution in January 1836. He joined the Ceylon Civil Service and served as District Judge at Galle from March 1845 to December 1883. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
ROOSMALE-COCQ, Alice Elisabeth, born 14 August 1854, Tangalle, Ceylon, died 17 January 1931, Kandy, Ceylon. Daughter of Robert Frederick Roosmale-Cocq and Susana Maria Adriana Hanesen. During her lifetime, she and her sisters Irene & Florence ran for many years, a home in Kandy for Eurasian children - the offspring of English planters and Ceylonese mothers, ranging from 1 to 9 years. The children were all sent to good schools either Trinity or St. Anthony’s for the boys, or Hillwood for the girls. All the children who passed through the hands of the sisters, remember that they never lacked for any kind of warmth or affection, and felt that they were living in a real home with a multiplicity of loving mothers. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
ROOSMALE-COCQ, Florence Marion, born 26 July 1866, Matara, Ceylon died 17 February 1935, Nuwara Eliya, Ceylon. Daughter of Robert Frederick Roosmale-Cocq and Susana Maria Adriana Hanesen. During her lifetime, she and her sisters Irene & Alice ran for many years, a home in Kandy for Eurasian children - the offspring of English planters and Ceylonese mothers, ranging from 1 to 9 years. The children were all sent to good schools either Trinity or St. Anthony’s for the boys, or Hillwood for the girls. All the children who passed through the hands of the sisters, remember that they never lacked for any kind of warmth or affection, and felt that they were living in a real home with a multiplicity of loving mothers. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
ROOSMALE-COCQ, Frederick Vivian, born 8 January 1910, Colombo. Died 25 May 1970, Kandy. Educated at Royal College, Colombo, where he was a member of the relay team which broke the record in winning the Jefferson Cup in 1928. Joined the Excise Dept. and in the early 1930’s was involved in trekking through thick jungle in the Uva province searching for ganja plantations illegally cultivated by the Veddahs, which resulted in many court appearances. Retired as Chief Inspector in 1965. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
ROOSMALE-COCQ, Irene Antoinette, born 15 October 1877, Galle. Died 30 October 1968 Kandy. Daughter of Robert Frederick Roosmale-Cocq and Susana Maria Adriana Hanesen. During her lifetime, she and her sisters Alice & Florence ran for many years, a home in Kandy for Eurasian children - the offspring of English planters and Ceylonese mothers, ranging from 1 to 9 years. The children were all sent to good schools either Trinity or St. Anthony’s for the boys, or Hillwood for the girls. All the children who passed through the hands of the sisters, remember that they never lacked for any kind of warmth or affection, and felt that they were living in a real home with a multiplicity of loving mothers. (Contributed by Michael Roosmale-Cocq)
ROGERS, Lt. Jim, date of birth unknown. He was educated at St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy. He then went on to Teacher Training College, where he qualified as a teacher and joined the teaching staff of St Anthony’s College, Katugastota, Kandy at a young age and retired in 1952 after a forty-four year teaching career. On his retirement it was said that he had become an integral part of the Primary Department of the College. Apart from being the Headmaster of the Primary Department, he led the College Cadet Battalion for many years. He died in 1954/55. (Contributed – Chris Drieberg)
ROGERS, Rosemary, (nee JANSZ) born December 7, 1932, Panadura, Ceylon, died, November 12, 2019, Monterey, California, USA. Daughter of Cyril Jansz and Barbara (nee Allan). She was educated at St John’s College, Panadura, Ceylon and then the University of Ceylon. She began writing at age eight, and through her teens penned many romantic epic. She was the first woman in her family to work outside the home as a feature writer for a Ceylon newspaper.. After spending three years at University, she became a news-paper reporter. She was a best-selling novelist, becoming a ‘dollar millionaires’, with her books selling by the millions. She was first married to well-known Ceylonese sport personality, Summa Navaratnam, Following her divorce, she moved to London with her two daughters, Rosanne and Sharon. In 1960. She met her second husband, Leroy Rogers from the United States and moved to the USA, she then had two sons, Michael and Adam. Her second marriage ended after eight years and she was left to support herself and four children on her wages as a typist. Her parents joined her in 1969. Her third marriage, in September 1984, was to poet Christopher Kadison, 20 years her junior. It was a short lived union. She made California her home. Every night for a few years, she worked to perfect a manuscript that she had written as a child, rewriting it 24 times. Prompted by her teenage daughter she sent the manuscript of her first novel Sweet Savage Love, to Avon Publishers who instantly bought it, it rocketed to the top of best sellers lists, bringing her fame and fortune and taking her almost overnight from rags to riches. Her first three novels sold a combination of 10 million copies. The fourth Wicked Loving Lies sold three million copies in its first month. Until her death she continued to write her raunchy novels turning out one best seller after another. She had four children. (Sunday Observer, November 24, 2019 & Wikipedia)
ROLAND, VALERIE (nee LIVERSZ), born February 5, 1945, Colombo, Ceylon, daughter of Douglas & Florence Liversz. She attended Bishops College, Colombo where she was School Prefect. She was School Games Captain in 1961 and 1962 and was appointed Secretary of the Student’s Christian Movement and Treasurer of the Students Union. She was joint winner of the Senior Championship trophy at the School inter house sports meet in 1961. She represented Bishops College in netball, hockey and athletics. In hockey she was awarded the Challenge Trophies for the Most Improved Player – Junior and again as a Senior. In Athletics, she was a member of the school’s 4X100 and 4X200 meters relay teams, emerging as champions at most of the Public Schools National and Relay Carnivals in 1961 and 1962. On leaving Bishops College she served the school as joint secretary of the Past Pupils Association in 1968 and served on the Board of Governors for 6 years. She also played basketball and represented the Ace Athletic Club. In 1962 she continued her hockey, playing for the Ceylonese Ladies Hockey Club in Colombo, from the age of 15 years as a school girl, representing them in all premier tournaments at the time and toured India with the club in 1967. She represented Ceylon in the National Hockey team at the 1st Asian Women’s Hockey Tournament in Delhi, India in 1968. She represented Ceylon when the Pepsu Hockey Team from India toured the country in 1968 and captained the team in the third and final test match. She was captain of the Ceylon team when the Singapore Hockey Team toured the country in 1969. Ceylon won the test series and was awarded the “Daily News Challenge Trophy”. She married Billy Roland, an Up-country Tea Planter and had to give up her favoured sports. They had two sons and a daughter. When her husband Billy’s life ended under tragic circumstances in January 1990, she moved back to Colombo. Here she was able to resume her interest in sports by encouraging her children in their sports and education. (Contributed by Darrell Liversz)
RULACH, Eustace Winslow, born March 23, 1933, Kandy, Ceylon, died Melbourne March 6, 2021. Educated at Trinity College, Kandy, where he was the College Cricket Captain in 1951. Trinity won the big match against the Antonians in 1951, when they bundled them for 37 runs, the lowest score in the series. He was a former Entertainment and Sports Editor of the ‘Ceylon Observer’ and ‘Sunday Observer’. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with his wife (Google Information)
SANSONI, Barbara Carolyn (nee DANIEL), born 22nd April 1928, Kandy, Ceylon. Daughter of Reginald Young Daniel and Bertha Van Langenberg. In 1945 – Studied in Presentation Convent, Kodaikanal, India, at age 6, later final year at St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo, Ceylon. She showed an early interest in art and developed an intense love of colour. The vibrant hues of South Asia have provided her with a lifetime’s worth of inspiring painting and cloth design. Though she had painted and drawn since early childhood, she was not initially drawn to weaving as a means of expression. In the early 1960’s , she started designing for cloth at the suggestion of a family friend, Mother Good Counsel of the Sisters of the Order of the Good Shepherd. Having understood the principle of weaving, Barbara soon grew excited by its creative possibilities. She sought inspiration for her designs from the colours of life and nature around her, finding ways to represent what she saw and felt without the aid of representative figuration. She travelled the island, observing, sketching and taking notes. Her bold, brilliantly-hued hand loom designs soon attracted attention. The cloth was first sold from her home in Colombo. The first retail store, HOUSE, was in The Fort area of Colombo and a second shop, called BAREFOOT and selling her first collection of clothes, opened at the Galle Face Court in the late 1960’s. She produced distinctive handloom made with Indian cotton yarn. Sourcing yarn during a time when imports were restricted was a significant challenge she overcame through persistence. Her first hand-woven cloth was sold from her home in Colombo. In 1970, Barbara Sansoni won the J D Rockefeller Travel Award, a two-year travel experience across 14 countries, during which she studied textiles and architecture. This knowledge she used in the operations of Barefoot. Using the rich textured fabric, Barefoot has introduced novel products such as bags, toys, clothing as well as linen that are sought after across the globe from high-end retailers to small home-based operations. Amidst a demanding and fast-paced design environment, Barbara Sansoni has never compromised on her style and has created a unique Sri Lankan identity. As her brilliantly-hued handloom designs gathered Sri Lankan and international acclaim. Barbara Sansoni has also made a great contribution to the field of architecture. Her sketches documenting the traditional buildings of Sri Lanka are invaluable as the historical structures are no longer in existence today. She appreciated the vernacular and the simplistic yet complex nature of traditional buildings, emphasising on roof tiles and the effects of nature. Her published writing too has become a vast source of benefit to the country, ranging from her children's short stories to co-authored books such as ‘The Architecture of an Island'. Working with the island's renowned architects, she was able to identify and use colour for interiors while perfectly blending it with the natural shades of nature. Business Today recognised Barbara Sansoni for her creation of a unique Sri Lankan identity in the sphere of design, an aesthetic that is time-less and celebrated across the world. Her creativity and art has impacted the lives of many, most significantly empowering young women in the island. She has transformed the attitude towards the vibrant and distinctive Sri Lankan style, while bringing it universal appeal. While Barefoot grew under her influence, Barbara continued her creative work, as an artist and writer. She held her first one-woman exhibition in London in 1966 and has continued to exhibit regularly in Sri Lanka and abroad. Having worked as a journalist and essayist at the Ceylon Daily Mirror and the Times of Ceylon during the early 1960s, she published the book, Vihares & Verandas, in 1978; Architecture of an Island, in 1998, Missy Fu and Tikkiri Banda in 2002 Press with the Toes in the Grass, in 2004, A Passion for Faces in 2014 and Missy Fu in Yala 2015. She married Hildon Claude Sansoni in 1952, they have two sons. In 200, she was titled ‘Kala Shuri’ Honorary Award, from the President of Sri Lanka. In 2011, she was awarded the Geoffrey Bawa Award for contribution for architecture. In 1983 she married Dr Ronald Lewcock. (Google Information)
SANSONI, Dominic, born 1956, Colombo, Ceylon. He was educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo and Famham College of Art, England and graduated in 1979. He is Sri Lanka’s premium photographer. He is currently working on the prototype of what he calls ‘The Ceylon Memory Project’: “I’m a total amateur, doing something badly. But what to do?” He has worked as a professional photographer since 1980 and his pictures have appeared in TIME, Newsweek, Asiaweek and Meridiani. He has published several books of his work, including Sri Lanka-Resplendent Isle and Lunuganga Geoffrey Bawa’s Garden. In 1995 he held his first exhibition at the Barefoot Gallery in Colombo (Google Information)
SANSONI, Hildon Claude, born October 4, 1903, died 1979, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Proctor and Notary Public, Lieutenant in the Ceylon Royal Navy Reserve Extra Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor. (DBU Sansoni Genealogy)
SANSONI, Dr Joseph, A special hospital in Colombo was appropriated for the purpose (namely the treatment of leprosy) and placed in the charge of Dr. Joseph Sansoni, a Ceylonese who had been educated at Pisa. (Despatch of 30th August 1800, paragraph 44, of the early British records). He was appointed assistant to the Garrison Surgeon at Colombo on 30th January 1803, and in Medical Charge of the Garrison at Matara in 1804, (Lewis on "Tombstones and Monuments in Ceylon", page 183)
SANSONI, Louis, was Customs Master at Jaffna in 1813—1815, and was appointed Deputy Post Master in Ceylon for the General Post Office in London on 1st September 1815 and Post Master General in Ceylon on 1st October 1816, which post he held till 1825 when he was appointed Collector of Galle and Matara. In addition to other duties, he held the office of Private Secretary to two Puisne Justices, Sir "William Coke and Henry Byrne in 1816—1819. (Lewis, “Tombstones & Monuments in Ceylon”)
SANSONI, David Aldo, OAM, born 9th January 1953 in Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka. Educated at S’ Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia 1960-1971, School Prefect and Rugby Colours man. Privileged to have sung in the College choir under the tutelage of Rev. Roy H. Bowyer-Yin, in 1961-62. Fifteen years in Shipping in Colombo. Active in the music and theatre scene. Immigrated to Sydney, Australia, in October 1987 with his family. Thirty years in Shipping in Sydney. Choral music aficionado – chiefly sacred/church music. Led a small combo, performing light Jazz and ‘easy-listening’ music in restaurants, for formal functions, weddings and birthdays. Director of the Choir and occasional Orchestra of St Paul’s Church, Castle Hill, NSW. Actively involved in raising funds for charities, particularly Compassion Australia (Compassion International), mounting concerts, attracting audiences of 600 and more. This work led to a nomination for the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), which was awarded in 2018. (Contributed)
SANSONI, Milani Edward (Ned) Claude – born November 18, 1904. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of London and was admitted and enrolled as an Advocate of the Supreme Court. He was much later called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn. Barrister-at-Law, was the first Burgher and fourth Ceylonese to be appointed Chief Justice of Ceylon. He was first appointed Acting Magistrate, Dandagamuwa, in December 1937. He was Magistrate, Kandy from April 1938 to April 1942.. He was District Judge and Magistrate, Tangalle from April 1942 to April 1944. He went back to Kandy as Additional District Judge in 1946. For some time in 1948 he was District Judge, Kalutara and in the following year he was transferred to Colombo as Additional District Judge and was later appointed District Judge, Colombo. In January 1954 he became Commissioner of Assize and two years later appointed a Puisne Justice. He was Chief Justice from 1964 to 1966. He retired from the Bench in 1966 and served thereafter on numerous Commissions. In 1969 he became Chairman of the first Law Commission of the island. In 1977 he was appointed to report on the communal clashes which occurred between August and September that year. (DBU Journal, Vol XLIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989)
SANSONI, Bvt Col Stratton Guy – born April 22, 1883.Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. Proctor, District Court, Chillaw, Major C.L.I., adjutant C.L.I., during a period of war. A capital all-round sportsman, one of the best turned-out by Kingswood. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SANSONI, Sylvester Claude Aldons, J.P. – born November 20, 1875, died May 25, 1950. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Proctor, Supreme Court, Negombo, acted on various occasions as District Judge and Police Magistrate, Negombo, Crown Proctor, Negombo. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SANSONI, Col. Waldo, OBE – born February 8, 1887. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Advocate, Colombo, Major C.L.I., Colonel Commanding C.L.I. 1935-1939. Acted as Crown Counsel on various occasions and also as Police Magistrate, Colombo. District Commissioner, Boys Scouts, Ceylon. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SCHARENGUIVEL, Albert Justin Richard – born August 14, 1882. A.M.I.C.E., Assistant Engineer, P.W.D., July 1911, District Engineer, Hambantota, April 1913, Katugastota, February 1917, Koslande, September 1920. A reputable school-boy cricketer. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SCHARANGUIVEL, Dr Charles Henry Keegel – born August 12, 1881. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P.and S (Glas). Medical Officer, Mannar, December 1905, later at Pussellawa, Beruwela, Avisawella and Chillaw, Medical Officer, Kurunegala, 1917. A keen sportsman and a member of the Royal College, Cricket XI. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SCHRANGUIVEL, Dr Edward Walter – born July 30, 1873. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas). Medical Officer, Agrapatna, January 1897, Neboda, January 1898, Bogawantalawa, May 1889, Mulhalkale, October 1902, Teldeniya, February 1903, Namunukula, May 1904, Ammapatam, October 1905, Lunugala, December 1906, Neboda, 1909, Ratnapura, September 1914, Convict Establishment, Colombo, April, 1917, Matara, March 1918, Port Surgeon, Colombo, May 1924. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SCHARENGUIVEL, Dr James Arthur, – born April 22, 1879. died Perth, W.A. has claims to ranks as one of the six greatest cricketers Ceylon has ever produced. He had his schooling at St Thomas’ College. After leaving school he studied medicine at Aberdeen University and while in Scotland shone both as a brilliant left-hand batsman and deadly left-hand bowler. In 1905 he played for Scotland against the Australians. He later moved to the Straits where he continued playing cricket inspite of his medical practice in Singapore. He returned to Ceylon in the late 1920’s and played for Kalutara Town Club and the Nondescripts CC till 1927. He in the last years of his life he immigrated to Pert, West Australia. (S.P.Foenander – Sixty Years of Ceylon Cricket, 1924 & Contributed).
SCHNEIDER, Sir Gualterus Stewart, K. C. – born April 12, 1864, died September 3, 1938. He began his working life as an assistant master at his ‘Alma Mater’, St Thomas’s College. He left thirteen years later to study law. After being called to the Bar as an Advocate, he practised in Colombo. He was appointed a Lecturer at the Law College in 1900. He was a member of the Legislative Council. Later he was appointed a Puisne Justice on December 13, 1921. On October 19, 1925, he became Senior Puisne Justice. He was Acting Chief Justice from September 29, 1926 to January 2, 1927. He had the distinction of being invested with a knighthood at the Supreme Court, on October 22, 1928, a few months before his retirement (DBU Journal, Vol LXIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989 & A.R.B. Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
SCHOKMAN, Cuthbert George – born October 29, 1886. After qualifying as a Civil Engineer in England, he started his career in Ceylon as an Assistant Engineer, at Colombo, in 1912, and eventually retired from office in 1948 as Factory Engineer, Government Factory, Colombo. He served among stations in Katugastota, Batticaloa, Kurunegala and Ratnapura and was for some time D.E.Buildings, Colombo. (DBU Journal, Vol XLVII, part 1, 1957)
SCHOKMAN, Dr Donald Percival – born July 10, 1874, died November 16, 1948. He joined the Ceylon Medical Department in 1897, and after serving in several outstations, was appointed Police Surgeon, in 1909 and seven years later as Port Surgeon, Colombo. From here he was transferred as Superintendent Mandapam Camp, and so well did he discharge his duties in that capacity that, with only a short break, he remained in charge of this important office until he retirement in 1926 at the age of 55 years. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIX, Part 1, 1949)
SCHOKMAN, Dr Herbert Eric, born February 21, 1889, died August 1964.. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. L.M.S. (Cey), L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S. (Edin), L.F.P. and S (Glas). House Officer, General Hospital, Colombo, April 1912, later at Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda, Mannar and Vavuniya. Surgeon in Charge, Lunawa Hospital, January 1924. Later Assistant Director of Medical Services for Ceylon, Civil Medical Department (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Dr Pauline Schokman)
SCHOKMAN, Dr. Pauline Gail – born 9th February 1958 in Colombo. She is the daughter of Dr Eric Schokman & Vilma Joseph. Commenced primary education at Methodist Ladies College Colombo. Immigrated to Melbourne in 1965 aged 7 years. Secondary education at Methodist Ladies College Hawthorn. MB. BS. Melbourne University 1981, including a final year elective period at the Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge UK and the Royal Infirmary Hospital Edinburgh Scotland. Dip RACOG 1984. Completed Training as Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist with the VAPP 2000. Worked as a volunteer with Professor Birute Galdikas in Kalimantan Tengah studying orangutans 1989. Worked as a volunteer on the Palaeontological Dig at Dinosaur Cove 1989-1993. GP, psychotherapist and novelist. Novels to date: The Other Side of Silencer (Published 2016 London) and A Different Kind of Madness (Published 2019 London. (Contributed)
SCHOKMAN, Shelton Leslie, Snr, 1891 – 1798, in Melbourne. Commenced his working life as a junior shipping clerk in 1909, he retired in 1956 as senior executive of Walker & Sons, after 47 years of continuous service. In 1934 he founded the Dematagoda Christian Guild, helping and ministering to the elderly and children of the needy. He was also a frequent visitor to various institutions that looked after the elderly, poor and needy. Imigrating to Australia, he founded the Australia/Sri Lanka Welfare Guild in Melbourne. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
SCHOKMAN, Shelton Leslie, Jnr`, 1914 – 1995, on leaving school he joined the Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) as an Apprentice Engine Driver, and as with most engine drivers he served in many parts of the island. He became actively involved with the Engineman’s Union, resulting in his representing his colleagues in their disputes with management. He immigrated to Melbourne with his family 1n 1970 and worked for Namco Industries for ten years. He was a Founder member of the Australia Sri Lanka Welfare Guild Inc and the Convener of a group of ex-railway friends, in Melbourne “Rhythm of the Wheels”, which held an annual get-together to reminisce of days gone-by. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
SCHOKMAN, Dr Vivian Roy Stanley – born November 14, 1887, he received his education at Royal College and on leaving school chose Medicine as his vocation. He had a creditable course at the Medical College, and on passing out elected to join Government Service. He served at Badulla, Dickoya and Udugama and lastly as Assistant Port Surgeon, Colombo. After serving five years in the Port, he decided to begin Private Practice, he commanded a good practice and soon found work beyond the capacity of a single man to cope with. Himself a good cricketer, he was President of the Burgher Recreation Club for many years. In 1946 he was elected President of the DBU and held office for two years. He was equally interested in Politics, and represented the Community in the Legislative Council, and later in the State Council. Local Government also had its attractions for him, and he enjoyed the distinction of being elected Mayor of Colombo for two successive years. (DBU Journal, Vol XLIII, Part 3, 1953)
SCHOKMAN, Dr Walter Herbert – born November 17, 1896, died March 1963. He left Ceylon for England where he settled down. He passed through Colombo on many occasions thereafter as Ship’s Surgeon and maintained touch with the community in Ceylon. Prior to his departure for England, he was an ardent supporter of the Dutch Burgher Union. (DBU Journal, Vol LIII, Part’s 1 & 2, 1963)
SCHRADER, Carmen Jeannette (nee VANDERWALL), born 3 October 1931, Colombo, Ceylon, Daughter of Charles George and Edna Doreen Melder. Educated at Girton School Nugegoda, until the junior school certificate, then went to St Clair’s Wellawatte for the Higher School Certificate. Joined the Nursing Training School at Eye Hospital Junction, Colombo. In 1958 she started work at Pfizer packing department. She had a break from work until her fifth child was born and after some months she returned to work at Pfizer and became Supervisor in the Sterile and Packaging Departments. As Supervisor she was in charge of 10 packers and was responsible to meet expected targets in packing. She ended working at Pfizer in Ratmalana Colombo. She married Frederick (Derrick) Schrader, on December 20, 1950. He was a Tea Planter at Deraniyagala. In 1969 when her divorce and annulment was made absolute she migrated with her five children aged 9 to 18 to Melbourne Australia in 1970. She initially worked at Phillip Morris Moorabbin and Baitz Liquor in Glen Waverley until she found work closer to home in Murrumbeena in 1971. She started work for the Churches of Christ Nursing Home Betheden in Murrumbeena in the capacity of laundress for the hospital. After 18 months she became Supervisor in charge. Responsible for hospital linen and mixed laundry for a number of other hospitals including Betheden. Her staff of twelve or more working under her she employed a number of people within her own community of family and friends to cater to the load when the need arose. She was well liked and respected by all who worked for her. As a single mother she was able to buy her own home with the assistance of her son Dale because at that time the bank wouldn’t give a single mother a loan to purchase a home. She retired in 1996 after 25 years at the Nursing Hospital. After her retirement she chose to put her energy and efforts into her Parish of St Peters in Murrumbeena. She is a member of the Mothers Union and currently active and attends monthly meetings and assists in the monthly market days. For twenty years she worked in the church garden to maintain and upkeep the grounds. This she did by riding her bike with all her garden tools working four hours every week. She has contributed time and financially to the upkeep of her Parish for the last fifty years. She has raised her children on her own and assisted them at the time of their marriages and when things got tough. With the loss of her daughter Gail in 2008 she now enjoys long hours in her beautiful garden with her four other children 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren (Contributed by Charmaine Schrader)
SCHRADER, Frederick (Derrick) Terese, born March 25, 1921, Mutwal, Ceylon, died, 4 October 1979. Melbourne, Australia. Educated at Newstead College, Negombo ,St Clare’s , Negombo and Royal College. Employed in British Army No.C121 enlisted on 5 June 1939 (aged 18) in Colombo, Ceylon. Royal Artillery Date of Discharge 13 January 1946 (aged 25) Class A release rank - WO11 (Warrant Officer 2)- Company Sergeant Major. Military Conduct – Exemplary Assistant Superintendent - Lower Division, Udabage Estate, Rubber from 1/9/1946 to 31/3/1948 (Superintendent- Mr Kingston). The Udabage Tea and Rubber Company Ltd. Assistant Superintendent- Planter Maliboda Group (Tea) Derinayagala, Maliboda from December 1949 to February 1953. Ceylon Army No.625/52548 - Ceylon Artillery Date of Discharge 14 October 1965 Rank WO1 Regimental Sergeant Major. Pensioner No. PN255/Army/C/OP-1. Immigrated to Australia on 15 May 1973. employed at Volkswagen (Nissan) Motors Australia in Westall from 1973 to 1978. Contributed by Charmaine Schrader)
SCHRADER, Frederick Justin, born 26 June 1892, Negombo, Ceylon. Died 30 December 1966 Lieutenant Devonshire Regiment in First World War returned to Ceylon 1919. Tea & Rubber Planter until retirement. (Contributed by Charmaine Schrader)
SENEVIRATNE, Maureen (Nee MILHUISEN), born, January 24, 1933, Colombo, Ceylon, died May 2, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Daughter of George Vincent Milhuisen and Leah Catherine Muller Educated at Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, Colombo, she wrote the history the Convent for the Centenary Celebrations. She won the Award of Excellence from her Alma Mater for her outstanding work for society and for her numerous writings. A writer of international repute, History, Biography and Travel were her favourite themes. She has written many stories which have been published and broadcast in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Pakistan and Singapore. She was the author of over twenty five books, she was an editor, journalist and the Chairperson of PEACE (Protecting Environment and Children Everywhere), an NGO for 20 years and an international founder member of ECPAT (Ending Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism). She was a former Director, Publicity of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. By profession she was a journalist and freelance writer who wrote to many newspapers and magazines including the prestigious BLACKWOOD magazine. She was the author of the Autobiography of the world’s first Woman Prime Minister, the Hon. Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike, in 1975. A workaholic, having also worked in advertising, publicity, public relations and Human rights. She had the distinction of being the recipient of the Herman-Hammet Grant 1995, the prestigious award from Human Rights Watch free expression project for her work and writings on Humanitarian and Human Rights issues. She travelled widely to over 30 countries worldwide, in connection with her work. She was married to Billy Balthazaar and later to Wing Commander Mark Seneviratne. She is the mother of two sons, Shane and Kevin Balthazaar. (Contributed by Shane Balthazaar)
SIEBEL, John Boyle – born March 20, 1831, died January 30, 1907. A contemporary of J.L.K.Van Dort and C.A.Lorenz at the Colombo Academy, San Sebastian, Colombo. He had a brilliant career in school and won the Turnour prize. Later he qualified as a Proctor and Notary Public and had an extensive practice in Kandy and was appointed Crown Proctor. A man of letters and a scholar he frequently contributed articles to the ‘Ceylon Examiner’ and other journals. (DBU Journal, Vol LX, Parts 1 – 4, 1982)
SIEBEL, Kingsley Shelton Everard, born, October 26, 1917, Colombo, Ceylon. Emigrated to Brisbane, Queensland in March 1960. Between 1963 – 1984, Editorial Director, Butterworths (Law Publishers). In 1973 appointed Barrister of the Supreme Court, New South Wales. Retired in 1984. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
SMITH, Norman Allan, he was educated at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, where he had a successful swimming career. He developed a liking for diving competitions and in 1947 for the first time he participated in a National Diving Championship but was defeated by Des Cotton. Since then, he never lost at any meet. From 1948 to 1966 for a period of 18 years he continuously won the Diving Championship and displayed excellence in performances In 1950, at the Empire Games held in Auckland, New Zealand he qualified for the finals. Thus, he became the first Sri Lankan sportsman to be selected for the final-round of an International Diving Competition. At this meet, he was placed eighth. He participated in the Olympic Games held in Helsinki, Finland in 1952 but failed to claim victory. In 1966, he was selected for the Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. In 10 diving events he obtained a total of 101.72 points while the qualifying timing was 97.73 points. His score equalled that of the contestant placed sixth in the Asian Games of 1962. Although he could not win the events, he was able to obtain a certificate and was appointed a Referee/Judge in the Women’s Diving Competition. He went as a contestant and returned as a Referee/Judge and did not give up the sport. Although he was unsuccessful at the 1966 Indo-Sri Lanka Swimming Meet held in New Delhi he had the honour of winning a Gold Medal in a single event. In 1967, he won the Indo-Sri Lanka swimming events in Sri Lanka after having learnt bitter lessons from the past experiences After having led the Sri Lanka Team for the fourth Indo-Sri Lanka swimming contests in 1969, he decided to retire from active sports. He served in the Sri Lanka Army for quite some time was appointed a Surveyor and travelled widely in Sri Lanka. He came for diving contests in Colombo even from very distant places. He showed such excellence in this sport had no coach. In 1966, at the Selection Meet, he did a wonderful dive from the three-metre springboard merely by learning from the books. He engaged himself in training for over a decade amidst many difficulties, displaying the determination of an outstanding athlete. His routine training included waking up at 4.00 a.m. and running between Mount Lavinia and Bambalapitiya, a 50-metre speed run and two hours of training in swimming in the evening Although he missed this training programme when serving in the outstations, he was able to obtain the required results by coming to Colombo a few days before the events and training for the events. He retired from sports in 1969 and left the Island to settle down overseas. (Ceylon Daily News, 12.2.2021)
SOERTSZ, Sir Francis Joseph, K.C. – born March 14, 1886, died January 1951. He entered St Joseph’s College, Colombo as one of its first pupils and after a brilliant career there, joined the Law College in 1908. He passed out as an Advocate and after a short period of practice proceeded to England, where he was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn. On his return to Ceylon, he practised for a short time as Crown Counsel, and then moved to Galle to become leader of the Bar there. He served in Galle as Crown Counsel, Police Magistrate and District Judge and in 1933 and 1935 he functioned as Commissioner of Assize. In 1936 he was appointed a Puisne Judge, and acted on several occasions as Chief Justice. Retiring from the Bench in 1948, he placed his brilliant intellect and culture at the country’s disposal by accepting the professorship of the Faculty of Law in the University of Ceylon. He was knighted in 1947. He was a brilliant speaker and writer as he was with a rare charm of literary setting ad was the most unassuming and open hearted of men. He was held in high esteem as a member of the Catholic Church in Ceylon, and was a recipient of the high Papal honour of a Knight Commander of St. Gregory. (DBU Journal, Vol XLI, Part 1, 1951)
SOLOMON, Charmaine Maureen, OAM, (nee POULIER) born August 31, 1930, Colombo, Ceylon. She is the daughter of Melville Gordon Poulier and Kathleen Desmond. At age 18, she became the assistant to the Editor of the women’s page of the ‘Ceylon Daily News’. She interviewed royalty, film stars, movie directors, authors and covered social events. In 1956, she married Reuben Kelly Ezekiel Isaac Solomon. They immigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1959. They have 2 sons and 2 daughters. She taught herself to cook in part to calm her fears of being in an unfamiliar place while Reuben worked nights as a musician.. In 1964 she came second in the ‘Woman’s Day’ Butter White Wings Bake Off and attracted the attention of cookbook author Margaret Fulton, whom invited her to join “Woman’s Day’ as a food writer. She worked at the magazine for 11 years, including three as food editor. She then became the cookery editor of ‘Belle’ magazine. She was a regular columnist for “The Sun-Harald’ and ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ and was the food editor of ‘Family Circle’ for three years. Her first book, the ‘South East Asian Cookbook’ was published in 1972 and ‘The Complete Asian Cookbook’ followed in 1976, it has sold over a million copies in five languages, and is regarded as one Australia’s most influential cookbooks. Over the next three decades she wrote 29 more books. She is also the creator of her own brand of spice blends and marinades. She is named in the ‘Who’s Who in Australia’. She was awarded the Medal of ‘The Order of Australia’ in 2007 for her service to food media, particularly as the author of Asian cookery books. Her ‘Encyclopedia of Asian Food’ won a silver medal in the 1996 Julia Child Cookbook Awards and a silver ladle in the 1997 World Food Medias Best Food Book Awards. The line of spice pastes and marinades she developed with husband Reuben won a Jaguar Award for Excellence in 1988 and she won Best Vegetarian Book in English for ‘The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook; in the 2002 Gourmand World Cookbook Wards. (Wikipedia ( DBU, Poulier Genealogy)
SOLOMONS, Ronald, born October 6, 1924, Colombo, Ceylon. Served as Leading Seaman, Royal Ceylon Navy, Security Officer, Ceylon Government Railway (CGR). Manager, Elite Radio, Colombo. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1973. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
SPARKES, Geoffrey Maxwell, 1924 – 1993, Educated at Trinity College, Kandy. His principal pursuit at school was mostly towards the achievement of academic distinction, his favourite subjects being Latin and Greek. In 1942 he commenced University studies, in 1945 he was awarded his degree in Western Classics, and took up a job as an Assistant Assessor in the Taxation Department. Among the first five in Ceylon to be selected for the Ceylon Civil Service (CCS), with his posting as a Cadet in the Kachcheri at Ratnapura. Other appointments that followed, were Organisation and Methods Officer in the Treasury, Assistant Government Agent, Trincomalee, Government Agent, Puttalam and Chief Administrative Officer, Ceylon Government Railway (CGR). In 1960, he sought leave from the CCS and took position as Chief Administrative Officer of the Tea Research Institute (TRI), Talawakelle. From there it was natural progression to obtain the position of Manager of the Sydney office. On completion of his term he decided to remain in Australia and served in the Public Service of New South Wales and Commonwealth governments. All his life he involved himself with music. He will be remembered for his role as the pompous and rather comic Pooh Bah in the production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Mikado’. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
SPELDEWINDE, Cecil Alexander – born May 3, 1898, died December 2, 1959. Passing out as an Advocate after primary and advanced education at the Government Training and St Joseph’s College respectively, he took up practice at Matara. Later he held office as Acting Crown Counsel and as Police Magistrate at Kalutara and Balapitiya. At the inception of the Income Tax Department, he was appointed an Assessor. He retired from the Office of Commissioner of Income Tax, Estate Duties and Stamps after 26 years of service in that Department. After retirement his rich experience was given to the service of the Government in various capacities – Adjudicator of Income Tax, Chairman of the Bus Nationalisation Compensation Board and a Member of the Bribery Commission. Having previously served the DBU as Secretary, he was elected President of that Institution in 1949, which office he held for four years. (DBU Journal, Vol L, Part’s 1 & 2, 1960)
SPITTEL, Dr Richard Lionel – born Tangalle, December 12, 1881, died September 3, 1969. In the late 1880s, a young boy with a burning ambition to become a Doctor stood in a jungle clearing watching his surgeon father performing an autopsy. From the undergrowth a Veddah suddenly appeared. The eyes of the boy and the Veddah met for one brief yet significant moment before the latter hastily withdrew into the jungle. It was the boy’s first encounter with a member of this ancient race – an encounter that would have a profound effect on his life. He received his medical training in England and arrived back in Ceylon newly qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He then took up an appointment as Third Surgeon at the General Hospital, Colombo. Soon after commencing his career he caught septicaemia as a result of operating with his naked hands. Fourteen operations and nine months later his shoulder was disfigured and permanently immobilised. In boyhood he had suffered an accident to his left arm, which lost him the free use of his elbow and fingers. Now he had to accept the fact that he had two disfigured arms. Yet incredibly, his determination was such that he was able to resume his career as surgeon, his surgical skills unimpaired and undiminished. The hunter now turned conservationist had to find a new and definitive objective in his beloved jungles. During his many forays into the jungles he met with the Veddahs, befriending them and keeping in close contact with them. It was said that wherever there were Veddahs he would go. In the General Hospital, he was no society physician, He chose to work in the most undesirable section – the dreaded ulcer ward with its cases of syphilis and cancer. Surgery, was however his greatest love. He returned to England for a short while to keep abreast of latest advances and techniques. He undertook the first skin graft in Ceylon and administered the first blood transfusion – using his own blood. But his greatest works of healing were probably in the jungles, which he visited often, earning him the tag ‘Surgeon of the Wilderness’. Often he would perform emergency operations under the most difficult of conditions. In addition to his professional work, he wrote compulsively for over 40 years. He wrote many books on the Veddahs as well as historical novels of Ceylon. As his works on the Veddahs appeared, his name became wildly known among the leading anthropologists of the world. In 1935 he retired from Government Service, professionally, he still had his large private practice. He also ran his own nursing home, he also continued to lecture and was to be largely responsible for the emergence of a new generation of surgeons. He was to remain a faithful doctor to the Veddahs for another 30 years. In 1916 he joined the Ceylon Game Protection Society, later known as the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society. He became its first Ceylonese President, he helped establish Wilpattu National Park and Ruhunu. His next ambition which came to fruition was to start a magazine on Ceylon’s Wildlife, he was to be its editor from 1937 to 1964. As well, he was to prove to be a worthy member of his own community, the Burghers. He became President of the Dutch Burgher Union and contributed much to the establishment of a Burgher identity in the island. He was nearly 85 and extremely frail when he made what was to be his last journey to see the Veddahs. He had noticed that in the space of a few brief years, the Veddahs had started to cut their hair, wear sarongs and work chenas. When he had first met them, they were still hunter-gatherers. It struck him just how quickly thousands of years of evolution could be wiped out. His work for them was now done – and had not been in vain. (‘Sunday Times’, September 3, 1999).
SPROULE, Edward Cyril Lambert “Cox” – born June 13, 1879, died November 9, 1935. He became famous as the most brilliant lawyer and pleader in Kandy. No case seemed too difficult for him to win. For all his boundless wit and sarcasm he took his work very seriously. In cross-examination he was unequalled. Many anecdotes and tales abound about his wit and instant retorts, which were his hallmark. (Douglas Raffel – ‘Times of Ceylon Annual’, 1960).
SPROULE, Frank William – born April 7, 1875. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. District Engineer, P.W.D., May 1903. Provincial Engineer, North-West Province, June 1914, Provincial Engineer, October 1920, Western Province, October 1920, North-Central Province, May 1921, Province of Sabaragamuwa, October 1922. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
STAPLES, Charles James – born June 5, 1879, died December 30, 1950. Educated Trinity College, Kandy. Broker and Commission Agent, Colombo. Served his apprenticeship in journalism on the “Ceylon Examiner”, in 1896, sub-editor and chief reporter “Ceylon Observer” for nearly fifteen years, Editor “Ceylon Independent” from 1916 to 1923. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
ST JOHN, Rodney, 1934 – 2003, Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo, where he excelled in Sport. In 1958 he graduated from the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography. He represented the University in Table Tennis and Swimming. In 1969 he joined the Canadian Serial Survey team – Hunting Survey Corporation, first as a Technical Assistant in the geophysics section and later in the Land Use Division. In 1963, returning to Ceylon, he joined Ceylon Cold Stores as Manager of the Creamery Department. In 1982, he joined the Mahaweli Environment Project as a Program Officer. The project saw the establishment of four new National Parks and two Natura Reserves. In 1984, he visited the United States and completed a Wildlife Conservation Training Program run by the Smithsonian Institute, Washington. In 1987, he immigrated to Melbourne with his family and worked at the Fairfield Hospital until its closure and then for Dr Arndt at his Medical Centre in Carlton, until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of the Ceylon Bird & Ornithological Club, Wildlife & Nature Protection Society, Royal Asiatic Society (Sri Lanka branch), Kinross Life Saving Club, Effective Speaking Club and the Melbourne Chapter of the Ceylon Society of Australia. His major interest was the study of flora and fauna, especially bird life in all States of Australia. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
STEWART, Charles Henry – brother of James Stewart. Appointed Second Puisne Justice on January 11, 1867, and Senior Puisne Justice on August 1, 1873. He had held various key appointments for over two decades beginning with his appointment as Deputy Queen’s Advocate, Jaffna, on October 1, 1845. He then served as Acting Deputy Queen’s Advocate in Kandy from June 1, 1847 and was confirmed in that post on December 1, 1848. On December 19, 1849, he became Acting Deputy Queen’s Advocate for the Island and was confirmed in that Post on December 1, 1851. From January 1, 1860 to November 9, 1863 he acted as District Judge of Colombo, and then resumed duties as Deputy Queen’s Advocate. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) and offered the Chief Justiceship of the Straits Settlement, which he declined. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989 & A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
STEWART, James – born March 24, 1821, died November 18, 1851 He was appointed Deputy Queen’s Advocate, a post he held until he died at the age of 30.He was a keen lawyer and a brilliant speaker. He was an official member of the Legislative Council from 1849 to 1850. (DBU Journal, Vol LXIII, Parts 1 – 4, 1989)
SUBY, Dalerine “Dalreen” Dolores Mary (nee De KRETSER), born, March 9, 1946, Colombo, Ceylon. She is the daughter of Douglas Wyndham De Kretser and Mary Decima Geraldine Kelaart. Educated at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena. Colombo. Employed as a Partner of BA Entertainments. She is a popular Sri Lankan musician and singer. Stage name “Dalreen”. She started her career in the early 1970s and still is very popular. One of her earlier hits was “Stranger Boy” which came out in the 70s. She sings in both English and Sinhalese. She toured Canada and the United States with the ‘Gypsies’. She married Eligius Bobby Arnolda, they had one daughter. She later married Thabit Amin Suby, they have one child. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
SWAN, Anthony Phillip (Anton), born 9 May 1948, Education – St Mary’s College, Dehiwela, Colombo. Represented his college at Rugby and Swimming and took part in the Stubbs Shield Boxing. His name is synonymous with swimming, water polo and surf lifesaving. He represented Ceylon overseas in swimming and water polo. He also had the distinction of taking part in the Palk Straits (the stretch of water between Ceylon and India) Swimming Championships. Record holder for the six-mile swim between Mount Lavinia and Galle Face organized annually by the Kinros Surf and Life Saving Club. In 1970, immigrated to Melbourne and moved to Brisbane, in 1974. Worked with the ANZ Bank until 1979 and then went into Business with Hospitality and Accommodation, still working in partnership Managing Apartments in Brisbane. Is actively involved with the Sri Lanka Community for the past 40 years. 1986 - 1988, President of the Sri Lanka Society of Queensland. In 1988 was the coordinator for the Sri Lanka Pavilion at World Expo. In 1990, appointed Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Queensland and still holds the position. Appointed Dean of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of Queensland 1920/21. Patron of three Sri Lanka Associations – Federations of Sri Lanka Associations of Queensland, Sri Lanka Sports Association of Queensland, Sri Lanka Ex-Services Association of Queensland. He continues his sports activities – Swimming, Water Polo, Rugby, Touch Football, represented Queensland and Australia in the Masters Games in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Plays Golf on a weekly basis. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Contributed)
SWAN, Eric, died September 18, 1951. One of Ceylon’s best wildlife photographers. His tutors were Lionel Wendt and E.G.Koch. His successes at exhibitions both in Ceylon and abroad were numerous. He was killed by a charging elephant, whilst photographing at Tamankaduwa, 27 miles from Polonnaruwa. (LORIS, Vol VI, No 1, 1951)
SWAN, Dr Henry Eric Carl, born September 17, 1884. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo. L.F.P. and S (Glas), L.D.S. (Edin). Dental Surgeon, Galle Face, Colombo. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
SWAN, Dr. Hans Shelly Bernard, born, April 9, 1954, Colombo, Ceylon. Obtained his PhD (Physics). Emigrated to Australia, where he was a senior lecturer at Charles Sturt University. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
SWAN, Dr. Shelly Bernard St Clair, born, December 31, 1928, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo. In 1948 he entered the University of Ceylon and graduated with BA (Hons) in Geography. In 1964 he obtained his MS degree from the University of London, 1961-1965, taught in secondary schools in Sussex. In 1966 he obtained the degree D.Phil from the University of Sussex. In 1969, he began his working life as an Assistant Assessor in the Income Tax Department, Colombo. In 1970, he left and joined Aquinas College, Colombo as Lecturer in charge of Geography. In 1970 he accepted a Geography Lecturer position at the University of Singapore. In 1971, he joined the University of New England, New South Wales, where he worked until his retirement. His main professional interests were Geomorphology (landform evolution, sea level changes, coastal erosion), third world development issues and peace studies (which he initiated at the NE in 1982). (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
SWAN, Vernon Louis St. Clair (Sinco), born March 19, 1894, Colombo, Ceylon, died March 25, 1961, in Reading, Berkshire, England. He gave up his extensive practice at the Bar in the Court of Requests and in the District Court of Colombo to act as Commissioner of Requests, Colombo, on April 29, 1937, and was confirmed in that post on April 29, 1939. On July 1, 1939 he was placed in the Class 1, Grade 2 of the Judicial Service and on June 1, 1942 he was promoted to Class 1, Grade 1 and appointed to the post of Additional District Judge of Colombo. On January 15, 1946 he was placed in the Special Class of the Judicial Service. On August 19, 1946, he assumed duties as Acting Commissioner of Compensation Claims and on February 8, 1947 he was appointed District Judge of Colombo. On November 1, 1947, he was appointed a Commissioner of Assize and on March 1, 1949 he was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. On retirement, he emigrated to England. (A.R.B.Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986 & Bobby Caspersz)
SWAN, Victor Leslie Sheldon (Shelley), born June 8, 1887, died, 1957, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Colombo. He entered the Law College, Colombo and graduated as a Proctor & Notary Public. Enrolled as a Proctor Supreme Court and Notary Public, He practised in Hatton, before returning to Colombo. 1908, practising in Colombo. Commissioner of Assize, Colombo.
He was known to be a powerful swimmer. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Bobby Caspersz)
TAYLOR, Eric Dunstan, born 1910, died 1994. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy and Law College, Colombo. Proctor, Supreme Court and Notary Public, practiced Law in Nuwara Eliya, then Kandy with his Cousin, Melville Justin Taylor, at the Law Firm of Taylor & Taylor, until his retirement. he was Crown Proctor and Travelling Magistrate for Kandy and the surrounding areas – Kundasale, Kurunegala, Matale etc. (Contributed by Lindsey Ambrose & Chris Drieberg)
TAYLOR, Melville Justin, born April 14, 1894, Kandy, Ceylon, Died November 10, 1959, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. Proctor, Supreme Court and Notary Public . Had his Law Firm, Taylor & Taylor, in Kandy. Practiced with his Cousin, Eric Dunstan Taylor. His case load included work for tea planters and probate issues. (Contributed by Lindsey Ambrose & Chris Drieberg)
THIEDEMAN, Benjamin John Virco Trench Peter, obtained his FSAC Degree. Licensed Surveyor and Leveler. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
THIEDEMAN, William Benjamin (Bunny), born 1919. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Was a member of the Royal College cricket team that toured Australia in 1936. Graduated from the University of Colombo in 1938. Joined the Police Force as an Inspector. In 1952 he joined the Mercedes-Benz Company in Sri Lanka and proceeded on a German Government Scholarship to Germany, where he obtained a Ph D in Science. In 1960 he obtained a position with the UN as a Consultant and was sent to Africa to supervise the Geophysical Year Survey in the North African region. He immigrated to Australia from Africa. He obtained a position as an Engineer with the State Electricity Commission, in Victoria. He moved to Canberra in 1964, where he obtained a position in the Patent Office and retired as Examiner of Patents in 1982. During his tenure with the Patent’s Office, he was sent to many Asian countries. He also represented Australia at various conferences and seminars. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
TOUSSAINT, Dr Henry, born 1811, Jaffna, Ceylon. Surgeon in Jaffna, Ceylon. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
TOUSSAINT, James Reginald – born August 17, 1879. He was educated at St Thomas’ College, Colombo and began life in the lower ranks of Government Service. His versatility and usefulness in the General Clerical Service, in which he served from 1898 to 1919, caught the eye of the then Colonial Secretary. Thus he won his way to the Civil Service of the Island, not through academic groves but by his own undoubted merits. He served in a variety of public offices – Education, the Colonial Audit, Food Control, Stamp Office and in the Pearl Fisheries. He retried while holding the office of Deputy Fiscal, but not before he had also served as Secretary of a Commission appointed to report on Buddhist Temporalities. He had a long association with the DBU, for he was a founding member of the Committee which met in 1907. When he was elected to the Presidential Chair in 1938, he had been a regular contributor to the journal. It was said that there was never a meeting of the DBU which he was not present and no meeting seemed to be complete without him. (DBU Journal, Vol XLVII, Part 1, 1957)
VAN ARKADIE, Alex, born June 9, 1944, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St John’s College, Dematagoda, Colombo and Polytechnic, Colombo. Employed at the Agricultural and Industrial Credit Corporation of Ceylon- AICC-SMB Kollupitiya, which was amalgamated with the State Mortgage and Invest Bank (SMIB) in 1977. Provided secretarial services in both banks (English/Sinhala) in the Legal Department of both State Banks, which covered the preparatory and post-amalgamation period between 1970-1977. Immigrated to Italy for employment at the UN/FAO Rome. 1969-1975, member of the Catholic Coral Society, Colombo Singers, Rasanjali Catholic Arts Society and the Lionel Wendt Kala Kendra Ranga Silpa Salika. In 1982, Founding Secretary of the Sri Lanka Association in Italy, Adviser, Sri Lanka Cultural Association (Rome), 1985-2010, Coordinator of the Projects Appraisal Group of the One Percent for Development Fund (international donor agency from staff of UN/FAO, Rome), currently volunteer-consultant thereof. Author of Viva l’Italia (2019), a basic handbook in English and Sinhala for Lankan and Asian migrant workers in Rome. Freelance media reporter, currently residing in Rome, Italy. (Contributed)
VAN ARKADIE, Augustine (Basil), born June 14, 1914, Colombo, Ceylon, died December 7, 1984, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Educated at All Saints’ School, Borella. Three Apprenticeships, 1930-1932 Colombo Catholic Press, 1933-1937, Singer Sewing Machine Co, Kolonnawa, 1941-1942 Walker Sons & Co. Ltd, Colombo. 1943-1946 engaged for overseas Naval service under the British Admiralty on HMS ‘Hoxa”, ‘Overdale Wyke’, ‘Semla’ and Okapi’. From 1947 Life Member of the Ceylon Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Association (CRNVR). 1948-1960, Royal Naval Police Constable at the Dockyard Trincomalee, the Radio Transmitting Stations at Andersen Camp, Narahenpita and Welisara. From early years was a lead member of the ‘Wally Bastiansz’ entertainment troupe performing and diffusing the culture of Baila & Kaffaringa music inspired from the Portuguese, at wedding ceremonies, public functions, church feasts, carnivals etc. (Contributed by Alex Van Arkadie)
Van BUUREN, Charles Frederick Guy, 1936 – 2006, Educated at S.Thomas’ and St Peter’s College, both in Colombo. Imigrated to Australia mid 1950’s. Australian Labor Party (ALP) Conference Delegate, Victoria and Tasmania, in 1960. Branch Organiser for the ALP. Founding member of the Broadmeadows Club. Caucus Committee member 1974-1984, Rural Policy Committee, 1985-1992, elected for the Eumemmering seat as ALP Candidate, 1985, Conservation & Environment and Industrial Affairs, Agriculture., 1985-1985, Timber Industry Steering Committee, Youth Guarantee., 1986, Social Justice Policy Committee, 1986-1992 Natural Resources & Environment Committee, 1988 Proxy Delegate to the ALP National Conference. 1992, defeated in the Victorian State Election. 1992-2000, Industrial Officer, National Union of Workers, Director – Metro Tas Coaches (Tas Pty Ltd) and Metro Tasmania Pty Ltd. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
VAN CUYLENBURG, Sir Hector – born January 23, 1847, died December 10, 1915, He served the public of Ceylon in many capacities, and he holds the proud distinction of being the first Burgher representative in the Legislative Council elected by the suffrages of the community. He was among the first who joined the Volunteer Force in Ceylon when it was organised in 1881, retiring with the brevet rank of a Lieutenant- Colonel. He was the proprietor of the first penny daily paper started in Ceylon. He began his professional career as a Proctor at Kalutara, transferring his practice to Colombo after a few years. He also served as President of the Dutch Burgher Union. (DBU Journal, Vol VII, Part 3, 1914, Vol VIII, Part 1, 1916)
VAN CUYLENBERG, Winston, born 1945. He was educated at St Michael’s College, Polwatte, under the guidance of his coach Anton Jones, he took part in the Stubbs Shield and Indo-Ceylon Boxing Meets. With his three brothers involved in boxing it was a common sight to see their home scattered with punching bags, weights and gloves. It was a tradition for the brothers to box each other at home. At the time of winning the flyweight National Championship he was still at school going age. In 1963, at a boxing meet in Pakistan, he won the Best Boxers award. Having defeated most boxers in his weight locally, he fought in heavyweight classes. At the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, he lost to Constantin Ciyuka of Romania on points. In the Layton Cup events in 1965, he won the trophy awarded to the champion boxer. In August 1965, at a boxing met in Singapore, he defeated the British Army & Security Service bantamweight champion Bruce Woodcook, knocking him out. At this event he won the trophy for the best boxer. He was expected to win a Gold Medal at the Second Asian Boxing Championships held in South Korea. He lost on points to Korea’s Fun I. Hawang, but went on to win a Silver Medal. He resigned from the Army in 1965 and left for England to obtain prior training to compete in the Commonwealth Boxing Meet in 1966. In England, in the face of financial constraints he gave up amateur boxing and became a professional boxer. One of his brothers Geoff was also by then a professional boxer in England. The ‘Ring magazine, which is considered as the Boxers Bible in its 1967 edition, carried his name in the 10th position. In 1967, he participated in seven boxing meets in the bantamweight class and won four of the games, losing three. (Ceylon Daily News, 9.3.2021)
VANDERGERT, Rodney Clement Austen, born 1935, Colombo, Ceylon. 1947-1953, educated at Royal College, Colombo. 1953 winner of the Governor General’s prize.1954-1958 at University of Peradeniya, obtained Bachelor of Law, (2nd class honours), 1975-1976, New York university, USA, obtained Master of Law, specializing in Public International Economic Law. 1977, Sri Lanka Law College, qualified as an Advocate of the Supreme Court. 1960, appointed to Sri Lanka Foreign Service, Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director General. 1980-1983, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Canada, 1987-1991, Sri Lanka ambassador to the USSR, 1994-1997, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1997-2000, Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Retired as Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. 2002-2005, Chairman, Public Service Commission. 1984-1987 Visiting Lecturer in Public International Law at the University of Colombo. Visiting Lecturer at the Sri Lanka College of Jurisprudence. 1992-1997, Member of the Export Development Bank, 1995-1997, Member of the National Commission for NESCO, 1996-1997, Advisory Council, Sri Lanka Institute of Strategic Studies, 2001-2007, Trustee Judge C.G.Weeramantry International Centre for Peace Education and Research. Active member of Dutch Burgher Union (DBU), served on the General Committee for 2000-2003. 2004, awarded Honorary Life Membership of the DBU in recognition of services rendered. . (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
VANDERSMAGHT, Justin Gerhard – born September 27, 1883. Educated Royal and Technical College. Chief Surveyor, Works Department, Municipality, Colombo, 1900 to 1922. Major, Ceylon Light Infantry, Asst-Adjutant, C.L.I. 1919 to February 1924, on war service as Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, City of London, 1917-1918. For many years Honorary Secretary, Nondescripts C.C. Member, Executive Committee, Comrades of the Great War, Ceylon. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
VANDERSTRAATEN, The Very Rev. Dom Hildebrand, O.S.B., (Francis Leopold VANDERSTRAATEN) – born, April 11, 1844, died, May 16, 1879. Whilst in his teens, his integrity of life, combined with an intelligence far above his teens, attracted the notice of Dr Cingolani, O.S.B., who was then the missionary resident at St Philip Neri’s Church, Pettah, Colombo. He was selected by him as a most fitting candidate for the sacred dignity of the Priesthood. He then began a course in the Latin tongue. In 1858 he accompanied Dr Cingolani on a voyage to Italy and enrolled among the Silvestrine Monks of the great Benedictine order, at Monte Fano, near Ancona. After an years novitiate he was sent to the Roman College to study for the Priesthood. At the completion of the course, he was ordained Priest in 1866, Returning to Ceylon a year later, he was first appointed to the staff of St Benedict’s College, he was then transferred to the Missions in the Moratuwa District. In 1874, the Abbey of St Anthony’s was erected in Kandy, with Dr Cingolani as its first Abbot, who immediately installed Fr Vanderstraaten as Lecturer of Philosophy of St Anthony’s School and Master of Novices. He then moved back to the Missions, serving in Negombo, where he served until his death, short of his fortieth year. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIII, Part 4, 1944)
VANDERSTRAATEN, Edgar Allan Garvin, I.S.O. – born, March 31, 1871, died, May 12, 1953. He began his life as a Clerk in the Colombo Kachcheri, when he was just over eighteen years of age. Three years later he joined the Customs Department where he was to rise to heights not hitherto attained by anyone starting at the bottom. He was duly promoted to the Chief Clerkship, he held this post for nine years and in 1921 was appointed Third Landing Surveyor. His appointment as Office Assistant to the Principal Collector of Customs in addition to his own duties, saw the Imperial Service Order conferred on him in 1925, which was a well deserved recognition of valuable services rendered to the Department. In 1931, he retired from the Customs Service having reached the age limit. He too contributed much to the DBU. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, Part 4, 1931)
VANDERSTRAATEN, Capt. Trevor, died, November 8, 2020, Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. He worked as a freelance correspondent for Lake House and covered the de Soysa Hospital for Women and the Accident Service at the General Hospital, Colombo. He had a good ear for music and always saw the funny side of life. He enrolled as a trainee pilot at the Flying Training School (FTS) at the Ratmalana Airport, in the late sixties. He was trained on the Auster Autocrat and HAL Pushpak aircraft. Having obtained a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, he was selected by Air Ceylon as a cadet pilot in the early seventies. After a few months he and his batch mates were accommodated as Trainee First Officers (F/O’s) on the DC3 Aircraft. From there he graduated as a F/O in the Avro, HS 748. Trevor also trained at Air Services Training (AST) in Perth, Scotland, for the Airline Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL) ground school. With the formation of Air Lanka in 1979, he was seconded from Air Ceylon as a First Officer in the Boeing 7707band sent to Singapore for training with SIA. Later, to Toronto, Canada on LockheedL 1011 (Tristar) training. His first command was on the Boeing 737, Air Lanka’s regional jet, after training with Aer Lingus in Dublin. He then moved on to be a Captain on the L1011, Airbus A340 and the 330 respectively. He retired from flying prematurely and had a quiet life. (Contributed by Capt. Gihan. A. Fernando, Daily Island)
VAN DER STRAATEN, Englebert Hugh – born June 25, 1872. M.I.C.E., Assumed duties as District Engineer, Eastern Province, May 16, 1898, Batticaloa, October 16, 1898, Trincomalee, May 25, 1901, Head Office, December 30, 1902, Galle, March 16, 1903, Kurunegala, November 12, 1906, Kandy, May 13, 1910, Provincial Engineer, Southern Province, April 19, 1912, Western Province, April 21, 1913, central Province, December 1, 1922. (C EYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
VANDERWALL, Charles Morgan, born Kandy, July 22, 1847, died August 13, 1934. He practised for upwards of sixty years as a proctor at the Kandy Courts. He served as a Member of the Kandy Municipal Council for some years. Up to the end he was Legal Adviser to the Municipal Council. From 1916 to 1921 he was a Burgher member in the Legislative Council. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIV, Part 3, 1935)
VANDERWALL, Edward Henry, born Matara, May 8, 1871, and in ancient times the most renowned seat of learning among the Sinhalese. The proverb says: “To be born at Kalutara and educated at Matara is the best fate a man can desire”. After missing the University Scholarship, the examination which he took from St Thomas’s College, began life as an Assistant Master in the rival institution, Royal College. When the Cadet Battalion was organised in January 1902 he was appointed Honorary Captain of the Royal College Company, and this post he held with credit till he left the College. After fifteen years work at the College, his outstanding work was recognised and he was appointed Inspector of Schools, at age thirty-five. He served in this capacity at Kandy and Jaffna with marked success, he was appointed Chief Inspector of Schools on July 1, 1929. He was one of the original members of the DBU and made many notable contributions to the Journal. (DBU Journal, Vol XX, No IV, 1931, Vol XXVII, Part 4, 1938)
VANDERWALL, Adrian Jerome, born 10 April 1975 at Colombo. Educated at St Joseph’s College Employment P&O Nedlloyd 9 years / Maersk 15 Years (Sri Lanka) Current capacity Senior Shipping Executive. (Contributed)
VANDERWALL, Brian St Elmo, born December 18, 1939, at Borella, Ceylon, died November 17, 2011, Colombo Primary education at Royal College, Colombo, Senior years at Thurstan College, Colombo. Employed at St Anthony’s Consolidated, Colombo. Then Radio & Electronics Laboratory, Kotahena, Colombo since the age of 26 years. He worked there for 45 years as Technical Manager and Teacher. (Contributed by Adrian Vanderwall)
VANDERWALL, Charles George, born August 28, 1897, Kandapola, Nuwara Eliya, Ceylon, died Colombo May 16, 1983. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo. Employed by Parliament of Ceylon as The Chief Clerk of Court. In retirement he was the contact for the Australian Council of Churches assisting Burgher migrants to get loans to pay for their passages to Australia (Contributed by Charmaine Schrader)
Van DORT, Ernest Francis, born January 23, 1865, died December 6, 1934. Son of the late J.L.K.Van Dort, he inherited a generous measure of his father’s talents, and occupied for many years as prominent a place in the world of art as his father did. He was of a scientific turn of mind and excelled as an Engineer. He is best remembered as Engineering Assistant in the old Technical School in Colombo. On his retirement he practiced as a private Engineer. He also took an interest in art crafts and was the first worker in refined local clays and in glazing pottery in Ceylon. In 1928 he published an illustrated ‘Guide to Colombo’ and also supplied the illustrations for a book published by his sister, Miss Grace Van Dort. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIV, Part 3, 1935)
VAN DORT, Dr Hebert Collin, born September 17, 1885. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo. He obtained his degrees from the London School of Tropical Diseases. L.M.S. (Cey), L.R.C.S. (Edin). House Officer, General Hospital, Colombo, April 1910, later at Ragama, Dickoya, Nuwara Eliya, Watawala, Undugoda and Mirigama. Divisional Medical Superintendent, Civil Medical Department. Civil (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Bobby Caspersz))
Van DORT, John Lionel Kalenberg - born July 28, 1831, died March 24, 1898. He began his education at St Paul’s Parochial School, Colombo and then later attended the Colombo Academy. From his early school days, he showed a flair for sketching and drawing. He joined the Survey Department and whilst working as a draftsman, did not neglect his art. He designed almost every transparency that was wanted for a silver wedding or for some social demonstration. His love of caricature led him to contribute to the local comic papers. For instance, his pictures and sketches which appeared in “Muniandi” from time to time were much admired. It would be said, that his illustrations accompanied many articles and appeared in most publications of the time. He was also fond of music and had a great fancy for the violin. (DBU Journal, Vol XL, Part 2, 1950)
VAN DORT, Dr Claribel, born April 7, 1876, Colombo, Ceylon. Daughter of Dr William Gregory Van Dort and Sophia Marion McCarthy. She won a gold medal for surgery in WW2, she was the president of the Ceylon Red Cross society Ceylon and also was a member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon. she was only the fourth female student to enter Ceylon Medical College, Colombo in 1892 and graduated with a distinction in Surgery. She is the first female doctor on record to have administered an anaesthetic in Sri Lanka. She married Dr R.L. Spittel, they had two daughters. The Spittel’s opened a private nursing home and Claribel left government service to become the anaesthetist there. (Google Information)
VAN DORT, David Roy Pieter, born 1940, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, colours in Athletics (C), Boxing, Rugger (VC) and Basketball, Joint School Captain 1958, 18 month Engineering apprenticeship at Colombo Commercial Company, obtained C.Eng., F.I.Mech.E. at Metropolitan University Leeds. Joined parents in Melbourne 1964, worked as Engineer for the SEC, for Engineering Consultants at Perth, Dampier and Kalgoorlie 1966 to 1970, Worked at ICI Australia for 33 years, obtained Post Graduate Management (Marketing) qualifications at RMIT University , worked as Project Engineer, Product Manager, Marketing Manager, Group New Business Development Manager, led team which won Banksia Environmental Award 1991. Retired as Commercial Manager, Exports, Asian Region. Presented papers at international conferences in the UK, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Retired 2003, various volunteer roles in Environmental Group at Phillip Island, Editor BAA Bulletin and Lecturer U3A. (Contributed)
VAN DORT, Prof. Marcian. Everard, Ph D, born 1954, Colombo, Ceylon, educated at St Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo. He received his B.S. (1977) degree from the University of Colombo in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He moved to the USA in 1978 and his M.S. (1981) and obtained his M.Sc. in 1981 and Ph.D. (1983) degrees from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, P A., USA. He completed a pharmacology and medicinal chemistry postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in the laboratory of Professor Raymond Counsell from 1983-84. He served as a research associate in the U-M Department of Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry. He served as a research investigator, assistant research scientist, and senior associate research scientist in the U-M Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine. He then served as a senior scientist in radiochemistry at Girindus America, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH from 2002-06. He was promoted to research associate professor (2009-20). His earlier research while at Michigan focused on the discovery and investigation of radiopharmaceuticals for application as SPECT or PET probes for cardiac, CNS and tumor imaging. A significant outcome of this research was the discovery and successful clinical translation of a PET and SPECT radiopharmaceutical for cardiac and cholinergic neuronal imaging, respectively. His current research has led to the discovery of novel multifunctional kinase inhibitors, which are under preclinical investigation as cancer therapeutics. Professor Van Dort co-authored over 53 scholarly publications and 4 book chapters and was the recipient of three U.S. patents. Professor Van Dort served on several university committees including the Medical School's Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Ford Nuclear Reactor Decommissioning Committee, and the Committee for a Multicultural University. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the Society of Nuclear Medicine. The University Regents named Marcian E. Van Dort, research associate professor emeritus of radiology on his retirement in April 2020. (Contributed by David Van Dort)
VAN DORT, Michael Graydon, born 19.1.1980. Played club cricket and then selected for Sri Lanka’s Test and ODI team. Left-hand batsman, right-arm medium pace bowler. The tallest Sri Lankan batsman, he stands at 6 foot 5 inches. Having emerged in 2001 after impressive club performances, he was picked against Bangladesh in September 2001 after an impressive century. His Test average was 36.90. He scored a century in Sri Lanka's defeat to England on 28 May 2006. He nearly became the first batsman since Javed Omar in 2001 to carry the bat through the whole innings. In his one day international debut against Australia he scored a Test-like 48 off 117 balls in a run-chase of 318, and did not play an ODI for the remainder of his career. However, he was selected to play in the tests against Australia and scored a gritty 83 against Australia in the first test in Brisbane. He is considered a good slips fielder but less effective in the outfield. He was dropped from the Sri Lankan Test team following a string of poor performances, especially against India in 2008-2009, and has not played in international tests since. (Wikipedia)
VANGEYZEL, Carl Terrence, born December 12, 1903, died 1968 – Ceylon’s first Olympic athlete. He represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games at Amsterdam in 1928. He had his schooling at Royal College, Colombo, where he was the first Rugby Captain. He also represented the school in cricket, scoring 202 against St Benedict’s in 1920. On leaving School, he represented the NCC, whose new rugby team was formed in 1920. After passing out as a Barrister in England he returned to Ceylon in 1927 to reside permanently. He represented the Ceylonese against the MCC in 1927 and later for All Ceylon. He was also an accredited athlete, being the first Asian to win a British athletics title. He was the first Asian at the time to jump 6ft and over and the first Asian to win a Cricket Blue at either Oxford or Cambridge. (DBU Journal Vol LXVII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1993.
VAN GEYZEL, Colonel. Dr John Lawrence, C.I.E., - died, Cannes, February 20, 1932. Educated at the Colombo Academy He went on to Aberdeen University, where he took his medical degree. He entered the Indian Medical Service, by competition in 1880, and after a period of military medical duty in India, he was appointed Medical and Sanitary officer of the Ganjam District. From there he was selected, on account of his special qualifications, for the posts of chief medico legal expert and chief chemist to the Government of Madras, and lecturer in experimental physics, and held the professorship of chemistry. After 25 years continuous service, he was selected by the Secretary of State for a special post in the India Office. On his final retirement after 41 years’ service for India, he was awarded for his services and extra pension and the Companionship of the Order of the Indian Empire. (DBU Journal, Vol XXX, Part 3, 1941)
VAN LANGENBERG, Rev. Fr Dom Andrew, OSB, died July 26, 1949. Educated at Royal College, Colombo, where he was a renowned batsman, and excelled in hockey and tennis. He was ordained a Priest on December 22, 1900 and joined the teaching staff at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. He was also a member of Kandy Sports Club. He introduced cricket to St Anthony’s College in 1903, and was its first cricket coach, establishing the standards of the game. There was then a team known as St Anthony’s College cricket Club, consisting of staff and students under the captaincy of Fr Van Langenberg. (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy)
VAN LANGENBERG, Sir James Arthur, K.C. – born Kandy, March 2, 1866, died April 30, 1915. In 1885 he began reading Law at the Inner Temple and a year later he went up to Merton College, Oxford. He was called to the English Bar in January 1888 and on his return to Ceylon was enrolled as an Advocate and practised in Colombo. In 1904 he served for six months as a member of the Legislative Council. From 1905 to 1906 he acted as Solicitor-General. He held the rank of Major in the Army Volunteer Movement. He was one of the founder members of the Colombo Lawn Club and the Nondescript Cricket Club. (A.R.B. Amerasinghe – The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, 1986)
VAN LANGENBERG, Dr Vincent Carbery – born May 31, 1870, died March 9, 1946. He was sent for his medical studies to Aberdeen, where he gained his M.B., C.M. degree. After serving a short time in Singapore, he returned to Ceylon, where he entered the Medical Service and had a distinguished career, retiring in 1930 after acting as Director of Medical and Sanitary Services. He served in the Great War of 1914 – 1918, receiving a Commission in the R.A.M.C. at Aldershot. He took a great interest in Volunteering, rising to the rank of Lieut-Colonel in the Ceylon Light Infantry. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXV, Part 4, 1946)
Van LANGENBERG, William James, born 1906. Educated at St Joseph’s College, Colombo. Entered the Ceylon University and then proceeded to England winning an exhibition and scholarship. Obtained B. Sc in Engineering and was the first Ceylonese to win the Heiner Medal for Mathematics. He entered the Ceylon Civil Service, and the Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Health. He also served as President of the Dutch Burgher Union. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
VAN REYK, Rev. Fr Dom Hidlebrand, OSB, died Rome. He studied at St Anthony’s College, Kandy. Prior of the Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Kandy 1930-1933. He celebrated the first Mass at the newly established Monastery, ‘Monte Fano, in Ampitiya, Kandy, on November 26, 1927. The newly purchased premises was the secluded ‘Yatawara Walauwa’. In January 1932, a newly building was begun on the premises. (Website, Sylvestro Benedictine Monks, Ampitya, Kandy)
VAN ROOYEN, Dr Charles Ellard – born April 13, 1872. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. M.R.C.S. (Eng), L.R.C.P. (Lon). Sub-Assistant Colonial Surgeon, Colombo, May 1896, Kandy, November 1898, Nawalapitiya, September 1899, Dickoya, October 1903, Nuwara Eliya, September 1922. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
VAN ROOYEN, Dr Glanville St Clair, LRCP & S (Edin), born March 19, 1861, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 6, 1937, Colombo, Ceylon. Inspecting Medical Officer, Medical Department, Colombo. (Google Information)
VAN ROOYEN Dr Ursula Lucilla (nee van der STRAATEN), born July 15, 1866, Colombo, Ceylon, died March 10,1903, Colombo Ceylon. She is the daughter of Julian Edward Leis van der Straaten and Lucilla Theodora van der Straaten. She married Dr Glanville St Clair Van Rooyen, they had three sons and one daughter. (Google Information)
VAN ROOYEN, Major Frederick John – born March 3, 1874 did 1961 Educated at Royal College, Colombo. Crown Proctor and Notary Public, Matale. Chairman, Matale Urban District Council, President Y.M.C.A., Major, Ceylon Light Infantry. An excellent all-round cricketer in his day. Member and player of the Nondescripts Cricket Club. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
Van SANDEN, Jack, born October 11, 1912, died in Australia, December 10, 2002, He was educated at Kingswood College, Kandy, where he was prefect and school captain. Excelled in soccer at school. Company Quarter Master in the Ceylon Cadet Battalion. Selected into the Police Force in 1932 as a Sub-Inspector, then promoted Inspector soon after. In 1955, Appointed Assistant Superintendent of Police. He was responsible for the capture of the Desperado “Yakadaya”, and was highly commended and decorated for the arrest. Proceeded to Ryton College, UK to follow a Special Police Course. He later served as Commissioner of Police, Colombo City. In 1960 he was promoted to Superintendent of Police. 1968 – Promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police. After his retirement in 1971, he was specially assigned to be DIG in-charge of the 1976 General Elections. He immigrated to Australia with his family in 1979. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
VAN SANDEN, Dr Thomas Owen, born, February 16, 1862, Kandy, Ceylon, died, February 8, 1945, Kandy, Ceylon. Qualifications: LMS (Ceylon), Medical Officer. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
Van TWEST, John Taylor – born August 19, 1875, died May 16, 1937. Entering the Public Works Department on December 1, 1900,as Head Overseer after a course at the Government Factory, which was then the only avenue of admission into the Department. By sheer merit, he rose to be District Engineer and served in some of the most important districts of the island. He enjoyed a high reputation as an Engineer, and after his retirement his services were requisitioned by the Urban District Council of Matale to supervise the scheme for a water supply. (DBU Journal, Vol XXVII, Part 1, 1937
VON HAGT, Dudley Marlon, born, March 31, 1965, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. He is a former Sri Lankan cricketer, who played ODI in 1985. He currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.. Educated at St Anthony’s College, Kandy, he excelled himself at Cricket. At the age of 13-years he was acknowledged as an opening batsman and the Daily Mirror reported that much should be heard of him in the future. Having played in the First XI for 6 years, he had the unique distinction of winning the coveted Eagle on five consecutive occasions. This paid testimony to his consistent batting performance over the five years. His 224 vs Dharmaraja was a highlight, along with the rare feat of scoring three centuries against Trinity College. In 1981 he represented the Sri Lanka Schools XI against the Melbourne Cavaliers. He attributed his fighting innings of 82, out of a total of 192, for the Sri Lanka Under 19s against Tamil Nadu in January 1983 as the turning point in his career. As an 18-year-old he played his first representative game for Sri Lanka against the touring Zimbabwe side in December 1983. A couple of months later, he toured Australia with the Under 19 team as the vice-captain and scored a magnificent 121 in the Third Test at the MCG. He toured England with the Sri Lankan squad in July 1984 and was unlucky to be the 12th man for the Lords’ Test, despite scoring consistently on the tour. The Australian tour followed and although he played his first ODI at Perth he came home dejected due to lack of opportunities. An excellent fielder, he felt his 12th man duties designated him to be a regular substitute throughout the tour. In February 1986, as captain of a Colt’s XI, he played one of his best international innings, scoring a brilliant 88 against a Pakistan attack that included Imran Khan and Wasim Akram. At the age of 22, he resigned to his conviction that he was never going to play for Sri Lanka. He pursued a course in IT and soon after work opportunities took him overseas. In 1990, he had a stint in Singapore, where he broke just about all the national batting records, becoming the first batsman in Singapore to score 1000 runs in season, and in the process scored Singapore’s first double hundred. He ended up in New Zealand soon after, and played Division One cricket in the Auckland district for Waitemata. He was on the verge of breaking into the Auckland side, when work commitments took him to Samoa. He moved to Melbourne in late 1994 with his wife. After playing a few seasons for Burwood in the Dunstan Shield, his only Cricket commitment for a long period of time was to represent the Antonian OBA at the annual encounter against Trinity College. In recent years having re-kindled his passion for cricket, he is back in action scoring runs for the Colombo Cricket Club. In November 2018, he had the distinction of captaining Sri Lanka at the inaugural 50-Cricket World Cup held in Australia. In February 2020, he was named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the Over-50’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. However, the tournament was cancelled during the third round of matches due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Contributed by Afzhal Laphir)
WALBEOFF, John, born 1792, England, died Ceylon, December 12, 1831. He was the founder of the family in Ceylon. He was appointed to the Civil Service in 1809 and was first appointed Second Assistant at the Secretariat. When he had mastered the routine of Government business in Ceylon, he was appointed Assistant to the Collector at Colombo, then Assistant Collector, Chillaw. Cinnamon was Government monopoly during the early years of British rule and a special department was set up to deal with its cultivation ad preparation for export. He was appointed Superintendent, Cinnamon Plantations in 1822, an appointment he held for nine years. It was his great love of hunting that brought about his untimely death. Whilst hunting deer, his horse carried him with violence against a tree, causing severe injuries. (DBU Journal, Vol XXIX, Part 1, 1939)
WALLES, Godwell Nicholas Gerard, born, June 6, 1886, Colombo, Ceylon, died, January 21, 1967, in Colombo, Ceylon. Educated St Joseph’s College, Colombo. Veterinary Degree from G.B.V.C. Veterinary Colombo, Bombay, India. Veterinary Surgeon and Proprietor, S.W.Walles & Co., Colombo. A keen turfite and a successful race horse owner. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924 & Bobby Caspersz).
WEBSTER, Norman Patrick Lindsay, born November 1, 1961, Colombo, Ceylon. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo, Year 10 Certificate of Education. Diploma in Hotel Management. Between 1980-1984, Aitken Spence Shipping, Colombo, Clerical position. Between 1984-1986, Date Entry Operator, Marine Transport Co, Saudi Arabia. Between 1986-1995, Mount Lavinia Hotel and Ramada Renaissance, Colombo, as Auditor. Emigrated to the USA in 1995. Between 1995-2000, Hotel Majestic, San Francisco, Auditor/Assistant Controller. Emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, March 2001. Employed by Oakford on Collins, Melbourne as an Auditor. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
WEBSTER, Virginia Mary (nee FORBES), born March 26, 1965, Kandy, Ceylon. She is the daughter of Charles & Noelle Forbes. Educated at St Lawrence School, Wellawatte, Colombo and Holy Family Convent, Colombo. Awarded the Dender Memorial Cup at Holy Family Convent for Best Results at the Advanced Level Exam. Mahapola Merit Scholarship for entire University Education. Obtained Bachelor of Law, University of Colombo in 1991. In 1994, Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, London. In 1995, Attorney at Law, Sri Lanka. Between October 1989 – November 1992, Accountant Price Waterhouse Coopers, Colombo, Between December 1992-December 1996, Credit Analyst, Banque Indosuez, Colombo Branch. Between January 1997-2001, Management Accountant, Unilever Ceylon Ltd, Tea Division, Colombo. January 2001, Assistant Accountant, Accounts Payable. Immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in April 2001. Employed by Transurban Citylink, Melbourne. She is married to Norman Patrick Lindsay Webster. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
WHATMORE, Davenell Frederick “Dav”, born, Colombo, March 16, 1954. He was educated at Royal College, Colombo, Ceylon. He and his family immigrated to Australia in 1962. Thereafter he lived in Mentone, and studied at Mentone Grammar School. A right-hand batsman. His first century came against South Australia which he followed with one against New South Wales. He started the 1978–79 domestic season slowly, but eventually found form and became one of the most successful batsman that season. He also had to captain Victoria when Yallop was absent due to test duty, and played a vital role in the state winning the Sheffield Shield that summer. At first-class level, he scored over 6,000 runs for Victoria. A century against Queensland late in the season saw him selected in the Australian team to play Pakistan. He impressed in his first test, top scoring in Australia's first innings with 43. He opened in the second innings but only scored 15. He was picked in the Australian squad for the 1979 World Cup. He was also selected in the side that toured India in 1979. When he returned to Australian the World Series Cricket players had been readmitted to first class cricket and he lost his test place. However, he remained in good form for Victoria, and helped them win another Sheffield Shield. He played one ODI for Australia in the 1979–80 summer, was 12th man for another and was selected in the initial 18 man squad to go to Pakistan in early 1980. (He did not end up going). He suffered a dip in form in 1980–81 and 81–82 seasons and was dropped from the Sheffield Shield Squad at one stage. However he bounced back and enjoyed his best ever season in 1987–88, making 912 runs at an average of 50. He retired from professional cricket in 1988/89 to pursue a career in coaching. He coached Sri Lanka in two separate spells, during the first of which he won the 1996 World Cup. In between those spells, he coached Lancashire where he won the National League in 1998 and 1999, and the NatWest Trophy in 1998. Since the 1990s, he has coached the Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan cricket teams. In December 2014, he was appointed coach of the Zimbabwe team. He was appointed as head coach by Kerala Cricket Association for 2017–18 season. During 2017-2018 Ranji Trophy, Kerala's men's cricket team reached the quarter-final for the first time. In 2018-2019 Ranji Trophy, they moved a step ahead and for first time played in semi-finals. He was credited for creating a long-standing impact on Kerala cricket. In February 2020, he was appointed as head coach of the Singapore National Cricket Team. (Wikipedia)
WHATMORE, Gwendoline Leah “Wendy” (nee De Kretser), born December 13, 1918, Matara, Ceylon, died March 1989, Colombo, Sri Lanka. She is the daughter of Oswald Leslie de Kretser & Ruby Irene Leah Minnie Thomasz. She was taught at home because – about a week after she was born, she developed infantile diarrhea. So there was a question mark as to whether she was going to live. And then, most of the time, she was brought up on goat’s milk She began writing poetry at the age of nine, and was a frequent contributor to the Junior Page of the weekly newspapers. When submitting her poetry for publication, she took on the name ‘Wendy’, inspired by the book ‘Peter Pan’ by J.M.Barrie. When she was 10 and went to school, she attended Holy Family, Convent, Bambalapitiya, Colombo, by the time she was about 15, she loved her sports, she used to play Centre position on the netball team for Holy Family Convent. By this time, she had decided that Drama and Speech was to be her life. Educated at Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, she authored the school’s song, which is still in use today. On leaving school, she took up a career in Speech and Drama. She married Davenall Whatmore in 1938. She founded the Wendy Whatmore Academy in 1940 with just five pupils. The success of these pupils at the exams held by the Trinity College of Music and Speech, London, attracted more pupils and also roused the interest of both Government and Private Schools in the subject of Speech Training. In 1947, she was the first teacher in what was then known as the ‘Far East’, to receive a Fellowship – the highest qualification in this field – from Trinity College of London. She published many anthologies of poetry during her lifetime. ‘The Heart of a Child’, first published in 1983, contains 115 delightful poems on a variety of themes that children love, and includes her most famous poem ‘Island Spell’. She also started a theatre company called Theatre Lovers, and directed many ground-breaking productions in Colombo, including My Fair Lady, The Importance Of Being Ernest, The Boyfriend and many more. In 1947, the Fellowship diploma of Trinity College (London) was awarded for the first time to a candidate in the Far East– Mrs. Whatmore. The second and third Fellowships followed nine years later and were also secured by students of this Academy. Soon the Academy had a staff of London qualified teachers, who had also been trained by her in the special methods she had devised for teaching Sri Lankan children. The Academy also began conducting local exams in all grades, based on the requirements and standards demanded by Trinity College. A panel of highly qualified and experienced examiners conducts these practical exams annually, in the subjects of Speech and Drama, Effective Communication and Effective Text Speaking, Spoken English, Verse and Prose, Acting in Paris and Written English. Some earlier schools to include Speech training in the curriculum and to present students for examination, include Lindsay Girls’ School, Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya, Visakha Vidyalaya, Good Shepherd Convent and St. Bridget’s Convent. The Galle and Matara Convents were the first outstation schools to follow suit. She continued to teach and direct productions for the WWA until her death in 1989. (Google Information)
WENDT, Henry Lorenz (Snr) – born Colombo, October 28, 1858, died November 21, 1911. He had a brilliant scholastic career at St Thomas’ College, where he held the Gregory Scholarship. In 1874 he matriculated at the Calcutta University and in 1879 passed his first examination in Arts. He was called to the Ceylon Bar in 1880. He was an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Ceylon. In 1901 he was called to the English Bar at Gray’s Inn. On the retirement of Dr P.D. Anthonisz, as Burgher Member, in 1895, His Excellency Sir Arthur Havelock nominated him for the vacant seat in the Legislative Council. On March 3, 1898, he was elected President of the YMCA. He acted as Solicitor General in 1897, and as Attorney General in 1900 and 1901. On the retirement of the Hon’ble Sir Arthur Lawrie as Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, Mr Wendt was appointed to succeed him, from which office he retired in 1910. He was elected President of the DBU on September 30, 1911 (DBU Journal, Vol V, Part 4, 1912)
WENDT, Henry Lorenz (Jnr) – born February 24, 1904, died December 1945, he was the son of the late Justice Wendt. His career in the Legal Department gave every promise of being as distinguished as that of his father. After serving as an Assistant Legal Draftsman for some years, he was appointed District Judge of Galle and thereafter Commissioner of Requests. He was compelled by ill health to retire while still comparatively young. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXV, Part 3, 1946)
WENDT, Lionel George Henricus, born December 3, 1900 – died December 20, 1944. Educated at Government Training College and later at St Thomas’ College. Leaving school, he went to England and qualified as a Barrister from the Inner Temple in London. He practised law for a short time in Colombo. When on his return to Ceylon he began practising, he also intended to grow a beard. But a Judge who evidently did not favour beards rubbed the judicial chin and made a wry face. Lionel Wendt rose, bowed to the Bench and left the Bar for good. He trained to be a pianist in London and Berlin, and taught himself to be a photographer. He did not perform as a solo Pianist but played in concerts arranged by the Ceylon Music Society. He would also play for friends “anything from Beethoven to boogie woogie”. The Leica Camera company sponsored a one-man exhibition of his work in London in 1938, and his book of photographs titled, “Lionel Wendt’s Ceylon’ (London 1950) is now a collector’s item. He was the dynamic force behind the formation of the ’43 Group of modern painters. He was a friend of several painters, notably George Keyt. He had the skill to hold a disparate group of talented individuals together in the ’43 Group. (DBU Journal, Vol XXXIV, Part 4, 1945 & Encyclopaedia of Sri Lanka, 2003)
WEINMAN, Major Aubrey Neil, O.B.E. – born 1897, died Perth, West Australia, August 10, 1967. For two decades between the first and second world-wars he was Secretary and Librarian of the Colombo Museum. He was wounded in World War 1. On his return from the second world war, after five years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, made it his responsibility on being appointed Director, of the Dehiwela Zoo, to convert it into a show-place worth a visit. For many years he officiated as Secretary to the Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch). Leaving. Ceylon, in 1962, he served as a Director of the Zoo in Kuala Lumpur, and shortly after, left for Australia where he settled in retirement. (DBY Journal, Vol LVIII, Part’s 1 – 4, 1968)
WEINMAN, Dr Darrel Felix, born November 20, 1929, Colombo, Ceylon, died October 14, 2018, Sydney, Australia. Educated at St Peter’s College, Colombo, a brilliant student and School Captain. He was the school Cricket Captain. Studied medicine at the University of Ceylon, obtained FRCS with 1st Class Honours and won the Hallet Prize. 1960 in London qualifying for FRCS and MRCP. Returning to Ceylon in 1962, he was employed as Doctor at General Hospital, Colombo and later Neurosurgeon. He immigrated to Sydney in 1974. Australia, Employed as Neurosurgeon at Canterbury & Bankstown Hospital, Sydney. Later on he went into General Practice with his wife, Brinda also a Surgeon. (Contributed by Ranjit Wikramanayake & Bobby Caspersz)
WEINMAN, J. R., born Peradeniya. Educated at the Colombo Academy. He read law under Charles Ferdinands, he practised as an Advocate for many years in Colombo and in 1902 was appointed Acting District Court Judge, Colombo, he continued in this office for three years. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
WEINMAN, Dr Leonard Owen, born September 17, 1887. Educated at Royal College, Colombo. L.R.C.P. and S (Edin), L.F.P.and S (Glas). Resident Medical Officer, Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital, Colombo, August 1916, Commissioner R.A.M.C, November 1917, Police Surgeon Colombo, May 1920. A fine all round sportsman and captain of the Nondescripts C.C. (CEYLON – Plate Limited, 1924)
WEINMAN, Rev. Ravenal, born April 17, 1933, Colombo, Ceylon, died, October 31, 2018, Melbourne, Australia. Educated at St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, where he was a Prefect and Sports Captain in Badminton and Swimming. He gained admission into Medical College but opted instead to be a candidate for the Ministry in the Presbyterian Church. Trained at United Theological
College, Bangalore, India and obtained a Bachelor of Divinity in 1958. Ordained in December 1960 and was on the staff of the Colombo YMCA as Secretary of Religious Work. While at the YMCA he conducted the Christian Half Hour on National Radio and later formed The Radio Club to continue his work. He also conducted programs of the Church Youth Movement and the Student Christian Movement. Furthered his study through a Scholarship to Union Theological Seminary, New York and gained a Master of Sacred Theology. Inducted as of the Church of the Servant Lord in Colombo in 1966. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia with his family in 1969 and took up an Assistant Minister position at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Warrnambool. Thereafter ha had clings to Noble Park Uniting Church, Chaplain at Billanook College, Melbourne and a final calling to North Balwyn Uniting Church before retiring. He was heavily involved in the creation of the Uniting Church in Australia and served on numerous committees within the Uniting Church. He was talented in music and drama and used these talents to grow youth ministries in all his Parishes. Directed plays and concerts as part of worship programs and sang in Church Choirs. Post retirement, he commenced an online Ministry preparing daily devotions and scripture texts which were sent to numerous people. (Contributed by Rev. Richard Brohier & Nihal de Run)
WHITE, Bernard, born June 8, 1959, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Now an American Citizen, was raised in Detroit, USA, graduated with a BA in Theatre from Michigan State. He is recognized from his work in over 30 feature films. He is also a familiar face to TV viewers, he has recurred in some of television’s hottest series. In 2001, he stepped behind the camera to direct his first film ‘The Want’, which he also wrote. In addition, he has penned several screenplays and a multitude of stage plays, many of which were produced in Los Angeles. He began his career on daytime television with contract roles on ‘General Hospital’ (1963), ‘Santa Barbara’ (1984) and ‘Days of Our Lives’ (1965). He divides his time between LA and New York City. (Contributed by IMDb Mini Biography, Fritz Werner)
WHITE, Major Deshmanaya Duncan, OBE, born, March 1,1918, at Lathpandura, near Kalutara, Ceylon, died Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, July 3, 1998, Education – Trinity College, Kandy, where he was awarded the prestigious ”Trinity Lion” for athletics, this was subsequently withdrawn from him due to minor disciplinary reasons. In 1942, with the on-set of World War II he was commissioned as an officer in the Ceylon Light Infantry (CLI). He was demobilised in 1947. He later joined the Ceylon Volunteer Force, going on to become a Major and gaining the Efficiency Decoration. He represented Ceylon at the London Olympic Games in 1948 and was a silver medalist in the 400 metres hurdle (he was the first Ceylonese athlete to win an Olympic medal). White’s time for the event was 51.8 seconds, just 0.7 seconds behind the winner. He was the first Ceylonese to win a medal for his country. Welcomed by Trinity College after the Olympics, at a ceremony and honoured by the return of the prestigious “lion”. In 1950 he was the chief Gold Medal winner at the British Empire Games in Auckland. He won the 440 yards hurdle, only 0.3 seconds behind the world record. The Government of Ceylon awarded him a scholarship to Loughborough University, where he won the Inter-University Challenge Shield. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1950. After graduating from Loughborough, he returned to Ceylon in 1951 and was appointed the physical education lecturer at the Teacher's College in Maharagama. In 1958, the Department of Education appointed him coach of the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association. In 1963 he took up a post as lecturer at the University of Nigeria in 1963 and went on to become a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan. He eventually settled in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, briefly returning to Nigeria as an advisor on sports activities. The Duncan White Sports Foundation was founded on his 72nd birthday, 1 March 1990, and White presented the first award to Sriyantha Dissanayaka on 1 March 1991. A postage stamp was commissioned in his honour by Sri Lanka, in 1988. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007 & Wikipedia)
WILLÉ, George Alfred Henry, MSC – born March 31, 1871 – died 1951. He had a bright career at Royal College. He started life in the humble role of a clerical servant. In due course he left Government service and became a Proctor and joined the Legal firm of De Vos & Gratien, who were then Crown Proctors. He was Secretary of the Pettah Library for a great many years. He also took a keen interest in the Ceylon Savings Bank. He was a Director of the Y.M.C.A. and his long tenure of office as President of the Ceylon Society of Arts was evidence of his strong belief in the uplifting influence of aesthetic tastes. He was also a regular contributor to the “Ceylon Examiner”. He was elected first member of the ‘Burgher Seat of the Ceylon National Congress. (DBU Journal, Vol XLI, Part 4, 1951 & The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide, Kelaart, 2003))
WILLÉ - David Ian, born 1942, educated at Royal College, Colombo. Emigrated with his parents to Melbourne, Australia in 1957. Studied at Melbourne University, obtaining a BA and LLB. Appointed to the Australian Diplomatic Service and posted as Australian High Commissioner to the West Indies, on his return was appointed Head of the Russian desk at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Canberra. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide – Kelaart, 2007)
WILLENBERG, Dr Richard Willoughby – born May 13, 1884. Educated at Kingswood College, Kandy. L.M.S. (Cey), M.R.C.S. (Eng), L.R.C.P. (Lon). House Officer, General Hospital, Colombo, May 1908, later at Kurunegala, Buttala, Anuradhapura, Pussellawa, Assistant Port Surgeon, Colombo, January 1923. (CEYLON – Platte Limited 1924)
WILSON, Pippa (nee KELLAR), born 1949, Gampola, Ceylon. Daughter of Dr Earl Kellar and Iris Pate. She started her education at Bishop’s College, Colombo, then Holy Family Convents at Anuradhapura and Kurunegala and Girl’s High School, Kandy. The family immigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in March 1963. In Melbourne, she was educated at Bentleigh High School where she was a valued member of the School Choir also the Cricket and Volley Ball teams. Leaving school, she worked as a typist for a share broker for 18 months and then worked for the Federal Hotel chain in Collins Street. She represented the Federal Hotel chain in the ‘Miss Travel Quest’ which she won. This in turn gave her entry into the ‘Miss Victoria Quest’ and was amongst the highest money raisers. She began her singing career in 1971, doing the floorshow circuit performing popular songs of the era. After her children were born she changed direction and followed her love of Jazz. Singing jazz since 1979, she made her debut with the New Harlem Jazz Band. Since that time she has worked with some of Melbourne’s top musicians and has become a well-respected and popular member of the Jazz Fraternity. By 2013, she had produced 5 Jazz Albums with her band “The Pippa Wilson Swingtet’. She was married to William (Bill) Wilson from 1972 to 1079. They have a daughter and son and four grandchildren. (Contributed)
WOODHOUSE, George William, born, November 29, 1867, Colombo, Ceylon. Education St John’s College. September 1982, Cadet local division, Ceylon Civil Service, Assistant Collector of Customs, Jaffna, December 1892. District Judge, Negombo in 1905, awarded the Campbell’s-Foster prize medal in 1910. District Judge, Matara, June 1912. Degrees obtained, LIM (Cantab), BA (Cantab), MA of the Middle Temple, in 1916, District Judge, Jaffna in 1920, Acting Additional District Judge, Colombo, in 1922. Retired in 1927 (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
WOUTERSZ, Thelmuth Harris Wilhelm, 1937 – 2003, Educated at Royal College, Colombo and Colombo University. A Public Servant for forty one years (1958-1999), of which thirty eight were spent in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service as a Diplomat. He held Diplomatic posts in Geneva (Switzerland), India, Pakistan, China, Italy and Bangladesh, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Yugoslavia, Chairman of the Rome Chapter of the Group of 77 Conference. In 1991, he was appointed Director-General of Publicity and later Director-General of Consular Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 1993 to 1997 he was Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China. In 1997, he was appointed Foreign Secretary and Head of the Foreign Service in Sri Lanka. In 1999, he retired from the Public Service, however in recognition of the service he rendered his country in general and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in particular, was appointed Ambassador to Italy, where he served until just prior to his death. In 2002 he was Deputy Leader of the Sri Lankan delegation to the World Food Summit in Rome. In 2003, he agreed to be President of the Dutch Burgher Union (DBU) and would mention, with gratitude, that in his youth the DBU assisted him in his higher studies at the University. (The Burghers of Ceylon Worldwide, Kelaart, 2003))
WRIGHT, Humphrey Lionel Bernard, born, May 21, 1906, Kandy, Ceylon, died, September 16, 1980, Perth, West Australia. Examiner of Motor Cars & Drivers, Colombo, Ceylon. Immigrated to Australia. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
WRIGHT, Dr Joseph William Alfred, born, April 4, 1854, Colombo, Ceylon, died February 26, 1916, Badulla, Ceylon. Education, LMS (Cey), Doctor in the Civil Medical Department. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
WRIGHT, Dr Lionel George, born, June 16, 1860. Education LMS (Cey). Doctor in the Civil Medical Department. (Contributed by Bobby Caspersz)
WRIGHT, Malcolm Graeme, born June 2, 1926, Kandy, Ceylon. Early education unknown, later studied in England at St Catherine’s College, Oxford University. Whilst studying at Oxford, he made two appearances in first-class cricket for Oxford University in 1950, against Warwickshire and Lancashire. He scored 35 runs in his two matches, with a high score of 17.
WRIGHT, Robert, born September 2, 1901, died August 2, 1988. He had his education at St Anthony’s College, Kandy, going through all the grades. Playing cricket, he excelled in every department of the game and captained the first eleven. As a boxer, he was lithe as a panther and devastating in attack. He was a wizard at hockey and adept in the field of soccer. He joined the staff in 1923, as the Senior Science Master. He was also Master of Discipline. On retirement he immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. (Contributed by Chris Drieberg, Melbourne)
(HG - 29/09/2021)
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