Sincere Memories by Megavarna Kumarasinghe and Kumari Kumarasinghe Tennakoon was launched at Ananda College, Colombo on 6 June.
Reviewed by old Anandian, Sugeeswara Senadhira, this book is a valuable contribution to the historical literature surrounding Ananda College and the personalities ranging from Henry Steel Olcott, D B Jayatilaka, Fritz Kunz, L H Mettananda and S A Wijeyatilake, who shaped one of Sri Lanka’s foremost educational institutions.
More than a collection of reminiscences, the book serves as a social and educational history of an era that witnessed the transformation of Buddhist education and the rise of Ananda College as a national institution.
One of the greatest strengths of the book is its portrayal of the legendary principal L H Mettananda. The authors, son and daughter of late Ananda College teacher C E P Kumarasinghe, successfully capture not only the administrative achievements of Principals Fritz Kunz, P de S Kularatne and Mettananda, but also their personal qualities – discipline, dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to Buddhist education.
Under their leadership, Ananda College expanded its infrastructure, strengthened academic standards, and emerged as a leading educational institution in the country. Historical records show that the era was instrumental in restoring and elevating the college after difficult periods of transition.
The book also highlights the contribution of S A Wijeyatilake, who succeeded Mettananda as principal in 1955. Through personal recollections and historical anecdotes, readers gain insight into the continuity of leadership that enabled Ananda to maintain its academic excellence and cultural identity during the post-independence era.
A notable feature of Sincere Memories is its blend of personal narrative and institutional history. The authors avoid the trap of writing a purely celebratory account. Instead, they present vivid memories of school life, teachers, students, traditions, and the values that defined the Anandian spirit. These recollections help younger readers understand how the institution evolved from its modest beginnings in 1886 into a premier national school.
The writing style is accessible and warm, making the book appealing not only to Old Anandians but also to readers interested in Sri Lanka’s educational history. The authors demonstrate meticulous attention to historical detail while preserving the human dimension of the narrative. Their accounts of principals, teachers, and students create a living portrait of a school that has played a major role in the country’s intellectual and social development.
Perhaps the most enduring value of Sincere Memories lies in its preservation of institutional memory. At a time when oral histories are rapidly disappearing, the book records experiences and observations that might otherwise have been lost. It complements broader historical works on Ananda College and adds a personal perspective to the story of an institution founded during the Buddhist revival movement of the late nineteenth century.
Sincere Memories is an engaging and historically significant work that combines memoir, biography, and educational history. Its thoughtful treatment of figures such as L H Mettananda and S A Wijeyatilake, together with its rich depiction of Anandian culture, makes it an important read for alumni, historians, educators, and anyone interested in the evolution of modern Sri Lankan education. The book succeeds in its central purpose: preserving sincere memories while illuminating the legacy of those who built and sustained Ananda College.