'Royal Road' to success

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA
 

Young Royalists wave the college flags as the two commanders arrive at the venue.

Bringing honour to their reputed College the two Royalists, Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya and Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe reached the zenith of their careers in the SL Army and SL Navy which they served with dedication.

July 15, 2009 marked a historic moment for the country as well as the prestigious Royal College. Two great sons of the Royal College made history when they were appointed on the same day to the topmost positions of the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Navy.

In recognition of their service to the motherland the Royal College felicitated the two great men on August 4. They became the exemplary 'old boys' for the young Royalists of today.

"The entire College joined to invoke blessings of their sublime faiths upon the two commanders for their valour and sense of commitment to duty", Royal College Principal, Upali Gunasekera said.

Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya is the fourth Army Commander produced by the College, following Maj. Gen. B.R. Heyn, General D.S. Attygalle, Lt. Gen. T.I. Weeratunge, Maj. Gen. N. Seneviratne.

Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe is the third Navy Commander from Royal College following Rear Admiral R. Kadirgamar, Rear Admiral D.B. Gunasekera, Vice Admiral A.H.A. de Silva.

Army Commander

Apart from being an Army Officer, Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya is a colourful sportsman, his forte being boxing. To this date Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya is an international referee and a judge in boxing.

Having entered the College in 1965 as a primary student Jagath Jayasuriya who excelled both in his studies and sports and grew up to be a fine gentleman.

Having studied in the Science stream, young Jayasuriya proved to be a student excelled in various fields. His prowess as a boxer, playing strictly within the ring with great discipline, brought him colours in 1974, 1976 and 1977.

Walking towards the Nawarangahala

His college observed in the young boxer, "a straight clean punching coupled with a solid defence and a deft footwork was the hallmark of Jagath's boxing repertoire." And definitely the Jayasuriya brothers were conspicuous in the galaxy of scientific boxers of the Royal College. The Jayasuriya brothers, Sumith (1973), Nimal (1976) and Jagath (1977) all won the under 125 lbs weight class at the Stubbs Shield Meets. At the College Inter House Boxing Meet in 1974, four Jayasuriya brothers Sumith, Aruna, Nimal and Jagath were featured in the finals.

He decorated his Alma Mater with many colours and awards being the best athlete.

His contribution to cricket, basketball and hockey also won laurels for his college. He was also a college prefect in 1977.

Being moulded as a perfect gentleman and with the blessings of his dear parents young Jayasuriya joined the Sri Lanka Army in 1978 as a Cadet officer.

Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya excelled as a national boxer and a highly respected International (A.I.B.A.) Referee/Judge. He has also officiated in many international tournaments including the World Championships in 2006.

He was decorated with the Uththama Seva Padakkama' for his outstanding military service. He is the proud recipient of Sri Lanka Army's 50th anniversary medal, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service Medal, Desha Puthra Sammanaya, North and East Operations Medal, Poorna Bhoomi Padakkama and Riviresa Campaign Service Medal.

Navy Commander

During his college days from 1960 to 1974 young Thisara Samarasinghe was an outstanding character. His prowess extended to many fields. As sportsman, disciplined cadet and brilliant academic, young Samarasinghe showed the signs of a great leader.

Entering Royal College, Colombo in 1960 young Samarasinghe found himself in a world where he was destined to become a real leader.

He had the privilege of being guided by many outstanding Principals such as Bogoda Premarathne, D.G.N. Senevirathne, D.G. Welikala and L.D.H. Peiris.

Army Commander receives a souvenir from the principal

With his love for cricket, he earned many awards for his exceptional sportsmanship. At the tender age of 13 he represented Royal Primary and College in under 14 cricket. His achievement in under 14 cricket helped him to be a leading member of the successful Royal team that holds an all time record of bundling out St.Peter's College Bambalapitiya for mere five runs with 4 for 2 to his credit and 6 for 3 to Asoka Perera.

For his great sportsmanship he received athletics colours in 1972 and since 1972 till 1974 he was an active member of the 1st eleven cricket team and in 1973 became the Captain of the 'A' team. In the same year he was the Vice Captain of the Senior Athletics team. He also played hockey for the College 'A' team in 1972 - 73.

Being a Senior Prefect in 1973 and 1974 would have definitely sharpened his leadership qualities. When he was 13, young Samarasinghe led the 42nd Colombo Scout Troop in the Jamboree held in Colombo where the Prime Minister took the salute. In 1973 young Samarasinghe became the Regimental Sergeant Major in the 3rd Battalion of the Sri Lanka Cadet Corps - the highest rank that could be attained by a Schoolboy in 1973.

Vice Admiral Samarasinghe created history by being the first ever RSM from the Sri Lanka Cadets Corps appointed as a commander of one of the armed services in Sri Lanka. In 1970 he had the rare distinction of being a Lance Corporal in the Hermen Loos winning platoon. Samarasinghe's passion for cricket never faded even during his Naval career. In 1976, he represented the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and was awarded Dartmouth cricket colours. As a Sports administrator he served as the chairman, Sri Lanka Navy Cricket, Rugger and Athletics at various stages. He had the distinction of being the President of the National Rifle Association in 2006 which led to the successful completion of 10th SAARC games Rifle shooting events at Welisara. He also served in the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union and the Board of Control of Cricket as the Defence Service member.He is the recipient of Rana Sura Padakkama for gallantry at sea, Vishista Seva Vibushana in recognition of his dedication to the defence of the motherland with his unblemished career and Uttama Seva Padakkama for meritorious and distinguished service.

Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya

“It was Royal College which taught me discipline, quality and the perfect way to lead my life. Being honoured by my Alma Mater was very emotional and is the most memorable day in my life.

We, all six Jayasuriya brothers, were taught at Royal and the teachers used to fondly joke asking ‘Are there anymore Jayasuriyas for the next class?’ and my reply was ‘No, I’m the last!’ School days were filled with pleasant memories.

I was fortunate to grow up under the guidance of eminent teachers and principals. The discipline made us excel both in studies and extra curricular activities. I’m grateful to my parents for giving us the best education.

Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe

Apart from my closely knit family where my parents were highly inspirational to me, Royal College moulded my character into a strong personality. This occasion really reminds me of my dear mother and her undying commitment towards me, my brothers and sister.

I had a lot of friends and many of them were from the Tamil families. I never felt any difference between me and my friends. That was a very valuable lesson I was taught during my college days.To do things in the best of my ability was a practice since school days and it actually paved the way to success.What I learned from my Alma Mater and what I believe in my life is, one should first be exemplary before preaching to others.