School Traditions
Richmond Traditions
“Forty years on, when afar and asunder
Parted are those who are singing today,
When you look back and forgetfully wonder
What you were like in your work and your play,
Then it may be there will often come o’er you
Glimpses of notes like the catch of a song,
Visions of boyhood shall float them before you,
Echoes of dreamland shall bear them along.”
— A verse from the song "Forty Years On", sung at the OBA concert in the 1940s and early 1950s by the Richmond choir under the direction of the late Maj. A. F. de Saa Bandaranaike.
If we are proud to belong to a school that is over 118 years old, we should be proud of its entire history — all that went into making it what it was yesterday and what it is today. To be proud of something implies that it is of great value. Therefore, it is good to pause and reflect on the values, standards, ideals, and traditions that guided Richmond over the years — inspiring generations of students and making our school what it is today.
Rather than speak in abstractions, I will share a few of my own concrete experiences at Richmond, especially regarding the role our great teachers played in shaping us.
My earliest memory of school is the day I joined the Lower Kindergarten. I was among a group of little boys and girls, all under four, bawling loudly, fearing we had been banished from home forever!
Our kindergarten teachers — like the rest of the staff — were dedicated and devoted. We had Miss Kale, Head Teacher Miss Gunawardane, and Miss E. M. Jansz — all of whom believed that discipline and morality were as important as academic excellence. They taught us the basics of knowledge without compartmentalizing it.
Music, song, dance, drama, the beauty of nature, discipline, and social responsibility — all were woven into one seamless school experience. These lessons were presented so lovingly and intensely that we began to love learning and looked forward to coming to school.
In Primary School (Grade II onwards), the real "education" began. Our dedicated teachers brought out the best in every child. We learned values like humility and the nobility of poverty through stories and real-life examples. Pride in birth, wealth, or social status was frowned upon. The image of Jesus Christ born in a cattle shed reminded us of true greatness.
I recall one incident vividly: on the first day of a term, the Principal, the late Revd. A. A. Sneath, entered our class and saw his son seated in front while the son of a school worker, a scholarship holder, was at the back. He immediately reversed the seating and emphasized equality — a lesson that remains etched in our hearts.
Our teachers consistently emphasized humility, honesty, hard work, and moral integrity — often drawing inspiration from biblical teachings. I still remember Christ’s words: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Our first history lessons began with Sri Lankan history, not European. Miss L. Jansz brought it alive with stories — from Vijaya’s arrival to Dutugemunu’s triumphs. Contrary to the belief that missionary schools neglected local heritage, she taught us to be proud of our traditions.
Mr. “Ikey” Abeywardane taught critical thinking, public affairs, and wide reading. His lessons were a lively mix of discussion, anecdotes, and humor. We debated topics like Indian independence, learned about Helen Keller, and discussed moral courage — laying the foundation for civic duty and ethical awareness.
Extracurriculars enriched our lives: drama, choir, scouting, sports, agriculture, cycling, and the Farmers' Club. The powerhouse behind this was the late Major A. F. de Saa Bandaranaike — conductor, playwright, and visionary headmaster.
Supporting him were teachers like Mr. R. S. Wickramasinghe, who introduced us to science and scouting. Major F. A. de S. Adihetty — “Major A” — was the living embodiment of Richmond’s noble ideals. His slogans, repeated daily, became part of us through repetition and reflection:
“ඇද කුද නැති, හොර බොරු නැති. ඇත්තේ යුත්තේ, රිච්මන්ඩ් පොඩ්ඩන්ගේ!”
“Service is the crowning glory of life!”
Our teachers taught from the heart, often sacrificing much. Weak students were helped freely, not for fees. Even with modest salaries, their devotion was unmatched.
In the Senior School, many left lasting impressions: Mr. C. S. Gunaratnam (Chemistry), Mr. K. T. Koshy (Physics), Mr. A. T. Kovoor and Mr. T. Samuel (Biology), Mr. J. C. Thurairatnam (History), Mr. H. M. Samaraweera (Geography), and many more.
My own father, Mr. W. A. Lanerolle, taught Sinhala for over 25 years. Though offered better jobs, he remained loyal to Richmond, its students, and the Church.
At the university level, we were guided by Mr. E. R. de Silva — eloquent, insightful, and inspiring. A friend, philosopher, and counsellor, he helped shape our future.
I’ve only spoken of a few. Teachers like Mr. G. R. A. Fernando and Mr. A. W. Dissanayake also left their mark. They revered legends like Revd. J. H. Darrell, who died of typhoid contracted while nursing sick hostel students, and Revd. W. J. T. Small, a brilliant scholar who chose to serve the Church.
Their sacrifices created a sacred tradition of teaching. That is why we still remember our school days with affection and pride. May these selfless traditions continue at Richmond!
About the author: James H. Lanerolle — winner of the prestigious Darrell Medal for academic excellence at Richmond. He served as Head Prefect in 1944, excelled in oratory, debating, athletics, and edited the College Magazine. After graduating with honors in Political Science from the University of Ceylon, he joined the Ceylon Civil Service in 1951. He later served in senior roles in various Ministries and as a diplomat. Son of Richmond teacher Mr. W. A. Lanerolle.