Reverend Dr. W.G.Wickramasinghe (1917 - 2008)

‘We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said I will give you.’
- Holy Bible: Num. 10:29-
I was deeply saddened, to receive the news of the death of Reverend Dr. W G Wickramasinghe, whom I have had the great privilege, to associate closely, since I first met him, in 1978, as a senior student of Trinity, when he assumed duties, as the Principal of the College.

I remember the day of the special assembly in the college hall, when the Lord Bishop, as the Chairman of the Board of Governors, introduced this great gentleman – renowned theologian and educationist, to our school. We were extremely impressed by his neat attire and his most elegant, eloquent and impressive speech. We recognised him as a simple man, with a great personality, who can be a friend to all.

Reverend Dr. William George Wickramasinghe was born on 13th August 1917, and had his education at St. John’s College, Nugegoda and thereafter at Carey College, Colombo. He obtained his Degree in Bachelor of Divinity, from the University of Serampore, Calcutta, MA from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, from the University of Ceylon. He was awarded his Doctorate in Divinity, by the World Baptist University of Chicago, USA. Reverend Wickremasinghe brought with him to Trinity, a very rich heritage of over 30 years experience, as an educationist of which, 21 years was, as a Principal of a leading Christian school - Carey College, Colombo. He was the President / Head of the Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya for 20 years, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of World Vision Lanka, Member of the World Baptist Mission and the Founder President of the Asian Baptist Mission.

The Trinity College 125th Year Commemoration Souvenir ‘ Glimpse Into The Past’ described Reverend Wickramasinghe Principal, Trinity College 1978 – 1988 in the following manner and recognised his tenure as ‘The period of Expansion’:

‘Reverend Dr. Wickramesinghe was a man of tremendous drive, inexhaustible energy and mature judgment. His period of stewardship can be identified as, one of hectic activity, with an abundance of colour and achievement. The builder of the College Swimming Pool, upgrading Asgiriya Stadium into an International Cricket Stadium, Constructing two huge buildings in the college premises – one near the main hall (which is now named after him) and the other replacing the school’s oldest building with a massive three storied block, Farm School in Pallekele, Purchase of the modern College Bus (first of that kind by a school) are a few to be named.

‘In the field of sports, during this period, there were phenomenal achievements – especially, rugger and hockey. In athletics, the school reached the zenith, in good performance, by winning trophies and medals, since 1948. Clubs and Societies in College flourished with, new and adventurous undertakings. The College National Dance Troupe won almost all the awards in Sri Lanka, and ventured three times on overseas tours, bringing honour to the country, coming first in several International Competitions, held in the United Kingdom, Europe, Scandinavia and Australia. During this period, amazing academic achievements were recorded. Serving the poor and the needy was made a significant event in the College calendar. He had a great enthusiasm to look after his staff, and initiated the staff attendance incentive scheme, which is in operation to date’

To be a leading large organisation, is not an easy task. He too, had to cross rough seas, and face challenges regularly. His response to such situations, demonstrated his great maturity, of his spiritual life. He believed that, the soul cannot find escape from the attacks of satanic forces, and that the depressing thoughts or doubting God’s love, when the storm clouds surround, will not result in giving relief, to the mind. Whatever criticism he faced, Reverend Wickremasinghe never wanted to fight back, but innocently prayed for relief and believed that, instead of worrying, he should be strong and of good courage and reminded of his motto (from the Bible) that ‘The Goodness and Mercy of God follow me all the days of my life’.

The Felicitation Volume by the Carey College Old Boys, in July 2002, almost 25 years after he left Carey, refers to Reverend Dr. Wickramasinghe in the following manner:

‘Among those special memories that we cherish of our school, some standout clearly against a backdrop of scenes, events and places. The most prominent character that is at the centre of them all, clearly etched in our memory, is that of Rev. Wickramasinghe. His charisma, posture and image that provided, that aura of a distinguished personality, helped cement in our memory, not only an image of a gentleman of outstanding integrity, but one whose words touched our hearts and minds. He prepared us for the challenges of life, fortifying us with rudiments of moral and spiritual convictions and principles, that helped mould us, into what we have become today. We thank God, for giving us this great gift, who gave our school, its distinctive identity’.

After his retirement from Trinity College, he shifted to his home in Ratmalana and continued to serve the Lord, at his best. Reverend Wickramasinghe’s magnificent style of guiding people, and of showing God’s love to those who come to him, enriched the lives of many. He believed that, the man who walks with God, will always get to his destination. He was a friend in Christ, and the students loved to chat with him, and draw from his rich spiritual knowledge. I continued to do so even after leaving College, and visited his home in Ratmalana, whenever I could find time and spend a couple of hours chatting and remembering the good Trinity days. He was happy of what he did for Trinity and Carey, and humble enough not to take the credit for himself, and referred to his success as ‘achievements with the help of others’.

Reverend Wickramasinghe delivered the homily, at my elder sister’s wedding, and the theme he chose, was obedience. Something he said is fresh in my mind, even to date. He said ‘Nothing pleases the Lord so well, as our obedience to Him. The life in abundance will only be yours, if you remain obedient, to the great creator’.

Reverend Wickremasinghe often said that, his life was a privilege from God. The hymn-sheet for his funeral service acknowledged, what he believed by carrying the words of Jesus, in St. John 15:16 - ‘My life has been a miracle of God’s grace, forgiveness, patience and sustaining power of the Holy Spirit’

Rt. Reverend Duleep Chickera the Lord Bishop of Colombo, said at the funeral service: ‘Our dear brother and friend always belonged to God. God only lent him to us, for a short time, and He took him back. Let us give thanks to God, for this wonderful multifaceted creation who blessed the lives of many, who had the privilege to meet him and associate him’.

Welcoming this great son, coming Home to the land of eternity, at the end of a magnificent innings, in completing his duties with utmost dedication, the Lord would have embraced him and proclaimed ‘Welcome home my son – you have accomplished your mission’.

I thank God for the great privilege He gave me, to know Reverend Wickramasinghe and wish to extend my sympathies, and deepest condolences to Mrs. Irangani Wickramasinghe, his daughters Neelani and Shyamalee, and the other members of the family, at this time of sorrow.
May his soul rest in peace.

- Sanjiv Wijayasinghe –