Features

Reminiscence of Peradeniya Campus in the Sixties

Published

2 years ago

2023/02/27

by Prof. R.P. Gunawardane

A very interesting article, ‘Ceylon’s first university in memory and imagination’, by Ernest Macintyre in The Sunday Island of 12 February 2023 describing the life at University of Ceylon, Peradeniya Campus in fifties prompted me to write about the life at Peradeniya Campus in the next decade, the nineteen sixties.

Macintyre has elegantly described the life at Peradeniya Campus in the early years after its establishment in 1952. At the time only the Faculty of Arts and Oriental Studies was functioning at Peradeniya. The other faculties were established later in the early sixties.

In the sixties there were five faculties on the Peradeniya Campus— Arts, Medicine (including Dental Surgery division), Agriculture (including Veterinary Science), Science and Engineering.

Most students were accommodated in halls residence. For boys the Jayathilake, Wijewardana, Arunachalam, Mass, James Peiris, Marcus Fernando, Hilda Obeysekera and Akbar-Nell halls were available. The Ramanathan and Sangamitta halls were available for girls at the time. However, when the number of girls entering the university increased in subsequent years and due to other reasons, the Hilda and Wijewardana halls were converted into female hostels.

At the time, all food and laundry services were provided by the halls. The hall fee was only about Rs. 250 per term (for about three months). Food was excellent with nicely arranged tables serving breakfast, lunch, evening tea and a superb dinner. At the time we used to get fried rice and chicken curry for lunch on Sundays, even the visitors were allowed to enjoy food in halls.

In the sixties most of the elite as well as other well to do students in and around Colombo entered the University of Ceylon, Colombo Campus for convenience and also to remain in the Colombo environment. On the other hand, the outstation students mostly from the south and the north and also from the east and the Central Province including plantation sector all entered Peradeniya campus. In the south, most of the students came from Galle and Matara districts. Most of them except a few very rich ones who came with their parents in private cars, travelled to Peradeniya by train and by bus.

I remember travelling by the train, Ruhunu Kumari, from Weligama railway station to proceed to Peradeniya on 4 October 1965. I had nobody to accompany me because both my parents were dead. I was joined by several senior students who entered the university previous year from my school at the Galle Railway Station and travelled with me to Peradeniya. In fact, a friendly low-key form of ragging started in the train itself asking various funny and interesting questions by some seniors. We changed trains in Colombo Fort to Udarata Menike and got off at Kadugannawa. Udarata Manike goes to Nanuoya via Kadugannawa and it does not run to Kandy via Peradeniya. We had to travel to Peradeniya by bus from Kadugannawa and it was fortunately a short journey.

There was no body to receive us at Peradeniya and the university had not organised any vans to take us to the halls as in the 1950s described by Macintyre in his article. We had to carry our bags and walk to the halls. My senior friends from our school helped me carry my bags to Jayathilake hall. Since I had visited the Peradeniya campus previously in April the same year for my practical exam, I was familiar with the area and it was easy for me to reach the destination.It was very convenient to stay in Jayathilake hall because all my classes were held in the Faculty of Science, situated just opposite Jayathilake hall on the other side of the Galaha road.

The Peradeniya campus was huge with about 700 hectares of land. On one side we could see the Hanthana mountains and on the opposite side the longest river in the country, the Mahaweli.Although some blame the change of language policy for the lowering of standards in the university, this claim cannot be justified. This change of policy gave tremendous opportunities to many deserving rural and underprivileged students across the society in all the communities – Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and all other minority communities to enter the seats of higher learning. Most of them picked up so fast and became fluent in English.

In the science stream, (all sciences including medicine engineering, etc.) students had to change over to English medium at GCE A/L or in the first year at the university. This transition was not easy but most students managed to get over difficulties.

Peradeniya was a paradise for youngsters awaiting to enjoy life away from home and for lovers who found partners on the campus. A fair number of students found their partners during the first year. Some others waited for the new train to arrive – the next year batch! There were some who were very shy and avoided these opportunities to meet partners. I believe they waited for their parents to find the partners at the appropriate time! Some say they missed the bus. Some found partners in the same faculty easily while there were many interfaculty couples at the time.

There were many opportunities to meet partners on the campus. Parties and dinners in the halls; badminton and volleyball matches were organised by various groups in the faculties, halls of residence and sometimes outside the campus in Kandy and Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. My friend Wije, a medical student from my hometown, found his girlfriend at Hilda Hall. His family is now living in England.

My girlfriend in the school in Galle (later my wife) entered the Medical Faculty of the Peradeniya University the following year and joined me. We fully enjoyed the campus life.

We used to have regular parties in and outside the campus. I can very well remember a party held after selection to follow a Special Degree in Chemistry in 1966. We held the party in the Botanical Gardens with all kinds of drinks including beer and arrack and food. Most of the boys were drunk at the end of the event and some were carried to their halls of residence!

The city of Kandy is only four miles away; bus fare was only 25 cents, and red Mercedes Benz buses were shuttling between Kandy and the campus. The journey took about 15 minutes. Many small parties and get-togethers were held in small venues and in restaurants in the Kandy town. I can remember going to Chinese restaurants along Dalada Veediya and Lyons Café near the Police Station. Visits to movie theatres in Kandy were very common with girlfriends. There were four movie theatres in Kandy. The Regal theatre in Mulgampola along Peradeniya road was popular at the time showing Hindi, Sinhala and English movies. University couples were seen in these theatres very often. They had more freedom in these theatres than along the Kissing Bend because darkness in the theatres provided more opportunities to gratify their desires.

Expedition and climbing Hanthana mountain range is again popular on the campus. Couples and groups of students used to do this expedition at least once during their campus life. I did it once with some of my friends only males and a few lecturers also joined, giving us more confidence. It was beautiful scenery and a very enjoyable visit.

During campus life at Peradeniya, most students visited Sri Pada. We also did so once with one lecturer accompanying us. We went by train from Peradeniya to Nanuoya and then took a bus to the base of Sri Pada. We climbed all night and reached the top in the early morning, witnessing the beautiful scenery of the sun rise from the top of the mountain.

The Kissing Bend, the Lover’s Lane, the open-air theatre are very interesting spots for the students and particularly for the young couples. Kissing bend is on the Galaha road just opposite Hilda park after passing the Lodge on the left if one travels towards Galaha from the main campus. In the evening, this bend is dark because of the huge trees around making it easier for boys to kiss their girls. Unfortunately, in later years this road became very busy with too much traffic and pedestrians.

The Lover’s Lane is situated between the Senate, administrative and library building complex and the Mahaweli Ganga. It starts near the Kissing Bend on Galaha Road runs along the bank of Mahaweli. It is a lonely winding road overlooking Mahaweli with minimum traffic or pedestrians giving complete privacy to the youngsters. You see many couples along this path in the evenings. If you need more privacy you may go down to the bank of the river and sit on a rock. You see many couples doing that in the evening. It is also possible to go down to the bank of the Mahaweli river through the Hilda Park. Bank of the river has a number of huge bamboo bushes spread over a long area. One could witness many couples sitting under bushes maintaining privacy.

Dramas and musical shows were held regularly in the Open Air Theatre in Hilda Park. This is commonly known as “Wala”. Every year there is a Drama Festival lasting about one week those days having different very popular dramas like ‘Maname’, ‘Sinhabahu’ in the evenings. Students called this “Wale Sellam” means playing in the hole. This was a very interesting event and many students and the couples including staff members attended these events. Musical shows also were held regularly at the gymnasium inviting famous singers at the time. Pandith W.D. Amaradeva was a frequent visitor those days.

Peradeniya University is a national treasure in this country. Thus, it should be preserved and further developed, maintaining its unique features for posterity.

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Features

‘Silent Majority’ abandoned to Long-suffering in regional conflicts

Published

59 mins ago

2025/05/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

People of the Gaza strip gather to collect food. (Haitham Imad/EPA, via Shutterstock)

With reports emerging that India has attacked some ‘sites’ in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the question could be posed whether the stage has just been set for yet another costly India-Pakistan military conflict. Sensible opinion in South Asia could only hope that wise counsel would sooner rather than later come to prevail on both sides of the divide and that they would draw back from the brink of full-scale war.

The states concerned ought to know fully well the possible wide-ranging weighty consequences of another regional conflict. It should be plain to see that it would benefit none in the two theatres of confrontation, most particularly the relevant publics or the ‘Silent Majority’.

In fact, in connection with the mentioned initial military attacks, the Pakistani side has gone on record that some civilian lives have been lost. Such losses could burgeon in the event of full scale hostilities. These costs could of course be staggering and unimaginable in the event the nuclear option is resorted to by the sides, going forward.

Accordingly, the hope of the peace-loving world-wide is likely to be that India and Pakistan would give negotiations a chance and resolve their differences peacefully. It would be in the best interests of the world for the champions of peace to join their voices to that of UN chief Antonio Guterres and call on the sides to negotiate an end to their differences.

The utter helplessness and misery of the people of the Gaza ought to drive home afresh the horrors of war. Currently the news is that the Gazans are literally starving to death. Food and other essentials provided by UN agencies are reportedly being prevented by Israel from getting to the hapless people of Gaza. So dire is their situation that concerned quarters are calling on the compassionate worldwide to provide the Gazans with food, water and other essentials voluntarily. This SOS would need to be heeded forthwith.

Accordingly, it could be inferred that most formal arrangements, including those that are generally under the purview of the UN, geared to providing emergency humanitarian assistance to the needy, have, for all intents and purposes, been rendered ineffective in the Gaza. The UN cannot be faulted for this state of things; rather, Israel should be held accountable in the main for it.

The matter of accountability is central to the dramatic slide into lawlessness the world has been experiencing over the past few decades. As could be seen, International Law is no longer fully applicable in the conflict and war zones of the world because it is not being adhered to by many state and non-state aggressors. That the UN is hapless in the face of such lawlessness is plain to see.

We have of course the Middle East wherein International Law has fallen silent for quite a while. How could it be otherwise, when Israeli aggressions are being winked at by the US, for which the policy of backing Israel is almost sacrosanct?

Moreover, under President Donald Trump, it is difficult to see the US changing policy course on the Middle East. Trump made vague promises of bringing peace to the region in the run-up to his reelection but has done nothing concrete by way of peace-making. Consequently, complete lawlessness prevails in the Middle East. US policy towards Israel counts as another example of how the self- interest of US central administrations blinds them to their international obligations, in this case Middle East peace.

However, the commentator could be criticized as being biased if he holds only Israel responsible for what has befallen the Middle East. It has been the position of this columnist that Israel’s security needs should be taken cognizance of by its state and non-state adversaries in the Middle East and acted upon if the basis is to be laid for a durable Middle East peace. Inasmuch as Palestinian statehood must be guaranteed, the same should be seen as applicable to Israel. The latter too enjoys the right to live in a secure state of its own, unopposed by its neighbours.

The Ukraine of today is also sad testimony to the ill consequences of powerful, aggressor states wantonly disregarding International Law and its obligations. Nothing could justify Russia in invading Ukraine and subjecting it to a condition of Longsuffering. Clearly, Ukraine’s sovereignty has been violated and such excesses go to the heart of the current state of ‘International Disorder’. Of course the same stricture applies to the US in relation to its military misadventures in Afghanistan and Iraq, to name just two such modern examples.

There is no ducking the fact, then, that civilian publics in the mentioned theatres of war and outside, are being subjected to the worst suffering as a consequence of the big powers’ self-aggrandizement schemes and military misadventures. Longsuffering becomes the tragic lot of the people who have nothing to do with such unbridled power ambitions.

One would not be exaggerating the case if he states that civilian publics count for almost nothing in the present ‘International Disorder’. Increasingly it is becoming evident that from the viewpoint of the big powers and authoritarian governments the people are of little or no importance. Considering that self-aggrandizement is of the paramount interest for the former the public interest is coming to be seen as inconsequential.

Consequently, not much of a case could be made currently for the once almost reverentially spoken of ‘Social Contract’. For, the public interest does not count for much in the scrambles for power among the major powers who are seen at the popular level as the principal history-makers.

It is in view of the above that much is expected of India. Today the latter is a ‘Swing State’ of the first importance. Besides being a major democracy, it is one of the world’s principal economic and military powers. It possesses abundant potential to help to put things right in international politics. If there is one state in Asia that could help in restoring respect for International Law, it is India.

Considering the above, India, one believes, is obliged to bear the responsibility of keeping South Asia free of any more long-running, wasting wars that could aggravate the material hardships and socio-economic blights of the region. Thus, India would need to consider it imperative to negotiating peace with Pakistan.

Features

Memorable happening … Down Under

Published

1 hour ago

2025/05/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Lyceum swimmers at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre

Under the Global-Ise Australia Advanced Sports Development Programme, a delegation of 15 swimmers from Lyceum International School, Wattala, had the remarkable opportunity to train and experience high-performance sports development in Melbourne, Australia.

The 10-day programme was carefully curated to offer intensive training, educational exposure, and cultural experiences for the young athletes.

The swimmers underwent specialised training through Swimming Victoria’s elite programme, held at some of Melbourne’s premier aquatic facilities.

Visit to Victorian Parliament

Each day began as early as 5:00 a.m. and continued until 7:00 p.m., ensuring a rigorous and enriching schedule that mirrored the standards of international competitive swimming.

Beyond training, the programme offered a wide array of experiences to broaden the students’ horizons.

Morning training

The tour group explored iconic landmarks such as the Victorian Parliament and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and enjoyed shopping at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital. They also experienced the natural beauty of Victoria with visits to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, and Cardinia Reservoir Park, where they observed kangaroos in their natural habitat.

An academic highlight of the tour was the group’s exclusive visits to three of Australia’s leading universities: the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and Deakin University. These visits aimed to inspire students and showcase the vast educational opportunities available in Australia.

Checking out the scene at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

As part of the cultural immersion, Global-Ise hosted a traditional Australian BBQ at the Tim Neville Arboretum in Ferntree Gully. The students also enjoyed a variety of diverse culinary experiences each evening, further enriching their understanding of local and international food cultures.

The tour concluded with a celebratory dinner at the Spicy Wicket Restaurant, where each participant received a presentation in recognition of their involvement.

Enjoying an Aussie BBQ for lunch

The evening was made especially memorable by the presence of Pradeepa Saram, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Victoria.

Global-Ise Management—Ken Jacobs, Johann Jayasinha, and Dr Luckmika Perera (Consultant from the University of Melbourne)—did a magnificent job in planning and the execution of the advanced sports programme.

Coaches from Sri Lanka presenting a plaque to Global-Ise Management team
Ken Jacobs (centre), Johann Jayasinha, and Dr Luckmika Perera (on the right

Features

Bright, Smooth Skin

Published

1 hour ago

2025/05/8

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hi! How’s the beauty scene keeping with you?

Phew, this heat is awful but there is nothing that we can do about it.

However, there are ways and means to take care of your skin and I will do my best to help you in every way I can.

Well, this week, let’s go for a Bright, Smooth Skin.

Gram flour (also known as besan) is a traditional skincare ingredient known for its:

* Natural exfoliating properties.

* Ability to absorb excess oil.

* Gentle brightening and tan-removal effects.

* Suitability for all skin types, especially oily and acne-prone skin.

You will need 01–02 tablespoons gram flour (besan) and rose water, or raw milk, to make a paste.

You could add the following two as optional add-ins: A pinch of turmeric (for extra glow), and a few drops of lemon juice (for oily skin and pigmentation)

Add the gram flour to a small bowl and mix in the rose water (for oily/sensitive skin) or raw milk (for dry skin) slowly.

Stir well to make a smooth, spreadable paste—not too thick, not too runny.

Now apply this mixture, evenly, to your damp face and neck, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes (don’t let it dry completely if you have dry skin).

Gently massage in circular motions using wet fingers—this helps exfoliate.

Rinse off with lukewarm water, and then pat your skin dry.

Use it 02–03 times a week for best results.

Skin Benefits:

* Removes dirt, sweat, and oil without stripping natural moisture.

* Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin.

* Brightens the complexion and fades mild tanning.

* Helps clear clogged pores and reduce pimples.

* Leaves skin fresh and glowing—perfect for humid climates.