The Royal legend is no more

The Royal legend is no more
Nimal Dias Jayasinha

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/11/02/fea02.asp

Having celebrated his 80th b'day on September 17 amidst a galaxy of
Past Pupils whom he had in no small way helped towards positions of
eminence, the Royal Legend, our revered Guru, Vijitha Weerasinghe
passed onto yet another realm on October 31.

Barring the initial preschool tenure, and a brief stint of an year at
the Law College, Weerasinghe's entire life was devoted to the cause of
Royal College - first as a student, thereafter as a teacher who ended
up as the Deputy Principal and finally as the Advisor of the
gargantuan Royal College Union.

Disconcertingly though, he took sick on October 23 also at the Royal
College Union Office from which he never

Vijitha Weerasinghe

could recover! Teacher per excellence, Guide with an unmatchable
value system, Philosopher with a sagacious insight into life, a friend
with whom you could have a drink and a educative chat and a Gentleman
to his finger-tips-that was Viji Weerasinghe not only to this writer
but to the many thousands or Royalists who had the good fortune of
making contact with him.

I am also aware how successive Principals of the School and the many
members of the staff relied solely on his advice and guidance in
unravelling and solving many thorny issues.

He taught us English, he taught us Latin, he taught us the Classics
but above all he taught us to become good human beings. Clad in
immaculate white and with an endearing smile spread across his
cherubic face, he opted to understand the strengths and weaknesses of
every single student and helped by an unfailing and spot-on memory, he
was able to ease the problems of many a pupil.

In as much he hated indiscipline he had the courage to believe in the
adage that 'boys will be boys'. He strove at all times to instill the
famous Royal traditions into the pupil fraternity and was most proud
when individuals stamped their Royal class through multi-faceted
achievements.

His was a life devoted to the cause of ROYAL and his outlook and only
ambition was to uphold and sustain the Royal values and Royal
standards. He not only remained a thorough - bread Royalists but did
also help to mould many incorrigible to become useful citizens of the
country by installing such Royal standards.

Indeed, Mr. Weerasinghe taught us of 'books and men and taught us to
play the game' possibly more than any other. He was the Magister
Magistorum at Royal College, Colombo. When comes another?! We will all
miss you Sir! Personally, I am left bereft of my Guru to secure
guidance in many areas including the Latino-English in which you were
so perfect.

The frequent chats with you not only helped me to continuously enrich
the command of the Language but also afforded me a new dimension
within a stressful world constantly driven by selfishness and
commercial gain.

Your nobility indeed and word remained a guiding light and I remember
with much gratitude the strength and support your singularly gave me
during my stewardship as the Secretary of the Royal College Union in
order to better manage difficult situations.

Your robust personality will remain etched in my memory and I shall
cherish every single moment spent with you both as a student and
thereafter. The warmth and love exuded by you necessarily overwhelmed
me. Thank you Sir, for all your selfless efforts which to me are
immeasurable.

I loved you in life and shall continue to love you during the rest of
my life and shall by way of a constant measure, bestow merit upon you
in the hope that WE will once again be together in this Sansarik
cycle. YOU as my Guru and I as the benefactor of your guidance and
direction. You shall remain irreplaceable! May you attain the Supreme
Bliss of Nibbana!