Tributes
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Happy Birthday, Rev Fr Principal Chandana Hapuarachchi
As we celebrate the birthday of our Reverend Father Principal Chandana Hapuarachchi, we shall take a moment to recognize and appreciate his remarkable leadership.Reverend Father Chandana has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities during one of the most challenging periods in our history, with the COVID-19 pandemic and other national crises. Despite the difficulties, his leadership has enabled the College to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger than ever.Father Chandana has not only been successful in leading the College through the pandemic, but he has also been instrumental in ensuring that the students of St. Anne's College achieve success in every field. Under his guidance and leadership, our College has recorded tremendous successes and milestones in curricular and extra-curricular activities.It is worth noting that Father Chandana is an alumnus of St. Anne's College, and his love for the College is evident in his work as its Principal. He always puts the needs of the students first, and his exceptional leadership has played a significant role in shaping the College into a highly successful instute.Father Chandana's efforts were most notably recognized when he led the College to receive the National Productivity Award. It was a moment of pride for the entire College community, and we are grateful to have a leader like Father Chandana at the helm.It is also remarkable to note that Father Chandana has been in charge of three churches while leading St. Anne's College. It takes immense dedication and commitment to do justice to such an enormous responsibility, and Father Chandana has done so with great success.On this special occasion of our Reverend Father Principal’s birthday, we extend our warmest wishes to him. We hope that he continues to inspire us with his remarkable leadership and unrelenting dedication to our College. May God bless him with good health, happiness, and prosperity in all his endeavors. Happy Birthday to our Leader in Charge! -
Tribute to Brother Placidus: An unsung hero who is a powerhouse, works in silence.
As Annites, we are incredibly lucky in so many ways. Among many reasons, one thing that we consider ourselves as lucky is that we have the privilege to associate so many exceptional reverend clergy members.
These clergy members are doing their noble works. Today we are talking about an extraordinary messenger of God who dedicated his entire life doing God’s work without expecting anything in return. Brother Placidus is an unsung hero. He never worked for fame. He instead works in silence. But this is St. Anne’s College and we are Annites, so we don’t let unsung heroes go unnoticed. So today, this tribute is for our beloved Reverend Brother Placidus Fernando.
He arrived at St. Anne's College in 2007 and departed in 2019, during which time he was in charge of the College hostel and tirelessly involved in linguistic works. Throughout his years at the College, we were blessed to have two exceptional Reverend Principal Brothers overseeing our institution: Rev. Bro. Denzil Mendis and Rev. Bro. Ernest Tarcisius.
Brother Placidus was at St. Anne's College when the dearly departed Brother Denzil Mendis passed away. He still vividly recalls the day of the incident, and shared that Brother Denzil was actively engaged in rehearsals for the upcoming Prize Giving Ceremony, giving instructions to our boys even on minor details like attire. The passing of Brother Denzil was a sudden and undoubtedly unexpected event. The news of Brother Denzil's death spread quickly, but for some, the news reached them without any further details. Brother Placidus later mentioned that he saw various missed calls on his phone, but he was too occupied with everything that was unfolding that day to check his phone. With subsequent calls also going unanswered, some people even thought that something had happened to Brother Placidus himself. Meanwhile, he also made special remarks about the support he and others involved in the funeral of Brother Denzil received from clergy members, old boys, staff, teachers, and parents alike. In addition, he highlighted the involvement of our current Principal, Reverend Father Chandana Hapuarachchi.
A person who is determined to better themselves can learn a lot of life lessons and gain support by associating with great individuals. However, there are some individuals who are so remarkable that you don't even have to know them personally, their mere presence can do wonders. Reverend Brother Placidus carries an aura that provides comfort for the people around him, which we experienced firsthand during our time at St. Anne's College.
It was a particularly hectic day at St. Anne's College, and we had been given a task with a very tight deadline. Naturally, the boys were feeling a bit stressed out due to the limited time. We were told to meet Brother Placidus, who was handling the final parts of the work, to discuss how we could complete the task. When we met him, it was our first encounter with the new Brother who had joined our College. The moment we saw him, we all felt a sense of calm wash over us. He was so composed and relaxed in the way he was carrying out his work that it had an immediate impact in easing our tensions. Even before he spoke a word, his presence had a profound impact on us. We had the opportunity to talk to him and his words were gentle and comforting, which helped to alleviate the stress we were feeling. Despite the fact that he was the one handling the most crucial parts of the work, he did so with a smile on his face. Thanks to his calming influence, we were able to finish the work before the deadline, despite the initial time constraint. This brief account illustrates the kind of nature Brother Placidus possesses and how impactful it can be.
Brother Placidus is an expert at accomplishing tasks with exceptional efficiency and precision. However, unless one is part of his team working collaboratively, it is rare for others to notice that he was the driving force behind the success. Brother Placidus is a silent powerhouse, who appears to work as if he were on a highly classified mission for an intelligence service. He never boasts about his achievements. Rather, he focuses on completing tasks, taking a step back to observe the positive impact they have, and then moving on to the next task, building on his experience.
Brother Placidus has the ability to make things virtually out of nothing. He possesses a remarkable ability to accomplish tasks with limited resources, collaborators, and time. This was evident when Brother Denzil Mendis entrusted him with overseeing the production of the St. Anne’s College Jubilee Magazine, which had a team of only four members. Despite the limited resources, Brother Placidus guided the team with care and was open to their ideas, creating a friendly and cordial environment that felt like a family. The team worked tirelessly, at times through long nights, and Brother Placidus's cordial nature and sense of humor kept them motivated and energized. Through their collective efforts, the magazine was completed and sent to the printing press in a short amount of time. On the day of completion, the team was jubilant with their achievement. However, saying goodbye to such a closely bonded team brought emotion of bittersweetness at the same time. During the production process, one article in particular presented a challenge. It was about the College hostel, which Brother Placidus was in charge of. Unlike every other section in the magazine that featured the person in charge, Brother Placidus had made the decision not to include his photograph in the article. This was the only time during the entire process where the team disagreed with Brother Placidus. After much effort, the team was able to persuade him to include his photo. This anecdote exemplifies Brother Placidus's selflessness and commitment to his work. He accomplishes his tasks with silent dedication, always giving his all without seeking recognition or praise. His level of humility and service to others is truly exemplary of the best of humanity.
Even though Brother Placidus does not seek recognition, he often credits others and encourages those around him to acknowledge the deserving individuals.
Since he was a child, becoming a Reverend Brother had been Brother Placidus's lifelong aspiration, which he fulfilled at the age of 18. He still recalls the heavenly sensation he experienced upon donning the clergyman's attire, a feeling that has remained with him ever since. Brother Placidus's knowledge is vast, covering diverse fields such as faith, spirituality, academics, sports, economics, and global geopolitics. A brief conversation with him can provide insights that are equivalent to years' worth of knowledge.
Brother Placidus joined our college just one year after retiring from an illustrious 38-year career in academic service. He began as a teacher at St. Benedict’s College in 1968, and culminated his career as Principal of St. Joseph's College, Grandpass in 2006, after teaching at De Mazenod College, Kandana and Uva College Badulla, and serving as principal of De La Salle College, Colombo and St. Mary's College, Chilaw. Though officially retired, Brother Placidus never left academic service, and we at St. Anne's College feel privileged to have benefitted from his knowledge and passion for getting things done. Whether officially on staff or not, he gives his all to enriching the lives of our students, and to his other noble endeavors, as was apparent during his time with us.
Brother Placidus treasures the opportunity he has had to work in numerous schools, collaborate with many Brothers, teachers, students, and parents, and form lasting connections with them. He holds a special place in his heart for St. Anne’s College and the meaningful experiences he had during his time there. He emphasized that our boys are clever and creative.
Despite holding numerous high-level positions throughout his career, Brother Placidus has always remained humble and grounded. His exceptional leadership and mentorship qualities were consistently demonstrated during his years at St. Anne's College.
Brother Placidus emphasized that many problems in society today stem from two main factors: (a) a tendency for people to try various random acts rather than focusing on effective solutions, and (b) a lack of attention and opportunities for those who are capable of finding and executing those solutions. He is a person who not only talks the talk but also walks the walk, as evidenced by his practical application of his beliefs, which can lead to success wherever he goes.
Brother Placidus is often described as a person with "cool demeanor", radiating a contagious happiness that makes you forget about the troubles of the real world. He generously shared his secret to happiness, which is practicing forgiveness, letting go of grudges, and savoring the present moment. He also advised people to avoid being hard on others and even themselves. He once quipped, "I even laugh at my own mistakes sometimes."
Brother Denzil and Brother Tarcisius held an unwavering faith in Brother Placidus. Their trust was so sincere that when Brother Tarcisius left the college in 2019, he took Brother Placidus with him. It's not surprising, given that great people tend to stick together.
Today, we have examined the life of Brother Placidus Fernando from the perspective of a member of the St. Anne's College community. However, there are countless stories about him that could be shared by students from the other schools where he served. In fact, given the significant impact he had on our college despite not working here in an official capacity, others may have even more to say about him.
Different individuals have varying perspectives and beliefs regarding the ultimate goal in life or the purpose of our existence. These viewpoints can be shaped by numerous factors, such as one's faith, experiences, and background. While it is important for everyone to find their own meaning and purpose in life, Brother Placidus, through his life journey, has shown us a meaningful answer to life's purpose that most people can embrace. It is to work diligently for the love of humanity, without expecting any personal gain in return. When you work with this mindset, you forget about the toil and challenges, and things start to fall into place. At the end of your journey, you can look back with a sense of accomplishment for your contributions to a noble cause. This is what we learned from his great life. Brother Placidus did God's work his entire life and walked off into the sunset.
It's often a challenge to encapsulate the life of the Greats. Their lives are rich with experiences and achievements that could fill numerous volumes of reporting. This is certainly the case with Reverend Brother Placidus Fernando. Although this is not an exhaustive biography of his life, it is a tribute to honor his remarkable journey. And what better time to pay tribute than on his birthday?
Yesterday (March 11), we celebrated the memorable moment of Reverend Brother Placidus Fernando's 75th birthday. We express our heartfelt appreciation for his exemplary life of service and dedication to the betterment of all. Brother Placidus has made an immeasurable difference in so many lives, including ours, and we feel truly blessed to have him in our lives as a messenger of God. We wish him a very happy birthday and pray that the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ continue to shine upon him, granting him good health, long life, and further happiness. We are immensely grateful to Brother Placidus for his tireless and selfless work, and for his role in making the world a better place.
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Side Note: To the left of the birthday graphic accompanying this report, you can see a moment when our former Principal, Reverend Brother Ernest Tarcisius, and Reverend Brother Placidus Fernando were seen cutting a ribbon at a College function. Both of them hold a special place in the hearts of the Annites family.
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Tribute to Brother Roshan: A new generation mentor, bringing both joy and victory with him
As we extend our warmest wishes to Reverend Brother Roshan Dias on his special day, let's pause to recognize the unique gift we have the privilege of knowing.
Brother Roshan arrived at St. Anne's College in 2014. Until his arrival, he was a relative unknown among Annites. However, from the moment he stepped onto our College as a newcomer, he quickly evolved into an inseparable part of our community, earning the respect and affection of our College family.
St. Anne's College is a vibrant and diverse community, and this is also one of our greatest strengths. People with diverse backgrounds and walks of life strive to come together as one family, working toward the success and well-being of themselves and each other. Brother Roshan has always been a great asset to this family because he has the ability to understand others and value the unique contributions each person brings.
You can always find him among our students, lending a helping hand. His dedication isn't limited to any one aspect of College life; he's involved in just about everything, both curricular and extracurricular. Whether it's aiding students with their studies, resolving any hardships or issues they face, overseeing rehearsal drills, or participating in students' preparations for the next major tournament, Brother Roshan is always there. If you wish to locate him within the College, it's wise to notify him in advance, because he's constantly immersed in helping our boys, and you never know where or with what activity he may be occupied with.
Despite his hectic schedule, he remains remarkably composed and maintains a cool demeanor. When he engages with our players during practice sessions on the field, it's as if you can picture him as an oasis of tranquility in the scorching desert sun.
When overseeing tasks, Brother Roshan doesn't force students to do things in a certain way. Instead, he allows students to cultivate their creativity and provide constructive feedback. He grants students the freedom to think and act independently; intervening only when necessary for corrections or improvements. Instead of making demands, he guide our students and they know it. And when he educate our students, he gives all in.
Brother Roshan is a dedicated and hardworking individual. He excels in productivity and remains focused on getting things done. He doesn't waste time on trivial or unnecessary matters and is a man of few words. However, he is willing to engage in meaningful conversations. He is also a very good listener, especially when it comes to things that matter. He is a thoughtful person who makes his decisions based on facts and feasibility.
He consistently motivates our students to do their best and win big. However, he is there for his students regardless of the outcome. He has the ability to keep a smile on his face regardless of the circumstances, no matter how difficult or challenging times are. He is a pleasant soul, both inside and out, and he brings both joy and victory with him.
Despite his constant hard work to achieve success of our boys, Brother Roshan neither boasts nor has any interest in taking credit. In fact, there was a moment when his name was included in the credits for an achievement that he was truly behind from the start, he promptly requested to have his name removed from the credits and jokingly said, "I'm not a politician who needs my name on everything."
Our Brother is a humble person who gives credit to others, even though he does not like to take credit for himself. He once said that he wanted to collect portraits of all the former principals in one location to reflect on their contributions to our beloved institute. He reasoned that this would allow us to pay our gratitude, learn from their extraordinary lives, and walk in their footsteps to make our grand college even grander.
These things make Brother Roshan a great mentor and leader.
He is a strong person, but he is also very kind. Brother Roshan treats everyone fairly and with dignity and doesn't left anyone under his watch behind. He is open minded and compassionate. It is a trait of a strong person to not to scare off others, but being able to console even the ones who are most feared.
Brother Roshan is an alumnus of De Mazenod College, Kandana, a fact that is of particular interest considering our late Reverend Principal, Brother Denzil Mendis, was also studied there. However, it is no coincidence that there is an enduring bond between De Mazenod and St. Anne's College, where numerous Annites consider the former as "home away from home". While we could delve deeper into this connection another time, let it be known that our friends from De Mazenod have every reason to be proud of nurturing exceptional individuals such as Brother Roshan and the late Reverend Brother Denzil. As for Brother Roshan, rest assured, we won't give him back!
Brother Roshan stands as an exemplary figure for today's youth. His education extends beyond the confines of academics; it is rooted in his profound faith and his interactions with others. His well-mannered conduct serves as an inspiration to those fortunate enough to cross his path. And, as a reverend brother, he has dedicated his life to a greater, noble cause.
Today, nearly a decade Brother Roshan's arrival at St. Anne's College, his tireless efforts continue to resonate in the College's successes and in the lives of the students he has encountered. He is deeply cherished by the Annites Family. The best part is that his journey is far from over, as he continues to selflessly support our College community in every way possible. This is a brief note to pay tribute to our dear Brother Roshan on his birthday. Let us all wish for God's continuous blessings upon him, and may he be blessed with abundant happiness, good health, and prosperity.
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Tribute to Brother Tarcisius: A Remarkable Leader and Mentor in Our Time
Reverend Brother Ernest Tarcisius is someone who has moved out of our immediate sight but has never left our hearts and minds. He fundamentally redefined our understanding of leadership. At a time when conventional wisdom often mistook toughness for strength, Brother Tarcisius chose a different path, one deeply rooted in his cherished faith. He treated our students with kindness and compassion while guiding them with his immense wisdom.
He assumed the role of Principal at St. Anne's College in 2013, a period when our College community was still healing from the loss of our late Reverend Brother Denzil Mendis just a few months prior. This was a challenging time for many of us, but as time passed, we found solace in the presence of Brother Tarcisius. He picked up where Brother Denzil left off and elevated our College to new heights. As the grace of Brother Denzil looks down upon us, he must surely be proud to see Brother Tarcisius steered our alma mater.
Under Brother Tarcisius's leadership, we celebrated St. Anne's College's 150-year milestone at the Sesquicentennial Jubilee. The way he orchestrated events, vibrant celebrations, and all the festivities leading up to and beyond the Jubilee was nothing short of ecstatic. It was a true Jubilee for our College community in every sense of the word. Brother Tarcisius possesses an iron will and a God-given talent for bringing out the absolute best!
Yet, it's important to recognize that Brother's contributions run much deeper than the colorful celebrations seen from the outside. He consistently assisted our students in every conceivable way. Not only did he engage with the students of his time, but he also endeavored to connect with every member of our College community, including old boys, past and present teachers, parents, and even well-wishers from outside. He is a friend to all and a mentor, guide, and even a savior in times of need.
Additionally, Brother possesses a remarkable level of creativity and a wide range of skills that have benefited everyone at the College. With his unique approach to achieving goals, education and personal growth for our students became not only successful but also enjoyable. Brother's calm and friendly demeanor turned our College into the happiest place for our boys, where 'stress' became virtually unheard of. Even today, students and teachers fondly recall the dances and songs our children performed in the wide-open spaces, to the tunes broadcast directly from the College office on Children's Day.
Brother Tarcisius is a charming and charismatic leader, and people readily connect with him. He doesn't judge people hastily. Instead, he invests ample time in giving individual attention to those in need, despite his busy schedule, offering kind words and practical solutions. He is not just someone who talks the talk; he certainly walks the walk. As a selfless noble person, he has touched so many lives behind the scenes without seeking recognition.
After six years of bringing color, immense joy, and remarkable achievements to the College, Brother Tarcisius bid farewell to our alma mater in 2019. It was a bittersweet moment. We are grateful and immensely privileged to have known such a great leader in our time. He left nothing but happiness and success in his wake. However, saying goodbye to such a precise leader and mentor was not easy. Yet, we cherish all the memories under his guidance and look forward to building on everything we gained during his tenure. In our Annite community, Brother Tarcisius holds a special place in our hearts. While he may have served in numerous other institutions, just as we hold him dear, he too cherishes our College. This is evident for anyone who rang his number and heard the caller tune of St. Anne's College's 150th Years Jubilee Anthem, even 4 years after he left the College. He repeatedly emphasized that his time in our College was a major turning point in his noble journey.
After leaving our College, Brother Tarcisius received numerous requests and invitations to lead various institutes and entities. He could have easily embraced a luxurious life, but he graciously declined those offers and chose to work for the upliftment of long-neglected underprivileged communities facing daily hardships. This truly underscores the nobility of our former Principal. Today, Brother Tarcisius serves as the Director of the Lasallian Community Education Service Center, bringing hope to people from diverse ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds who have been denied even the most basic essentials and conditions.
Today, as we reflect on the life of our beloved former Principal, Reverend Brother Ernest Tarcisius, on his birthday, we take a moment to pay tribute to this extraordinary leader in our time. We thank the Almighty for gifting us this angel and pray that God continues to bless him, keep him safe, provide him with happiness and good health, and support his noble cause.
Brother Tarcisius has left an indelible mark on our College journey and helped shape our alma mater into what it is today. We strive for greatness, aiming to honor his legacy, and the Annites family will forever treasure the memory of our Brother Tarcisius, today and always.