S. Thomas’ College inaugurates new commerce block in memory of late Deshamanya A.Y.S. Gnanam

Friday, 23 May 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

On 5 May, the ninety-second birthday of the late Deshamanya A.Y.S. Gnanam, S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia scribed the famed industrialist’s legend into stone; commemorating his legacy with the opening of their new commerce block. The commerce block, aptly named after one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved entrepreneurs and philanthropists was donated to the college by the sons of the late Deshamanya A.Y.S. Gnanam, and the trustees of the Gnanam Foundation; Arul, Rajaseelan and Jeyaseelan Gnanam. The three brothers, all of whom are old boys of S. Thomas’ College, have expanded their father’s legacy, most notably as the leadership of Anton PVC, Tokyo Cement and Rhino Roofing, respectively.

The commerce block was declared open by the Bishop of Colombo, His Lordship the Rt. Reverend Dhiloraj Canagasabey at an event attended by students, teachers, the college’s Board of Governors, distinguished alumni and the trustees of the Gnanam Foundation. The stunning 19,000 square foot building (consisting of 11 spacious classrooms and three faculty facilities) was designed by another S. Thomas’ alumni; architect Deshamanya Ashley De Vos, who magnanimously volunteered his time and talents to the design and oversight of S. Thomas’ College new quadrangle initiative. The architecture of the commerce block pays fitting homage to the aesthetic of the campus, embodying a history of which stretches over 160 years. The complex was built within a year and will act as a cornerstone to the expansion of the quadrangle initiative; intent on increasing classroom capacity for the ever-growing student body. In his eloquent address, S. Thomas’ College Warden, Dr. Indra De Soysa, spoke to the importance of expansion of facilities as a must to offer the student body a richer selection of subjects, especially in the arts and humanities, stating: “There is little doubt in my mind that this building, which will be a constant reminder to us of the great life and deeds of Samuel Gnanam will inspire the lives of the boys who take up their studies here, so that this new commerce block is not just extra space but the beginning of something extraordinary in terms achievement.” Rajaseelan Gnanam illustrated the life and struggles of his father whose own education was cut short at the tender age of nine, but would have treasured the opportunity to have formally studied commerce himself: “A.Y.S. Gnanam had no formal education himself but was keen to give us the best, this is why he sent us to the best school in the country, personally dropping us off on our first days. He would be proudest today by this gesture where in a small way we are able to return and – by God’s ample provision – show our gratitude to our school and commemorate Appa’s life.”