Apropos of erudite scholar and economist Sarath Rajapatirana’s article in response to Premasara Epasinghe’s letter under the above caption, as a contemporary of this illustrious duo at Nalanda College, I wish to make my humble comments on the said topic.

As SR writes, Mr. Kandasamy was our grade 8 class teacher. I remember that he taught us subjects like Civics and Arithmetic. It may be that my deteriorating cerebral tissue blocks any reminiscences of his greatness as a teacher. Nevertheless I unequivocally agree with SR that he left no stone unturned to inculcate lofty values in us and instill that wholesome attitude for learning among the wards that came under his tutelage.

But I remember the late Mr. Kandasamy for being a martinet. He was always sprucely attired, in impeccable white and his sartorial splendour was, I’m sure, the envy of some of the other members of the tutorial staff.

Mr. Kandasamy’s wondrous acumen in unearthing the latent sports talent of youth was fantastic. As Master-in-Charge of cricket the talent scout in him, had found many a promising cricketer who went on to represent the country. After watching this writer’s exploits as a left-armer in junior and house matches, he hand-picked me for greater things, but unforeseen circumstances tragically stalled my progress in the field of cricket.

Finally, in recognition of Mr. Kandasamy’s commitment and dedication towards elevating Nalanda to become the invincible ‘Nalanda Cricket Eleven of 1950’, it is this great gentleman and no one else who deserves to adorn the pavilion inscribed in bold letters of gold as the T. Kandasamy pavilion.