Dr. Horace Perera

A true son of the soil

By Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Dr. Horace Perera has rendered to Sri Lanka an incomparable service in diverse ways. He belongs to the galaxy of men who made a great contribution in the sphere of education, as a teacher, writer, author and an eminent person in the administrative service in the international arena. As an icon in history, he taught us the reality of the world. During his illustrious career, he served in a number of schools where he performed his duty with honesty and dedication. His whole-hearted commitment and enthusiasm was an inspiration to all his pupils at St. Benedict's College, Good Shepherd and St. Bridget's Convents. Those who were privileged enough to study under him benefitted from his intellectual capabilities and it was mostly due to him that the A/L (Arts) students were able to tread the path, to success.

"We are proud of him, his superior performance is marvellous" were the comments of both Rev. Mothers late St. Caniz and St. Francis, of Good Shepherd Convent, who later joined St. Bridget 's as Principals one after another, both of whom were genius in selecting born teachers which is evident from Dr. Horace Perera's case.

His career speaks volumes of his most significant achievements in the sphere of publication with the welfare of the students at heart. Armed with the right type of information after doing much research he brought out the "Ancient Period of the History of Ceylon" in collaboration with another academic Mr. Ratnasabapathy of St. Peter's College. This is of equal importance like the ancient chronicles. Starting from the pre-historic era he covers the period upto the coming of the Western powers. This is a good example for having realised the significant impact that a book of this nature on students of history. Among his many books 'Ceylon under Western rule' was another one welcomed by them. History became their favourite subject . With well displayed accuracy of facts these awoke the reader to the past glory.

As a teacher he was cheerful, full of joy, love and adventure. He took us on outings, on educational excursions giving us the opportunity to see the places for ourselves. This will bring nostalgic memories to my contemporaries ,to name a few - Clare, Esthire, Priscilla, Sarojini, Miriam, Padmanathan, Karunaratna and Monoranjan wherever they are. In the centenary magazine of St. Benedict's where he served most, his students commented:

"While at college I participated in the activities of the Curia Historica. The Moderator was Horace Perera. The most memorable event was the trip to ruined cities in Ceylon. We learnt from our teacher about the island's glorious past" (a student).

"I shall never forget Mr. L.H.P. who was my English, Latin and History teacher. Colley Cibber's poem titled 'The blind boy" was his favourite and all in his class had to memorize it in it's entirety this touching poem which had an awesome impact throughout my life". (L. Percey, L. Pragasm)

This academic, the intellectually gifted genius not only did History with us, but also Political Science then known as Government, given pride of place in the curriculum. It was quite a success. The wonder effort made by him towards our future can never be erased from our memory. He is always thought of with affection and gratitude.

We are certainly proud of his next chapter in life. It marks yet another important era. The government of Sri Lanka, having recognised his exceptional talent honoured him with the appointment as Ambassador. This was the beginning of an even more fruitful future. In an article contributed to the Centenary Benedictine Memoirs' he himself has mentioned that he was the first person from the Third World to be appointed Education Director of the World Federation of United Nations (WFUNA) in 1961 and then 5 years later, to be nominated its Secretary General." In 1969 I was honoured to be unanimously elected President for 3 year term of the standing conference and I retired in 1984. But the journey was not yet over as I continud to serve as an honorary President of WFUNA and its advisor on constitutional affairs."

He has aged gracefully and is living the sunset years with his selfless service, in a foreign land (Switzerland). In response to a greeting sent to him I gathered this information in his own words. "I am 93 years old. Yet I am working on the history of WFUNA where I worked for 48 years. I had a challenging life visiting 123 countries meeting with Heads of State etc." May God bless him with long life with good health and happiness.