Farewell to Warden Dr David Ponniah from the STC PTA on 19th December 2008 @ Palm Beach Hotel Mt Lavinia
By Milinda Hettiarachchi

The STC PTA fraternity bid farewell to the outgoing Warden Dr Ponniah at the Regent Room of the deluxe Palm Beach Hotel Mount Lavinia in grand style and character . All were dressed in a suit to fit the occasion as requested by the Organisers . The General Manager of the Hotel Ravin Gunawardena , Consultant Milinda Hettiarachchi , Engineer Angelo Wanigasekera , as true Thomians had gone to great extent and depths to make this event " *very special* " , in many ways . It was well appreciated by all present .

A cocktail party was held before the dinner by the Pool Side in tropical setting , well lit with a Thomian touch about it . It was followed by a grand five course dinner with professional attention to detail in culinary & service expertise , good music by Kumar Molligoda on the Saxophone , a lady singer on solo with another well known Thomian in the recent past Dayan Fernando , who did the honours . His version of " My Way " finally as a tribute to Warden was exceptional . The lighting inside the hall and the decor was attention to detail and state of the art , especially brought for the occasion .

Excellent speeches were made by a lady member of staff , Gen Lohan Gunawardene , PTA Sec Ramesh Wannakuwatte and the compere was Viran Corea, the son of Vijaya Corea who contributed well thro' out . Many presentations were made to the Warden , which included a latest HP Notebook, a plaque as a momento and a large bouquet of flowers for Mrs Ponniah . It was preceded by a film clip depicting Wardens school days and his rise to the highest seat of professionalism . His century as a fresher at the Big Match , College days, University days here and abroad , his meeting with Mrs Ponniah , his approach to STC and his genial ways were indeed well edited and represented . A copy of it was presented to him as a souvenir . 

Dr Ponniah in his speech brought about many memories of his schooldays , Varsity time , decision to come over to serve as Warden and his rewarding stay here etc followed with class and character . He thanked the Sub Warden in particular and wished him good luck to take over at some stage and as a suitable candidate even now , the Head Masters and staff of STC . He thanked the students , parents and the PTA . He did not forget to mention that his opening partner dashing Ajit Jayasekera deserved a century more than him at the Big Match in 1967 . The College Anthem was sung and many fell in line to bid farewell to Warden David individually ~ an emotional moment for many present ........... Warden David a classy cricketer , Thomian hero , distinguished academic and a gentleman.

Many a tear filled eye was observed ................ *thank you and well played Sir* !

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