Bertie; all-rounder of Ananda staffroom

At our monthly meeting of the Ananda Past Teachers in September this year, in our house, while having lunch, I asked Bertie whether there are people called past teachers. He said yes of course and that he is a past teacher and I am one too. But what I then went on to ask him was, had he really retired?

Even though Bertie was not teaching maths any more very often teachers and Old Boys would continue to consult him. This is because when he was in school, there was no important function in which Bertie had no hand. In addition to his classroom work he was the Prefect of Games, the Boarding House master and the Secretary of the Teachers’ Guild and much more. No boy was out of his ken. He touched everyone in the upper school. Col Rajapakse depended very heavily on his support. Indeed the school was very fortunate to have him. The entire Big Match operation revolved round him. Everyone knows the varied tasks that go into the match and the funds that are involved. He would execute all tasks with such transparency and care that there was no unhappiness in the aftermath. He would do the match year in and year out with such aplomb. Indeed all sports activities found in him a true gentleman. He loved the game of cricket and played on week-ends. In addition he commanded the Cadet Corps, the training ground for many a general and war hero. We have seen how these generals, when they meet him forget their ranks and bow down to him.

He also ran the Boarding House on a tight schedule. He would brook no nonsense and woe unto the law breakers!. Even the junior staff were regimented and did not fall out of line. The minor staff found in him a strict but understanding master.

Prize Givings at Ananda were events of remarkable significance with very important guests attending. Bertie knew all of them and how on behalf of the school, to greet them.

As Secretary of the Teachers’ Guild, he would see the staff were in at the meeting. He would organise the annual trip and the annual dinner with such class and distinction that there was no one else who would dare to handle it after him.

Of course when Kumi came (she came with the blessings of Ananda, for Mr Rajapakse may have had a hand in the union) Bertie’s attention was divided but Kumi had to fight hard with Ananda, nevertheless.

Bertie was then called for work in the private sector where the staff looked up to him.

It is true Bertie left Ananda but did Ananda leave Bertie? Ask the numerous Old Boys who continually invited him for Old Boy functions and gatherings. Bertie was obliging and there at all these functions. The respect they had for their teacher continued to guide their relationships. Bertie would always maintain his dignity before them. When Old Boys came from overseas the first point of reference would of course be Bertie. There were instances when as a past teacher he helped the school events. The current teachers valued his advice.

In the early 90s D.L.B. Perera, a former Headmaster wanted to gather some of the former teachers together to renew acquaintance with them. Several teachers met and one of them was Bertie. As time passed DLB’s idea grew into what is now The Past Teachers’ Association. At that time no other school had their past teachers meeting. Bertie, the organiser he was, gave the meeting a structure and form. He it was who proposed that we should meet monthly in a member’s house rather than in the school. He saw that some fellowship should accompany the meetings and the school premises were improper. He proposed we award scholarships to poor children who had no hope of having an Ananda education. He went to far places in his car to look for suitable candidates and the Association was able to find funds for the project. Even today there are boys in the University sponsored by the Association. Many Old Boys contributed willingly to these projects.

In 2016 the Association celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Bertie who had been president for several years was elected to organise the function. All were proud of the event with good food and good fellowship.

Bertie was friendly to all but at the meetings he would query anything he thought was not accurate. He was a stickler for proper minutes and for follow-up of work. Many teachers thought he was critical of them but it was his army and Richmond training which wanted everything in order and to rule.

All that is left now it to be thankful to him for undertaking so much on behalf of all of us. We are thankful that he lived a full life and left us with such strong memories that nothing could deter his memory from our midst.

Upali Rathnayake