Features
How the visionaries transformed the land by lighting the hill
St. Michael’s College, Batticaloa – 150th Anniversary
By B. Nimal Veerasingham
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:14-16)
‘Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another’ said 19th century English poet Gilbert K. Chesterton. Nelson Mandela put that in practical terms as ‘Education being the most powerful weapon which one can use to change the world’.
It is not difficult to grasp why Education is glorified as being the ‘truth that will set one free’, as has been witnessed by the mottos of many Universities around the world. This includes Johns Hopkins University, the premier research University in the US with affiliation to 39 Nobel laureates.
Our nation’s constant high literacy rate is a testimony to the placement of education. It is a result of locally inborn instincts of curiosity and advancement, aided to some extent by the arrival of foreign visionaries and missionaries. Many renowned educational institutions around the country are marking centuries of continued awakening of minds and uplifted lives, cornerstones of a progressive society.
The Eastern township of Batticaloa is no stranger to this phenomenon. Little known is the fact that one of the first English educational institutions in the country has its origin at Batticaloa. The Methodist Central College was founded in 1814 by the Wesleyan missionaries. On the other hand, St. Michael’s College Batticaloa rose from its humble beginnings, starting in 1873, to the monumental towers at the centre of the town, lighting the hearts and minds of the population.
St. Michael’s college Batticaloa is marking its 150th year of service to the region, and country, this 29th September, on the feast of its patron saint Archangel Michael, the slayer of ignorance with truth.
The humble beginnings could be traced back to Fr. Francis Xavier, Ceylon’s first secular priest, who was born in Jaffna and served in Bolawatte and Chilaw. He was commissioned to start an English boys school at Batticaloa with the sum of Rs, 500.00, but the energised and driven Fr. Xavier started not one, but three schools, including St. Cecilia’s Girls English school and St. Mary’s Tamil school. The first headmaster of St. Michael’s College was Joseph Sethupathy Abraham of Karampon who served the school tirelessly for more than 50 years. Though French Jesuits took over the diocese of Trincomalee, in 1895, which includes the administration of St. Michael’s College, it’s the local visionaries who breathed life into the concept of education that eventually lift countless as productive souls of the society.
The results from the journey envisioned by the local futurists might have been elusive during their lifetime, but 150 years later the region and the country applaud and admire their boldness in sowing the seeds of education, without any expectation of a foreseeable and bountiful harvest.
The monumental building that dominates the Batticaloa town’s landscape for nearly one and a half centuries did not happen without a reason, both metaphorically and corporality. It is clearly a sign of a structure up on the hill in relative terms.
‘Puliyanthivu’, as the Batticaloa town is called, is an Island surrounded by the legendary lagoon of the ‘Singing fish’. For the naked eye though it might seem geologically flat, the centre is on higher elevation. Most of us as students at different times have felt it when coming to college from the surrounding streets. I certainly felt it coming to school both from the Southern and Northern flanks, climbing steadily up from both ends of Central Road. The upper elevation also allowed a clear hearing of the ’long bell’ to all in the surroundings, that rang from the Eastern tower announcing the initial readiness for the beginning of classes.
I cannot say with certainty when the visionaries who negotiated with almost 42 individual owners who held ownership to the plots that hold the present-day Saint Michael’s college, had any idea that they were constructing a foundation, a mortar and brick space for the public good, up on a hill. Why did the idea be at the centre, rather than closer to the much-desired lake or in the surrounding spacious outskirts; a question naturally appears to an intrigued mind?
The Jesuits, who took over the school transforming the character and instilling progressive ethics, were in fact living up to the scope and vision of a lamp on the hill. Many a times while acknowledging the local visionaries with similar construes, we tend to query as to how differently the Jesuits, who mostly arrived from North America and Europe, envisioned the path to complete growth, intrigued minds and strengthened bodies.
It was more than ploughing back the scientific knowledge of the West; rather a determined dedication as per their calling to promote science and education as a way of serving God. By the eighteenth-century Jesuits had contributed to the development of pendulum clocks, pantographs, barometers, reflecting telescopes and microscopes to scientific fields as various as magnetism, optics and electricity. They theorized about the circulation of the blood, the theoretical possibility of flight, the way the moon affected the tides and the wave-like nature of light. At a time, in presumption when theology seemed to be in conflict with science, the Jesuit order spearheaded the scientific knowledge-based education to thousands of institutions around the world.
During my time at college, I did personally experience that mixture of practical application of science and visionary drive many of us were familiar with. Education, ethics, and sports in the Jesuit tradition is a call to human excellence.
Once the inter-school soccer season starts at Batticaloa, late Rev Fr Harold Weber SJ would be the most robust as the dedicated guardian of the game. Depending on the age groups he will ensure the right measured soccer fields are ready for practices and matches, both within the current stadium and outside near the old courthouse.
Though I have accompanied Fr. Weber many times in his scooter, holding soccer balls for practices, never thought of asking a question of principle, that came to haunt me later and at the same time provided a glimpse to the spirit of those who came to serve others.
Once the Rev Father is in the town’s spacious main playground irrespective of the time of the day, he would be looking for any small stones that accidently ended up in the field. It would look like a natural gentle walk, but his eyes are glued to the ground all the time. There could be many reasons why stones end up in the field, but for most athletes barefooted, it was deadly in a fast-moving soccer game or any kind of short or long-distance running. Fr. Weber always would be looking for those show stoppers to prevent accidents and injuries and at times even when the blazing sun is high above at noon.
A Jesuit and a student councillor attached to St Michael’s college looking after the welfare of all citizens of Batticaloa provides a conclusive answer to the ethics held high and nourished at the helm. It might be a small act of concern for others but when the ethics get stretched it touches all walks of daily lives and becomes the centre of harmony and peace embracing all without conditions. His appearance in his best cassock at any sports or public events foretells his view of respect and appreciation to all, rather than limiting his flock within the walls of college towers.
One of the greatest Tamil scholar Swami Vipulananda’s time both as a student and a teacher at Saint Michael’s captures this appreciation for excellence and acceptance spirit of Jesuits, Fr Weber showcased in the playing field and beyond.
Swami Vipulananda, with his birth name Samithamby Mylvaganam, appears many times in Saint Michael’s College journals as a contributor of essays where he was also noted as an excellent trained teacher later. One of the greatest minds that ever rose from the East spent nearly eight years (1906 – 1914) within the College walls closely associating with Jesuits, especially with Rev Fr Bonnel, the architect of the current school buildings that we see today. The fundamentals of Cambridge Senior examination that he passed with flying colours, while at Saint Michaels, no doubt would have allowed him to slide at ease later through his Bachelor of Science degree at University of London.
Late Mr. K Kanapathipillai, former Principal of Shivananda Vidyalayam who himself was a student at College, noted how as the science teacher, Fr. Bonnel bound volumes of the past question papers of the Cambridge Senior Examination in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, botany and geography along with solutions, and then distributed among the students. ‘He labored hard to build up and maintain the first science laboratory in Batticaloa for the advancement of the students in a more meticulous and inspiring manner’ noted Mr. Kanapathipillai.
Swami Vipulananda was more than a literary scholar; he was a genius, Master of science. Though he became the first Tamil Pundit passing the Madurai Tamil society examinations he was a multilingual scholar. After researching for more than 14 years he produced the seminal book of scientific research in Tamil called ‘Yazh Nool’. The book was an effort to understand and explain the intricacies and technicalities of the Tamil music genre in general, especially with string instruments, using calculation methods based on mathematics and physics. Many experts of the subject still say that it is not for the ordinary.
He also wrote ‘Mathangaculamani’ a translation of Shakespeare’s twelve plays in the literary traditions of Sanskrit, Greek and English focusing on aspects of plot, structure, sequence of action, characterisation, subjective experience, and gestures. He was editor to many publications and wrote several books including a dictionary of technical terms in Chemistry. He wrote extensively on Vedanta philosophy, Tamil literature, and translated selected poems of Subramanya Bharathi, Sangam literature and devotional hymns from Tamil to English.
The disciplined higher education at Saint Michael’s College and its backbone Jesuits certainly would have impacted and enabled Swami Vipulananda’s reach as a multi-talented scholar and an incorporator of global scientific and literary traditions.
But it goes beyond. He would have witnessed the self sacrifices of the Jesuits, what Mr. Kanapathipillai noted as ‘their purpose was a divine one, inspired by no less divine call; to set aflame the spark that was already in one’s pupil’.
As the records show austerity was the hallmark of Fr. Bonnel’s entire career. A bare plank served as his bed and a brick or two propped up his head and served as his pillow. From early morning till late in the evening; till the hour he had his head on the hard pillow, it was a day every minute which he was aware of; and each minute he endeavored to put to the best use; a walking university.
The College journal from 1924 noted with pride that Pandit Mylvaganam had been promoted to the rank of Sanyasi in the Rama Krishna Mission, under the name Srimath Swami Vipulananda and was now attached to Rama Krishna Mutt in Madras. Ramakrishna mission is a unique order of ascetics and volunteers dedicated to serve the weaker segments of community, irrespective of religious, caste creed, or language differences through schools, hospitals, and orphanages.
Why Swami Vipulananda chose Ramakrishna Mission as his life mission and to which extent his exposure to austerity, science, sacrifices and dedication of Jesuits especially Fr. Bonnel playing in the decision is anybody’s guess. All we know are the selfless actions of giants who walked among us in our lifetime like Fr. Weber, who embraced the whole community with his unlimited dedication, love, and concern.
We all hold the spark to ignite greater good for the future and to light the world, just like those who founded and shaped the journey at St. Michael’s College without expectations. Are we willing to invest and envision a bountiful harvest beyond our lifetime? The school that was built on the hill cannot be hidden; the light lit by the local visionaries and foreign missionaries continues to glow as Saint Michael’s College, Batticaloa steps into its one and half century of excellence.
Sri Lanka needs to take full stock of its current economic situation and use to the maximum the potential in its GSP+ facility for export sector growth. In the process, it should ensure that it cooperates fully with the European Union. The urgency of undertaking these responsibilities is underscored by the issues growing out of the recent US decision to sweepingly hike tariffs on its imports, though differentially.
These were principal ‘takes’ for participants in the Pathfinder Foundation’s Ambassadors’ Roundtable forum held on April 8th at the Colombo Club of the Taj Samudra. The main presenter at the event was Ms. Carmen Moreno Raymundo, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The forum was chaired by Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation. The event brought together a cross-section of the local public, including the media.
Ms. Moreno drew attention to the fact Sri Lanka is at present severely under utilizing its GSP+ facility, which is the main means for Sri Lanka to enter the very vast EU market of 450 million people. In fact the EU has been Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner. In 2023, for instance, total trade between the partners stood at Euros 3.84 billion. There is no greater market but the EU region for Sri Lanka.
‘However, only Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has seen considerable growth over the years. It is the only export sector in Sri Lanka which could be said to be fully developed. However, wider ranging export growth is possible provided Sri Lanka exploits to the fullest the opportunities presented by GSP+.’
Moreno added, among other things: ‘Sri Lanka is one among only eight countries that have been granted the EU’s GSP+ facility. The wide-ranging export possibilities opened by the facility are waiting to be utilized. In the process, the country needs to participate in world trade in a dynamic way. It cannot opt for a closed economy. As long as economic vibrancy remains unachieved, Sri Lanka cannot enter into world trading arrangements from a strong position. Among other things, Sri Lanka must access the tools that will enable it to spot and make full use of export opportunities.
‘Sri Lanka must facilitate the private sector in a major way and make it possible for foreign investors to enter the local economy with no hassle and compete for local business opportunities unfettered. At present, Lanka lacks the relevant legal framework to make all this happen satisfactorily.
‘Sri Lanka cannot opt for what could be seen as opaque arrangements with bilateral economic partners. Transparency must be made to prevail in its dealings with investors and other relevant quarters. It’s the public good that must be ensured. The EU would like to see the local economy further opening up for foreign investment.
‘However, it is important that Sri Lanka cooperates with the EU in the latter’s efforts to bring about beneficial outcomes for Sri Lankans. Cooperation could be ensured by Sri Lanka fully abiding by the EU conditions that are attendant on the granting of GSP+. There are, for example, a number of commitments and international conventions that Sri Lanka signed up to and had promised to implement on its receipt of GSP+ which have hitherto not been complied with. Some of these relate to human rights and labour regulations.
‘Successive governments have pledged to implement these conventions but thus far nothing has happened by way of compliance. GSP+ must be seen as an opportunity and not a threat and by complying with EU conditions the best fruits could be reaped from GSP+. It is relevant to remember that GSP+ was granted to Sri Lanka in 2005. It was suspended five years later and restored in 2017.
‘The importance of compliance with EU conditions is greatly enhanced at present in view of the fact that Sri Lanka is currently being monitored by the EU with regard to compliance ahead of extending GSP+ next year. A report on Sri Lanka is due next year wherein the country’s performance with regard to cooperating with the EU would be assessed. The continuation of the facility depends on the degree of cooperation.
‘A few statistics would bear out the importance of Sri Lanka’s partnership with the EU. For example, under the facility Sri Lanka benefits from duty free access in over 66% of EU tariff lines. The highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2023 was from the EU’s 27 member states. Likewise, the EU’s 27 member states rank second in the origin of inflows of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka; with Italy, France and Germany figuring as the main countries of origin. Eighty five percent of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU market benefits from GSP+. Thus, the stakes for the country are high.’
Meanwhile, President, In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, John Wilson said: ‘GSP+ should be seen as not only an opportunity but also as a necessity by Sri Lanka in the current international economic climate. ‘Implementation of local laws is what is needed. Considering the pressures growing out of the US imposed new tariff regime, a good dialogue with the EU is needed.
‘Sri Lanka’s level of business readiness must be upped. Among the imperatives are: An electronic procurement process, Customs reforms, a ‘National Single Window’, stepped-up access to land by investors, for example, a clear policy framework on PPPs and reform of the work permits system.’
It ought to be plain to see from the foregoing that Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose the GSP+ facility if it is stepped-up economic growth that is aimed at. It would be in Sri Lanka’s best interests to remain linked with the EU, considering the aggravated material hardships that could come in the wake of the imposition of the US’ new tariff regime. Sri Lanka would need to remain in a dialogue process with the EU, voice its reservations on matters growing out of GSP+, if any, iron out differences and ensure that its national interest is secured.
Chit-Chat
Chiara Tissera
Mrs. Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2024, Chiara Tissera, leaves for the finals, in the USA, next month
I had a very interesting chat with her and this is how it all went:
1. How would you describe yourself?
I am a sensitive and passionate individual who deeply cares about the things that matter most to me. I approach life with a heart full of enthusiasm and a desire to make meaningful connections.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Actually, I wouldn’t change a thing about myself because the person I am today, both inside and out, is the result of everything I’ve experienced. Every part of me has shaped who I am, so I embrace both my strengths and imperfections as they make me uniquely me.
3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
If there’s one thing I could change about my family, it would be having my father back with us. Losing him six years ago left a void that can never be filled, but his memory continues to guide and inspire us every day.
4. School?
I went to St. Jude’s College, Kurana, and I’m really proud to say that the lessons I gained during my time there have shaped who I am today. My school and teachers instilled in me values of hard work, perseverance and the importance of community, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I was a senior prefect and was selected the Deputy Head Prefect of our college during my tenure.
5. Happiest moment?
The happiest moment of my life so far has been winning the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2024 for Queen of the World. It was a dream come true and a truly unforgettable experience, one that fills me with pride and gratitude every time I reflect on it.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is a deeply personal and multifaceted feeling that often comes from a sense of contentment, fulfillment and well-being. For me, perfect happiness is in moments of joy, peace and accomplishments … and also being surrounded by my loved ones.
7. Are you religious?
Yes, I’m a very religious person. And I’m a firm believer in God. My faith guides me through life, providing strength, dedication and a sense of peace in every situation. I live by the quote, ‘Do your best, and God will do the rest.’
8. Are you superstitious?
I’m not superstitious. I believe in making my own decisions and relying on logic and faith rather than following superstitions.
9. Your ideal guy?
My ideal guy is my husband. He is compassionate, understanding and is always there to support me, no matter what. He’s my rock and my best friend – truly everything I could ever want in a partner.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
The living person I admire the most is definitely my mummy. Her strength, love and unwavering support has shaped me into who I am today. She is my role model and she inspires me every day with her wisdom and kindness.
11. Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my family. They are the heart of my life, providing me with love, support and strength. Their presence is my greatest blessing.
12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
I would like to have my spouse as my companion. Together, we could make the best of the situation, supporting each other, sharing moments of laughter and finding creative ways to survive and thrive.
13. Your most embarrassing moment?
There’s quite a few, for sure, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.
14. Done anything daring?
Yes, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking part in a pageant. I had no experience and was nervous about putting myself out there, but I decided to challenge myself and go for it. It pushed me to grow in so many ways—learning to embrace confidence, handle pressure, and appreciate my own uniqueness. The experience not only boosted my self-esteem but also taught me the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.”
15. Your ideal vacation?
It would be to Paris. The city has such a magical vibe and, of course, exploring the magical Eiffel Tower is in my bucket list. Especially the city being a mix of history culture and modern life in a way that feels timeless, I find it to be the ideal vacation spot for me.
16. What kind of music are you into?
I love romantic songs. I’m drawn to its emotional depth and the way they express love, longing a connection. Whether it’s a slow ballad, a classic love song or a more modern romantic tune these songs speak to my heart.
17. Favourite radio station?
I don’t have a specific radio station that I like, but I tend to enjoy a variety of stations, depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll tune into one for a mix of popular hits, other times I might go for something more relaxing, or a station with a certain vibe. So I just like to keep it flexible and switch it up.
18. Favourite TV station?
I hardly find the time to sit down and watch TV. But, whenever I do find a little spare time, I tend to do some spontaneous binge – watching, catching whatever interesting show is on at that moment.
19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?
Mmmm, I’ve actually not thought about it, but I’d love to be born as someone who gets to explore the world freely – perhaps a bird soaring across continents.
20. Any major plans for the future?
Let’s say preparing and participating in the international pageant happening in the USA this May. It’s an exciting opportunity to represent myself and my country on a global stage. Alongside this, I am dedicated to continuing my social service work as a title holder, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through my platform.
The formation of wrinkles and fine lines is part of our ageing process. However, if these wrinkles negatively impact appearance, making one look older than they actually are, then trying out some homemade remedies, I’ve listed for you, this week, may help in giving your skin a fresher look.
* Banana:
Bananas are considered to be our skin’s best friend. They contain natural oils and vitamins that work very perfectly to boost our skin health. Skincare experts recommend applying the banana paste to the skin.
Take a ripe banana and mash a quarter of it until it becomes a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
* Olive Oil:
Olive oil works as a great skin protector and many types of research suggest that even consuming olive oil may protect the skin from developing more wrinkles. Olive oil contains compounds that can increase the skin’s collagen levels. Yes, olive oil can be used as a dressing on your salads, or other food, if you want to consume it, otherwise, you can apply a thin layer of olive oil on your face, neck and hands and let it stay overnight.
* Ginger:
Ginger serves to be a brilliant anti-wrinkle remedy because of the high content of antioxidants in it. Ginger helps in breaking down elastin, which is one of the main reasons for wrinkles. You can have ginger tea or grate ginger and have it with honey, on a regular basis.
* Aloe Vera:
The malic acid present in Aloe Vera helps in improving your skin’s elasticity, which helps in reducing your wrinkles. Apply the gel once you extract it from the plant, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. You can wash it off with warm water.
* Lemons:
Lemons contain citric acid, which is a strong exfoliant that can help you get rid of your dead skin cells and wrinkles. Also, as an astringent and a cleansing agent, it helps to fade your wrinkles and fine lines. You can gently rub a lemon slice in your wrinkled skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse afterwards and repeat this process two to three times a day.
* Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil contains essential fatty acid that moisturises the skin and helps to retain its elasticity. You can directly apply the coconut oil, and leave it overnight, after gently massaging it, for the best results.
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Sun directly overhead Hatthikuchchi, Kalankuttiya, Halmillewa, Ipalogama, Palugaswewa and Habarana at about 12:11 noon. today [10]
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