THEY ALSO SERVE - A tribute to Edmund the ‘lab boy’
They came, they stayed, and they served. That gallant band of human beings who by dint of diligent toil and the sweat of their brow gave their service to St.Anthony's College. They were the domestic brigade who worked mostly away from the spotlight and public gaze, and for years made a priceless contribution in their respective areas of service, to maintain the high standards of that great educational institution.
Their names deserve to be written in letters of gold. There was Jamis the cook, Charlie the groundboy and his able assistant Piyasena, Solomon the peon, Mr.Saram who was in charge of the plumbing, Pakiri and his wife Mooki who maintained the toilets in the upper and lower schools, Banda who served in the Tuck Shop, Francke who was in charge of the piggery........the list is endless. They were an important link in the chain of life at college, and have now left us to cross the great divide. Fondly remembered by many Anthonians, I express the wish that they now reap their richly deserved rewards in marble halls.
Today, tribute and congratulations are due to another iconic member of this legendary band of workers who still continues to serve our Alma Mater with pride. He is Edmund, affectionately known as "Edmund - the Lab Boy" who has served in his role for 65 years with an exemplary record of service - a stellar achievement by any standards. Edmund worked in the physics laboratory under the late Father Anthony, and also Mr.Robert Wright. I knew Edmund during my journey through St.Anthony's, but not as well as my contemporaries in the science medium who interacted with him daily in the lab. He was a familiar figure in the corridors of that hallowed school as he performed his duties to meticulous standards. To continue in his chosen work in such a conscientious manner is worthy of the highest recognition and praise. Many old Anthonians of a bygone era who knew him, and the present generation of 'Tonians, express the wish that his yeoman service will be recognised and rewarded.
The noble art of service is embodied in Edmund and his record of long service is glowing testimony to the calibre of the man.
Like his comrades who made up the minor staff - the unsung heroes - Edmund was a loyal Anthonian to the core, and in a manner of speaking, "one of us". Chris Drieberg recollects an amusing incident, the day after he left college. He walked into the clubhouse just below the terraces and ordered a drink. It was Edmund doubling up as waiter who served him his drink. The Master of Discipline Mr.Mendis, who happened to be present saw Chris and asked him what he was doing in the clubhouse, the inference being that he should have been in class ! Mr.Mendis was unaware that Chris had left college the day before. When Chris replied that he had left college, a miraculous transformation occurred ! Mr.Mendis invited him to come upto the bar and served him an Arrack !! What a difference a day makes.....!!
Writing an article of this nature generates waves of emotion and nostalgia because the domestic staff such as Edmund were a part of our lives in those formative years at St.Anthony's, as we made the transition from boyhood to manhood nestled in the bosom of the school we loved. (The Great Leap Forward ? - Apologies to Chairman Mao !) We knew them as well as we knew our teachers, and still remember them fondly. The memory is precious.
The voices of Anthonians from the four corners of the globe - wherever they are domiciled - ring out in unison "Congratulations Edmund - we who knew you, and those who know you in college today, hold you in the highest esteem, and salute you on a job well done.
