S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, Old Boys’ Association.

Special General Meeting-Saturday, May 26 ’73. 6/30 p.m.

Vote of Condolence on the death of Mr. Dudley Senanayake

(Proposed by the Rev. Canon R. S. de Saram)

We have met today as members of the Old Boys’ Association of S. Thomas’ College, to send you, Robert and all members of the family our condolence on the death of your brother, Dudley.

The millions who poured into Colombo from the most distant parts of the country, members of every race and religion and party, the patient crowds, men, women, and children who stood in long queues for hours in burning sun and rain, the white flags outside every house on every road, on every bus, lorry and motor vehicle, bore testimony to the grief that swept over the country at the news of his death. All this was not organised. It was spontaneous, an outburst of sorrow, which was wholly sincere; and an expression not merely of respect or regard for a leader, but of something much more-a deep affection. He never sought it. It came to him of its own accord simply because he was the man he was.

This is not the occasion to refer to his services to our country or to the impact he made on countries abroad. The lengthy articles that appeared in the leading newspapers abroad, both in the United Kingdom and in the United States of America, are evidence of that. He never sought power for its own sake or clung to it for his personal glory; but only that, by it, he might best serve his country.

Our concern is rather to express a sorrow which is personal. For he was one of us. He had been through our school as a boy and had taken a full part in its life both in the class-room and on the field of sport. He was loyal to the old School. Never a Royal Match but he was there to back us up. He was a member of this Association, and of its Executive Committee; and a member of our Board of Governors. In all these capacities he made a valuable contribution. He could go straight to the heart of any matter under discussion a  gift he shared with his great father. And he could do it without arrogance-always with courtesy.

He had great sense of humour, but it was always a kindly humour. There was never anything bitter or sneering in it. He was a gentleman in the best sense of the world, always courteous and kind to all with whom he had to do, whether high or low, rich or poor, old or young. He could move with kings and not lose the common touch’.

He had that mark of true greatness-humility. Those who were near at the Last Royal Match would have noticed how, when his old Warden came in, he stood up and would not sit down again till he was seated. And how he kept on addressing him as ‘Sir’. And this was the man who had been four times Prime Minister !

The greatest gift he has given us is the example he set us and all future generations of Thomians. He was courageous in defeat and generous in victory.

If we can produce more men like Dudley, we should do well by our country. May he rest in peace.

Copied from College Magazine

Term 2, 1973 – Vol XCIX No 2

Digitally Edited by Donald Gaminitillake

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