O What a Night

The Pre Seventies Batch of the OBU held its annual get together on 30th November 2013 at Raja Bojun and what a night it was.That there was entertainment is not something special in a night like this so what was special? Well read on and you'll see.

To begin with the Chief Guest was none other than Mr. Ashantha Andradi (Tim Andradi), CEO of the prestigious London School of Commerce (LSC) who was the donor of the Andradi Library to St. Peter's. Then there was the Guest of Honour, Doric Atton who has been helping the batch every year. The President of the OBU, Dr.  Nicholas Jayasekera was also present with no less than 3 past Presidents in attendance, namely Suranga Seneviratne, Gerry de Mel and Mano Chanmugam, Need I say more? O yes there was a 92 year old Peterite, Mr. Ahmed Kuthdus who also graced the occasion.

The President of the Batch Group, Jayantha Atapattu in his welcome speech thanked the participants and elaborated on the activities of the group. While welcoming the chief guest and thanking him for his generous support, he invited Algi Wijewickrema to introduce the chief guest. In his introduction Algi spoke of the school days of the chief guest, Neville Jayalath, Erajh Balasuriya, Michael Rodrigo (who were all present at the function) and himself and the contributions Ashantha has made not only to College but also to other charities.

In his address Ashantha Andradi spoke of the fact that the base for his success in education and business was laid at St. Peter's and stressed on the value of education which, he added was why he was in the business of education. Having learnt of the donation of scholarships to students of St. Peter's by the batch group, he made a spontaneous gesture by offering to sponsor 3 students to follow Degree programmes at the British School of Commerce, the Sri Lankan branch of the LSC plus a staggering 1 million rupees to add to the scholarship fund of the Pre Seventies batch group. Now is that special or what.

There was more. The 92 year old Mr. Kuthdus surprised everyone there with his singing of 2 songs, May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You and Sentimental Me. Mr. Kuthdus (I can't bring myself to call him by his first name) says that though a Muslim he sings the song May the Good Lord Bless .... as it transcends religious  barriers and his singing would have put a younger man to shame.

The evening also saw the charming Mrs. Kay Andradi presenting 10 lucky entrance ticket draw winners with gem studded pendants and there was of course the raffle draw with prizes galore. Then there was a sumptuous dinner and dancing and carol singing to complete a fine night for all who were lucky to be there.

Hope those who missed it this year will be there next year.

Algi Wijewickrema
Hony. Editor/OBU SPC