HISTORY OF THE WESLEY COLLEGE OLD BOYS UNION

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

It all began in the winter of 1991 when Jai Lameer received many telephone calls from Presidents of other OBA’s in the the UK as to why Wesley a leading boys school in Sri Lanka and that too a cricket playing school with rich traditions of over 100 years have not formed an OBU in the UK to support Wesley College Colombo. Even the founder President of the Festival of Cricket had requested Jai to form and register the OBU with the Festival of Cricket. Jai then got the ball moving, in the beginning when the idea was put to a few senior Wesleyites living in the UK they tried to play down the idea. But Jai did not give up hope and was determined some how to form the OBU in the UK. Refusing to give up Jai got in touch with fellow Wesleyites Sam Thevathasan, S Ramakrishnan, Harry Jeganathan, Iqbal Cader and Azahim Mohamed all of whom readily supported the idea put forward by Jai. At this point I must mention the support given by Tuan faleel, who urged the six to take on and complete the task. An interim committee consisting of the six was formed to forge ahead with the idea of setting up the OBU UK.

The first meeting of the interim committee was held at the residence of Azahim Mohamed on 10 April 1992. At this meeting the following matters were discussed and agreed. The name of the Union, New letterheads with the college crest, register the OBU with the Festival of Cricket (FOC) as an associate member and make arrangements to play the OBU in the qualifying rounds, to draw up a constitution, (This task was handed to Jai Lameer and Ananda Thevathasan). To inform as many Wesleyites living in the UK through the local Sri Lankan newspapers. The Committee also, arranged to play a friendly Cricket match with St Thomas OBA UK on 22 August 1992 at West Harrow and Harry Jeganathan Captained the Wesley OBU. The OBU also took part in the qualifying rounds of the Festival of Cricket in September 1992 but failed to qualify.

The Second meeting of the interim committee was held at S.Ramakrishna’s residence. It was at this meeting that a decision was made to hold the inaugural meeting of the Union at Victoria Methodist Church on 7 November 1992. It was left to the six of us to network through all the Old Wesleyites we knew, to inform them of the very special day. That day was eagerly waited. Some of us were requested to bring a plate of short eats and drinks to the meeting. Being the first meeting there were 32 Old Wesleyites present. It was a great feeling to meet and greet men who rallying with common interest and common purpose. The aim of that gathering clearly embrace the two essential elements of common interest – Our Beloved Alma Mater, Wesley College Colombo and the common purpose – Fellowship, which to this day form the hub around our constitution is based. The meeting elected 19 members to form the first Executive Committee. Rev James Cartman and Rev David Izzett two former Principals of Wesley College Colombo were appointed as Patrons. Douglas Raymond whose name was proposed by Jai Lameer was elected as the first President of the Wesley College OBU UK.

 First Committee of Wesley College OBU UK 1992/1993

President:	Douglas Raymond
Vice presidents:	Sam Thevathasan, Dr N D Amerasekera and  Dr Sam de Zoysa
Secretary:	Jai Lameer
Asst Secretary:	A W Muasfer
Treasurer:	Ananda Thevathasan
Asst Treasurer:	Paul David
Membership Secretary:	A Azahim Mohamed
Social Secretary:	Mano Gnanapragasam and Walter Gunawardene
Sports Secretary:	S Ramakrishnan
Committee:	Iqbal Cader, Harry Jaganathan, Norman Armstrong, Wimal de Silva,  Dennis Azariah and   Spencer Hoffman
Auditor:	Anthony Chandi

Those early years were interesting, formative and very important. Meetings which were restricted to members only, were held at homes of committee members where plans and hopes for the future were discussed and determined. These meetings were entertaining and educational as well. The cross sections of members from different eras, recounted their experiences and explained the basis for that generation of Wesleyites had come to here about. Links with the college were forged and Strengthened in the years ahead. Proceeds from the Annual Double Balls and other fund raising activities enabled the OBU UK branch to make regular financial financial donations to the college. To this day the committee have being guided by this Principal, that funds will be sent to support projects or needs of the college. Every meeting concluded with a rousing version of the College Song and War Cry.

Donations made by Wesley College OBA UK to Wesley College Colombo

Wesley College Old Boys Union (UK) Past Presidents