Golden St Benedict’s & Shepherdians Of Ceylon’ authored by Elmo Leonard is a simple, yet colourful historical document of the 60s and 70s and before, of St Benedict’s College, the Director/Principal of the school, Rev. Bro. Dr. Pubudu Rajapaksa said at its launch.

Launched at College premises in Kotahena recently, (August 11) it is a labour of love and gives a human touch while not being seriously academic. The tide of history is partly human history. History could be seen positively or negatively, thus, Bro Pabudu echoed during his presentation.

The history of St Benedict’s and Good Shepherd Convent goes back to a period when the Catholic congregation were asked to contribute cents five a week (which was a substantial sum at the time) towards the construction of the two schools, Bro Pubudu recounted.

“The lost paradise will be regained, and you have contributed towards it; thank you Mr Leonard” the director concluded.

Also included in the book is a document: History of Achievements by General Secretary of OBU Shirley Tissera, whose account names the great Benedictines of the past.

Also comprised are extracts from St Benedict’s Magazines.

Francis D’ Almeida has written on Basketball and great coach Ram Sunderalingam. Athlete Felix Dias has also contributed a piece on Mr Sunderalingam, the athletics coach. Tony Appathurai on cricket and hockey and the great coaches, Berty Wijesinghe and Brian Assey. And, Anton Abeyesekera Captain (1960) in hockey.

There are interviews with Errol Anthony on the greatest soccer team of 1961when the revered Albert Fernando was coach; Sunil Fernando (Captain) when in 1964 St Benedict’s were school cricket champions; Lionel Fernando (Captain) who according to Wisden set a world record for a day’s cricket performance.

A school is as great as its teachers and pen sketches are given of the great teachers of the past. Also, obituaries, including that of groundboy Rogus Perera who has shed more sweat than any other for the 158-year-old school.

The book is dedicated to the late Bro Alexander FSC, reputed as the most loved Lasalian Brother.

The book says that Lasalian education in Sri Lanka is unparalleled, in dedication and quality.

The founder editor of The Island and Times newspapers Vijitha Yapa under whom Lasantha Wickrematunge and Elmo Leonard had worked contributed an article to the book, on the assassinated Benedictine Lasantha Wickrematunge.

The writer, who had known Lasantha and his family for over 50 years, as both a colleague and friend reveals many pieces of evidence thus far undisclosed about the journalist, lawyer, politician and activist which has been described as “a book in itself; very daring and provocative.”

When first the manuscript of the book was read by director of Neptune Publishers, Shane Perera, he had presumed that it must be the first book in the world written about a boys’ and girls’ school.

The book was written with the global Benedictines in mind. It is scribed by a third generation Benedictine and is an attempt to preserve great Bens, its students, teachers and others in flesh and blood, historically, socially and culturally, and to inspire young ones. To others the book is a historical document of the past and is good for readers of all walks of life, besides the book hoarders on being a good piece of literature.

Eric Motha who had read the book online writes: “I extend my congratulations on your compiling the book on St Benedict’s and Good Shepherd Convent…I am sure it will be warmly welcomed by Bens and Shepherdians in Sri Lanka and beyond. It fills a huge void and we owe our sincere thanks to you for taking on this herculean task. I am in Vancouver, Canada holding the Bens together. In the wrap of Benedictines, I echo “Well done Elmo.”

The publication is also available at all leading bookshops.

The first Shepherdian Queen is Naomi Fernando, who was born in the 1930s and was the owner of Goldi brand products, which competed in the marketplace with other prestigious brands like Keells and Elephant house.

The second Shepherdian Queen is Wilma Schuelling who under the stage name of Wilma Singling turned professional vocalist.

The third Shepherdian Queen is Carman Philomena Solomonsz (86) whose Sri Lankan educational qualifications were not recognised when she migrated Down Under in 1962. So, Carmen Koelmeyer with two kids to look after went back to an Australian school, then to University and became a university lecturer.

The book says that St Benedict’s had a predecessor, Kottanchina Catholic Seminary, set up in 1838 at Wolfendhall, Colombo 13, which was moved lock stock and barrel and set up in its present location.

It is the work of a third generation Benedictine whose grandparents attended the college and the convent as the earliest students of both schools. At its inception in 1865 St Benedict’s had 450 students, the highest number of students in a school. The other two boy’s schools were Royal and S. Thomas’ College. Good Shepherd began a few years later and counted 100 students.

The historical “schools take over” in 1960 is carried in detail, and the resistance of the Catholics of Kotahena and on the “Catholic Belt (coastline) and the emergence of private schools; St Benedict’s being one.

The book priced at Rs. 2,800 can be purchased from the Director of St Benedict’s (0714710890)