Educationist Lakshman Gomes' final journey today

by Jaliya Wijeyekoon

Former Royal College Principal Mr. Lakshman Gomes passed away after a brief illness. Retired at 62, he continued to retain his youthful exuberance and was always in cheerful spirits.

Education apart, his contribution to development of sports, dancing, debating and promotion of youth activities was infact unique. The sports camps, skills centres, new school buildings, IT centres are only a few to add to his sense of dedication to the Royal College and its future. His love for oriental cultural values such as Kandian Dancing and Sinhala drama epitomized in his giving its pride of place in the college studies.

The college's participation in youth summits abroad and debating teams representing Sri Lanka at International fora is another feather in his cap.

His multifaceted role as a teacher Principal, Lecturer added glamour to his career. Generations of students and perhaps their parents are no doubt grateful to Mr. Lakshman Gomes for ensuring a brilliant career to the Royalists.

Sickness and death are two insurmountable barriers for man. His last days were haunted with an incurable disease, yet he continued to maintain his formidable spirits.

Teachers and students alike would not have ever spoken ill of him, though he was a first-rate disciplinarian as safeguarding the prestigious name of the college would have been at the bottom of his heart.

The funeral orations delivered by the past secretary of Royal College Union Mr. Nimal Dias Jayasinghe and the Present Principal Mr. Upali Gunesekara amidst a large gathering of present and old Royalists when the body of Mr. Gomes was brought to the College, amply testifies the magnanimity of this great gentleman who has rendered an incomparable service to Royal College perhaps from its inception.