TILL THE MOUNTAINS DISAPPEAR - Reviewed by General Gerry de Silva

  

General Gerry de Silva

History is always fascinating. Especially history one is intimately involved in. The book   ‘Till the mountains disappear’ was initiated by late Rev Fr. Stanley Abeysekera, the 10th Rector (1983-1996) of St. Joseph’s College, and compiled and completed by Avishka Senewiratne, a former Assistant Head Prefect (2017/18). Josephians are indebted to the late Fr. Stanley Abeysekera for commencing the work on one of his lifetime ambitions and Avishka who joined Fr. Stanley and similarly realised his ambition too of compiling this great historical trove of information.

Fr. Peter Pillai at the Opening
of the Swimming Pool in 1952

They had to painstakingly research historical facts from available records and archives to deliver an accurate and factual commentary, that enriched the book with human glow, epitomizing brilliance and an exemplary Christian lifestyle to be followed in the future.

The Authors have included contributions made by Josephians through the ages in all walks of life from Pastors to Politicians, Philanthropists, Professionals, Business Magnates, Educationists, Academics, Sportsmen, Students, and all others who even contributed in a small manner to make St. Joseph's College the great and hallowed seat of learning which excelled in grooming their charges in all spheres in life towards unparalleled success in the annals of great scholastic institutions, not just in Ceylon.

It amplifies the long and eventful journey of St. Joseph’s College. The legacy is written in letters of gold and is a handsome gift to posterity. The book is a comprehensive chronology of complete dedication, untiring efforts and magnificent achievements of each and every Josephian who contributed towards its magnificence. It will be a source of inspiration and pride and motivate future generations to uphold the noble traditions and principles of our predecessors who inducted a proper and balanced sense of values to be emulated by our successors.

Copies of this historical record must be in the possession of all Josephians and Others who have contributed  Our grateful and sincere thanks to you Avishka, for being able to complete this chronicle, fulfilling the life ambition of both Authors.