Features

Ceylon’s path to setting up a university : Public Lecture Series 1918-1921

Published

7 months ago

2025/07/20

By the close of the nineteenth century, Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was then known) boasted a growing number of sectarian and denominational schools, many of them established by missionary and private enterprise. Yet, despite these proliferating institutions of primary and secondary instruction, the island remained starkly devoid of any formal structure for tertiary education.

Ambitious young Ceylonese, having completed their matriculation, found themselves compelled to look abroad—most often to the United Kingdom—if they wished to pursue advanced studies. Only a privileged few obtained scholarships; for the majority, overseas education remained the preserve of wealth and influence.

This glaring deficiency in the educational apparatus became increasingly intolerable to the emerging intelligentsia of Ceylon, many of whom were simultaneously agitating for constitutional reforms and greater political autonomy under British rule. Among them, a number began to voice their frustration at the imperial government’s failure to establish a university in Ceylon.

Anagarika Dharmapala, captured the sentiment with characteristic candour, declaring: “What we got in Ceylon was a bastard education” (Guruge, 1967, p. 71). Among the foremost voices in the campaign for a university was Dr. Marcus Fernando, a respected medical practitioner, a graduate of the University of London, and a man of broad political and entrepreneurial interests. Alongside leading figures such as Sir James Pieris and Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, he helped found the Ceylon University Association—a body dedicated to securing for the island an institution worthy of its aspirations. Their cause was not merely one of academic development, but of national dignity and intellectual self-reliance.

While the British authorities remained hesitant, preferring to model Ceylon’s educational standards after those of Britain rather than neighbouring India, they gradually introduced reforms designed to align the colony’s academic qualifications with metropolitan benchmarks. Chief among these was the adoption of Cambridge examinations, and a modest expansion of scholarships to high-performing students—a privilege previously confined to elite institutions such as the Colombo Academy (later Royal College) (Warnapala, W., 2011, p. 13)

At the time, certain professional institutions did exist—the Ceylon Medical College, Law College, and Technical College among them—but these functioned as specialised schools rather than comprehensive universities offering a full spectrum of disciplines. What Ceylon sorely lacked at the dawn of the 20th century was not merely an institution of higher learning, but one that could cultivate both practical expertise and a liberal, humanistic tradition of scholarship—a university worthy of the island’s intellectual promise.

Among the earliest and most vocal advocates for such an institution was Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, by then an elected member of the Legislative Council. A formidable orator and statesman, Ramanathan launched a vigorous campaign urging the colonial government to address what had come to be known as the university question.

Yet, until 1910, the government remained obstinate in its resistance. Colonial officials maintained that Ceylon was “not yet ripe” for a university, a view that thinly veiled both imperial condescension and bureaucratic inertia. It was only through the growing momentum of public pressure—and the intervention of renowned intellectuals such as Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy, who lent his formidable influence to the cause—that this entrenched attitude began to shift. By 1912, the government formally conceded the need for a university, and the following year the Legislative Council passed a resolution recommending the establishment of a University College (Warnapala, p. 36).

However, the path to realisation was far from immediate. The outbreak of the First World War (1914–1918), followed by the imposition of Martial Law during the 1915 riots, delayed the project significantly. Yet amidst this turbulence, one civil servant emerged as a tireless champion of educational reform: Sir Edward Brandis Denham. An administrator of uncommon intellect and vision, Denham was widely regarded as one of the finest statisticians of his day, a reputation immortalised in his magnum opus, Ceylon in the Census of 1911. His appointment as Director of Education marked a turning point in the colonial administration’s approach to higher education. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Denham was a liberal-minded reformer who recognised that the demand for a university was not merely a political gesture but a cultural necessity.

Denham pushed forcefully for progress once the immediate crises had passed. His plans to establish a University College by 1919, though delayed until 1921, laid the essential groundwork. It was through his advocacy that the government acquired the historic “Regina Walauwa”, which would become the home of the new University College. His unwavering commitment bore fruit two decades later when, in 1942, the institution was elevated to the status of the University of Ceylon—a lasting testament to his vision and perseverance.

In the long arc of Ceylon’s educational history, Sir Edward Denham’s role stands singular and enduring. He was not merely a colonial bureaucrat, but a man who believed that the intellectual empowerment of a people was integral to their national dignity. His legacy, both as statistician and educator, remains etched in the foundations of modern Sri Lankan academia.

With plans of establishing the University College underway, Denham did not stop there. A remarkable initiative in higher education was undertaken—one that marked a turning point in the intellectual life of the island. Recognising the urgent need to elevate the standard of university preparation and to cultivate a more erudite society, Denham conceived the idea of organising a course of public lectures for the benefit of those intending to pursue the University of London Courses.

What set this effort apart was the calibre of its contributors. The greatest authorities of the day were summoned to deliver lectures on subjects of fundamental academic importance. These were not merely utilitarian lectures designed for examination success, but were conceived as instruments of intellectual awakening, open to all men and women, and delivered at the Technical Schools in Colombo. Denham advertised these lectures in The Times of Ceylon during early May 1918. The venture reflected a rare combination of administrative foresight and pedagogical idealism and would leave an enduring legacy on the educational landscape of British Ceylon.

The programme, which commenced on May 20, 1918, featured a breadth of disciplines, from economics and botany to constitutional law and English literature. A small free lending library was also established to accompany the lecture series—a modest but telling gesture towards the creation of a self-sustaining academic culture. The courses, as offered in that distinguished year, are recorded as follows:

I. An Introductory Course in Economics

A series of foundational lectures in economics was entrusted to Professor N. S. Subba Rao, M.A., the eminent Principal of the Maharajah’s College, Mysore, and Professor of Economics at Mysore University. A First Class in the Economics Tripos (Part II) at Cambridge and a recipient of the Le Bas Prize, Professor Subba Rao consented to deliver this course through the kind permission of the Syndicate of Mysore University. The series, anticipated to consist of 10 to 15 lectures with accompanying classroom exercises, was to begin in late May or early June.

II. Logic: Deductive and Inductive

Mr. W. T. Stace, C.C.S.

, a Prizeman of Trinity College, Dublin, offered a course of 16 lectures on formal logic—both deductive and inductive. These were held on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m., beginning May 20th, and were noted for their lucid exposition of classical logical forms. After retiring from the Ceylon Civil Service, Stace worked at the Princeton University’s Department of Philosophy.

III. British Constitutional Law and History

In the realm of political and legal thought, Mr. P. de S. Kularatne, LL.B., B.A., H.C. (London), later to become a prominent figure in Ceylonese education, delivered 16 – 20 lectures on British constitutional development. Held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m., beginning May 21st, the course provided students with a comprehensive understanding of British legal and political institutions—essential knowledge for any colonial student of law or public affairs. Mr. Kularatne served as Principal of Ananda College for two terms.

IV. Intermediate Lectures on Tropical Botany

The scientific offerings of the programme were by no means neglected. Rev. Fr. Maurice LeGoc, M.A., Ph.D. (Cantab), B.Sc. (London), a figure of considerable scientific reputation, conducted an intermediate-level course on Tropical Botany. These lectures, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m., were highly regarded for their empirical rigour and relevance to the region’s flora. Fr. LeGoc served as Rector of St. Joseph’s College from 1919 to 1940.

V. English Literature, 1760–1834

In the field of letters, Mr. Leigh Smith, M.A., Principal of the Government Training College, undertook a survey of English literature from 1760 to 1834, a period that encompassed both the Enlightenment and the early Romantic movement. His 12 lectures, geared toward the London B.A. and Intermediate (Honours) Examinations of 1919, were to be further enriched by special lectures from Rev. W. S. Senior, M.A., on selected texts. These were held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m. Rev. Senior who wrote the famous Call of Lanka was the Vice Principal of Trinity College, Kandy.

The entire term’s course was made available for a modest fee of Rs. 10, with Rs. 7.50 charged for each additional subject. These series of lectures continued in 1919 and 1920, and with the establishment of the University College in 1921, lectures were broadened to many other subjects and held at College House. These included the following:

Intermediate Courses:

Languages: English, Latin, Greek, French, German, Sinhalese, Tamil, Sanskrit, Pali
Humanities: Modern History, Constitutional Law and History, Logic, Geography
Sciences: Pure & Applied Mathematics, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology

Social Sciences: Economics

Final Courses:

English, Latin, Greek, History, Pure & Applied Mathematics, Botany, Chemistry, Physics

Lecturers Include:

English: Rev. H. Highfield (Principal, Wesley College), Rev. W. S. Senior (Vice-Principal, Trinity College), Mr. W. A. Samarawickrama (BA London)
Latin & Greek: Mr. L. H. W. Sampson (B.A. Oxon), Mr. W. A. Samarawickrama , Mr. A. N. Strong (M.A. Edin.)
Mathematics: Mr. U. D. K. Caspersz (BSc, London), Prof. F. H. V. Gulasekharam (MA, Madras)
Chemistry: Prof. W. N. Rae (MA, Cantab.)
Physics: Prof. A. E. Grant (MA.(Oxon), B. Sc. (London), B. Sc. (Wales).
Botany: Very Rev. M. J. LeGoc (Rector, St. Joseph’s College)
Zoology: Dr. Joseph Pearson (D.Sc. (Liverpool), B.Sc. (Victoria) Director of the Colombo Museum)
Economics: Sir Charles Collins (CCS and later Colonial Secretary)
Education: Rev. Fr. D. J. Nicholas Perera (Founder Rector of St. Peter’s College, M. A. (London), B. Sc. (London).
Logic: Mr. W. T. Stace
French: Mr. T. L. Minor (Teacher, St. Joseph’s College)
German: Mrs. Kularatne (Cambridge Modern Languages Tripos)
Law & History: Mr. P. de S. Kularatne (Principal, Ananda College)
Geography: Mr. L. Mc D. Robison (B.A. (Manchester)
Sinhalese & Sanskrit: Mudaliyar W. F. Gunawardhana, Mr. W. Samarasekere
Tamil: Mr. S. Ratnaswamy (BA, Madras), Mr. S. Candiah Pillai

In retrospect, the 1918 to 1921 public lecture series marked a defining moment in the intellectual history of colonial Ceylon. By drawing together some of the most eminent authorities of the time—scholars of international repute in economics, literature, science, law, and the humanities—the initiative established a rigorous academic standard that would shape generations to come. These lectures were not merely preparatory sessions for examinations; they cultivated a deeper culture of scholarship, critical thinking, and public engagement with knowledge. In doing so, they laid a firm and enduring foundation for the emergence of a structured university system in Ceylon. The eventual establishment of the University College in 1921, and its transformation into the University of Ceylon in 1942, owes much to this early, enlightened effort. It was through such pioneering ventures that the intellectual life of the island was set on a path toward maturity, self-reliance, and national purpose.

*The writer can be reached on avishkamario@gmail.com

By Avishka Mario Senewiratne,
Editor, The Ceylon Journal ✍️

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Features

Crucial test for religious and ethnic harmony in Bangladesh

Published

22 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

A political protest that led to governmental change in Bangladesh mid last year. (photograph: imago)

Will the Bangladesh parliamentary election bring into being a government that will ensure ethnic and religious harmony in the country? This is the poser on the lips of peace-loving sections in Bangladesh and a principal concern of those outside who mean the country well.

The apprehensions are mainly on the part of religious and ethnic minorities. The parliamentary poll of February 12th is expected to bring into existence a government headed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist oriented Jamaat-e-Islami party and this is where the rub is. If these parties win, will it be a case of Bangladesh sliding in the direction of a theocracy or a state where majoritarian chauvinism thrives?

Chief of the Jamaat, Shafiqur Rahman, who was interviewed by sections of the international media recently said that there is no need for minority groups in Bangladesh to have the above fears. He assured, essentially, that the state that will come into being will be equable and inclusive. May it be so, is likely to be the wish of those who cherish a tension-free Bangladesh.

The party that could have posed a challenge to the above parties, the Awami League Party of former Prime Minister Hasina Wased, is out of the running on account of a suspension that was imposed on it by the authorities and the mentioned majoritarian-oriented parties are expected to have it easy at the polls.

A positive that has emerged against the backdrop of the poll is that most ordinary people in Bangladesh, be they Muslim or Hindu, are for communal and religious harmony and it is hoped that this sentiment will strongly prevail, going ahead. Interestingly, most of them were of the view, when interviewed, that it was the politicians who sowed the seeds of discord in the country and this viewpoint is widely shared by publics all over the region in respect of the politicians of their countries.

Some sections of the Jamaat party were of the view that matters with regard to the orientation of governance are best left to the incoming parliament to decide on but such opinions will be cold comfort for minority groups. If the parliamentary majority comes to consist of hard line Islamists, for instance, there is nothing to prevent the country from going in for theocratic governance. Consequently, minority group fears over their safety and protection cannot be prevented from spreading.

Therefore, we come back to the question of just and fair governance and whether Bangladesh’s future rulers could ensure these essential conditions of democratic rule. The latter, it is hoped, will be sufficiently perceptive to ascertain that a Bangladesh rife with religious and ethnic tensions, and therefore unstable, would not be in the interests of Bangladesh and those of the region’s countries.

Unfortunately, politicians region-wide fall for the lure of ethnic, religious and linguistic chauvinism. This happens even in the case of politicians who claim to be democratic in orientation. This fate even befell Bangladesh’s Awami League Party, which claims to be democratic and socialist in general outlook.

We have it on the authority of Taslima Nasrin in her ground-breaking novel, ‘Lajja’, that the Awami Party was not of any substantial help to Bangladesh’s Hindus, for example, when violence was unleashed on them by sections of the majority community. In fact some elements in the Awami Party were found to be siding with the Hindus’ murderous persecutors. Such are the temptations of hard line majoritarianism.

In Sri Lanka’s past numerous have been the occasions when even self-professed Leftists and their parties have conveniently fallen in line with Southern nationalist groups with self-interest in mind. The present NPP government in Sri Lanka has been waxing lyrical about fostering national reconciliation and harmony but it is yet to prove its worthiness on this score in practice. The NPP government remains untested material.

As a first step towards national reconciliation it is hoped that Sri Lanka’s present rulers would learn the Tamil language and address the people of the North and East of the country in Tamil and not Sinhala, which most Tamil-speaking people do not understand. We earnestly await official language reforms which afford to Tamil the dignity it deserves.

An acid test awaits Bangladesh as well on the nation-building front. Not only must all forms of chauvinism be shunned by the incoming rulers but a secular, truly democratic Bangladesh awaits being licked into shape. All identity barriers among people need to be abolished and it is this process that is referred to as nation-building.

On the foreign policy frontier, a task of foremost importance for Bangladesh is the need to build bridges of amity with India. If pragmatism is to rule the roost in foreign policy formulation, Bangladesh would place priority to the overcoming of this challenge. The repatriation to Bangladesh of ex-Prime Minister Hasina could emerge as a steep hurdle to bilateral accord but sagacious diplomacy must be used by Bangladesh to get over the problem.

A reply to N.A. de S. Amaratunga

A response has been penned by N.A. de S. Amaratunga (please see p5 of ‘The Island’ of February 6th) to a previous column by me on ‘ India shaping-up as a Swing State’, published in this newspaper on January 29th , but I remain firmly convinced that India remains a foremost democracy and a Swing State in the making.

If the countries of South Asia are to effectively manage ‘murderous terrorism’, particularly of the separatist kind, then they would do well to adopt to the best of their ability a system of government that provides for power decentralization from the centre to the provinces or periphery, as the case may be. This system has stood India in good stead and ought to prove effective in all other states that have fears of disintegration.

Moreover, power decentralization ensures that all communities within a country enjoy some self-governing rights within an overall unitary governance framework. Such power-sharing is a hallmark of democratic governance.

Features

Celebrating Valentine’s Day …

Published

22 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, romance, and affection, and this is how some of our well-known personalities plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day – 14th February:

Merlina Fernando (Singer)

Yes, it’s a special day for lovers all over the world and it’s even more special to me because 14th February is the birthday of my husband Suresh, who’s the lead guitarist of my band Mission.

We have planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day and his Birthday together and it will be a wonderful night as always.

We will be having our fans and close friends, on that night, with their loved ones at Highso – City Max hotel Dubai, from 9.00 pm onwards.

Lorensz Francke (Elvis Tribute Artiste)

On Valentine’s Day I will be performing a live concert at a Wealthy Senior Home for Men and Women, and their families will be attending, as well.

I will be performing live with romantic, iconic love songs and my song list would include ‘Can’t Help falling in Love’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Burning Love’, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, ‘The Wonder of You’ and ‘’It’s Now or Never’ to name a few.

To make Valentine’s Day extra special I will give the Home folks red satin scarfs.

Emma Shanaya (Singer)

I plan on spending the day of love with my girls, especially my best friend. I don’t have a romantic Valentine this year but I am thrilled to spend it with the girl that loves me through and through. I’ll be in Colombo and look forward to go to a cute cafe and spend some quality time with my childhood best friend Zulha.

JAYASRI

Emma-and-Maneeka

This Valentine’s Day the band JAYASRI we will be really busy; in the morning we will be landing in Sri Lanka, after our Oman Tour; then in the afternoon we are invited as Chief Guests at our Maris Stella College Sports Meet, Negombo, and late night we will be with LineOne band live in Karandeniya Open Air Down South. Everywhere we will be sharing LOVE with the mass crowds.

Kay Jay (Singer)

I will stay at home and cook a lovely meal for lunch, watch some movies, together with Sanjaya, and, maybe we go out for dinner and have a lovely time. Come to think of it, every day is Valentine’s Day for me with Sanjaya Alles.

Maneka Liyanage (Beauty Tips)

On this special day, I celebrate love by spending meaningful time with the people I cherish. I prepare food with love and share meals together, because food made with love brings hearts closer. I enjoy my leisure time with them — talking, laughing, sharing stories, understanding each other, and creating beautiful memories. My wish for this Valentine’s Day is a world without fighting — a world where we love one another like our own beloved, where we do not hurt others, even through a single word or action. Let us choose kindness, patience, and understanding in everything we do.

Janaka Palapathwala (Singer)

Janaka

Valentine’s Day should not be the only day we speak about love.

From the moment we are born into this world, we seek love, first through the very drop of our mother’s milk, then through the boundless care of our Mother and Father, and the embrace of family.

Love is everywhere. All living beings, even plants, respond in affection when they are loved.

As we grow, we learn to love, and to be loved. One day, that love inspires us to build a new family of our own.

Love has no beginning and no end. It flows through every stage of life, timeless, endless, and eternal.

Natasha Rathnayake (Singer)

We don’t have any special plans for Valentine’s Day. When you’ve been in love with the same person for over 25 years, you realise that love isn’t a performance reserved for one calendar date. My husband and I have never been big on public displays, or grand gestures, on 14th February. Our love is expressed quietly and consistently, in ordinary, uncelebrated moments.

With time, you learn that love isn’t about proving anything to the world or buying into a commercialised idea of romance—flowers that wilt, sweets that spike blood sugar, and gifts that impress briefly but add little real value. In today’s society, marketing often pushes the idea that love is proven by how much money you spend, and that buying things is treated as a sign of commitment.

Real love doesn’t need reminders or price tags. It lives in showing up every day, choosing each other on unromantic days, and nurturing the relationship intentionally and without an audience.

This isn’t a judgment on those who enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s simply a personal choice.

Melloney Dassanayake (Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024)

I truly believe it’s beautiful to have a day specially dedicated to love. But, for me, Valentine’s Day goes far beyond romantic love alone. It celebrates every form of love we hold close to our hearts: the love for family, friends, and that one special person who makes life brighter. While 14th February gives us a moment to pause and celebrate, I always remind myself that love should never be limited to just one day. Every single day should feel like Valentine’s Day – constant reminder to the people we love that they are never alone, that they are valued, and that they matter.

I’m incredibly blessed because, for me, every day feels like Valentine’s Day. My special person makes sure of that through the smallest gestures, the quiet moments, and the simple reminders that love lives in the details. He shows me that it’s the little things that count, and that love doesn’t need grand stages to feel extraordinary. This Valentine’s Day, perfection would be something intimate and meaningful: a cozy picnic in our home garden, surrounded by nature, laughter, and warmth, followed by an abstract drawing session where we let our creativity flow freely. To me, that’s what love is – simple, soulful, expressive, and deeply personal. When love is real, every ordinary moment becomes magical.

Noshin De Silva (Actress)

Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite holidays! I love the décor, the hearts everywhere, the pinks and reds, heart-shaped chocolates, and roses all around. But honestly, I believe every day can be Valentine’s Day.

It doesn’t have to be just about romantic love. It’s a chance to celebrate love in all its forms with friends, family, or even by taking a little time for yourself.

Whether you’re spending the day with someone special or enjoying your own company, it’s a reminder to appreciate meaningful connections, show kindness, and lead with love every day.

And yes, I’m fully on theme this year with heart nail art and heart mehendi design!

Wishing everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day, but, remember, love yourself first, and don’t forget to treat yourself.

Sending my love to all of you.

Features

Banana and Aloe Vera

Published

22 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

To create a powerful, natural, and hydrating beauty mask that soothes inflammation, fights acne, and boosts skin radiance, mix a mashed banana with fresh aloe vera gel.

This nutrient-rich blend acts as an antioxidant-packed anti-ageing treatment that also doubles as a nourishing, shiny hair mask.

* Face Masks for Glowing Skin:

Mix 01 ripe banana with 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel and apply this mixture to the face. Massage for a few minutes, leave for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off for a glowing complexion.

* Acne and Soothing Mask:

Mix 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel with 1/2 a mashed banana and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture to clean skin to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and hydrate dry, sensitive skin. Leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

* Hair Treatment for Shine:

Mix 01 fresh ripe banana with 03 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply from scalp to ends, massage for 10-15 minutes and then let it dry for maximum absorption. Rinse thoroughly with cool water for soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.