Memories of a student from the first batch of the University of Jaffna

K. Sivanandan

(Former Senior Lecturer at West London College and Kensington College of Business, UK )

As I attempt to capture the memories of my university days at the cherished University of Jaffna, a myriad of emotions envelop me. Recollections surge from every corner, making it challenging to translate the multitude of thoughts into words on paper. Reflecting on that golden era of carefree youth, I am reminded of the exceptionally brilliant and caring professors and lecturers who shaped our intellect, character and values. The transformative experiences that evolved us from naïve youths into conscientious adults, along with the academic and life lessons learned, all vie for recognition in my narrative. Amidst this, I grapple with the concern of whether I can adequately honour each of these facets in my recounting.

Founding of the Jaffna Campus:

Perhaps it might be beneficial for posterity to provide some historical background information of the founding of the University of Jaffna.

It was in 1973. The Advanced Level examinations were held in April. By December, the students were notified of their results and whether they had been selected for university admission or not.

At that time, there was only one University of Sri Lanka which comprised five campuses. As the selected students received information about their admissions to various campuses, a group of slightly more than hundred students selected for physical sciences were left in the dark without being assigned to any particular campus. As the five existing campuses lacked the necessary facilities to accommodate this group, the government decided to establish a new campus in the north. This goal was achieved by amalgamating Parameswara College with the Jaffna College Undergraduate Department, two venerable institutions with distinguished history. This solved the immediate problem of the admission of this group and helped easing the pressure on increasing demand for university places in the future.

Amidst numerous messages and rumours about potential campus placements over a prolonged period, these students were eventually informed that they would be assigned to the newly established Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka which was officially to be opened by the Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. We belonged to the inaugural batch of the Jaffna Campus but did not fully realise at the time that we were going to become the ‘’super-seniors’’, playing a crucial role in shaping the history of our beloved university.

Welcoming the students – the first day.

On the morning of Vijayadasami Day in October 1974, we arrived at the Thirunelveli Campus. At an auspicious time, we were led to a hall situated about a quarter of a mile from the campus in a lane, directly opposite it. This hall, founded by the ancient kings of Jaffna, had long served as a place for providing food and lodging to travellers and pilgrims bound for Jaffna. It was maintained in good condition throughout the ages.

All the students, accompanied by some parents and visitors, were served a traditional Sri Lankan-style ‘brunch.’ Rice and a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes graced banana leaves as the main course, followed by the sweet delicacy of payasam. After the meal, we marched in a procession to the campus, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of managala drums and nathaswaram. The president and two deans led the way, followed by students and Senior Assistant Registrars. As young students, we felt exhilarated at being treated like dignitaries.

The opening ceremony, conducted in all three languages, marked the historic moment. In their welcoming addresses, the president, deans, and officials from the Ministry of Education emphasised our duty and responsibility as the first batch of the university. I quote a few excerpts from their memorable speeches: ‘We are in this great and noble endeavour together. Let us build a successful institution for you and the future generations. Remember the chief ideal of the founders of the two great institutions—to enlighten society through education. Our university motto correctly reflects this ideal. We expect from you an army of thinkers, creative personalities, and men and women dedicated to serving mankind. Today, with one hundred and twelve students, we launch this small campus. Don’t forget: ‘Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.’ In time, it will evolve into a great seat of learning for generations to come.’ Reflecting on those grand masters’ foresight, I marvel at their vision today, fifty years later.

Our journey begins:

The Jaffna Campus was composed of two locations about 10 miles apart. The main building was at Parameswara College reserved for the offices of the President, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and all Administrative Registrars. It also had a library, a canteen of satisfactory standard, a large playground and a library suitable mainly for the arts faculty. The Vaddukkodai Campus boasted of a modern lecture hall, an exemplary library, a sportsground with a stadium and a pavilion and two separate hostel facilities for men and women.

Parameswara College had been founded by Sir P Ramanathan, one of the distinguished sons that Ceylon has ever produced, who had left an indelible mark in the modern history of Sri Lanka. Jaffna College and its predecessor, the Batticotta Seminary have a long-standing history of producing eminent and erudite scholars since 1823. The merger of these two outstanding institutions to create a seat of higher learning that will foster the flourishing proud literary tradition of Jaffna seems to be nothing short of the will of providence.

First year morning lectures would take place at Ottley Hall, Vaddukkoddai. At 12.30 the borders rush to the hostels to have their lunch. A bus service would shuttle the students back and forth between the campuses for the afternoon tutorial sessions which were held at Parameswara College, Thirunelveli campus.

In the second year, the first batch of Science Faculty students were moved to Thirunelveli. The second batch was taken into the Vaddukoddai Campus.

The Alumni – The Pioneers:

The President, Professor Kailasapathy, was a renowned critic of writings in the Tamil language and literature. His command of English and Tamil was exemplary. Despite hailing from an affluent family background, he was known for simplicity as a professor and had earned a reputation for his anti-establishment views. He was well known in the country, having served as the editor of a prominent and prestigious Tamil daily Thinakaran which was part of the Lakehouse Group of Newspapers. His editorials were popular and commanded the respect of the elite and the working classes. We have already heard about his versatility as a high level intellectual, skilled administrator and a gifted writer. Some of us have read many of his books. He cared for every student and his doors were open to the students at any time he was on campus.

Dean of the Science Faculty, Professor Kanagasabapathy was a distinguished and experienced Mathematician. During his long tenure as the Professor of Mathematics at Peradeniya Campus, he mentored a lineage of Mathematicians who later became professors, deans and vice-Chancellors as well as top level civil servants and scientists in Sri Lanka and abroad. Although he was not easily approachable, he was a disciplined and protective personality with an attention to details. We were fortunate to have him as our professor. He taught us every term of the first two years and his deep knowledge and vast experience were definite sources of immense inspiration for us. I must place it on record that it was the misfortune of our campus that he passed away in our third year leaving a vacuum, which was hard to fill. Many years later when I became acquainted with some professors in the UK, I was amazed to learn that he had been a widely known figure among the professors of mathematics of international repute.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Indrapala was the most friendly and caring type of person among all the academics. His office was the first port of call for many of the students from both the science and humanities faculties. No problem was too big or too small for him to address. He earned the trust and affection of the science students which no doubt would have been a source of envy for other staff members. It is with utmost sincerity I offer my gratitude to Professor Indrapala for guiding many of us through our turbulent transformation from naivety into adulthood and motivating us to remain focused on our goals and objectives.

Mr. Varatharajaperumal is another lecturer who deserves a special mention here. He was the grandson of the famous poet Navaly Somasundara Pulavar, one of the most distinguished Tamil poets of the late nineteenth century. Devoted to the intellectual development of his students and known as a keen disciplinarian, he earned a deep awe among students and staff. His lectures were methodical in the style of an army drill and his notes were precise. He would never tolerate even the slightest deviation of attention during his lectures.

The list will not be complete without mentioning the name of Dr. Balan Selliah. He joined us midway during our first year, after obtaining his doctorate in Statistics from a university in the United States. A true scholar, he possessed deep and profound knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics. He hailed from a family of renowned teachers and principals, who have upheld the high educational standard of Jaffna in the last two centuries. Few lecturers could match his artistry in teaching. We were indeed blessed that he became our lecturer; the quality of the Statistics syllabus transformed under his leadership as the head of the department. Under his guidance, the Jaffna Campus’s Department of Statistics soared to the academic preeminence among all the campuses of the University of Sri Lanka. An outstanding sportsman as well, he always emphasized the importance of proper technique and timing in sports. His students would undoubtedly remember him forever, for the impression he left on their hearts was incomparably unique.

The selfless and duty conscious services of many other lecturers in the alumni like Ginadasa, De Silva, Malhadeen, Miss Ponnudurai, Easwarathasdan, Jeyarajah and Mutuvel are recorded here with gratitude and affection. Mr. Ganesalingam, who was following a doctoral programme in a foreign university, used to take lectures whenever he was visiting Sri Lanka.

One cannot forget the valuable services rendered by the staff of the library, administrative department and the canteen in making our student lives smooth and comfortable.

Facing initial challenges:

Many of us felt a twinge of disappointment when we learnt that the Science Faculty would implement a modular system. This new approach required the students to study three modules per term and sit for exams at the end of each term. It seemed that we would be perpetually engrossed in our studies, with scant time left for leisure activities. By contrast, students from other campuses prepared for exams only at the end of their first and final years.

Furthermore, we were informed that English would be the medium of instruction. Main lectures catering to both Tamil and Sinhalese students were delivered in English. However, the tutorial sessions in the afternoons were conducted separately in Sinhala and Tamil.

We voiced our concerns about this policy to Professor Kanagasabapathy. He reassured us that during the evaluation of our answer scripts only the mathematical content would be considered. No student would suffer for grammatical or semantic errors in language usage. He looked us squarely in the eye and asserted ‘Believe me, you will never regret studying in English medium. The true value of this will become apparent once you step into the real world.’ Reflecting on the words of that great man now, I realise the profound wisdom in his words.

A memorable incident in the second year:

One late evening, what started as a clash between two student groups quickly degenerated into a full-blown brawl. The scene turned chaotic as chairs, desks and books began to fly in the air, resulting in injuries. The marshal and his team intervened, managing to separate the combatants. Yet, despite our best efforts, tension continued to linger in the air. Upon hearing of the incident, the president, fresh from a wearying journey from Colombo and still in his bathroom slippers hurried to the campus. His mere presence shifted the mood towards reconciliation.

He ushered us all to the canteen and we all were treated with tea and snacks at his expense. His actions quickly diffused the tension reinstating a jovial and friendly atmosphere. At the end of the evening, he shared words that resonated deeply with every one of us: He said ‘I may not be old enough to be your father. But I regard all of you as my own children. And now speaking as a father, remember that your parents have sent you here with high expectations. Do not disappoint them. Do not disappoint me’. When he finished, there wasn’t a single eye that was not filled with moisture. His sincere words spoken from a kind heart had a profound effect. Our respect and affection for him grew even stronger after that night.

We voiced our concerns about this policy to Professor Kanagasabapathy. He reassured us that during the evaluation of our answer scripts only the mathematical content would be considered. No student would suffer for grammatical or semantical errors in language usage. He looked us squarely in the eye and asserted ‘Believe me, you will never regret studying in English medium. The true value of this will become apparent once you step into the real world.’ Reflecting on the words of that great man now, I realise the profound wisdom in his words.

A memorable incident

in the second year:

One late evening, what started as a clash between two student groups quickly degenerated into a full-blown brawl. The scene turned chaotic as chairs, desks and books began to fly in the air, resulting in injuries. The marshal and his team intervened, managing to separate the combatants. Yet, despite our best efforts, tension continued to linger in the air. Upon hearing of the incident, the president, fresh from a wearying journey from Colombo and still in his bathroom slippers hurried to the campus. His mere presence shifted the mood towards reconciliation.

He ushered us all to the canteen and we all were treated with tea and snacks at his expense. His actions quickly diffused the tension reinstating a jovial and friendly atmosphere. At the end of the evening, he shared words that resonated deeply with every one of us: He said ‘I may be not old enough to be your father. But I regard all of you as my own children. And now speaking as a father, remember that your parents have sent you here with high expectations. Do not disappoint them. Do not disappoint me’. When he finished, there wasn’t a single eye that was not filled with moist. His sincere words spoken from a kind hard had a profound effect. Our respect and affection for him for him grew even stronger after that night.

Some memories:

We were honoured to host several distinguished guests during our social nights and hostel parties. Among them was Professor Karunathilaka, Dean of Science Faculty, Colombo Campus, who graced one of our events as the chief guest. He had been a student under Professor Kanagasabapathy in Peradeniya Campus. Additionally, Vasu Theva Nanayakara, an MP, visited our hostel and shared a meal with us. There were many other notable visitors, though their names escape me as time has dimmed those memories.

Dr. Manickcka Idaikadar, a statistician with the World Bank, delivered special lectures on advanced statistical topics during his visit to Sri Lanka.

Upon his return from the U.K. after earning his Ph.D., Dr. Gamini Seniviratne imparted his knowledge on various topics including Eigen Spaces before taking up a permanent position at Peradeniya Campus. His exceptional teaching quickly garnered the admiration and respect of all students.

During our journey, we welcomed two junior batches into our fold. The student numbers were rising rapidly.

New professors joined our faculty, bringing fresh perspectives and knowledge.

The campus landscape transformed with the construction of new buildings and laboratories. Sports facilities saw gradual enhancements.

We took a significant step by enacting the constitution for the Science Students’ Union.

In 1977, the political landscape of our country was reshaped by the winds of change. The general election ushered in a new government under the UNP, which secured a substantial majority and embarked on implementing sweeping economic and political reforms. Amidst this transformative period, July witnessed a communal riot fuelled by unfounded rumours that Sinhalese students had been assaulted at the Jaffna Campus. Unrest spread nationwide. It is imperative to set the record straight: we, the university community, safeguarded our Sinhalese friends and orchestrated their secure evacuation from Jaffna. Regrettably, due to security concerns, the authorities decided to relocate our Sinhalese friends to Vidyalankara Campus for the remainder of their studies.

The government responded by convening an inquiry commission led by the esteemed retired Justice Mr. Sansoni to investigate the origins of the riot. Notably, one of our Sinhalese classmates, Sumanapala, testified before the Sansoni Commission, affirming that the Sinhalese students were indeed protected by both students and staff at Jaffna Campus and were safely returned to Colombo.

In a strategic shift, the government dismantled the unified structure of the Sri Lankan University comprising six campuses and elevated each of the six campuses to fully fledged autonomous university status.

Consequently, as we sat for our final examinations in 1978, we did so as students of the newly established University of Jaffna.

Final Parting and farewell:

The convocation ceremony was held in the Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna. Instead of the customary black attire, we wore vibrant yellow robes- a departure from convention. The certificates, printed in all three languages, stood as grand testaments of our achievements and were notably larger than those awarded by other Sri Lankan Universities. For our batch mates, the ‘super seniors’ it marked the most painful farewell – an unspoken understanding that our paths might not cross again – a sad realisation that a pleasant dream was coming to an end. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden embrace upon the magnificent library of Jaffna and the Clock Tower, we exchanged bittersweet glances – a silent acknowledgement of a final parting and farewell to a cherished land of memories.

After our graduation, we ventured into the real world to pursue our destinies. While some of us sought opportunities in foreign lands, others remained in Sri Lanka. Despite being dispersed across various corners of the globe, separated by distance and obligations, the spirit instilled in us by our cherished university continued to unite us—the ‘super-seniors’—in our shared memories. As we navigated the highs and lows of life, the recollections of our university days provided a profound source of courage and solace. In retrospect, the experiences we gained are invaluable treasures, and we would never agree to exchange our unique journey as the inaugural batch of a new-born university for anything else.

Conclusion and Greetings:

The motto of our university – ‘Discernment Is Wisdom’ – aptly encapsulates the essence of true learning. Our alumni and students carry forward the torch of knowledge, upholding our long-established traditions to foster enlightenment. From its humble beginnings with just two faculties, about one hundred students and limited resources, our campus has blossomed into a fully-fledged university. Today it boasts of numerous faculties, serving over three thousand students across a diverse array of courses. The Science Faculty, in particular, has overcome formidable challenges to reach its current stature, with each obstacle fortifying its commitment to delivering exceptional science education. The dedication of the Dean of Science Faculty, Dr. Ravi Rajan is particularly commendable. I felt reassured that the Science Faculty is in safe hands when I spoke to him. As a ‘super-senior’, I take pride – in the most positive sense- in having participated in taking the unrivalled first step of the remarkable, historic and wonderful journey of our beloved university fifty years ago. I extend my best wishes for the Faculty of Science to thrive further and to joyfully mark its diamond and centenary milestones in time. On this note, I convey my heartfelt greetings for the golden jubilee celebration to be a resounding success.