He treated everyone with the same respect

APPRECIATION!

Reminiscing the life of Prof. W S Fernando: a story told through the eyes of a Graduate Chemist of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon

It is no doubt that Prof. W S Fernando was a remarkable individual. To be an academic is no easy task, but he bore it well. Sadly, a few weeks ago, Prof. Fernando passed away after contributing immensely to the lives of many students for over four decades.

He joined the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon as a visiting lecturer in 1984. Up until his retirement in 2012, Prof. Fernando conducted lectures in the areas of physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and mathematics to the undergraduates of the Graduateship Programme in Chemistry (GIC). I was introduced to Prof. Fernando back in 2003 as a freshman when he came to teach us molecular spectroscopy. Prof. Fernando was always admired for his way of lecturing and presenting. His explanations were to the point and comprehensive. As undergraduates, we had the privilege of having extensive discussions with him regarding the topics he taught during class. All he needed to clarify our doubts was a piece of white chalk and a blackboard. He did not have to refer to any textbook, which was an indication of the depth of knowledge that Prof. Fernando had.

Back in the day, there were two senior academics assigned per physical chemistry lab. On some occasions, it was Prof. W S Fernando along with Prof. J N O Fernando, founder of CCS, who taught in our labs. They were two of the best physical chemists that we had back then. Therefore, it became a unique educational experience for us. Prof. Fernando executed his duties as a visiting Professor of the Institute while holding several noteworthy positions at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He was appointed as the Head of the Department of Chemistry from 1990 – 1998, and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences from 1998 –2004. He served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and acting Vice-Chancellor on several occasions as well. Regardless of the weight of his responsibilities, Prof. Fernando never missed any of his lectures or practicals.

At one point, Prof. Fernando served at the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka during his sabbatical. On days that he had lectures at IchemC, he would get into the bus on early Saturday morning, come to the Institute, and wash his face from one of our washrooms before going to deliver his lecture. As students, we were grateful for the commitment and effort that he put into his lecture hours. Prof. Fernando was always a lecturer who did not hesitate to recommend his students. Many of us have got letters of recommendation from him to pursue our doctoral studies.

Even before his demise, Prof. Fernando visited the Institute premises frequently. He constantly asked about the current status of research being done at the Institute, and whether we were actively conducting research at the Institute premises. He served as a member of the council of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon for eight consecutive years, the President of the

Institute of Chemistry from 2002-2003, and as a member of the academic board of the College of Chemical Sciences. Prof. Fernando was also the chairman of the Royal Society of Chemistry (Sri Lanka section).

Prof. Fernando was a humble and simple individual. He treated everyone he met with the same respect, regardless of whether it was a student or a lab attendant. His personality as a senior professor reflected well in his actions and deeds.

Having lit the path of many, he has faded away
To be remembered by those in whose hearts
His memory will forever remain!
Sameera R Gunatilake
Senior Lecturer, Institute of Chemistry Ceylon