Appreciation: Chandana Seneviratne

The Antonian fraternity mourns the loss of an unforgettable figure from the College staff of the 1970s and 80s, Mr. Chandana Seneviratne. A proud Old Antonian himself, he was the eldest son of Capt. H.A.E. Seneviratne, a former president of SACKOBA (1981-82). Mr. Seneviratne joined the St. Anthony’s College faculty in the late 1960s and served during the tenure of Fathers Aiden, Lancfrank, and Stephen. A highly talented artist, he was our Art Master in the Primary Department, known for his love for nature.

Sackoba Primary School In The 1970s 01 — Primary School in the 1970s

The charm of the college campus during the 1970s, especially in the Primary section, is etched in our memories. The sprawling trees, laden with fragrant reborozia flowers, the clean and cooling riverside with its scattered summer huts, the well-maintained classrooms and grounds,and the thick “gangawerela” hedges marking the boundaries, provided a sense of serenity and beauty.

Mr. Seneviratne, our Art Master often took us outdoors for art lessons, encouraging us to sketch the scenes we saw—the flowing river, the distant town from the school’s vantage point, and the trees flanking the College hall.

Sackoba Primary School In The 1970s 02 — Primary School in the 1970s

I still recall a particular day in mid-1978 when I was in Grade 5D (Tamil class), with Mrs. Abdeen as our class teacher. Her desk was always adorned with a vase of beautiful flowers from the college garden. On this day, Mr. Seneviratne arrived late, and with the limited time, he chose not to conduct a full lesson.

Sackoba Chandana Sir’s Random Art 1978 — Chandana Sir’s Random Art – 1978

Instead, he sat with his cigarette (as was common in those days) and looked keenly at the flower vase on the table. Then, he took my drawing book and watercolors and began sketching the vase. When the bell rang, he handed the book back with a beautiful, spontaneous piece of artwork. That piece, though created in a brief, quiet moment, was a testament to his talent. I kept it safe all these years and was fortunate to present a laminated copy to him during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2012. When he saw it, he exclaimed, “Is this mine?” and was genuinely touched to see his work preserved with such care.

Mr. Seneviratne, though appearing stern, was a kind-hearted man who spoke little yet conveyed much through his actions. He also served as Scout Master and was a founding member of the SACKOBA UK branch, later becoming its President. Today, we realize the deep value of teachers like him and the lasting impact they have left on us.

Dear Sir, may you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.