University of Ceylon, Peradeniya - its glorious past- Part 3:

Wonderful place for the ambitious undergrad

by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

The University of Ceylon, Peradeniya was unique and unequalled among the well renowned universities in the world. With the unique contribution of the founder it emerged a superb centre of learning becoming a model education centre with a reputation that spread far and wide in South East Asia with great majesty and splendour and grandeur, ranking among the most prestigious in the globe. The purpose behind this article is to show how this esteemed institution played a vital role during that era.

Many are those who still reminisce the past glory. This is really meant for the few living today to go down memory lane. This brings to light the early events in their lives. The then students, the intellectual exam of the country enjoyed the fruits of education with the simple way of life followed by them.

It was by all means the greatest blessing for those who worked hard to gain admission. The university has always been a place of veneration for the undergrads of that era. There was great enthusiasm, interest and awareness about the significance of the university studies and their future careers. It was the greatest excitement in their lives.

The key to success

The very word, inspired them towards a new era of hope and happiness. The key to success was always on the emphasis placed on the well-being and welfare of the undergrads which they did receive in abundance. It was a fact that the university embellished the character of the then students. Needless to say the authority, discipline, the common behaviour not imposed, but prevalent at the time was readily accepted by the then students on account of its lasting value.

The satisfied students ably backed by the academia and the administrative staff, thought seriously about their studies. This contributed towards their march to success. They were forging ahead with success with hardly any problem whatsoever.

Even if they did have any, they were solved by whatever means possible in the most peaceful manner. The students of all nationalities were very friendly and their cordial relationship bonded them together leading to harmonious peaceful co-existence.

Serene atmosphere

Since its inception the university in its true sense was just the right place, the perfect place, the wonderful place for the ambitious undergrad. It was full of greenery with nature's beauty reigning over the entire premises cultivating a serene atmosphere. Sri Lankan tradition was embedded everywhere.

The entire buildings were so cleverly blended with surrounding, enchanting nature. Entangled in the serenity of the environment they mindfully started the day with the determination to gather knowledge and gain the best as a true student. Calmness, peace and joy made their life what it should be to an enthusiastic budding undergraduate.

The serenity embodied in the entire premises illustrated the value attached to it, so that nobody ever thought of disrupting the serenity of the glorious institution. The undergrad of that era was holding the pride of preserving the undisturbed serenity and sanctity for a long length of time.

Respect and regard to the mighty institution was always there, throughout their stay at Peradeniya living in such an enchanting background where such observances were the rule of the day made them a happy lot in a happy environment. This is one reason why the then university has always recorded an impressive performance in every sphere.

Centre of attraction

The scenic attraction with excellent learning opportunities favoured and encouraged the students sitting for the university entrance examination, to somehow gain admission. This came as a blessing to many who visited the place prior to their exam.

The serenity and beauty made the visiting students on excursions, to lay all hopes in securing success to enter the university. This contributed immensely to the clever and talented and the determined to work hard for their future success. I vividly remember how Dr. Horace Perera, the visiting lecturer in History and Political Science at Good Shepherd Convent, St. Bridget's and St. Benedict's College etc., took us on an excursion to places of historical importance, breaking the journey at Peradeniya campus to show us the glamour and grandeur of the university. Having witnessed the "Heaven on Earth" nobody wanted to miss the amazing opportunity. The most miraculous was that all the participants (his pupils) were successful at the entrance exam that followed a wonderful and never to be forgotten experience in life. Hence it enabled the local students aspiring to obtain admission with courage and enthusiasm and hope. During those early years nobody could dispute the fact that the university was the most glorious at the time.

Discipline

Peradeniya as the first residential university - the first institution of its kind was created for those intelligentsia bent on learning with only one aim in their lives - that of getting out with a worthy academic achievement suited to a rewarding career and refinement, in life. It offered the undergrad the best of everything that anyone could ever dream of. No undergrad ever thought of creating instability or upsetting the peaceful social order. They become a nuisance only when they hinder the peace and order of the institution. There was nothing of the kind.

There were no irresponsible actions on the part of the undergrad. There was hardly any breach of discipline or any incident of indiscipline. Such things were unheard of. Instead there was perfect peace and harmony, of which they could be proud of reminiscing even today.

There were no tragic situations of any calibre. The smooth functioning of the university was never disrupted. They could be proud that discipline has been an important feature in the glorious past of the then university. Repeating it once more, we can be truly proud that we were a truly disciplined set of students.

Language was no barrier for the undergrad of that era. With the quality education offered in the English medium they were well accomplished graduates holding responsible jobs not only in Sri Lanka but around the world serving the humanity. The multi-cultural background helped them to acquire a broad outlook. It is a well-known fact that the university illumined the lives of almost everyone of that era - specially those of exceptional brilliance.

Among thousands of the many well known personalities Ajith Gunatilleka the youngest civil servant of that era, to hold the post of first permanent secretary in the Ministry of Plantations, reminiscing memories of yesteryear, says that it was the then university that made his achievement possible.

Being an English honours graduate he gratefully mentioned the professors of the English Department (Ludowyke, Passey, Ashley Halpe and Yasmine Dias Bandaranayaka) as responsible for carving out his future.

This is just one example among the uncountable. The University of Ceylon the oldest, largest and the most well known with its glorious past, still remains as the most important and the highest centre of learning in Mother Lanka. May it continue to be so, for ever.