|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 17 November 2002 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Thomians honour their war dead by Karel Roberts Ratnaweera We stood in pin-point drizzle last Saturday under a leaden sky waiting for the start of the Fifth Annual Service of Thanksgiving, Intercession and Remembrance when S. Thomas' College honours its war dead in its Chapel of the Transfiguration facing the College quadrangle. As we waited, the Sri Lanka Army band played from the covered entrance of a building; the music added poignantly to the occasion -The Berceuse from 'Joycelyn' by Godard and Schubert's 'Ave Maria'. As Armed forces and Police top brass arrived,driving between two rows of the Cadets of STC, they were received on the steps of the chapel by the Warden of S. Thomas', Dr. David Ponniah and ushered into the chapel by prefects of the College. Before the service proper started, an Army bugler sounded the Last Post, and every head was bowed, from the high-ranking Armed Forces and Police officers to the boys of the famous choir of S. Thomas'. The lighting of the traditional oil lamp was performed by Mrs. Druki Martensteyn, Mother and Wife of Thomians missing and killed in action, Captain P.N.L. Mendis, (retd.), the Oldest Thomian ex-serviceman; Head Prefect of the College Niran Ankitell and member of the Special Events Team of the STC Old Boys Association, Dilshan Ferdinando. Following the Revielle, the first hymn, 'Abide with me, fast falls the eventide....' a moved congregation in full harmony with organ and choir. Collects, Lessons the Epistle and the Gospel were read by Old Thomian members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police. In his Message, distinguished young Old Thomian the Rev. Marc Billimoria said that justice must be done if peace is to last. He said that Christians have a vital role to play in the peace process, in reconciliation and forgiveness. He quoted from the Beatitudes:'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.' Prayers for those serving at present in the Armed Forces and Police were also said. The Hymn to Sri Lanka, sung to the tune of 'Dhanno Budunge' ended the service following which group photograph of all Old Thomian Armed Forces and Police personnel now serving the country was taken on the steps of the chapel. This was followed by the playing of the National Anthem by the Sri Lanka Army Band. The unfurling of the Armed Forces and Police flags on the college quadrangle, was performed by the most Senior Thomian in service, and Laying of Wreaths was held at the Memorial Monument on the grounds bounded by the sea. After the wreath-laying, there was a Special Tribute by the Sri Lanka Army Band's Bagpipers. Then followed a prayer by the Rev. Sunil Fernando, Chaplain, STC, the Army Band playing 'Abide with Me,' and a memorial ceremony in the College Hall which began with a special piece of music played by the Army Band. Nimantha de Alwis presented a Tribute to Courage, Lighting of Candles by family members of the war dead with the Army Band playing appropriate music in the background. Rohan de Lanerolle sang 'I Walk with God,' followed by an Address by a family member of Thomians missing in action, by Mr. A.S. Amarasekera, Old Thomian and retired Inspector of Police,' Build House of Peace,' a Special tribute read by Nimantha de Alwis, Address by Minister of Defence Thilak Marapana, an Address by Air Marshall Donald the second Thomian Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Closing Address by Dr. David Ponniah, Warden of S. Thomas' College. The evening ended with the singing of the College Song and the National Anthem. A reception followed. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
