ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE JAFFNA SRI LANKA, OBA MELBOURNE

AMBI ASSOCIATES BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW & CONSULTANTS

We proudly announce that our Senior Partners

Mr. Chellappah and Mrs Nimalini Ambikaipalan celebrating 50 years of continuous legal practice this year !

Our Senior Partner Mr. Chellappah Ambikaipalan was admitted and enrolled as a Proctor of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka in 1972. He was admitted as a Solicitor of England andWales in the United Kingdom in 1985. Later, he was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 1986, and as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1987.

Together, our Senior Partners Mr Chellappah Ambikaipalan and Mrs. Nimalini Ambikaipalan have almost 100 years of legal experience.

7.20 pm

PROGRAMME

Meet and Greet

Welcome Drinks and Canape

Doors Open

Welcome Dance by Ama school of dance

Acknowledgement of country and opening prayers

College Song

Welcome address by Alumni President

Entrée is served

Dance performance by Ama school of dance

Principal’s address

Dance floor opens -Live music by Redemption

9.00 pm 9.30 pm

Sumptuous Srilankan Buffet Dinner

Please refer page 18 for the menu

Dance floor is calling - Redemption steps up the tempo

Raffle Draw and Prizes

pm

pm

am

Dessert and Coffee station

DJ Party- Groove to the hits spun by DJ

Farewell to Friends and Family

Many thanks to all our friends, families and well-wishers who support our events year after year

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear distinguished guests, esteemed alumni, and beloved friends.

On behalf of the St. Johns’ College Old Boys’ Association Melbourne, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to our Annual Dinner Dance (Eagle night 2023), marking a truly remarkable milestone in the history of our alma mater. This year, we gather to celebrate the bicentennial year of our beloved school, an institution that has shaped and molded generations of students over two centuries.

Throughout its illustrious history, our alma mater has been a beacon of knowledge, character, and opportunity. It has not only imparted academic excellence but has also instilled in its students a sense of purpose, resilience, and community. The values and life lessons learned within these walls have carried us far beyond graduation, guiding us through the challenges and triumphs of our personal and professional lives.

We must acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by the old boys of our esteemed institution. Through their unwavering support and dedication, they have helped foster an environment of excellence, providing the necessary resources and mentorship to shape the future leaders of our society. Their commitment to our school’s development has been instrumental in ensuring that the torch of education continues to burn brightly within those hallowed halls.

The Melbourne OBA has played a pivotal role in numerous educational and infrastructural developmental projects within the school. As we celebrate this momentous bicentennial year, we take immense pride in our contribution to the construction of the Robert William Hall, a project of colossal significance. This state-of-the-art building stands as a testament to our collective efforts, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and the perpetuation of our school’s legacy.

Tonight, as we come together in celebration, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence. Your attendance not only serves as a testament to your unwavering support for our alma mater but also as a testament to the deep bonds and cherished memories we share as members and friends of the Melbourne OBA.

In the spirit of the Johnian Way, I encourage you all to immerse yourselves in the joyous atmosphere, reconnect with old friends, forge new connections, and relish in the nostalgia that this event invokes. Let us take a moment to reminisce about the cherished moments we spent within those halls and honor the profound impact our school has had on our lives.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the OBA organising committee for their tireless efforts in bringing this event to fruition. Their commitment and passion have made this evening possible, and I extend my deepest gratitude to each member for their invaluable support.

As the night unfolds, let us raise our glasses in a toast to our alma mater, to our shared experiences, and to the next chapter in our collective journey. May the spirit of camaraderie and the cherished memories forged within those walls continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Thank you, once again, for joining us this evening. May you have a truly memorable and enjoyable time in the Johnian Way.

With warm regards,

Daljit Chelliah President, St. John’s College OBA Melbourne

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Members of the SJC OBA, Melbourne, Australia,

It is with great pleasure I pen this message to your Bicentenary Dinner Dance souvenir.

Two hundred years ago, a vision was realized, a seed was planted, and an institution was born that has since shaped countless lives and left an indelible mark on society. Today we celebrate the incredible journey of this institution with pride and joy.

St. John’s College is blessed to have active Alumni Associations which have been greatly contributing to its growth and development. My sincere thanks and appreciation to your contribution as an association towards the success of the bicentenary celebration and the reconstruction the of the Robert Williams Memorial Bicentennial block. The legacy and accomplishments we celebrate today should be carried forward ensuring that the next two hundred years are filled with even greater achievements.

On behalf of the college, I wish the event every success. Besides being a celebration of the journey of our Alma mater, this occasion also provides an opportunity to reflect and reminisce the bonds that were formed within the portals of our college many years ago.

May God continue to bless you all abundantly.

Mr. V. S. B. Thuseetharan, St. John’s College, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

REMINISCENCES

J.T.Chelliah

My first contact with and remembrance of St. John’s College was in 1924 when just by chance I had the opportunity of going to that school. It was a very important occasion - the Centenary celebrations of the college. It was not by invitation but by chance that I went! The then Principal of Uduvil Girls’ school where my mother was a teacher was invited to the celebrations. Since Uduvil was about four hours journey by horse carriage from Chundikuli, by the time a person got home after evening function it would be very late. The Principal requested my mother to accompany her and I also joined the party. The Prize-Giving didn’t interest me, a boy of eight years. But a novel item soon after on the playground captivated me - it was the Torch light Tattoo by the cadets. In the darkness all of a sudden rows of cadets came marching with lighted torches to the playground and later were weaving patterns as they marched with their torches. Never afterwards have I seen a Torchlight Tattoo put on by a school. This was something which I shall never forget. This was my first glimpse of the school that was to mean so much to me in the days to come. I longed for the day when I would join the school. This I did a couple of years later.

At the age of ten I joined the school as a boarder. I can’t easily forget a frightening incident that happened then! The roof of Robert Williams Hall caught fire. This was the biggest hall in Jaffna town in the twenties and so was used for plays, meetings. lectures etc. There was no electricity in Jaffna and Petromax lamps worked by kerosene oil were used to light the hall. One night when the lamps were being lit for a drama the screens caught fire and it quickly spread to the roof. The top part of the roof was covered with cadjans while the lower areas

had tiles. As it was the dry season the fire quickly spread along the roof. The boarders and the people living in the neighborhood rushed in to put out the fire before it spread to other parts of the school. Many who had been attracted by the flames lighting up the night sky had rushed in to help. They all worked into the early hours of the morning clearing and cleaning the mess caused by the fire. The four classrooms in the corners were ready for use the next morning. Rev. Henry Peto the principal, at the morning assembly held outside the hall thanked the students and friends, especially the Prefect Body and the boarders who had rendered invaluable service. It was only after that fire the whole roof of Williams Hall was covered with tiles. The scars caused by the fire could be seen in the wooden pews and the woodwork for some time. Later it had renovations which gave it a grander appearance as seen today.

The old dining hall and kitchen had been shifted further back to its present site to make room for a bigger playground. There was a well on the side of the earlier playground which had to be covered up. There is an interesting incident connected with this well. The kitchen helpers washed the used plates by the side of the well as it was near the dining hall. One morning it was found that all the plates left in the zinc tub for washing the previous night had found their way to the bottom of the well! Some pranksters had done it! It was a Friday and exeat

“For oft when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon the inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude.”

Wordsworth

weekend and the boarders were waiting for school to be over to rush home. The Principal Rev. Henry Peto was informed and he came to the well and saw that all the plates were lying at the bottom of the well. He announced that unless the plates were brought out of the well the boarders couldn’t go home! Our dreams of going home were dashed to the ground. But we would not have reckoned the situation without our Sinhalese classmates in the boarding from the South. In those days there were many boys who came to St .John’s from Vavuniya, Medawachiya and further South. They were all excellent swimmers. A number of them dived into the well bringing up the plates which were loaded into buckets to be pulled up. Within a short time all the plates had been brought out. The Principal came to the well and saw that all the plates were back in the tub. He announced that the boarders could go home for the weekend. There was loud cheering for the heroes who were hauled up in buckets. The heroes were carried shoulder high in their wet clothes to their hostels. I specially remember two of our schoolmates who helped us - P.B.Madukande and T.B.M. Ekanayake. Ekanayake later held a top post in the government as the Commissioner for the Registration of Persons.

Another of those happy events of the bygone days was the inter collegiate football matches. There was no common J.S.S.A. grounds. The Police grounds on the Esplanade where later the Duraiyappah Stadium stood was the place where all inter-collegiate matches took place. There were no buses or vans to take the players to the grounds. Both players and we, their supporters walked to the grounds as a group with the teachers and the Principal in the rear. There were no seats and the spectators had to stand behind the ropes. The performance of St.John’s was outstanding. We won the football championship for three years in succession

-1929, 1930 and 1931 - under the able captaincy of C.T.E.Mills, the best player among the school boys. The return home to college after a victory was a different story. There was singing., clapping, hooting and cheering with the members of the team walking in front. When we came to the Seminary Gates of St. Partrick’s College there was unusually loud cheering. We ended our victory march with an entry into the premises of Chundikuli

Girls’ College, our immediate neighbours who always shared with us our victories. We went up to the Principal’s bungalow where Miss. S.L.Page. the Principal will come out and acknowledge our cheering and congratulate us on our victory. Finally we march back tired to college before we disperse.

In those days the majority of students came for all matches to cheer our team. Those were the days when even boys in the lower classes knew the bigger boys. Every student was proud of the team players, the school, the teachers and the Principal. Perhaps that’s why we are unable to forget certain incidents which happened long, long ago. No one will deny that schooldays are the most enjoyable days in one’s life. Those days are gone, but the memory of that period lingers and in the words of the poet William Wordsworth:

“Bliss was in that dawn to be alive, When to be young was very heaven.”

I am happy to note that my first contact With St .John’s in 1 923 has gone on for several years for almost half a century, directly and indirectly. I am very proud of this association.

Starting as an uninvited guest at the Centenary celebration, then as an invited guest to the one hundred and twenty fifth anniversary celebrations when the main iron gate donated by the late Dr. C. Kandiah was opened and ended my carreer in St. Johns as a member of the Staff after actively participating in the Ter Jubilee Celebrations in 1973, when the Henry Peto Memorial Hall was opened. I hope, I shall be able to make it for the 175th anniversary Celebrations in May 1998.

May St .Johns College continue from strength to strength maintaining the high standards and the traditions set by the Founders one hundred and seventy five years ago.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE FIRST CENTENARY OF OUR SCHOOL: 1823-1923

Chellappah

Ambikaipalan

Vice Patron St John’s OBA Victoria

I have immense pleasure in presenting the principal events during the first 100 years from 1823-1923 of the history of our blessed alma mater St John’s College Jaffna as we celebrate its 200th year anniversary in Melbourne. My name is Chellappah Ambikaipalan and I had the greatest privilege of studying at St John’s from 1954 to 1968. The vision and mission of those who established the college has enabled us to enjoy the benefits of the highest standards of education.

The first 100 years of St John’s can be likened to a tale of a newborn, gradually maturing into adulthood. The events of this century laid the groundwork for the years ahead, while also establishing cherished, enduring traditions. This era also witnessed significant changes for the school, with relocations driven by the growing demand for admission. Many novel educational programs were introduced during this time, along with games previously unfamiliar to Jaffna.

Throughout this period, St John’s had 16 Principals, with Reverend Pargiter and Reverend Henry Peto holding the longest tenures in the college’s history, each serving as Principal for 20 years. I aim to share with you a chronological account of the crucial developments during these initial 100 years.

In 1823, Reverend Joseph Knight founded St John’s College as the Nallur English Seminary, with seven students aiming to provide higher education to Tamil youths. The school’s main purpose was to prepare individuals for mission work. The students received free boarding, clothing, and education. There was a significant focus on studying the Bible, while also ensuring a comprehensive secular education.

In 1845, the English Seminary moved to Chundikuli and continued its operations in rented premises, now known as The Chundikuli Seminary. The old Portuguese Church of St. John the Baptist at Chundikuli was transferred to the Church Missionary Society, and Rev. Johnstone, the Principal, conducted services there.

(Ambi)

After succeeding Rev. Johnstone, Rev. Robert Pargiter relocated the school from its previous rented and temporary buildings, and instead, moved it to a spacious hall adjoining the eastern side of the old church.

History was made in 1853 when Mr. Robert Williams was appointed the Headmaster. He was the first national to be appointed as Headmaster. In 1862, Government Grant in aid was relinquished by the C.M.S. as restrictions were placed upon the school. This was a challenging time for the school. So, for the next 10 years school was maintained by fees, grant from the C. M. S. and private support. The school continued to maintain its high standards.

In 1863, the school presented for the first-time students for the Matriculation Examination of the Madras University. Those who sat the exam later attained high positions in the government and public life. During this period, the school gained a proud position in the life of the community.

It was in the year 1891 the new name of St. John’s College was given to the old Chundikuli Seminary. The number on the roll was 250. In 1893, the school was affiliated to Calcutta University as a Second Grade College.

Johnians are now spread worldwide, and they have established associations to foster camaraderie and provide support to the school. Over 1000 alumni from various parts of the world attended the bicentenary celebrations held in March of this year. The inaugural Old Boys Association (OBA) was founded on 18th April 1904, coinciding with the first publication of the College magazine.

The College crest we have now was designed by Horace Thompson the son of Principal Rev Jacob Thompson

in 1908. The Crest was introduced with the Eagle of St. John representing College -a Shield carried in its talons to represent the Christian shield of Faith, a Palmyrah to represent Jaffna, and a torch to represent the diffusion of light through knowledge of Christ.

St John’s again made its mark in the society with the splendid results at the public examinations in 1912. At the Public Examinations - Cambridge Junior - 21 passed out of 25. Acknowledging the importance of knowledge gained by reading, the foundation stone for a new library was laid on June 21, 1911. The entire cost was given by Dr. J. M. Handy, in memory of his brother and was known as the Handy Memorial Library.

St John’s holds a distinctive position in fostering strong teacher-student relationships, both within and beyond its campus. In 1914, a former student residing in Malaysia sought to honour the memory of his teacher, Mr. Robert Williams, the first national headmaster of SJC. He generously donated a considerable sum of money towards a memorial. However, the school aspired to create a more substantial tribute, leading to the construction of the Robert Williams Hall in 1914. This hall, funded by contributions from alumni and well-wishers, stood as the largest in Jaffna for a considerable period and hosted esteemed dignitaries, including Mahatma Gandhi and his wife on 29th November 1928. History repeated itself when the present Robert Williams Bicentennial Building was constructed entirely through funds raised by former students and their families.

Among the old boys present here, many have served as prefects in the school. Prefects at SJC are elected jointly by the staff and students, acknowledging their leadership qualities. The prefects guild, in collaboration with the staff, plays a vital role in assisting fellow students and maintaining discipline. This prefect system was established in 1914. The following year, in 1915, the Director of Education recognized the Junior School’s consistently outstanding results by awarding a first-class certificate to the headmaster. I assume there are also a few of you who have been involved in the scout movement. It might interest you to know that the first Scout Troop in Jaffna was founded at St John’s in 1916.

As St John’s approached its centenary mark, it was fortunate to have an energetic and dynamic Principal, Rev. Henry Peto, who assumed the position in 1920. Under his leadership, the school reached new heights, and significant improvements were made. He introduced the College Assembly in the Hall and implemented

higher standards for punctuality, conduct, classwork, attendance, and fee payment.

Rev. Peto restructured the Prefect Body and established both a Literature Club and a Historical Society. In January 1921, the Upper Third Form was established, enabling more capable students from the Second Form to progress to the Cambridge Junior level within a year. Mr. K. Nesiah’s success in winning the Second Prize in the British Empire Senior Essay Competition was celebrated, and the first Inter-House Sports event was held. Additionally, during this time, the Thompson Boarding House was acquired.

In its first century alone, St John’s witnessed significant events, and even more unfolded in the subsequent hundred years. The school has been blessed with visionary Principals and dedicated teachers who have passionately nurtured students’ education and character, providing a strong foundation for their future endeavours. The legacy of St John’s College is undoubtedly a blessing to us all, and we extend our best wishes for its continued success in the future.

With a strong desire to expand the OBAs of St John’s in Australia, the inaugural OBA was established in Victoria in 1989. Initially consisting of about 50 enthusiastic old boys from Melbourne, the association experienced remarkable growth through collaborations with other OBAs across states and overseas. This expansion brought great benefits to the school, including scholarships, donations, and financial aid for infrastructure. Notably, the impressive Robert Williams Hall, a symbol of pride and peace, stands as a testament to the contributions from numerous Johnians worldwide. The St John’s OBA in Victoria played a significant role in this and contributed to other recent developments that the College proudly celebrates.

I had the privilege of participating in the bicentennial celebrations and the opening of the Robert Williams Hall, which filled me with immense pride for our beloved school. As the inaugural President, along with hundreds of OBA members in Australia, I am both humbled and proud to witness St John’s remarkable growth. I am deeply thankful to all the devoted and dedicated Johnians who have tirelessly worked to achieve our goals thus far. Let us hope and pray that our alma mater continues to thrive and become a prominent institution within the Tamil community, known for its literary achievements. As Johnians, let’s play the game with pride, perfection, and success. Wishing all of you the best in the great Johnian spirit.

MENU

WELCOME DRINK & CANAPE ENTRÉE

Fish cutlets, Chicken sandwich & Vegetarian sandwich

Flame Grilled Meat Balls, Pumpkin & Feta Risotto, Spring rolls, Vegetable Curry Puffs & Tandoori

chicken bites.

MAINS ON BUFFET

COLD

Glazed Ham, Salami, chicken loaf

SALADS

Waldorf Salad, Caesar Salad, Beetroot Salsa

MAIN

Yellow rice with deep fried Shallots & roasted cashew

Stir fried vegetable Noodles

Chicken curry

Sweet & Sour Fish

Roast pepper Lamb

Devilled Calamari

Thai Mixed vegetable curry

Brinjal Pahie

potato curry

chilli paste

Dinner rolls & butter

TEA COFFE STATION

English Tea

Green Tea

Coffee Milk

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THE NEXT SEMI CENTENNIAL OF OUR SCHOOL: 1923-1973

Dr Peter Selvaratnam A/C Professor AM

The following is a snapshot of the era at St John’s College Jaffna from 1923 to 1973.

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote that “More things are wrought by prayer then this world dreams of.”

Our former Principals from Reverend Joseph Knight who commenced the school to Rev Thompson, Mr.Robert Williams, Rev. CC Handy to Rev. Henry Peto built the foundation of the school on prayer and faith in God.

Rev. Peto took over the helm of the school in 1920 and followed the steeped tradition of the British public schools in bringing discipline to the school with a Prefect Body, and enhancing higher education by employing teachers who had the gift of sharing their knowledge. In 1923 he with staff organised the centenary celebrations.

In 1927 he invited Mahatma Gandhi to the school. St. John’s also moulded another politician who followed the path of non-violence, Mr. SJV Chelvanayagam, and together with Mr. C Sundaralingam were a leading force for the Tamil people in the years before and after independence.

The reputation of the school was such that students from the South came to enjoy her education. Some became parliamentarians such as Mr. Welagedera, Mr.SLB Ratnayake, Mr. Mihadiulwewn and one of them Mr.Maithripala Senanayake later became the Deputy Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 1970. Post independence, Justice Nagalingham, an old boy of St John’s became an acting Governor General. Mr. Clough Thuraisingham and Rev. JTN Handy received their knighthood for work in Malaya. Mr. Sam Sabapathy was elected the first Mayor of Jaffna.

The history of St. John’s is not complete without the close association with our sister school Chundikuli Girls college. In the early years SJC and Chundikuli were separated by a Cadjan fence. I am informed that there were many times that the judicious sparks of attraction and distraction flew across the fence. I am unsure if these sparks had an effect since in 1936 Rev. Peto and the principal of the girl’s college organised the move to the current premises for the girl’s school.

St John’s also produced leading clergy. In 1938 Rev. DS Mather became the chairman of the Methodist Synod. In this era Rev. Kulendran and Rev. DJ Ambalavanar became leaders of the CSI church. Today we are fortunate Rev. Mather and Rev. Dev Anandarajan who forsook all to follow the calling of the Lord.

There were many from the school who followed different fields at University from Medicine, Engineering, Science, agriculture and some became Principals of schools. Two to St. Thomas Matara, one to St. Thomas’ Prep, one to Gurutalawa, and two became Wardens (Rev. AJC Selvaratnam and Mr. S Anandanayagam) of St. Thomas Mount Lavinia.

In 1940 Rev. Peto drowned attempting to help somebody who was having difficulty in Thondamanaru. Rev. JT Arulanandam took the helm of the school following the traditions of the forefathers from Oxford and Cambridge. He was a builder in many senses of the word. He built with the help of Samuel and Sons the boarding school, the science block, the Figg hall and rebuilt the Robert Williams hall to name a few.

Rev. Arulanandam faced challenges in the early 1950s with the Ceylon government’s introduction of free education versus private education. He was keen to provide education for all and hence he went with free education. He had a heart for the average student and their general education. He stressed not to place undue emphasis on winning at all costs, but to promote

healthy rivalry, unselfishness and a spirit of endurance. Rev. Arulanandam’s approach reminds me of the Olympic creed: “The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.”

Rev. Arulanandam also commenced the Inter-Arts and Inter-science streams so that students who learn science could learn geography and history and those who studied arts learnt a science subject. His concept was later was taken up for the GCE O/L’s.

In his time cricket, soccer, football, volleyball boxing and athletics were revived. St. Johns did very well in cricket between 1938 and 1942 with the exploits of Mr. RR Scott and a resurgence in the 1950s with the coaching of Mr. Jimmy Rajaratnam, the fiery bowler Mr.Mahalingam, and later Dr. Karuniyan, C Balakrishnan, C Sivananthan and the two Tissainayagam brothers.

They were the foundation for the future cricket dream team in the mid-1960’s who were well known for their success in the field. Outstanding was a very gifted Dr.M Theiventhira and the wily spinner Mr Vyravapillai who is here with us in Melbourne. Sivananthan and Balakrishnan represented Ceylon against Bill Lawry’s Australian team in 1968 and Balakrishnan in 1969 against the English team. In soccer Mr. Paramilingham played for Ceylon in 1959 and later Mr. S Antonipillai played soccer for Ceylon in the early 1970’s.

In 1960 the school was challenged by the government which attempted to take over private school or become a non-fee levying school. The Principal, Mr.Rajasekeram and vice principal Mr. C Handy along with Dr. Vethanayagam rallied the old boys to assist the payment of teachers and keep the school afloat. An amazing feat when you realise the sacrifices made by teachers.

I joined St John’s in 1970 due to her educational reputation. At the helm was Mr. Pooranampillai, and Mr.JT Chelliah and Mr. C E Ananadarajan, as vice principals. We had wonderful teachers and sports coaches such as Mr. JG Gnanapragasam, Mr.Manuelpillai and the effervescent Mr. Xavier in football, cricket and athletics.

They all imparted to us the four C’s: critical thinking, career, culture and character. Career was important at that time since in 1972 a system of standardisation was brought to the country. The students in the north were significantly affected. They had difficulty entering university for higher education; while the teachers made us aim high, they made us also consider a potential Plan B.

Mr.Pooranampillai used to say in assemblies “The battle of Waterloo was won in the playing fields of Eton and Harrow”. His message to us was that while studies were important, one’s all-round education and character was built by relationships, debating, sports and not giving up. Another famous phrase he used to quote was one of Winston Churchill’s most famous speeches of the Second World War in his old school, Harrow. “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

Mr. Pooranampillai’s emphasis was that when everything is taken away our character would withstand, like the wiseman who built his house upon a Rock.

In 1973 St John’s celebrated the 150th anniversary the Sesquicentennial . Over the year the old boys raised funds to build the Henry Peto hall to seat 1200 people. Prof. CC de Silva who was the chair of the governing body said “You have a wonderful campus. However, what is important is not the building and playing fields, but the character of the men it has produced and will no doubt continue to bring forth in the future.” The Jubilee hymn for the occasion was written by Rev. AJC Selvaratnam.

Apart from my father and a cousin who studied at St John’s, on my maternal side five generations studied from Rev. CC Handy who was in leadership in the late 1800’s to the Tissainayagam’s. I am grateful for all of our forefathers, teachers, those who currently run the school and the old boys who with God’s help (in the words of Josh Groban) ‘ raised us up in St. John’s to be more than what we can be.’

THE LAST SEMI CENTENNIAL OF OUR SCHOOL: 1973-2023

Jude Prakash

The Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance

Along the same verse, St. John’s College Jaffna’s last 50 years, from 1973 to 2023, can be encapsulated in three words: triumphant, turbulent and tearful.

The last 50 years of St. John’s have been the time to harvest what our forefathers planted 200 years ago triumphantly. We, the lucky generation, reaped the benefits from the solid foundations laid by our Johnian forefathers.

In the last 50 years, St John’s went from merely surviving financially by electing to be a non-fee levying, a nongovernment-controlled school in the sixties; to proudly rebuilding the Robert Williams Memorial Hall to mark its bicentennial celebration entirely from the funds raised from its old Boys.

The turbulence caused by the civil unrest in the country affected St. John’s as well. St. Johns went from opening its doors to 400 plus students from the South displaced by the 1983 communal riots: to reopening the school in 1996 after the 1995 Jaffna mass exodus with 400 students and 23 teachers.

St. John’s doors were widely opened again in 2009 to more than 600 Wanni students affected by the last phase of the civil war. The generosity of the global

Johnian community enabled the College to provide boarding facilities for these underprivileged students who needed to rebuild their lives affected by warrelated trauma.

St John’s became a leading school in the science stream in the island during this era and sent a record number of students to medical schools in Sri Lanka. In 1981 and 1989, Johnians were placed first in the order of merit in the all-island G.C.E A/L bioscience stream examination. We are privileged to have Dr. Subanesan, who became number one on the Island in 1989, living amongst us in Melbourne.

St John’s is a college with a heartbeat for sports. St John’s continued to dominate the Jaffna schools in cricket, basketball, soccer, hockey, athletics, and many other sports during this era.

During this time, we won many big matches and lost some. However, more importantly, we bravely fought hard with true Johnian spirit to save big matches. The hard-fought big matches of 1982, 1983 and 1993 are enshrined in the cricketing history of Jaffna forever.

One cannot also forget the memorable 2018 big match in which St. Johns fought hard till the last ball and lost to a brave Centralite fight back.

During this time, the second Johnian Eagle Award was awarded to P Thirukumar for representing the national under-19 Cricket team which toured Australia in 1983. A few more Boys have received the Johnian Eagle Award

for national-level achievements in track and field since then. We have a Johnian Eagle award recipient, Anojan Gnanaponrajah, today.

In Soccer, St John’s College’s First XI team won the Jaffna district inter-school soccer competition, the Pandithar Memorial Cup, in 1986. This was the first time in the history of the college that our college team won a district-level soccer competition.

The last 50 years of our Bicentenary have also marked impressive new buildings and facilities constructed on the college premises.

St. John’s went from a near-bankrupt institution selling its Mahogany trees and running a door-to-door fundraiser for its survival in the sixties to becoming a school to envy on the island of Sri Lanka for its magnificent buildings and world-class facilities.

The Peto memorial hall, or the Jubilee Hall, was built to mark the 150th anniversary of the college. Peto Hall was followed by the Arulantham, Rajasegaram and Poornampillai blocks in the eighties.

The late seventies also marked two old boys contributing financially to construct the modern and impressive cricket scoreboard. The turn of the 21st century marked the opening of the C. E Anandarajan Memorial block, funded by the Norwegian Government.

During this era, two of St John’s historic buildings were reconstructed from funds raised by old boys. The reconstructed Handy Memorial Library was reopened in 2006, and the reconstructed Robert Williams Hall was reopened in 2023.

In 2004, Triple centenary celebrations were held by the college community. The Centenary of the Old Boys’ Association, the College Magazine and the Big Matchwere celebrated during a week-long festivities in Jaffna.

One can also not forget St. John’s community’s tears during this time. We lost our legendary Principal, C.E.

Anandarajan, to a senseless assassination in 1985. In 1989 the murder of Ahilan Thiruchelvam and Thevakumar, two of the most outstanding students at the time, will never be forgotten. During this period, we lost many students, teachers, old boys, and parents to indiscriminate bombing and shooting by the armed forces.

Finally, the success of our alma mater is not and will not be measured in terms of examination pass rates or achievements in the sporting fields. The glory of our college is manifested in the noble values, discipline, and traditions the great institution instils in its pupils, transcending generations.

The privileged brotherhood of Johnians means we encourage, motivate, and help each other and live as good citizens wherever we live. The spirit of Johnianism is in how we cherish and celebrate each other’s success and party in style.

These hallmarks of Johnianism have made us stand out from other reputed schools and laid the foundations for success in our lives.

And it is these exemplary values, disciplines, traditions, and the strong brotherhood which was manifested in March this year when more than 1,000 old boys from all around the world flocked the gates of St. John’s College again to pay their gratitude and celebrate the bicentenary birthday of our Alma mater.

Let me conclude with one of my favourite phrases from our College Song

Her highest pride a noble mind, Her greatest joy a heart that’s kind.

COMMITTEE

Seated Left to Right

Rev Dev Anandarajan, Tuline Ratnam, Sivakumar Varatharajah (Treasurer), Daljit Raj Chelliah (President), Preman Jeyaweerasingham (Secretary), Chellapah Ambikaipalan (Vice Patron), Dr. Mylvaganan Sivakadachan.

Standing Left to Right

Siva Ramanathan, Mahindan Kumaraswamy (Sports Secretary), Ravivarman Gopalaratnam (Asst. Secretary), Panga Manoharan (Vice President), Nirooshan Anunagirirajah, Dr. Sukumar Navanathan, Satheeskumar Theiventhiran, Giri Wakshan, Dr Gnanaseger Swaminathan (Vice President), Dinesh Sundaralingham, Siva Sivayogan (Asst. Treasurer),

Absent

Andrew Jeyarajah

St. John’s College OBA - Melbourne

PAST EVENTS

Christmas Carols 2022

Verty party 2023

2023 Committee meeting

Founders day celebration

Dinner Dance 2022

TELLIS GROUP PTY LTD

TELLIS GROUP PTY LTD

PO BOX 24 ,EAST BRUNSWICK, MELBOURNE, VIC, 3057

TEL: +61 401265008

PO BOX 24 ,EAST BRUNSWICK, MELBOURNE, VIC, 3057

TEL: +61 401265008

Specialising in

Specialising in AIR FREIGHT

AIR FREIGHT

EMAIL : admin@tellisgroup.com.au

EMAIL : admin@tellisgroup.com.au

Air freight is one of the best and most secure options to ship time-critical items domestically or anywhere in the world, ensuring you meet your critical freight deadlines.

Air freight is one of the best and most secure options to ship time-critical items domestically or anywhere in the world, ensuring you meet your critical freight deadlines.

SEA FREIGHT

SEA FREIGHT

Depending on the volume and regularity of shipments, we can guide you on the most convenient and cost-effective shipping options as well as the fastest transit times.

Depending on the volume and regularity of shipments, we can guide you on the most convenient and cost-effective shipping options as well as the fastest transit times.

ROAD FREIGHT

ROAD FREIGHT

We offer standard and customised road transport and delivery services across the Country. Road transport ensures even the most rural areas can receive their freight.

We offer standard and customised road transport and delivery services across the Country. Road transport ensures even the most rural areas can receive their freight.

CUSTOMS QUARANTINE

CUSTOMS QUARANTINE

With heavy regulations and often complex requirements in Australia and Internationally, Tellis Group Logistics will do the hard work to handle all of your customs and quarantine clearance requirements to ensure your freight can get to it’s destination compliantly and with minimal fuss.

With heavy regulations and often complex requirements in Australia and Internationally, Tellis Group Logistics will do the hard work to handle all of your customs and quarantine clearance requirements to ensure your freight can get to it’s destination compliantly and with minimal fuss.

3RD PARTY LOGISTICS

3RD PARTY LOGISTICS

We’re proud to offer expert 3PL and warehousing services to customers throughout Australia. We offer reliable, costeffective services for businesses of all types and sizes.

We’re proud to offer expert 3PL and warehousing services to customers throughout Australia. We offer reliable, costeffective services for businesses of all types and sizes.

MARINE INSURANCE

MARINE INSURANCE

Ocean container freight forwarding is subject to unavoidable forces and accidents that can lead to loss and damage of goods. Tellis Group can help you secure marine insurance and safeguard your cargo.

Ocean container freight forwarding is subject to unavoidable forces and accidents that can lead to loss and damage of goods. Tellis Group can help you secure marine insurance and safeguard your cargo.

EJS Logistics Pty Ltd

EJS Logistics Pty Ltd

5/93 Pearson Road, Yatala, QLD 4207 Phone: 0451929974

5/93 Pearson Road, Yatala, QLD 4207

Phone: 0451929974

Email : accounts@ejslogistics.com.au

ABN: 88 645 677 103

Email : accounts@ejslogistics.com.au

ABN: 88 645 677 103

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MEDICAL CENTRE

After Hours & Emergencies

This practice engages a locum service to provide medical attention for our patients after usual consulting hours.

When you ring our practice number (03 8751 2130) after hours you will be connected with the locum doctor on duty.

All consultations attended by the locum service be bulk billed.

Podiatrist

Mitchell Anderson

Allied Health

Hatice Kurtoglu (Phycologist)

Dr Ponnuthurai Paransothy (Paran)

MBBS; FRACGP

Dr Niranjani Harindran (Jenny)

MBBS; FRACGP

Dr Mansutha Akilan (Sudha)

MBBS; FRACGP

Dr Aaranan Paransothy

MBBS; FRACGP

Hema Prashanth

Radisha Permasiri

Theiasree Pashnath Shali

Prac�ce manager—Kanwal Rehman

Our Practice has got 4 Doctors, Psychologist, Pathology, blood collection centre, Dietitian, Podiatrist.

We hope that there will be Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors from January 2024

Hilda Yan (Dietitian)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We sincerely thank all those who have continued to support the SJC OBA Melbourne through their generous donations, advertisements and services.

Major Sponsors

Raffle and Donations

SriLankan Airlines | Landmark Computers Travel Glen| OBA Sydney| Dr. Gnanasegar Swaminathan| OBA Melbourne

Advertisers

Landmark Computers Crystal Homes

Dr. Ravindran Sivasubramaniam Ambi Associates

Galilee Supported residential Service Mount medical Centre

Mango Tree Capital Blinds

Kingsley Medical Services, Moe MBG Services

Wenty Finance OzLedger

Bertram Dias Funeral Details Direct

Flemington Partners Accounts and Tax Agents

ABC Money & Solutions

Wheelers Hill Medical Centre

Event Services

ELS Logistics Pty Ltd

Sindhuja Bridal Services

- Cathies Lane Reception for providing great venue

Wimal Associates

PGNL Financial

Warren & Associates

Travel Glen

Sri Accounting

Dr. Peter Selvaratnam

Stage2Sell

SPS Business Consultants

Tellis Group Pty Ltd

Tabor Transport

- Desmond Foulstone from Silverline Caterers for the scrumptious buffet dinner

- Ama Dance Academy – Performing Beautiful Dance Events

- Redemption for the LIVE music

- DJ Ash for the incredible music

- Dr. Nithi Kanagaratnam for the captivating tamil pop guest performance

- Heroshan for the fantastic Lighting for the events

- Ravi Gopalaratnam for the Souvenir and Media

- Adrian Selvadurai for the Souvenir Book Design

- Sivakumar for Printing Tickets

- Landmark Printers for the Souvenir Books printing

- Blue tulips Creative for event photography

- Andrew and Shasi Jeyaraj for a wonderful job as MC

A special “Thank You” goes out to all our esteemed guests for making the evening truly memorable. We look forward to seeing you again next year.