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Sixty-five years after entry to university of Ceylon, Peradeniya – II

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University of Peradeniya

We, as undergraduates were very fortunate to have two to share a room, and in the older two halls, Arunachalam and Jayathilaka they had a washbasin inside the room so that the occupants did not have to go to the common washrooms for their early morning ablutions such as shaving and washing the face. We were also fortunate to have all three meals in the hall. For breakfast we were served different varieties such as bread with eggs, pulses, milk rice, hoppers, etc. Lunch was always rice and curry which was not served on plates but kept in dishes for self-service. These dishes were replenished as soon as they were empty. Whereas, for dinner we had courses, and rice and curry once a week.

by HM NISSANKA WARAKAULLE
(First part of this article appeared on Friday (12)

Situated between the Hanthana Hill on one side and the Mahaweli River on the other the university campus was extraordinary. The landscaping of the campus had been done according to a meticulous plan. In April and May, the flowering trees and creepers were in bloom with flowers of vivid colours, right along the Galaha Road and with the creepers laden with yellow flowers hanging down from the mara tree at the “kissing bend” was really a sight one could not easily forget. The workmen who attended to the garden had to cut the grass, trim the hedges, etc., from one end of the campus and when they reached the other end, they had to start all over again, so that it was a never-ending task. Wonder whether it still happens that way.

Now having entered the portals of the hallowed university which was to be “more open than usual” (according to the late Duke of Edinburgh as indicated on the plaque at the entrance to the Senate building) the new entrants settled down in their allotted rooms and got to know the roommate, whom some of us were meeting for the first time, as they were from two different schools. Some undergraduates were fortunate to get classmates as their roommates. Gradually all the freshers arrived in their respective halls before lunch time on the first day, having used various modes of transport, such as the train, bus, hiring cars and private family cars.

The times the meals were ready were announced by a bell being rung by a hall servant. We met all the freshers who were assigned rooms in the same hall in the dining hall for the first time. And for one week it was only the freshers who were on the campus. Before the seniors arrived, we had a wonderful week, mixing up with batchmates from the other halls, playing netball, going on hikes to Hanthana and attending socials.

The period that all freshers dreaded was the following week.  However, at the end of the week we found that the rag was not as bad as we had envisaged. In our hall there were only a handful of seniors who were able to rag. The reason for this we found out later was that the senior batch immediately before ours had not been ragged, and if one does not face a rag, one cannot rag. Anyway, the rag that we underwent was not at all humiliating or frightening as what happens in universities at present. In fact, we enjoyed the rag, and it also helped us to get to know the seniors and become friends for the rest of our stay on the campus.

We, as undergraduates were very fortunate to have two to share a room, and in the older two halls, Arunachalam and Jayathilaka they had a washbasin inside the room so that the occupants did not have to go to the common washrooms for their early morning ablutions such as shaving and washing the face. We were also fortunate to have all three meals in the hall. For breakfast we were served different varieties such as bread with eggs, pulses, milk rice, hoppers, etc. Lunch was always rice and curry which was not served on plates but kept in dishes for self-service. These dishes were replenished as soon as they were empty. Whereas, for dinner we had courses, and rice and curry once a week. At that time all provisions, including dry rations, eggs and chicken were imported from India through the University Supplies Organisation.

Once a month we used to have a high table dinner, when someone from outside was invited to address the undergraduates on a current topic. At this dinner, the Warden and the sub-Wardens, the President of the Hall Society and the Secretary occupied seats at the high table along with the invited guest.

The undergraduates of one hall could go to another hall with prior arrangement with friends to have dinner in that hall, which a few of us used to do on a day when there was rice and curry for dinner.

The university had medical facilities with a Health Centre with three doctors, namely Dr. Wijetunge as the Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Uduwela as a full-time Medical Officer (MO) and Dr. (Mrs.) Ram Aluvihare as a part-time MO (as she was the Warden of Sangamitta Hall). There were two nurses and two attendants for the Male and Female wards. Believe it or not these facilities were available for the undergraduates for a paltry sum of Rs. 10 for the year!

Every week the dhoby used to come in his Morris Minor car bringing the washed and ironed clothes and to take the soiled ones. He used to visit the campus almost every day as he had to serve all the halls of residence. And here again we were charged Rs. 10 for the whole year for this luxury!

In respect of sports, the facilities available were unbeatable. The sports arena extended from the Galaha Road (which ran through the campus) down to the railway line near the Sarasavi Uyana station. The tennis courts and the volleyball court abutted the Galaha Road. Then it was the athletics field with a cinder track (may have been the only one in Sri Lanka at that time) which had been laid around the hockey field. Beyond that on a lower level was the circular cricket ground and at the far end the soccer and rugby playing field. In addition to these outdoor playing areas, there was a huge gymnasium for all indoor games such as basketball, netball, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, table tennis and badminton. There was also a billiard table.  During our time all these facilities were made use of very well. It is a pity to hear that most of those who have graduated recently from that university have not participated in any sports activities at all.

The Peradeniya hockey team in our final year won the Inter-Club hockey tournament conducted by the Kandy District Hockey Association undefeated. This was the first time the university had won this championship. It was only after a lapse of a decade or so that this feat was accomplished by the university again.

It was also during that year that four players from the Peradeniya hockey team were selected to participate as members of the University of Ceylon team in the All-India inter University Hockey tournament which was conducted in Ahmedabad in Uttar Pradesh. The team spent about a month playing matches in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune, having travelled by ship both ways.

While on the subject of sports, I would like to mention one cricket match we played against a leading school in Kandy from which there were three colours men in the university team (all three from our batch). When we won the toss, some of our teammates had got hold of a car and gone to the city. When they came back, we had been dismissed for a humiliating 37 runs! However, we were able to stave off defeat and return to the campus though not very happy.

While on sports in Peradeniya, it is noteworthy that almost all sports were handled by the undergraduates. As the captain of a team, it was his/her responsibility to arrange matches, the transport if the matches were played away from the campus, provide the meals if required, and conduct the practices too. The captain had to obtain the money from the Director of Physical Education (DPE) for the expenses. On completion of the match, he/she had to submit the balance to the DPE with the receipts of payments made. At present all these are handled by the Instructors of Physical Education (IPE) in charge of the respective sport. There are coaches from outside to train the undergraduates in their respective sport.

The captains and the vice-captains formed the Sports Council, and the office bearers were elected by them. All matters pertaining to sports were handled by the Sports Council, which included the election of the captains and vice captains, conducting the Colours Nite and Colours dance. Several of our batchmates were captains and vice-captains of various sports.  They were- Athletics-Captain N. Puvimanasinghe, Badminton- Captain N De Silva, Cricket-Captain M Kurukulasooriya, Vice-captain A Rambukpotha, Football Vice-captain GS Hidelarachchi, Netball- Captain Miss Ranee Saverimuttu, Hockey- Captain N Warakaulle, Vice-captain SB Ekanayake, Swimming Captain A Muttucumaraswamy, Volleyball Captain AB Wijepala, Wrestling Vice Captain PA Senaratne. Many of our batchmates were awarded university colours in various sports.

The university was not devoid of cultural activities. There were dramas staged in the open-air theatre (now referred to as the wala) below Hilda Obeyekera Hall, in which the actors were all undergraduates. The charge to watch a drama was 50 cents. There were weekly film shows in the Arts Theatre and some of the reputed films were screened for the benefit of the undergraduates. The cost of a ticket for a film show was also 50 cents. In addition to the dramas and films, we also had debates, in English and Sinhala. These were between two teams of undergraduates or between two teams of Teachers. These are rare or not heard of now as no one is interested in this type of activity.

Politics on the campus at that time was a different kettle of fish. It was only the male undergraduates who were involved in politics, and some to the extent of failing their final examination, and earning the prefix “pol” to their names. The students who were interested joined one of three groups available at that time. The groups affiliated to the LSSP were called Trotskyites, the MEP group and the Communist group, referred to as “Commies”. Many of the undergraduates joined a group because their friends were there and not that they were really interested in politics. In our final year, the Demsoc group was formed, which was aligned to the UNP. One can imagine how the politics of the undergraduates were when we found that some ardent Trotskyites were holding important positions in the then UNP government and the pioneers of the Demsoc group joined an SLFP government.

Annual elections for the positions in the Student Union were very interesting depending on candidates pitted against each other. Our batch had the best contested election for the top post of President when Ille and Nihal (both from our batch) contested for the top post in the second term of 1961-62 academic year.  A few of our batchmates were elected to the posts of President(P) and Vice President (VP). They were: TAL Fernando as VP in the first term in 1960-61, Sirimega Wijeratne  as P and Kamini Wickramasinghe as VP in the second term of that year; Mohan Edirisooriya as P in the first term of 1961-62, Punya Illayperuma as P and Piyaseeli Samaranayake as VP in the 2nd term and Jackson Karunasekera as P in third term of that year. The election of the office bearers of the Student Union was conducted after the elections to the Hall Societies. At the end of the election of office bearers of the Student Union, they were invited by the Vice-Chancellor to tea at the Lodge. This was the only chance an undergraduate had an opportunity to visit the Lodge.

The most noteworthy things to mention were that the undergraduates never pasted any posters nor drew any graffiti on the walls and there were protests like what happens at present, except for one protest march to Kandy when Patrice Lumumba was assassinated.

The men undergraduates wore long trousers and shirts with shoes to attend lectures and the women were dressed in either saree or dress. It was a pleasant sight during the day when the ladies went to attend lectures and returned to their halls of residence as they were dressed in colourful attire and almost all having coloured umbrellas opened out so that it was a colourful parasol parade along the Galaha Road.

The four-storied Library was just opened when we entered the university, and it was the best library in Sri Lanka at that time. Many undergraduates made use of the facilities in the library, some even after dinner as the library was open till 8.00pm. There were some who stayed on during the vacations to do their reading in the library.

There were seven First Classes in our batch. After graduation a large number held very important positions, both in the public and the private sectors. Of those who did Law, there was a Judge of the Supreme Court, and two in the Court of Appeal, and a few eminent lawyers in the private Bar. A fair number joined the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and ended up as Secretaries of Ministries whilst one was the Secretary to the Prime Minister. We had five ambassadors, four from within the service and one from outside. The other important positions held were Commissioner-General of Inland Revenue, Commissioner-General of Immigration and Emigration, Chairman of Corporations, Chairman of a State Bank, and Principals of schools (both government and private), Professors of Universities (both local and foreign),Deans of Faculties, Chancellor of a university and  Senior Deputy  Inspectors-General of police and a Registrar of a University. A large number emigrated to seek greener pastures and did well in the countries they were domiciled in.

In 1959, a few of us got together and organized a function to celebrate fifty years after entry.  It was not an easy task to contact batchmates  most of whom we had lost touch with. This was held at the 80 Club, attended by about 166 batchmates both from abroad and here. A souvenir was published with several of the batchmates contributing articles reminiscing of their stay in Peradeniya. Those who were fortunate to attend the get together were very happy to renew the camaraderie we had while at Peradeniya, and all enjoyed the fun.

These were indeed the best times in the University of Ceylon, and we had the privilege of enjoying it. It is very doubtful that undergraduates in Sri Lankan universities at present or in the future, will ever get an opportunity to enjoy the university life as we did. Those three or four years of luxury, so to speak, spent in the salubrious surroundings at Peradeniya and the friendships cultivated whilst there will never be erased from our minds. (Concluded)



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US withdrawal from UNHRC, a boon to political repression and ultra-nationalism

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President Trump in a meeting with President Putin. The New York Times

The US’ reported withdrawal from the UNHRC and some other vital UN agencies could be seen as a fillip to anti-democratic and ultra-nationalistic forces worldwide. Besides, the stark message is being conveyed that the developing regions of the world would from now on suffer further impoverishment and powerlessness.

The UNHRC needs to be more effective and proactive in bringing to book those states that are lagging in upholding and implementing human rights standards. But thus far it has been notable in the main in only ‘naming and shaming’ periodically those countries that stand accused of human rights and associated violations. More states and their rulers who have proved notorious violators of International Law, for instance, need to be brought to justice.

Hopefully, the UNHRC would be more dynamic in carrying out its responsibilities going forward but it needs material, moral and financial sustenance in increasing measure as it goes about trying to implement its brief. By withdrawing its support for the UNHRC at this juncture the US has further weakened the body and thereby provided a stimulant to the forces of repression worldwide.

What ought to be equally disquieting for the ethically-conscious is the withdrawal of US support for the WHO, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees or the UNRWA and the Paris Climate Agreement. With these actions the US under President Donald Trump has forfeited all claims to being the world’s foremost democracy. It could no longer lead from the front, so to speak, in championing human rights and democratic development.

It is no coincidence that almost at the time of these decisions by the US, President Trump is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the time of writing what transpired at these talks is not known to the public but it is plain to see that under the ultra-rightist Israeli Prime Minister, there would be no easy closure to the Middle East conflict and the accompanying blood-letting.

This is in view of the fact that the hawkish Trump administration would be hand-in-glove with the Netanyahu regime right along. There would be no political solution in the foreseeable future nor could it be guaranteed by the main stakeholders to the Middle East question that the current ceasefire would continue.

As mentioned in this column before, Israel would need strong security guarantees from the Palestinian camp and its supporters before it sits earnestly at the negotiating table but a policy of repression by the Israeli state would in no way help in resolving the conflict and in ushering even a measure of peace in the region. With the staunch support of the Trump administration the Netanyahu regime could stave off Palestinian resistance for the time being and save face among its supporters but peace in the Middle East would continue to be a lost cause.

The issues in focus would only be further compounded by the US decision to cease support for the rehabilitation and material sustenance of Palestinian refugees. This policy decision would only result in the further alienation and estrangement of Palestinians from the Western world. Consequently, Intifada-type uprisings should only be expected in the future.

As should be obvious, the US decision to pull out of the WHO would further weaken this vital agency of the UN. A drop in material, medical and financial assistance for the WHO would translate into graver hardships for the suffering civilians in the world’s conflict and war zones. The end result could be the alienation of the communities concerned from the wider international community, resulting in escalating law and order and governance issues worldwide. Among other things, the world would be having on its hands aggravating identity politics consequent to civilian publics being radicalized.

Considering the foregoing, the inference is inescapable that the US is heading in the direction of increasing international isolation and a policy of disengaging from multilateral institutions and arrangements geared to worthy causes that could serve world peace. As matters stand, it would not be wrong to conclude that the Trump administration is quite content with the prevailing ‘international disorder’.

One of the most negative consequences of the US decision to pull out of the UNHRC is the encouragement the forces of repression and ultra-nationalism could gain by it. In almost all the states of South Asia, to consider one region that is notable from this viewpoint, the forces of ultra-nationalism and majoritarian chauvinism could be said to be predominant.

Unfortunately, such forces seem to be on the rise once again in even post-Hasina Bangladesh. In Sri Lanka these forces are somewhat dormant at present but they could erupt to the surface, depending on how diligently the present government guards against their rise.

However, the government of Sri Lanka could not be said to be going the extra mile currently to blunt the appeal of ultra-nationalism, whether it is of the Southern kind or of the Northern kind. Crunch time for the Sri Lankan state would come when it has to seriously cooperate with the UNHRC and help bring those accused of war crimes in Sri Lanka to justice. On whether it could cooperate in this exercise would depend the democratic credentials of the present regime.

The cumulative result of the Trump administration weakening the UN and its agencies would be the relentless rise of anti-democratic, fascistic and repressive regimes the world over. Given this backdrop, one could expect the war in the Ukraine and those wasting civil wars in Africa to rage on. In the case of the Ukraine, the possibility of the US and NATO not being of one mind on ways of ending the war there, could render closure of the conflict any time soon impossible.

However, waiting on the US with the expectation that it would be pulling itself together, so to speak, before long and addressing the issue of international law and order would be tantamount to handing over the world to a most uncertain future. It is highly unlikely that the Trump administration would prove equal to the challenge of bringing even a measure of order out of the current global chaos, given the primacy it would be attaching to what it sees as its national interest.

Rather than wait in suspense, democracy oriented sections the world over would do well to come together in a meeting of minds, with the UN playing a catalytic role in it, to figure out how they could pool all the resources at their command to bring about a world order that would be more respectful of International Law in word and spirit.

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‘The Onset: A Short Story’: A philosophical drama attempting to redefine perception and cinema

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A scene from the movie with Hannah Brennen and Matt Heakes

Debut filmmaker, Thevin Gamage, presents a bold challenge to the time-honoured conventions of cinema. Through his daring short film, Thevin invites audiences to reconsider ‘the truth’ of cinematic rules. The 180-degree rule is broken with seamless subtlety, and a fresh perspective is offered on breaking the fourth wall.

This 13+ minute dialogue-driven drama, ‘The Onset: A Short Story’ featuring two actors and created with the collaboration of a debut cinematographer, was shot entirely in his living room—a testament to ingenuity and creative audacity.

The film not only aims to redefine the language of cinema but also thematically contests one of Plato’s most renowned teachings—The Allegory of the Cave. Thevin offers a fresh lens to examine ‘truth’ blending bold cinematic innovation with a philosophical exploration of perception, arrogance, and enlightenment.

At its heart, this story reflects the universal tension between belief and truth, highlighting the cost of breaking free from illusions. His debut is both a defiant act of rebellion and a bold invitation to shape the evolution of future cinema, leaving audiences with as many questions as answers.

Born into a family of artists in Sri Lanka, Thevin, grew up surrounded by a legacy of creativity yet confined by the traditional expectations of society. His parents achieved success as actors and later as entrepreneurs.

For Thevin, questioning the rules was not rebellion for its own sake—it was a search for freedom, truth, and new perspectives. This drive began in childhood, where strict parental expectations collided with his innate creativity. Movies became his escape, a lens through which he experienced life, love, and possibility.

Yet it wasn’t until his late twenties, after years of academic success and professional detours that he finally embraced his calling as a filmmaker. His audacious short film bridges his personal journey with his artistic vision. By breaking the 180-degree rule and redefining the fourth wall, the film demonstrates that cinematic rules can evolve—not as acts of rebellion, but as purposeful explorations of storytelling.

In the spirit of art and its boundless novelty, Thevin Gamage seeks to induct exactly that: originality.

His debut film is a bold exploration of cinematic boundaries and philosophical inquiry, redefining two foundational principles of cinema. This film invites audiences to experience a narrative that subtly bends the historical rules of the 180-degree rule and the fourth wall—often without them even realizing it.

This debut dares you.

It’s a resolute challenge to tradition and a provocative reminder that “rules” are just a few letters that form a word.

****

About young filmmaker

Thevin Gamage

Thevin Gamage is a South Asian filmmaker whose journey reflects both a profound reverence for tradition and an unrelenting desire to transcend it.

Born into a family of artists in Sri Lanka, Thevin was shaped by a legacy of creativity and resilience. His grandfather, Sri Lanka’s first film makeup artist, pioneered his craft with remarkable dedication, laying the foundation for a family deeply rooted in the arts. Though Thevin never met him, his grandfather Regie de Silva’strailblazing work ethic and passion for storytelling helped shape the family ethos, inspiring Thevin’s mother and, in turn, Thevin himself. Reggie was the first Sri Lankan makeup artist. He went to India for his studies in makeup artistry and was active during the era when B.A.W. Jayamanne and Rukmani Devi pioneered the Sri Lankan film industry.

Thevin’s mother, Kumudumali De Silva, a celebrated Best Supporting Actress winner two decades ago and recent Lifetime Achievement Award honoree for her contributions to the wedding industry, met his father, Nihal Gamage, while on set. Together, they transitioned from the entertainment industry to entrepreneurial success, founding a wedding photography and bridal dressing business. Their ventures flourished, even leading to the publication of their own wedding magazine, providing a middle-class life of success and recognition.

Despite these creative roots, societal expectations in Sri Lanka compelled Thevin to pursue academics. After excelling at the University of Toronto with a degree in Political Science, Economics, and Psychology, Thevin still yearned for storytelling. In his late twenties, after years of professional detours, he enrolled in film school and committed fully to his craft.

Operating outside the framework of traditional film production companies, Thevin embraced the challenges of independence. From conceptualization to execution, his debut film is a testament to his determination, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to his vision. His journey as an independent filmmaker exemplifies the power of creative freedom to challenge norms and shape unique perspectives.

Thevin’s work invites audiences to question, reimagine, and ultimately transform their understanding of storytelling. His journey is not just one of artistic pursuit but an act of defiance—an effort to inspire others to embrace the power of the arts and forge paths beyond traditional norms.

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Top three at 40th Mrs World pageant

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Mrs World – South Africa: Tshego Gaelae (L) / First Runner-up – Sri Lanka: Ishadi Amanda (M) / Second Runner-up – Thailand: Ploy Panperm (R)

While South African model Tshego Gaelae becomes the first Black woman to win the Mrs. World title in its 40-year history, we, too, were in the spotlight, at the finals.

Ishadi Amanda took the No. 02 slot, being the first runner-up at the prestigious pageant, held in Las Vegas, USA, from 29-30 January, 2025.

Thailand’s Ploy Panperm was placed third, as the second runner-up.

Sri Lanka’s Ishadi had support from the audience when her name was announced as one of the three finalists.

The Mrs World pageant winner, from South Africa, expressed her thanks on Instagram, saying, “To God be the glory. Thank you so much for the love and support, I am beyond grateful and elated! My beautiful South Africa, the crown is coming home,” she shared with her followers, encapsulating her elation and gratitude.

The Mrs World pageant, established in 1984, stands as the first international beauty contest solely for married women, providing a platform for married contestants to showcase not just their beauty, but also their intellect and community outreach efforts.

Before being picked as the winner, Mrs South Africa was asked: “What is the biggest challenge you have faced and achieved?” And her answer was brilliant:

Rosy Senanayake: Mrs World 1984

“I was so stressed on social media. Social media people should use it to share knowledge and good things. But it’s used to stress people out. But I stood up for myself without that social media pressure. I used the same social media that stressed me out to share good thoughts and hope to get to the victorious place I am today.”

Gaelae’s success is a testament to the ideals celebrated by the pageant, where diversity and empowerment take centre stage.

Gaelae balances her roles as a devoted mother, wife, labour relations manager, and model.

Being the first black woman to clinch the title at the Mrs World pageant has ignited a sense of pride and celebration among South Africans.

The Mrs South Africa Organisation, which played a crucial role in supporting Gaelae’s remarkable journey, also expressed their pride through a statement: “From Soweto to Vegas and now the World, @mrsworldpageant The Crown is Coming Home! Thank you to everyone who supported our queen on her incredible Journey.”

Gaelae returned home to a triumphant celebration fit for a queen.

At the airport to welcome her were her family, friends, church community, the Mrs South African team board and alumni, and the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg.

The crowning of the 40th Mrs World winner

And, guess what? Gaelae is now in touch with me!

Second Runner-up Mrs Thailand Ploy Panperm is quoted as having said: “I believe that modern married women have the potential to excel in multiple roles – as wives, mothers and even as beauty queens – embodying intelligence, talent and beauty.”

For the record, it was our very own Rosy Senanayake who brought Sri Lanka fame at this pageant … being crowned Mrs World at the very first Mrs World pageant, in 1984.

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