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Litany of St. Anthony!
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Prayer to St. Anthony!
Traditional Songs Devoted to St. Anthony!
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Parish House Renovation Project!
Brand New Custom Made Windows
25 July 2021
Completely covered all the fourteen window openings of the Parish House with brand new custom-made windows
fixed with brass hinges and hooks. May our patron, St. Anthony bless all the donors!.
fixed with brass hinges and hooks. May our patron, St. Anthony bless all the donors!.
Water Supply to the Parish House
23 July 2021
National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Northern Region approved water supply connection to our parish house. Now there are two separate water supply connections in our church compound. One for the church premises and the other for the Parish House. Rosario Anthonymuthu (Preman) sponsored both of these water connections.
Renovated Washroom of the Parish House
22 July 2021
Parish House Renovation Project is almost nearing completion. The Renovation of the bathroom is completed, which was sponsored by Mr. Thomas Ratnasamy of Canada. Appreciate his generosity, who previously built the public washroom too, within the church premises.
36th Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Banneux!
TRIBUTE
Mr. T. S. Joseph
(Retired Science Teacher)
1934 - 2021
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4: 7
Late T.S. Joseph master a well-loved teacher born in Jaffna, Sri-Lanka, passed away peacefully at his residence in Ajax on July 20th 2021 morning.
Mr. Joseph born on March 13, 1934 was the youngest of three children to Elizabeth and Thio Santhio. He lost his mother at the age of seven and was brought up by his father, his older sister, Salettammah and his brother-in-law Dominic Mathews.
He started his primary school at St. James School and completed his JCSE at St. Patrick’s College. He pursued his higher education at St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, India and graduated with B.Sc. degree in 1959. He completed his post graduate Diploma in Education from University of Peradeniya, Sri-Lanka in 1966. He married Mary Bridget, Daughter of Louis, Victor and Theresamma in 1961. Together they had four children.
He always considered teaching as his calling and during his career was frequently requested to help with the growth of young people in their spirit, mind, and body. Throughout his career he has taught in several Catholic schools. Having returned to Sri-Lanka after completing his studies in India, he started his first teaching assignment at St. Joseph’s College, Trincomalee, in 1960. The following year he was transferred to St. Anthony’s College, Kayts, where he taught for the next 21 years.
He then began a teaching assignment in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Once he returned to Sri lanka after a few years he taught in the three seminaries - St. Martin Seminary, Jaffna, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Columbuthurai, and St. Francis Xavier’s Seminary, Coloumbuthurai until 1986. The fact that a layman was chosen to teach in seminaries speaks volumes about his impeccable character and great qualities.. From 1986 till 1991 he taught in several Catholic schools – St. Bede’s High School, Lesotho; Motse Maria Secondary School, Rep. of South Africa and St. Conrad’s College Rep. of South Africa.
Since they moved to Canada, Joseph and his wife Bridget lived with their daughter Linda. He was a strong devotee of Saint, Joseph and as he always wished, Mr. Joseph passed away peacefully at home, with his loved ones in close proximity, his wife Bridget, daughter Linda, his son-in-law Mark Sarang, and grandsons Brayden and Darian. He is survived by his wife Bridget and his children and their families. Jude Anton Bebbington – (daughter-in-law Nalini, grandson Rohan); Joe Clinton (daughter-in-law Shilani and grandsons Gavin, Declan, Skylan and Caspian); Linda Lorraine (son-in-law Mark and grandsons Brayden and Darian).
On a very personal note, I have had a unique relationship with late Mr. Joseph for a very long time. I was a student of him in the very first batch when he joined the teaching staff of my Alma Mater St. Antony’s college, Kayts. A few years later, soon after my graduation I was requested to assist in setting up the science laboratory in order to begin GCE Advanced Level Science course. Thus I had an unforgettable unique experience of serving my old school for a brief period under the guidance of my beloved teacher. I was able to continue the relationship with him by frequently contacting him from the time he moved to Canada right up to a couple of months before his passing away.
With sincere gratitude and fond memories I pray for his soul to rest in peace.
Tribute Compiled by
S .Raymond Rajabalan
Late T.S. Joseph master a well-loved teacher born in Jaffna, Sri-Lanka, passed away peacefully at his residence in Ajax on July 20th 2021 morning.
Mr. Joseph born on March 13, 1934 was the youngest of three children to Elizabeth and Thio Santhio. He lost his mother at the age of seven and was brought up by his father, his older sister, Salettammah and his brother-in-law Dominic Mathews.
He started his primary school at St. James School and completed his JCSE at St. Patrick’s College. He pursued his higher education at St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, India and graduated with B.Sc. degree in 1959. He completed his post graduate Diploma in Education from University of Peradeniya, Sri-Lanka in 1966. He married Mary Bridget, Daughter of Louis, Victor and Theresamma in 1961. Together they had four children.
He always considered teaching as his calling and during his career was frequently requested to help with the growth of young people in their spirit, mind, and body. Throughout his career he has taught in several Catholic schools. Having returned to Sri-Lanka after completing his studies in India, he started his first teaching assignment at St. Joseph’s College, Trincomalee, in 1960. The following year he was transferred to St. Anthony’s College, Kayts, where he taught for the next 21 years.
He then began a teaching assignment in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Once he returned to Sri lanka after a few years he taught in the three seminaries - St. Martin Seminary, Jaffna, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Columbuthurai, and St. Francis Xavier’s Seminary, Coloumbuthurai until 1986. The fact that a layman was chosen to teach in seminaries speaks volumes about his impeccable character and great qualities.. From 1986 till 1991 he taught in several Catholic schools – St. Bede’s High School, Lesotho; Motse Maria Secondary School, Rep. of South Africa and St. Conrad’s College Rep. of South Africa.
Since they moved to Canada, Joseph and his wife Bridget lived with their daughter Linda. He was a strong devotee of Saint, Joseph and as he always wished, Mr. Joseph passed away peacefully at home, with his loved ones in close proximity, his wife Bridget, daughter Linda, his son-in-law Mark Sarang, and grandsons Brayden and Darian. He is survived by his wife Bridget and his children and their families. Jude Anton Bebbington – (daughter-in-law Nalini, grandson Rohan); Joe Clinton (daughter-in-law Shilani and grandsons Gavin, Declan, Skylan and Caspian); Linda Lorraine (son-in-law Mark and grandsons Brayden and Darian).
On a very personal note, I have had a unique relationship with late Mr. Joseph for a very long time. I was a student of him in the very first batch when he joined the teaching staff of my Alma Mater St. Antony’s college, Kayts. A few years later, soon after my graduation I was requested to assist in setting up the science laboratory in order to begin GCE Advanced Level Science course. Thus I had an unforgettable unique experience of serving my old school for a brief period under the guidance of my beloved teacher. I was able to continue the relationship with him by frequently contacting him from the time he moved to Canada right up to a couple of months before his passing away.
With sincere gratitude and fond memories I pray for his soul to rest in peace.
Tribute Compiled by
S .Raymond Rajabalan
Holy Mass at Midland Martyrs' Shrine!
83rd Birthday!
13 July 2021.
இன்றைய தினம் தனது 83வது பிறந்த நாளை நினைவுகூறும் எங்கள் யாழ். மறைமாவட்ட ஓய்வுநிலை ஆயர் பேரருட் கலாநிதி இ. தோமஸ் சவுந்தரநாயகம் ஆண்டகை அவர்களை அன்போடு வாழ்த்துகின்றோம்.
TRIBUTE
Dr. Immac Juventinus Thampoe
Executive Director & Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property Portfolio Development, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY
Immac J. Thampoe (Casey), Ph.D., J.D., 62, passed away unexpectedly on June 18th. Thampoe is survived by his wife, Virginia (nee Alfred), two children, Michael and Emily, and several of his close family members.
Dr. Thampoe hailing from Sri Lanka was born in a deeply religious family from the town of Kayts, Northern Province. He is the eldest son of Mr. Bonjean Thampoe and Anna Lourdes and the nephew of Right Reverend Bishop Emeritus Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam. He is the brother of Mrs. Vijitha Thambinayagam (Dudley), Dr. Basti Thampoe (Karen), Mrs. Indra Savundararaj (late Philip), and Mrs. Lalanthi Ratnavel (Peter). Thampoe began his education at St. Benedict’s College, a prestigious educational institution in the Kotahena neighborhood in Colombo, where his brilliance was noted by his teachers. He was awarded many accolades in the classroom and for his participation as a Boy Scout. Thampoe arrived in United States in 1975 just before his 16th birthday on a Jesuit Scholarship award to finish high school at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, New York City. He continued his higher education career at Fordham University and received a BS in Biology. He also received both his MS and Ph.D. degrees in Biology from Fordham. His doctoral research was done under the supervision of Dr. Sergio Abreu and focused on the area of biological characterization of fibroblast interferon.
After he completed his doctoral studies, Immac, or Casey as he was known among friends and colleagues, was a post-doctoral Research Fellow and Research Associate in Tumor Immunology under Dr. Kenneth Lloyd at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City from 1986 to 1990. Following his work at MSKCC, he began to work in the law sector in 1990 during the day while continuing his education at Fordham Law School in the evening, graduating in 1994. His first roles in this area included working in the New York Intellectual Property law firm of Fish & Neave (now part of Ropes & Gray) as a Patent Agent and an Associate in the Biotechnology Patent Law Group and as an Associate in the Intellectual Property Group of Cummings & Lockwood. He then began working as an in-house patent attorney in multiple positions at Schering-Plough Corporation. Upon the merger of Schering-Plough with Merck & Company in 2009, he was appointed the Managing IP Counsel for Biologics & Vaccines at the combined company. He worked for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Tarrytown, NY from 2016 with his latest role being Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel-Intellectual Property Portfolio Development. He had over 28 years of patent law experience in the Biopharmaceutical sector. Thampoe was considered a thought leader in his field and a highly sought-after speaker who has chaired and spoken at numerous biotechnology patent law conferences in New York, Boston, San Francisco, London and Munich. Thampoe is a past President of the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, and as the chair of the group’s Patent Litigation Committee since 2000, has organized its annual Patent Litigation Seminar which features the top patent law practitioners from around the world. He is also a member of Biotechnology Innovation Organization and its Intellectual Property Counsel Committee.
Outside of his education and work, Thampoe played Varsity Squash for Fordham from 1976-1980 and was the manager of the Fordham Squash and Tennis teams during that time. Since 2011, he was a player captain of USTA Adult League teams and has led over 10 different teams to the USTA National Championships. He has received many accolades from the USTA including the 2017 Middle States New Jersey Captain of the Year award.
May his soul rest in peace!
S. Raymond Rajabalan 07 July 2021
Dr. Thampoe hailing from Sri Lanka was born in a deeply religious family from the town of Kayts, Northern Province. He is the eldest son of Mr. Bonjean Thampoe and Anna Lourdes and the nephew of Right Reverend Bishop Emeritus Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam. He is the brother of Mrs. Vijitha Thambinayagam (Dudley), Dr. Basti Thampoe (Karen), Mrs. Indra Savundararaj (late Philip), and Mrs. Lalanthi Ratnavel (Peter). Thampoe began his education at St. Benedict’s College, a prestigious educational institution in the Kotahena neighborhood in Colombo, where his brilliance was noted by his teachers. He was awarded many accolades in the classroom and for his participation as a Boy Scout. Thampoe arrived in United States in 1975 just before his 16th birthday on a Jesuit Scholarship award to finish high school at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, New York City. He continued his higher education career at Fordham University and received a BS in Biology. He also received both his MS and Ph.D. degrees in Biology from Fordham. His doctoral research was done under the supervision of Dr. Sergio Abreu and focused on the area of biological characterization of fibroblast interferon.
After he completed his doctoral studies, Immac, or Casey as he was known among friends and colleagues, was a post-doctoral Research Fellow and Research Associate in Tumor Immunology under Dr. Kenneth Lloyd at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City from 1986 to 1990. Following his work at MSKCC, he began to work in the law sector in 1990 during the day while continuing his education at Fordham Law School in the evening, graduating in 1994. His first roles in this area included working in the New York Intellectual Property law firm of Fish & Neave (now part of Ropes & Gray) as a Patent Agent and an Associate in the Biotechnology Patent Law Group and as an Associate in the Intellectual Property Group of Cummings & Lockwood. He then began working as an in-house patent attorney in multiple positions at Schering-Plough Corporation. Upon the merger of Schering-Plough with Merck & Company in 2009, he was appointed the Managing IP Counsel for Biologics & Vaccines at the combined company. He worked for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Tarrytown, NY from 2016 with his latest role being Executive Director and Assistant General Counsel-Intellectual Property Portfolio Development. He had over 28 years of patent law experience in the Biopharmaceutical sector. Thampoe was considered a thought leader in his field and a highly sought-after speaker who has chaired and spoken at numerous biotechnology patent law conferences in New York, Boston, San Francisco, London and Munich. Thampoe is a past President of the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, and as the chair of the group’s Patent Litigation Committee since 2000, has organized its annual Patent Litigation Seminar which features the top patent law practitioners from around the world. He is also a member of Biotechnology Innovation Organization and its Intellectual Property Counsel Committee.
Outside of his education and work, Thampoe played Varsity Squash for Fordham from 1976-1980 and was the manager of the Fordham Squash and Tennis teams during that time. Since 2011, he was a player captain of USTA Adult League teams and has led over 10 different teams to the USTA National Championships. He has received many accolades from the USTA including the 2017 Middle States New Jersey Captain of the Year award.
May his soul rest in peace!
S. Raymond Rajabalan 07 July 2021
The message from Mr. Linus Aloysius
I watched the historical and memorial farewell service to Juventinus as it was well organized! Especially I admired the eulogy delivered by Bonjean as he related the story of his son from birth to departure! Further his children also honoured their father with music! More than one hundred friends and relations assembled at the church to respect Juventinus! He was a compassionate hero of the East Street Community and the world as he lived to serve everyone on earth! I consider him as superhuman being with humanistic values! Many of us will miss him! I never met him still I admire his graceful and noble qualities!! Let us remember him in our daily prayer!
Linus Aloysius (UK) 29.06.2021
Linus Aloysius (UK) 29.06.2021
Immac “Casey” Thampoe, Alumni Leader and Prominent Patent Attorney, Dies at 62
BY CHRIS GOSIER ON JUNE 24, 2021 ALUMNI NEWS, FORDHAM MAGAZINE
Immac “Casey” Thampoe, a scientist and patent attorney who earned multiple Fordham degrees, at all levels, and served for many years on a committee advising the dean of the University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, died unexpectedly on June 18. He was 62.
Those who knew him described a man who was as humble as he was accomplished, someone who was enthusiastic about science and who readily pitched in to advance the graduate school and help support the education of its students.
“He was so giving, so open to helping people,” said Jay Breyer, Ph.D., GSAS ’81, who served with Thampoe over the past two decades on the leadership committee, formerly known as the dean’s advisory board. “He was always the first person in the room I would go and talk to, because he was just a terrific person, very friendly, open, warm, generous.”
Thampoe was an immigrant from Sri Lanka who earned not only undergraduate and graduate degrees in science from Fordham but also a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham Law School. He lived with his family in Mahwah, New Jersey, and worked at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown, New York, as executive director and assistant general counsel for intellectual property portfolio development.
Accomplished, Yet Humble
He served as president of the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, and chaired and spoke at many biotechnology patent law conferences in Boston, London, Munich, New York, and San Francisco, according to an obituary from his family. In 2018, he was a recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award, bestowed by the Asian American Business Development Center.
A tennis enthusiast who had managed the squash and tennis teams as a Fordham undergraduate, he was a player captain of U.S. Tennis Association adult teams and led more than 10 teams to the national championships and won a Captain of the Year award in 2017.
And yet, he was quiet—even bashful—about all he had achieved, said his daughter, Emily Thampoe. She added that her father’s Catholic faith “was very important to him and an integral part of his life.”
“I think the fact that numerous people have asked to have him as their child’s godfather is a testament to the kind of person that he was,” she said.
An Immigrant Story
Thampoe came to America to attend Fordham Preparatory School on scholarship, and went on to earn three degrees in biology from Fordham with support from scholarships and assistantships: a bachelor’s degree from Fordham College at Rose Hill in 1980 and master’s and doctoral degrees from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) in 1982 and 1986, respectively. He was a postdoctoral research fellow and research associate in tumor immunology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering before returning to Fordham for his law degree, which he completed in 1994.
After working in a few law firms’ patent law and intellectual property areas, he served as in-house patent attorney at Schering-Plough and managing intellectual property counsel at Merck before making the move to Regeneron.
He made an impression as a member of the GSAS Dean’s Leadership Committee, a group of alumni leaders, parents, and friends of Fordham who serve as advisers to the dean and as the University’s ambassadors and advocates.
Leadership and Enthusiasm
“It was a real pleasure working with him,” said Tyler Stovall, Ph.D., who became dean of GSAS in July 2020. “He was always very enthusiastic and had lots of solid ideas. He was very interested in bringing more people of color into STEM, and he had a particular commitment to improving the mentoring of graduate students. This is a very sad loss for us; we will miss him greatly.”
Thampoe spoke often to to students in the Graduate School of Arts and Science, in Fordham Law School, and in the undergraduate and graduate programs in biological sciences, and was committed to helping students continue their education through graduate school so they could realize the possibilities for STEM careers, said Michelle Clarkin, director of development for Arts and Sciences.
In 2007, he created a scholarship named for Edward Benedict, GRE ’67, and Robert Hawthorn, FCRH ’53, both of whom were Fordham Prep faculty members, and the latter of whom was coach of squash and tennis at Fordham for more than 50 years. The scholarship benefits undergraduate and graduate students in biology who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
Breyer recalled a Zoom meeting of the committee in March 2020, as the newly arrived pandemic and its impact on children were weighing on the members. Thampoe lifted their spirits, Breyer said, by describing work being done at Regeneron, which would later develop a breakthrough monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19.
“He spoke up and said, ‘Well, let me tell you what my company is doing,’” Breyer said. “It was exhilarating to hear him speak about it, and he was really excited about it. And that excitement, I think, lifted the whole group.”
“He at least gave us hope that … there were scientists that were working on this, and there was light at the end of the tunnel,” Breyer said.
Thampoe was very much involved in the University’s biological sciences department, Breyer said; once, during a trip to the Louis Calder Center, Fordham’s biological field station in Armonk, New York, he could tell Thampoe was “in his element.”
“He loved it, looking at all the research that was going on,” Breyer said.
Thampoe was one of five children, and remained close to his family throughout his life, Emily Thampoe said.
One of his siblings, Dr. Basti Thampoe, described his brother as “the one always there to take care of any need that comes about.”
“[You] can’t ask for a better brother,” he said.
Fordham will be notifying its community about an event focused on memorializing Thampoe, to be held this fall, Michelle Clarkin said.
Thampoe is survived by his wife of 26 years, Virginia; his children, Michael and Emily; his parents, Anna and Joseph Thampoe; his uncle, Bishop Emeritus Thomas Savundaranayagam; his siblings Vijitha, Basti, Indra, and Lalanthi; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 27, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home in Ramsey, New Jersey. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 28, at 10 a.m., Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Mahwah, followed by a private interment.
Those who knew him described a man who was as humble as he was accomplished, someone who was enthusiastic about science and who readily pitched in to advance the graduate school and help support the education of its students.
“He was so giving, so open to helping people,” said Jay Breyer, Ph.D., GSAS ’81, who served with Thampoe over the past two decades on the leadership committee, formerly known as the dean’s advisory board. “He was always the first person in the room I would go and talk to, because he was just a terrific person, very friendly, open, warm, generous.”
Thampoe was an immigrant from Sri Lanka who earned not only undergraduate and graduate degrees in science from Fordham but also a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham Law School. He lived with his family in Mahwah, New Jersey, and worked at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown, New York, as executive director and assistant general counsel for intellectual property portfolio development.
Accomplished, Yet Humble
He served as president of the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, and chaired and spoke at many biotechnology patent law conferences in Boston, London, Munich, New York, and San Francisco, according to an obituary from his family. In 2018, he was a recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award, bestowed by the Asian American Business Development Center.
A tennis enthusiast who had managed the squash and tennis teams as a Fordham undergraduate, he was a player captain of U.S. Tennis Association adult teams and led more than 10 teams to the national championships and won a Captain of the Year award in 2017.
And yet, he was quiet—even bashful—about all he had achieved, said his daughter, Emily Thampoe. She added that her father’s Catholic faith “was very important to him and an integral part of his life.”
“I think the fact that numerous people have asked to have him as their child’s godfather is a testament to the kind of person that he was,” she said.
An Immigrant Story
Thampoe came to America to attend Fordham Preparatory School on scholarship, and went on to earn three degrees in biology from Fordham with support from scholarships and assistantships: a bachelor’s degree from Fordham College at Rose Hill in 1980 and master’s and doctoral degrees from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) in 1982 and 1986, respectively. He was a postdoctoral research fellow and research associate in tumor immunology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering before returning to Fordham for his law degree, which he completed in 1994.
After working in a few law firms’ patent law and intellectual property areas, he served as in-house patent attorney at Schering-Plough and managing intellectual property counsel at Merck before making the move to Regeneron.
He made an impression as a member of the GSAS Dean’s Leadership Committee, a group of alumni leaders, parents, and friends of Fordham who serve as advisers to the dean and as the University’s ambassadors and advocates.
Leadership and Enthusiasm
“It was a real pleasure working with him,” said Tyler Stovall, Ph.D., who became dean of GSAS in July 2020. “He was always very enthusiastic and had lots of solid ideas. He was very interested in bringing more people of color into STEM, and he had a particular commitment to improving the mentoring of graduate students. This is a very sad loss for us; we will miss him greatly.”
Thampoe spoke often to to students in the Graduate School of Arts and Science, in Fordham Law School, and in the undergraduate and graduate programs in biological sciences, and was committed to helping students continue their education through graduate school so they could realize the possibilities for STEM careers, said Michelle Clarkin, director of development for Arts and Sciences.
In 2007, he created a scholarship named for Edward Benedict, GRE ’67, and Robert Hawthorn, FCRH ’53, both of whom were Fordham Prep faculty members, and the latter of whom was coach of squash and tennis at Fordham for more than 50 years. The scholarship benefits undergraduate and graduate students in biology who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
Breyer recalled a Zoom meeting of the committee in March 2020, as the newly arrived pandemic and its impact on children were weighing on the members. Thampoe lifted their spirits, Breyer said, by describing work being done at Regeneron, which would later develop a breakthrough monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19.
“He spoke up and said, ‘Well, let me tell you what my company is doing,’” Breyer said. “It was exhilarating to hear him speak about it, and he was really excited about it. And that excitement, I think, lifted the whole group.”
“He at least gave us hope that … there were scientists that were working on this, and there was light at the end of the tunnel,” Breyer said.
Thampoe was very much involved in the University’s biological sciences department, Breyer said; once, during a trip to the Louis Calder Center, Fordham’s biological field station in Armonk, New York, he could tell Thampoe was “in his element.”
“He loved it, looking at all the research that was going on,” Breyer said.
Thampoe was one of five children, and remained close to his family throughout his life, Emily Thampoe said.
One of his siblings, Dr. Basti Thampoe, described his brother as “the one always there to take care of any need that comes about.”
“[You] can’t ask for a better brother,” he said.
Fordham will be notifying its community about an event focused on memorializing Thampoe, to be held this fall, Michelle Clarkin said.
Thampoe is survived by his wife of 26 years, Virginia; his children, Michael and Emily; his parents, Anna and Joseph Thampoe; his uncle, Bishop Emeritus Thomas Savundaranayagam; his siblings Vijitha, Basti, Indra, and Lalanthi; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 27, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home in Ramsey, New Jersey. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 28, at 10 a.m., Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Mahwah, followed by a private interment.
Dr. Immac Juventinus Thampoe
Immac Juventinus Thampoe, Ph.D., J.D., or Casey as many knew him, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 18, 2021.
Immac is survived by his wife of 26 years, Virginia and children, Michael and Emily; his parents, Anna and Joseph Thampoe; his uncle Bishop Emeritus Thomas Savundaranayagam; his siblings Vijitha (Dudley), Basti (Karen), Indra (late Philip), and Lalanthi (Peter); parents in-law the late John Alfred Singarayer and Rose Alfred; in-laws late Antony (Jeeva), Sylvester (Sharmila), Felician (Sujeeva), and Anne (Kannan); and his many nieces and nephews.
Despite all his accomplishments in the fields of biology, law, and on the tennis court, Immac was a very grounded and humble man who loved his family and friends dearly. Known for his hearty laugh, brilliant smile, and jovial nature, he lit up any room he was in. He enjoyed many things including classic rock music, cooking for his colleagues, family, friends, and teammates, enjoying the culinary offerings of different cultures, gardening, the outdoors, and reading.
Immac was born on February 2, 1959 in Kayts, Sri Lanka and spent most of his childhood and early adolescence in Colombo. He attended St. Benedict’s College in Colombo and spent time as an altar boy and as a Boy Scout. During his time at school, he earned top marks and received many accolades.
Just before his 16th birthday, he was awarded with a scholarship that allowed for him to move to the United States in 1975 to pursue studies in the Jesuit tradition at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, New York City.
He would then go onto pursue Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees in Biology on the Rose Hill Campus at Fordham University. His doctoral research was done under the supervision of Dr. Sergio Abreu and focused on the area of biological characterization of fibroblast interferon. After finishing his Ph.D., he worked as a post-doctoral Research Fellow and Research Associate in tumor immunology at the flagship location of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1986 to 1990. At MSKCC, he worked under Dr. Kenneth Lloyd.
Spending many years as a scientist, Immac began to work in the law field during the day while attending Fordham Law School in the evening, from where he graduated from in 1994. His first forays into the world of patent law include a role as an Associate Patent Agent in the Biotechnology Patent Law Group at Fish & Neave (now Ropes & Gray) and as an Associate in the Intellectual Property Group at Cummings & Lockwood.
He then spent time in various roles as an in-house Patent Attorney at Schering-Plough Corporation, time as Managing IP Counsel at Merck & Co. after the merger with Schering-Plough, and time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., most recently as the Executive Director & Assistant General Counsel for IP Portfolio Development.
Immac is a past President of the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, and the chair of the group’s Patent Litigation Committee since 2000. He chaired and spoke at many biotechnology patent law conferences in Boston, London, Munich, New York, and San Francisco.
Outside of his illustrious education and work, he played Varsity Squash for Fordham and managed its Squash and Tennis teams. Since 2011, he has been a player captain of USTA Adult League teams and has led over 10 different teams to the USTA National Championships. He has received many accolades from the USTA including the 2017 Middle States New Jersey Captain of the Year award.
To our dad, who did so much in his life and for us and our mother- we are blessed to have made many wonderful memories with you. We will miss you dearly, may you rest in peace. We love you very much, till we meet again. -Michael and Emily Thampoe
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Immac Juventinus Thampoe, please visit our floral store.
Immac is survived by his wife of 26 years, Virginia and children, Michael and Emily; his parents, Anna and Joseph Thampoe; his uncle Bishop Emeritus Thomas Savundaranayagam; his siblings Vijitha (Dudley), Basti (Karen), Indra (late Philip), and Lalanthi (Peter); parents in-law the late John Alfred Singarayer and Rose Alfred; in-laws late Antony (Jeeva), Sylvester (Sharmila), Felician (Sujeeva), and Anne (Kannan); and his many nieces and nephews.
Despite all his accomplishments in the fields of biology, law, and on the tennis court, Immac was a very grounded and humble man who loved his family and friends dearly. Known for his hearty laugh, brilliant smile, and jovial nature, he lit up any room he was in. He enjoyed many things including classic rock music, cooking for his colleagues, family, friends, and teammates, enjoying the culinary offerings of different cultures, gardening, the outdoors, and reading.
Immac was born on February 2, 1959 in Kayts, Sri Lanka and spent most of his childhood and early adolescence in Colombo. He attended St. Benedict’s College in Colombo and spent time as an altar boy and as a Boy Scout. During his time at school, he earned top marks and received many accolades.
Just before his 16th birthday, he was awarded with a scholarship that allowed for him to move to the United States in 1975 to pursue studies in the Jesuit tradition at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, New York City.
He would then go onto pursue Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees in Biology on the Rose Hill Campus at Fordham University. His doctoral research was done under the supervision of Dr. Sergio Abreu and focused on the area of biological characterization of fibroblast interferon. After finishing his Ph.D., he worked as a post-doctoral Research Fellow and Research Associate in tumor immunology at the flagship location of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1986 to 1990. At MSKCC, he worked under Dr. Kenneth Lloyd.
Spending many years as a scientist, Immac began to work in the law field during the day while attending Fordham Law School in the evening, from where he graduated from in 1994. His first forays into the world of patent law include a role as an Associate Patent Agent in the Biotechnology Patent Law Group at Fish & Neave (now Ropes & Gray) and as an Associate in the Intellectual Property Group at Cummings & Lockwood.
He then spent time in various roles as an in-house Patent Attorney at Schering-Plough Corporation, time as Managing IP Counsel at Merck & Co. after the merger with Schering-Plough, and time at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., most recently as the Executive Director & Assistant General Counsel for IP Portfolio Development.
Immac is a past President of the New Jersey Intellectual Property Law Association, and the chair of the group’s Patent Litigation Committee since 2000. He chaired and spoke at many biotechnology patent law conferences in Boston, London, Munich, New York, and San Francisco.
Outside of his illustrious education and work, he played Varsity Squash for Fordham and managed its Squash and Tennis teams. Since 2011, he has been a player captain of USTA Adult League teams and has led over 10 different teams to the USTA National Championships. He has received many accolades from the USTA including the 2017 Middle States New Jersey Captain of the Year award.
To our dad, who did so much in his life and for us and our mother- we are blessed to have made many wonderful memories with you. We will miss you dearly, may you rest in peace. We love you very much, till we meet again. -Michael and Emily Thampoe
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Immac Juventinus Thampoe, please visit our floral store.
Two scholars of Kayts East Professor Edward Benedict (Right) and Dr. Juventinus Thampoe (Left),
both attached at Fordham, NY, USA!
both attached at Fordham, NY, USA!
Mr. A. L. Thambiayah M.P
Alfred Leo Saverimuthu Thambiayah was a Ceylon Tamil businessman, politician and Member of Parliament. He was the first Sri Lankan to introduce motion pictures into the country. Together with Mr. Gardiner, he started the Ceylon Theatres Pvt. Ltd. Being the member of parliament for the electorate of Kayts from 1947 till 1956, he was a member of the first board of directors of the Ceylon Theatres Pvt. Ltd. for a longer period, Thambiah was an active member of that board. Thambiayah was born on 8 November 1903 in Karampon on the island of Velanaitivu in northern Ceylon. His father was a ship owner in Kayts. He was educated at St. Anthony's College, Kayts, St. Patrick's College, Jaffna, St. Benedict's College, Colombo and St. Joseph's College, Colombo.
Thambiayah married Rajeswari, daughter of Adigar Sellamuttu. They had two sons (Shivantha and Ravi) and two daughters (Subodhini and Indumathi Renuka) Thambiayah began his business career aged 21 by leasing the Olympia Cinema. He then went into business with Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner, establishing the successful Ceylon Theatres Ltd. Later on Ceylon Theatres bought Cargills & Millers and Thambiayah served as chairman/managing director of the latter. Thambiayah acquired Cargo Boat Dispatch Company, a shipping company, in 1936 from Harry and John Cosmas. The company grew to control the majority of the business out of the Port of Colombo.
Thambiayah stood as an independent candidate in Kayts at the 1947 parliamentary election. He won the election and entered Parliament. His opponent A. V. Kulasingham filed a legal petition stating that Thambiayah was disqualified from contesting the election as his Cargo Boat Dispatch Company had contracts with the state-owned Colombo Ports Authority. Judge Basanayake found in favour of Kulasingham and declared the Kayts election void. Electoral law didn't allow appeals against the judgement so the United National Party dominated government hurriedly passed the Election Petition Appeal Act No. 1 of 1948. Thambiayah appealed and judges Wijeyewardene, Canekeratne and Windham over ruled Basanayake's judgement and re-instated Thambiayah as the MP for Kayts.
Thambiayah was instrumental in the construction of road links to Velanaitivu from Jaffna peninsula and Pungudutivu. He also helped build schools, hospitals, roads, dispensaries and post offices on the island. Thambiayah was re-elected at the 1952 parliamentary election as an All Ceylon Tamil Congress candidate. The ACTC left the UNP government in 1953 but Thambiayah chose to remain with the UNP. Thambiayah, like many Tamil UNP politicians, left the UNP in 1956 over the its support of the Sinhala Only policy. Thambiayah stood for re-election in the constituency at the 1956 and March 1960 parliamentary elections but on each occasion was defeated by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (Federal Party) candidate V. A. Kandiah.
Thambiayah's company suffered a set-back when the Port of Colombo was nationalized in 1958.Thambiayah started diversifying his business interests, turning his company into a shipping agency house, taking shareholdings in Hatton National Bank and establishing Hotel Renuka in Kollupitiya in 1970 after the government started offering tax incentives to the hospitality sector.
Today Thambiayah's company is known as Renuka Holdings PLC and is one of Sri Lanka's largest conglomerates. Thambiayah's daughter Indumathi Renuka Rajiyah is the company's chairperson and his grandson Shamindra Vatsalan Rajiyah is the executive director. He died prior to October 2009
Thambiayah married Rajeswari, daughter of Adigar Sellamuttu. They had two sons (Shivantha and Ravi) and two daughters (Subodhini and Indumathi Renuka) Thambiayah began his business career aged 21 by leasing the Olympia Cinema. He then went into business with Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner, establishing the successful Ceylon Theatres Ltd. Later on Ceylon Theatres bought Cargills & Millers and Thambiayah served as chairman/managing director of the latter. Thambiayah acquired Cargo Boat Dispatch Company, a shipping company, in 1936 from Harry and John Cosmas. The company grew to control the majority of the business out of the Port of Colombo.
Thambiayah stood as an independent candidate in Kayts at the 1947 parliamentary election. He won the election and entered Parliament. His opponent A. V. Kulasingham filed a legal petition stating that Thambiayah was disqualified from contesting the election as his Cargo Boat Dispatch Company had contracts with the state-owned Colombo Ports Authority. Judge Basanayake found in favour of Kulasingham and declared the Kayts election void. Electoral law didn't allow appeals against the judgement so the United National Party dominated government hurriedly passed the Election Petition Appeal Act No. 1 of 1948. Thambiayah appealed and judges Wijeyewardene, Canekeratne and Windham over ruled Basanayake's judgement and re-instated Thambiayah as the MP for Kayts.
Thambiayah was instrumental in the construction of road links to Velanaitivu from Jaffna peninsula and Pungudutivu. He also helped build schools, hospitals, roads, dispensaries and post offices on the island. Thambiayah was re-elected at the 1952 parliamentary election as an All Ceylon Tamil Congress candidate. The ACTC left the UNP government in 1953 but Thambiayah chose to remain with the UNP. Thambiayah, like many Tamil UNP politicians, left the UNP in 1956 over the its support of the Sinhala Only policy. Thambiayah stood for re-election in the constituency at the 1956 and March 1960 parliamentary elections but on each occasion was defeated by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (Federal Party) candidate V. A. Kandiah.
Thambiayah's company suffered a set-back when the Port of Colombo was nationalized in 1958.Thambiayah started diversifying his business interests, turning his company into a shipping agency house, taking shareholdings in Hatton National Bank and establishing Hotel Renuka in Kollupitiya in 1970 after the government started offering tax incentives to the hospitality sector.
Today Thambiayah's company is known as Renuka Holdings PLC and is one of Sri Lanka's largest conglomerates. Thambiayah's daughter Indumathi Renuka Rajiyah is the company's chairperson and his grandson Shamindra Vatsalan Rajiyah is the executive director. He died prior to October 2009
St. Joseph’s Church, Kayts Centenary celebration souvenir
An in Depth Review BY S.Raymond Rajabalan
31.05.2021
31.05.2021
It was an experience of my life time when I recently received a copy of the special souvenir produced to celebrate the completion of 100 years of existence of a Catholic church dedicated to the great saint St. Joseph located in my very own place of birth . When I first saw the beautifully compiled souvenir I was astounded and greatly impressed by the professionally designed cover of this book. Meanwhile, I never had any inkling of the superb quality of the very valuable information packed within the covers of this painstakingly edited book.
There is a saying that “A book cannot be judged by its cover “. After going through the very valuable contents included in this book I was compelled to differ from that age old saying. Not only the cover of this souvenir was very beautifully designed, the contents of the book too have done great justice to the efforts of the dedicated team that had spent months to craft this valuable book especially during these tough times. Having undertaken to review this book, I soon realized that I had accepted a great task that I might not be able to handle with ease. After leisurely going through the meticulously arranged contents of this historic document I felt justifiably proud to be part of this united Catholic community. Anyone who is familiar with this church and its surrounding area will really be impressed by the great will power and resilience of the people of this tiny community who had the courage and confidence to embark on a tough task to build a huge place of worship depending solely on the dedication and unity of the devotees who were abruptly forced into a difficult situation of having to construct a church of their own. .After 100 years of existence this great church stands as a mute testimony to the united effort and devotion of the parishioners who were able to surmount many great obstacles and achieve their goal.
While sincerely appreciating the great team which had spent over two years contacting the parishioners dispersed throughout the globe during the early stages of planning the production of this great document. I must admit that I am dazzled by the inclusion of several novel features in this great souvenir. I was highly impressed when I saw the enlarged group photo taken in front of this church during the Golden anniversary in 1970. I really appreciate the great effort of the dedicated team. For painstakingly identifying most of those present during that memorable occasion. Though many of them have been already called to rest yet this group photo has brought several joyful memories of the past. I am also greatly pleased to look at the photo of the small shed that was established in 1920 prior to constructing a huge church later on. It is very difficult to list the names of everyone who spent several hours to ensure the successful completion of this noble project. Yet I like to deeply appreciate their dedication and sincerity to ensure the production of this book a great success. While going through the book I was greatly impressed by the talents of those who had contributed a variety of articles most of which included many pleasant memories of the past. This was a clear indication how all these writers residing in various parts of the world still remember their origin with deep gratitude .I am confident that we all will continue the same tradition and pass on the memories of the past to our future generations. This souvenir has already been appreciated by many including several scholars. We all can be happy that we had collectively produced a valuable historic document to honour this great saint especially in this year officially declared by Pope Francis as the year of St. Joseph.
The value of a wine increases over a period of many years .Likewise the greatness of this wonderful book is bound to be appreciated as a treasure trove during future tears and can be expected to serve as a great source of historical reference.
Let us all jointly pray to thank Saint Joseph who had guided all of us up to this day to protect and guide all of us throughout our life on this earth.
There is a saying that “A book cannot be judged by its cover “. After going through the very valuable contents included in this book I was compelled to differ from that age old saying. Not only the cover of this souvenir was very beautifully designed, the contents of the book too have done great justice to the efforts of the dedicated team that had spent months to craft this valuable book especially during these tough times. Having undertaken to review this book, I soon realized that I had accepted a great task that I might not be able to handle with ease. After leisurely going through the meticulously arranged contents of this historic document I felt justifiably proud to be part of this united Catholic community. Anyone who is familiar with this church and its surrounding area will really be impressed by the great will power and resilience of the people of this tiny community who had the courage and confidence to embark on a tough task to build a huge place of worship depending solely on the dedication and unity of the devotees who were abruptly forced into a difficult situation of having to construct a church of their own. .After 100 years of existence this great church stands as a mute testimony to the united effort and devotion of the parishioners who were able to surmount many great obstacles and achieve their goal.
While sincerely appreciating the great team which had spent over two years contacting the parishioners dispersed throughout the globe during the early stages of planning the production of this great document. I must admit that I am dazzled by the inclusion of several novel features in this great souvenir. I was highly impressed when I saw the enlarged group photo taken in front of this church during the Golden anniversary in 1970. I really appreciate the great effort of the dedicated team. For painstakingly identifying most of those present during that memorable occasion. Though many of them have been already called to rest yet this group photo has brought several joyful memories of the past. I am also greatly pleased to look at the photo of the small shed that was established in 1920 prior to constructing a huge church later on. It is very difficult to list the names of everyone who spent several hours to ensure the successful completion of this noble project. Yet I like to deeply appreciate their dedication and sincerity to ensure the production of this book a great success. While going through the book I was greatly impressed by the talents of those who had contributed a variety of articles most of which included many pleasant memories of the past. This was a clear indication how all these writers residing in various parts of the world still remember their origin with deep gratitude .I am confident that we all will continue the same tradition and pass on the memories of the past to our future generations. This souvenir has already been appreciated by many including several scholars. We all can be happy that we had collectively produced a valuable historic document to honour this great saint especially in this year officially declared by Pope Francis as the year of St. Joseph.
The value of a wine increases over a period of many years .Likewise the greatness of this wonderful book is bound to be appreciated as a treasure trove during future tears and can be expected to serve as a great source of historical reference.
Let us all jointly pray to thank Saint Joseph who had guided all of us up to this day to protect and guide all of us throughout our life on this earth.
காவலூர் புனித வளனார் ஆலய நூற்றாண்டு விழா மலர் வெளியீடு!
01/05/2021
01/05/2021
The Parish Priests of Kayts!
Parish House Renovation Project!
Kayts St. Anthony's Church Parish House Renovation project is in progress with the financial support of the
Canada Kayts East Association, under the supervision of the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. S. J. Q. Jeyaranjan.
Canada Kayts East Association, under the supervision of the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. S. J. Q. Jeyaranjan.
18 December 2020.
The Parish House of St. Anthony's Church!
16th August 2020.
A commodious and healthy Kayts St. Anthony’s Parish House with two rooms and a spacious hall was built during the Period of Rev. Fr. Owen William (1911– 1913). As it was located in healthy surroundings, the European priests who served at Kayts liked to stay here. It is worthy of mentioning that Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Joulain (1852 -1919) and Rt. Rev. Dr. Andre Theophile Melizan (1844-1905) both former Bishops of Jaffna Diocese, once served as parish priests in Kayts and were residing in this parish house. Another priest, Fr. Brown an Englishman from St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna used to occupy this presbytery during his holidays.
Former Rectors of St. Anthony’s College, Rev. Fr. A. S. Joseph, Rev. Fr. William Jesuthasan, Rev. Fr. P. J. Jeevaratnam and Rev. Fr. B. Soosaipillai also used to live in this parish house. All of these Rectors preferred to live here even though there was a Rectors’ residence within the premises of the college. The Rectors used the room on the seaside, while the Parish Priests used the other room on the Southside attached to the church.
The parish priests used to occupy the parish house only during the festive seasons such as St. Anthony’s Feast, Grotto Feast and other regular feasts celebrated at St. Anthony’s church. In the earlier days, they used to move from church to church for the particular church’s feast. Later they stopped moving and began permanently staying at St. Mary’s church. So, Anthony’s parish house was not used by anyone for a very long time, not maintained and was also damaged by the aerial shelling and the shelling from the Naval Base during the ethnic war that prevailed in Sri Lana.
Since we did not have any place to treat the priests and nuns who come to St. Anthony’s Feast or Grotto feast, we are compelled to use a portion of the church for serving them breakfast after the feasts. Even though the priests and nuns did not like this arrangement we did not have any other choice for many years. The Colombo Committee tried to build a New Parish House on an estimate of 7 Million Rupees. The foundation stone for the new building was laid by Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas Savundaranayaam immediately after the Grotto Feast of 2015. Unfortunately the Local Government Authorities stopped the project as there was no permission to build new buildings within a certain distance from the sea according to the new law implemented after Tsunami Crisis. So the Colombo Committee gave up the plan.
Rev. Fr. P. F Rajasingham the previous parish priest of Kayts started to renovate the parish house with the permission of the Bishop of Jaffna, hoping the renovated presbytery could be used for various purposes of the parish as well as of the college. With the generous support of the parishioners and well-wishers, together with the assistance received from Gamperilia Scheme of the Government of Sri Lanka, the renovation project is in progress with the guidance and supervision of the present parish priest Rev. Fr. Mac Mayuran A. So far 1.5 million Sri Lankan Rupees has been already spent on this project and another 2 million Rupees needed to complete the project. We are glad to mention that after a very long-time arrangements were made to serve breakfast to the priests, nuns and the parishioners in the partially renovated presbytery, immediately after St. Anthony’s Feast of 2019, Grotto Feast of this year 2020 and The Church Consecration Service held on 16th August 2020.
This parish house is protected as a monument by the Archeological Department of Sri Lanka. Let us hope the generous parishioners living all over the world will definitely support to complete the renovation project of this historical ancestral building.
Former Rectors of St. Anthony’s College, Rev. Fr. A. S. Joseph, Rev. Fr. William Jesuthasan, Rev. Fr. P. J. Jeevaratnam and Rev. Fr. B. Soosaipillai also used to live in this parish house. All of these Rectors preferred to live here even though there was a Rectors’ residence within the premises of the college. The Rectors used the room on the seaside, while the Parish Priests used the other room on the Southside attached to the church.
The parish priests used to occupy the parish house only during the festive seasons such as St. Anthony’s Feast, Grotto Feast and other regular feasts celebrated at St. Anthony’s church. In the earlier days, they used to move from church to church for the particular church’s feast. Later they stopped moving and began permanently staying at St. Mary’s church. So, Anthony’s parish house was not used by anyone for a very long time, not maintained and was also damaged by the aerial shelling and the shelling from the Naval Base during the ethnic war that prevailed in Sri Lana.
Since we did not have any place to treat the priests and nuns who come to St. Anthony’s Feast or Grotto feast, we are compelled to use a portion of the church for serving them breakfast after the feasts. Even though the priests and nuns did not like this arrangement we did not have any other choice for many years. The Colombo Committee tried to build a New Parish House on an estimate of 7 Million Rupees. The foundation stone for the new building was laid by Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas Savundaranayaam immediately after the Grotto Feast of 2015. Unfortunately the Local Government Authorities stopped the project as there was no permission to build new buildings within a certain distance from the sea according to the new law implemented after Tsunami Crisis. So the Colombo Committee gave up the plan.
Rev. Fr. P. F Rajasingham the previous parish priest of Kayts started to renovate the parish house with the permission of the Bishop of Jaffna, hoping the renovated presbytery could be used for various purposes of the parish as well as of the college. With the generous support of the parishioners and well-wishers, together with the assistance received from Gamperilia Scheme of the Government of Sri Lanka, the renovation project is in progress with the guidance and supervision of the present parish priest Rev. Fr. Mac Mayuran A. So far 1.5 million Sri Lankan Rupees has been already spent on this project and another 2 million Rupees needed to complete the project. We are glad to mention that after a very long-time arrangements were made to serve breakfast to the priests, nuns and the parishioners in the partially renovated presbytery, immediately after St. Anthony’s Feast of 2019, Grotto Feast of this year 2020 and The Church Consecration Service held on 16th August 2020.
This parish house is protected as a monument by the Archeological Department of Sri Lanka. Let us hope the generous parishioners living all over the world will definitely support to complete the renovation project of this historical ancestral building.
The Priests and Nuns of St. Anthony's Church, Kayts!
Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam.
Kayts, St. Anthony’s Church Community has produced four priests and two nuns, so far, to serve the Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam, the first priest from St. Anthony’s parishioners was born on 23 December 1914. He had his primary education at St. Anthony’s College, Kayts. Later his parents sent him to St. Parick’s College, Jaffna for higher studies where he completed his Matriculation.
Young Victor entered the Benedictine Religious Order in 1935 and began his Novitiate Training in 1936. Having completed his Philosophical and Theological Training at the then famous Papal Seminary of Ambitiya, he ordained a priest on 26th December 1942, by Bernard Regno OSB at the Kandy Cathedral. He offered his First Holy Mass on 28th December 1942 at his own Home Parish Church and the overjoyed people of East Street, Kayts organized a grand reception for him on that memorable occasion.
Soon after his ordination, he started his priestly ministry at Whacotte Shrine of St. Anthony. Then he took charge of the Parish of Katugastota in the Diocese of Kandy, where he in no time initiated the work of building a new parish church dedicated to the Sacred Heart. He then moved on to the windy and hilly town of Ragala. A church dedicated to the Holy Rosary was built by him on top of a hill in this town with a small mission house attached to it. Being a good builder, wherever he went he used to put up buildings that even now stand proof to his vision and farsightedness for the development of the church in that place. In addition to establishing a very good rapport with the parishioners, he was also very friendly with the planters as well as officers in that area.
With all these labors for his people, his health began to be affected. He soon began suffering from bronchial trouble and within a short while he became a chronic Asthmatic patient and suffered much. Since the cold weather constantly troubled him, he took the trouble to learn some elementary knowledge of medicine and nursing all by himself. Every Sunday before Mass this gentle priest used to conduct an OPD clinic for people who were affected by different illnesses. Many people from the estates came to receive medical attention and also to get his blessing. From Ragala he moved on to Bohanwantalawa where he is still remembered even today by the people of the place. He saw the need to provide a solid education to the Catholic children from the estates. He got down Catholic Tamil Teachers from the North and provided them with the facility to remain there and impart good education to the children. The parents in his parish were very appreciative of what he was doing for the development of their children’s education. He threw his whole weight to start the building work of a spacious Mission House of Bogawantalawa and he was able to complete the work to the happiness of his folk.
He went to the USA in 1960 and began serving in a parish in Clifton in New Jersey Diocese. Meanwhile, very soon his Asthma became chronic and the periodic bouts left him drained of strength and made it difficult for him to continue his parish work. He then took up the practice of yoga seriously which brought him some relief. Later he shifted to St. Anne’s in Bronx, New York. When he was in New York, with the help of some friends and benefactors from the States was able to sponsor a few Sri Lankans to advance their education and careers in the States. Though he was in the States he did not forget his parental church at Kayts. He made arrangements to send a marble altar, gunmetal Tabernacle, two life-size statues of Cherubim in adoration, Mass Vestments, Chalices, Ciborium, Candle stand, etc.
In 1967 he went to Australia and served in Sydney for a short period, but since his health problem persist him to return to Arizona in the State of Texas where the climate was of some help him. Fr. Victor used to conduct yoga classes once a week at the parish hall which was well attended. He was remembered in Texas as a Yoga Master.
After serving the Lord with great devotion, for three decades, in 1972, he met with a fatal accident in Phoenix, Arizona, and passed away at the age of 58. May his soul rest in peace!
Young Victor entered the Benedictine Religious Order in 1935 and began his Novitiate Training in 1936. Having completed his Philosophical and Theological Training at the then famous Papal Seminary of Ambitiya, he ordained a priest on 26th December 1942, by Bernard Regno OSB at the Kandy Cathedral. He offered his First Holy Mass on 28th December 1942 at his own Home Parish Church and the overjoyed people of East Street, Kayts organized a grand reception for him on that memorable occasion.
Soon after his ordination, he started his priestly ministry at Whacotte Shrine of St. Anthony. Then he took charge of the Parish of Katugastota in the Diocese of Kandy, where he in no time initiated the work of building a new parish church dedicated to the Sacred Heart. He then moved on to the windy and hilly town of Ragala. A church dedicated to the Holy Rosary was built by him on top of a hill in this town with a small mission house attached to it. Being a good builder, wherever he went he used to put up buildings that even now stand proof to his vision and farsightedness for the development of the church in that place. In addition to establishing a very good rapport with the parishioners, he was also very friendly with the planters as well as officers in that area.
With all these labors for his people, his health began to be affected. He soon began suffering from bronchial trouble and within a short while he became a chronic Asthmatic patient and suffered much. Since the cold weather constantly troubled him, he took the trouble to learn some elementary knowledge of medicine and nursing all by himself. Every Sunday before Mass this gentle priest used to conduct an OPD clinic for people who were affected by different illnesses. Many people from the estates came to receive medical attention and also to get his blessing. From Ragala he moved on to Bohanwantalawa where he is still remembered even today by the people of the place. He saw the need to provide a solid education to the Catholic children from the estates. He got down Catholic Tamil Teachers from the North and provided them with the facility to remain there and impart good education to the children. The parents in his parish were very appreciative of what he was doing for the development of their children’s education. He threw his whole weight to start the building work of a spacious Mission House of Bogawantalawa and he was able to complete the work to the happiness of his folk.
He went to the USA in 1960 and began serving in a parish in Clifton in New Jersey Diocese. Meanwhile, very soon his Asthma became chronic and the periodic bouts left him drained of strength and made it difficult for him to continue his parish work. He then took up the practice of yoga seriously which brought him some relief. Later he shifted to St. Anne’s in Bronx, New York. When he was in New York, with the help of some friends and benefactors from the States was able to sponsor a few Sri Lankans to advance their education and careers in the States. Though he was in the States he did not forget his parental church at Kayts. He made arrangements to send a marble altar, gunmetal Tabernacle, two life-size statues of Cherubim in adoration, Mass Vestments, Chalices, Ciborium, Candle stand, etc.
In 1967 he went to Australia and served in Sydney for a short period, but since his health problem persist him to return to Arizona in the State of Texas where the climate was of some help him. Fr. Victor used to conduct yoga classes once a week at the parish hall which was well attended. He was remembered in Texas as a Yoga Master.
After serving the Lord with great devotion, for three decades, in 1972, he met with a fatal accident in Phoenix, Arizona, and passed away at the age of 58. May his soul rest in peace!
Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam.
Thomas Savundaranayagam was born on 13th July 1938 in Kayts. Late Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Varapragasam were his parents. He had his primary education at St. Anthony’s College, Kayts. He later entered St. Patrick’s College and then joined St. Martin’s Seminary in Jaffna in 1953 where he completed four years of training in 1957, he continued his studies at the National Seminary in Kandy. His ordination to the priesthood took place on 21 December 1863.
As a priest Fr. Savundaranayagam served in various parts of the diocese of Jaffna. Then his service spread to Vanni and Mannar. During this period of grass-roots ministry, he gained wide experience in Catechistic and Social Communications Media. Further to the experience, he gained in those areas, he had the opportunity of getting advanced training in Catechistic in Bangalore. Accordingly, at the diocesan level, he was privileged to hold the post of the Diocesan Director of Catechistic. Having obtained a wide experience for fourteen years as a priest, he was selected to be sent for higher theological studies in Rome where he entered the Urban University and obtained a Doctorate in Biblical Theology in1981.While being a student in Rome, his exemplary life of prayer seemed to have impressed the College and the Vatican authorities so much, and he was appointed as the First Bishop of the New Diocese of Mannar soon after his return to Sri Lanka.
Fr. Savundaranayagam had the unique experience of going to Rome as a priest student and returning three years later as a readymade Bishop for the new diocese of Mannar. The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Thomas took place at the shrine of Our Lady of Madhu on 30th July 1981. His term of service as Bishop of Mannar was certainly unforgettable. It was the time of civil war in the country and the conflict was continuously escalating. Hence, he had to devote a good portion of his time for relief and social work. This did not however prevent him from attending to the essential requirements of his ministry. He established the Minor Seminary for the diocese and with a great far-reaching vision set up the other essential requirements, to the best of his ability. As a result of this, the diocese of Mannar had a reasonably good supply of native priests a d some of whom became well qualified.
Rome recognized his ability and performance very positively and decided to give him a further appointment with greater responsibility as the Bishop of Jaffna. His appointment became effective on 8th August 1992. As the war was still raging, he had to migrate to his new diocese through the Kilaly lagoon at night. He took the position of his new diocese on 5th November 1992. From then onwards he had to face incessant fireworks due to the gunfire and shell-bombing of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the rival LTTE. In fact, on one occasion he had to flee and live with the displaced civilians in Muhamalai.
Bishop Thomas has always been a people’s bishop. During the tough times, he followed the fold to console, heal, and help them with their spiritual and temporal needs. He truly understood the suffering of the dispersed and displaced people and thus he was able to win the love and respect of people from all walks of life and religious persuasions. His customary simplicity makes him approachable at all times and creates positive rapport. He celebrated his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee in 2013.
Handing over the responsibility to his successor Rt. Re. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, Bishop Thomas retired from his possession as the Bishop of Jaffna in 2015 at the age of 78. Bishop Thomas will continue to be remembered with deep gratitude by the ordinary people for voicing the untold sufferings of guiltless civilians. May the Lord Almighty sustain him with good health, strength, and happiness to continue his life of witness to the Gospel!
As a priest Fr. Savundaranayagam served in various parts of the diocese of Jaffna. Then his service spread to Vanni and Mannar. During this period of grass-roots ministry, he gained wide experience in Catechistic and Social Communications Media. Further to the experience, he gained in those areas, he had the opportunity of getting advanced training in Catechistic in Bangalore. Accordingly, at the diocesan level, he was privileged to hold the post of the Diocesan Director of Catechistic. Having obtained a wide experience for fourteen years as a priest, he was selected to be sent for higher theological studies in Rome where he entered the Urban University and obtained a Doctorate in Biblical Theology in1981.While being a student in Rome, his exemplary life of prayer seemed to have impressed the College and the Vatican authorities so much, and he was appointed as the First Bishop of the New Diocese of Mannar soon after his return to Sri Lanka.
Fr. Savundaranayagam had the unique experience of going to Rome as a priest student and returning three years later as a readymade Bishop for the new diocese of Mannar. The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Thomas took place at the shrine of Our Lady of Madhu on 30th July 1981. His term of service as Bishop of Mannar was certainly unforgettable. It was the time of civil war in the country and the conflict was continuously escalating. Hence, he had to devote a good portion of his time for relief and social work. This did not however prevent him from attending to the essential requirements of his ministry. He established the Minor Seminary for the diocese and with a great far-reaching vision set up the other essential requirements, to the best of his ability. As a result of this, the diocese of Mannar had a reasonably good supply of native priests a d some of whom became well qualified.
Rome recognized his ability and performance very positively and decided to give him a further appointment with greater responsibility as the Bishop of Jaffna. His appointment became effective on 8th August 1992. As the war was still raging, he had to migrate to his new diocese through the Kilaly lagoon at night. He took the position of his new diocese on 5th November 1992. From then onwards he had to face incessant fireworks due to the gunfire and shell-bombing of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the rival LTTE. In fact, on one occasion he had to flee and live with the displaced civilians in Muhamalai.
Bishop Thomas has always been a people’s bishop. During the tough times, he followed the fold to console, heal, and help them with their spiritual and temporal needs. He truly understood the suffering of the dispersed and displaced people and thus he was able to win the love and respect of people from all walks of life and religious persuasions. His customary simplicity makes him approachable at all times and creates positive rapport. He celebrated his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee in 2013.
Handing over the responsibility to his successor Rt. Re. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, Bishop Thomas retired from his possession as the Bishop of Jaffna in 2015 at the age of 78. Bishop Thomas will continue to be remembered with deep gratitude by the ordinary people for voicing the untold sufferings of guiltless civilians. May the Lord Almighty sustain him with good health, strength, and happiness to continue his life of witness to the Gospel!
Rev. Fr. Jude Angelo Amirthanayagam.
Rev. Fr. Jude Angelo Amirthanayagam is the third priest of Kayts. St. Anthony’s Parish, who joined OMI Congregation, with the ambition of becoming a priest. He is the second son of the Late Mr. Amirthanayagam Singarayer and Late Mrs. Iris Marianthamby of Kayts East. He had his primary and secondary education at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, Colombo, and tertiary education at the University of Jaffna. Young Jude Angelo entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Banadarawela, and was ordained a priest on 7th August 1998 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Maradana. He obtained the Bachelor of Theology at the Urbania University, Rome, and the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
After a short period of service in Pakistan, he served as a teacher at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, and later at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena. From 2012 to 2015 he was the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Church, China Bay, Trincomalee. In 2015, he went to Australia as the staff member of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, Kalamunda, Western Australia, and served there until 2017. In 2017, he joined the Lovely Professional University of India and completed his M.Edu. (School) Management and Leadership, in 2019. Presently Fr. Jude is serving in the Colombo diocese. He is the visiting academic at the Open University of Sri Lanka and Teachers Leadership and development Institute, Meepe.
Pleased to recount that he got the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka, and later earned the opportunity to serve as the visiting lecturer of the same institution. May the Almighty God bless and guide this devoted priest to serve for many more years!
After a short period of service in Pakistan, he served as a teacher at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, and later at St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena. From 2012 to 2015 he was the parish priest of St. Anthony’s Church, China Bay, Trincomalee. In 2015, he went to Australia as the staff member of Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, Kalamunda, Western Australia, and served there until 2017. In 2017, he joined the Lovely Professional University of India and completed his M.Edu. (School) Management and Leadership, in 2019. Presently Fr. Jude is serving in the Colombo diocese. He is the visiting academic at the Open University of Sri Lanka and Teachers Leadership and development Institute, Meepe.
Pleased to recount that he got the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka, and later earned the opportunity to serve as the visiting lecturer of the same institution. May the Almighty God bless and guide this devoted priest to serve for many more years!
Rev. Fr. Antony Sylvester.
Rev. Fr. Antony Sylvester was born in Kayts in 1969 and had his early education at St.Anthony’s College, Kayts. Young Sylvester joined the OMI congregation and studied Advanced Level at St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Colombothurai. He had his Philosophical studies at St. Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary ColombothuraI and followed his Novitiate Training in Bandarawela. During the period from 1996 to 2000 followed the Theological course at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, and St. Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary Colombothurai, Jaffna. He completed a “License in Sacred Theology (STL)” in Rome in 2002.
Soon after Fr. Sylvester ordained a priest in the same year 2002 at St. Sebastian’s Church Mannar. After serving for a short period at Palaiyutru Parish in Trincomalee District, he became the Bursar at Gnanothayam, Oblate Study Centre, Mannar and later Bursar at De Mazenod Scholasticate, Colombuthurai, Jaffna. Following his three years of spiritual service at Haputale parish, he was in charge of relief work in Chettikulam of Vavuniya District, immediately after the civil war. Fr. Sylvester then served as the Director of Oblate Social Service, Annai Illam, Killinochchi for five years and later became the Superior of Oblate Provincialate of Jaffna. Then he was appointed as the Rector of St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Colombothurai, Jaffna. Fr. Sylvester was the Spiritual Director of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, for three years until August 2020. Presently he is the parish priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus church, Iruthayapuram, Muthur.
It’s worthy to mention that Fr. Sylvester studied at St. Joseph’s Juniarate Colomothurai and later became the Rector of the same institution. Likewise, he had Theological studies at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, and later became the Spiritual Director of the same Seminary. What a remarkable achievement! Let us thank God for abundantly blessing this dedicated priest.
Soon after Fr. Sylvester ordained a priest in the same year 2002 at St. Sebastian’s Church Mannar. After serving for a short period at Palaiyutru Parish in Trincomalee District, he became the Bursar at Gnanothayam, Oblate Study Centre, Mannar and later Bursar at De Mazenod Scholasticate, Colombuthurai, Jaffna. Following his three years of spiritual service at Haputale parish, he was in charge of relief work in Chettikulam of Vavuniya District, immediately after the civil war. Fr. Sylvester then served as the Director of Oblate Social Service, Annai Illam, Killinochchi for five years and later became the Superior of Oblate Provincialate of Jaffna. Then he was appointed as the Rector of St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Colombothurai, Jaffna. Fr. Sylvester was the Spiritual Director of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, for three years until August 2020. Presently he is the parish priest of Sacred Heart of Jesus church, Iruthayapuram, Muthur.
It’s worthy to mention that Fr. Sylvester studied at St. Joseph’s Juniarate Colomothurai and later became the Rector of the same institution. Likewise, he had Theological studies at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya, Kandy, and later became the Spiritual Director of the same Seminary. What a remarkable achievement! Let us thank God for abundantly blessing this dedicated priest.
Rev. Sr. Naomi Rajanayagam.
We are also blessed to have two nuns from our community. Rev. Sr. Naomi Rajanayagam joined the congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and became a nun in1975. She was the first woman who became a nun from Kayts East Community. Naomi is the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Nicholas Rajanayagam and the Late Mrs. Grace Anthonysamy of Kayts East.
She had her primary and secondary education at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, and got a Diploma in Theology at the Theological College of Pune. After working in Madhu for five years, she continued her service in the hill country areas serving among the tea plantation labor force. Even now she is serving in the estate areas helping the poor workers. In 2018, she celebrated her Golden Anniversary as a nun. May God bless her and keep her in good health to serve the estate community for many more years!
She had her primary and secondary education at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, and got a Diploma in Theology at the Theological College of Pune. After working in Madhu for five years, she continued her service in the hill country areas serving among the tea plantation labor force. Even now she is serving in the estate areas helping the poor workers. In 2018, she celebrated her Golden Anniversary as a nun. May God bless her and keep her in good health to serve the estate community for many more years!
Rev. Sr. Mary Kamala Srinathan.
Rev. Sr. Mary Kamala Srinathan entered the congregation of Good Shepherd in 1968 as a pre-postulant and made her first commitment in 1971. Sr. Kamala is the second daughter of the Late Mr. Thomas Srinathan and the Late Mrs. Angela Jebamany of Kayts East. She was sent to work among the estate people, where she initiated many programs for the poor in collaboration with the Sarvodaya Movement.
Later she was asked to work in the Recruitment team for vocations. From then on she continued her higher studies and completed her Bachelor of Arts at Peradeniya University. Then she joined the teaching staff of St. Bridget’s Convent, Bambalapitiya. Meanwhile, since there was a need for a Principal in the Government school, St. Anne’s Vidiyalayam, Vivekananda Hill, Colombo 13, she was appointed for that position. She served as principal for a term of 15 years and retired in 2010. After retirement, she became the Superior of the Good Shepherd convent, Vavuniya. Following that she was appointed Superior of Good Shepherd Convent, Navanthurai in Jaffna District. At present, she is at the formation house, Bandarawela. Let us pray to the Lord to guide her to perform many more years of service.
Unfortunately, for a very long period, none of our youngsters have come forward to sacrifice their lives to serve the Catholic Church. Let us hope that when the calling comes, many more from our Kayts East Community will come forward to dedicate them to the Lord as priests and nuns.
28th September 2020.
Sources:
1. Priesthood 60th Anniversary Souvenir of Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam, published in Dec. 2002.
2. Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee souvenir of Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam, published in Canada in June 2014.
3. Personal correspondence with the particular priests and nuns.
Later she was asked to work in the Recruitment team for vocations. From then on she continued her higher studies and completed her Bachelor of Arts at Peradeniya University. Then she joined the teaching staff of St. Bridget’s Convent, Bambalapitiya. Meanwhile, since there was a need for a Principal in the Government school, St. Anne’s Vidiyalayam, Vivekananda Hill, Colombo 13, she was appointed for that position. She served as principal for a term of 15 years and retired in 2010. After retirement, she became the Superior of the Good Shepherd convent, Vavuniya. Following that she was appointed Superior of Good Shepherd Convent, Navanthurai in Jaffna District. At present, she is at the formation house, Bandarawela. Let us pray to the Lord to guide her to perform many more years of service.
Unfortunately, for a very long period, none of our youngsters have come forward to sacrifice their lives to serve the Catholic Church. Let us hope that when the calling comes, many more from our Kayts East Community will come forward to dedicate them to the Lord as priests and nuns.
28th September 2020.
Sources:
1. Priesthood 60th Anniversary Souvenir of Rev. Fr. Victor Rajanayagam, published in Dec. 2002.
2. Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee souvenir of Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam, published in Canada in June 2014.
3. Personal correspondence with the particular priests and nuns.
Talented residents of Kayts Tamils who set sail in the sea of Bengal
Kaavaloor Kavingnar G.M.Selavarasa
One can never say with certainty from where did the residents of Kayts originally arrived in this island. However, based on various sources of information it is possible to assume that at least some of the original inhabitants of this island emigrated from South India and initially settled in Mannar and then from there they moved to various places in Ceylon such as Poonery, Jaffna, Vannarpannai, Kovalam, Navanthurai, as well as various parts of Kayts island such as Chaaty, Allaippiddy, Naranthanai and Kayts town.
All those people who originally settled in the island of Kayts were Hindus. It was only around 1600 that the Catholic Religion was introduced to this island. However, even after the seeds of Cathoic religion were planted in various parts of the island of Kayts, most of the Hindus continued to practice their religion with great vigour. Two of the strong Hindus who lived at that time were Aandyambalar and Iyappan. The entire area of Kayts presently known as Ampalapulam at one time belonged to the wealthy local resident Aandyampalar and was originally known as Ampalarpilam. Further Iyappan owned lots of lands at one time and even now there is a land in Kayts known as Iyappanthoddam. Later with the spread of Christianity in the island Iyappan's son got baptized by a Catholic priest named Pedro Petracone and was named Mathias. He then got married in West Street and it was the first matrimonial relationship between the people of Ampalappulam and Kayts West Street. Even today there is a little stream called as Mathias Stream.
Further a section of the people who settled in Kayts got married among Portugese and were called Burghers. Some of the women in this area used to practise the trade of weaving. Since in those days cotton used to grow in abundance in the areas around Kayts and since these women had the support of Portuguese rulers, they were able to do very well in continuing the weaving business. Later on, they also learnt to dye sarees using chaya root and those who practised this for their living were called root dying (Vaer Kuththum) Burghers. They became experts in digging up large quantities of chaya root in the islands of Delft and Karaitivu and soon this occupation became their trade. Many of the people of this community also lived in Delft and Pungudutivu islands. The chief of those people was Veerasinghamudali. During those days, the people from this community owned most of the land in Kayts West and some lands in this area are still referred as Parangi Thoddam and Parangi Valavu. The owners of such lands were called Burghers and they were the descendants of Veerasinghamudali
Further a section of the people who settled in Kayts got married among Portugese and were called Burghers. Some of the women in this area used to practise the trade of weaving. Since in those days cotton used to grow in abundance in the areas around Kayts and since these women had the support of Portuguese rulers, they were able to do very well in continuing the weaving business. Later on, they also learnt to dye sarees using chaya root and those who practised this for their living were called root dying (Vaer Kuththum) Burghers. They became experts in digging up large quantities of chaya root in the islands of Delft and Karaitivu and soon this occupation became their trade. Many of the people of this community also lived in Delft and Pungudutivu islands. The chief of those people was Veerasinghamudali. During those days, the people from this community owned most of the land in Kayts West and some lands in this area are still referred as Parangi Thoddam and Parangi Valavu. The owners of such lands were called Burghers and they were the descendants of Veerasinghamudali
Original Trade
The people who originally settled in the island of Kayts were involved in not only fishing or shipping. Instead, many of them were mostly involved in business and farming. When the residents of this island originally settled in Naranthanai, they initially began rearing goats. Later they used the ships loaned to them by Indian traders and travelled in groups to transport herds of goats to places such as Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Gradually they developed an interest in shipping industry and moved towards the areas around Kayts town. Since then they stopped selling goats and began selling sea shells and conches. Meanwhile they also brought Muslims from various parts of India such as Paampan, Akka madam, Thankachchimadam etc.
Later on, since the people of Kayts began travelling abroad to continue the trade they gradually developed good relationship with Portuguese rulers As a result they began to concentrate on shipping industry.
Shipping Industry
Since people of Kayts were actively involved in trading across the seas and also developed very good relationship with Portuguese rulers and Muslims from Kerala (called Thulukkar) they were able to learn more about maritime trade. Since they were very close to the Portugese they gradually began adopting their culture and religion. As a result they were able to also learn from them the art of decorating the churches, sculpturing of statutes, art of ship building etc.
Chettys and Trade
After the rule of Portuguese and Dutch came to an end, British rule began in 1815 and it lasted till 1948. It was during the British rule the shipping industry flourished in Kayts. As a result the shipping industry between India and Ceylon came under the direct control of sailors from Kayts. During those days there were no reputed sailors in the rest of the North or even among Sinhalese. One can say with all certainty that the first ever sailors in Ceylon were definitely from Kayts island one of them in particular Mr. Seenithamby from Naranthanai was a very famous sailor who worked as the Captain of a ship in London.
Meanwhile many from Chetty community and many businessmen from various parts of India began arriving in Ceylon from places such as Seerkaali, Sithamparam, ThevakottaiI, PuthukottaiI, and Naaddrukottai for trade. After observing the talents of the local residents the seamen from India handed over their trading vessels to the well experienced people of Kayts. The sailors of Kayts used the schooners handed over to them by Indian traders and began to bring Salt, Tiles, and Paddy etc. from places such as Kollam, Kochchi, Aaalappalai, and Mangalapuram. Further they also brought Rice, Pepper, Red chilly etc. from places such as Athiraampattinam, Muthuppattanam, Vethariniyam, and Parangippadda. They also brought seed Paddy, Teak etc from places such as Calcutta, Saddyakaamam, Karachchi, Arakkan, Akkiyaoorr, Mormong and even from Singapore.
Ships harboured in Kayts till 1950
It will be of great interest for those from Kayts Island to learn that until 1950, the ships listed below were harboured in Kayts
The people who originally settled in the island of Kayts were involved in not only fishing or shipping. Instead, many of them were mostly involved in business and farming. When the residents of this island originally settled in Naranthanai, they initially began rearing goats. Later they used the ships loaned to them by Indian traders and travelled in groups to transport herds of goats to places such as Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Gradually they developed an interest in shipping industry and moved towards the areas around Kayts town. Since then they stopped selling goats and began selling sea shells and conches. Meanwhile they also brought Muslims from various parts of India such as Paampan, Akka madam, Thankachchimadam etc.
Later on, since the people of Kayts began travelling abroad to continue the trade they gradually developed good relationship with Portuguese rulers As a result they began to concentrate on shipping industry.
Shipping Industry
Since people of Kayts were actively involved in trading across the seas and also developed very good relationship with Portuguese rulers and Muslims from Kerala (called Thulukkar) they were able to learn more about maritime trade. Since they were very close to the Portugese they gradually began adopting their culture and religion. As a result they were able to also learn from them the art of decorating the churches, sculpturing of statutes, art of ship building etc.
Chettys and Trade
After the rule of Portuguese and Dutch came to an end, British rule began in 1815 and it lasted till 1948. It was during the British rule the shipping industry flourished in Kayts. As a result the shipping industry between India and Ceylon came under the direct control of sailors from Kayts. During those days there were no reputed sailors in the rest of the North or even among Sinhalese. One can say with all certainty that the first ever sailors in Ceylon were definitely from Kayts island one of them in particular Mr. Seenithamby from Naranthanai was a very famous sailor who worked as the Captain of a ship in London.
Meanwhile many from Chetty community and many businessmen from various parts of India began arriving in Ceylon from places such as Seerkaali, Sithamparam, ThevakottaiI, PuthukottaiI, and Naaddrukottai for trade. After observing the talents of the local residents the seamen from India handed over their trading vessels to the well experienced people of Kayts. The sailors of Kayts used the schooners handed over to them by Indian traders and began to bring Salt, Tiles, and Paddy etc. from places such as Kollam, Kochchi, Aaalappalai, and Mangalapuram. Further they also brought Rice, Pepper, Red chilly etc. from places such as Athiraampattinam, Muthuppattanam, Vethariniyam, and Parangippadda. They also brought seed Paddy, Teak etc from places such as Calcutta, Saddyakaamam, Karachchi, Arakkan, Akkiyaoorr, Mormong and even from Singapore.
Ships harboured in Kayts till 1950
It will be of great interest for those from Kayts Island to learn that until 1950, the ships listed below were harboured in Kayts
|
Saminathapuravi
Subramaniapuravi Meenadchisunderam Kesavaada Sivagami Srimaluxmy Regina Kanthasamypuravi Pattiyapoddu Arabia Theivanayagi Kodipudungi Kalyanaluxmi |
Veeraluxmi
Kathresan Kasiannapoorani Chikandarza Ananthavalli Thirugnanasampath Mary Josephinaa Monister Pemaly John Mary Kechcy Thayrialedchumy Vellanaadaan Uru |
Victoria
Pachchaikappal Visalaadchi Kanaganthurakka Kuthupaalam Saarangapani Emmanuel Dukesan Velayuthapuravi Mammathu Savuthani Soomara Viyajan Maanikkathiyaar Udaiyaar Uru |
Neelathaachci
Jebaraalam Thaara Pathuraima Sathurkuthulputhari Selvanayagi Kiththana Arawalathamman Veercha Maria Ahamathu Savuthani Piraivanthamaria Alagiyanaayaki Mariapuravi |
Ameenboat
Saanthalenaal Star of Calcutta Pakiyaluxmi Mummy Ship Mariyapavulina Veeraluxmi Josephinaa Kongareen Uppu Saththiram Rasam Boat Seiathu Mamathubass |
There were many more ships that were under the control of the well experienced Sailors from Kayts and these ships were used for trading across the seas.
I wish to list below the names of some of the sailors who captained these ships. The descendent ants of Veerasingha Mathew Muthali who settled in Kayts were very good not only in weaving and Farming but also excelled in sailing.
Following is a list of ships that were under their control and the names of the captains who served in those ships.
Following is a list of ships that were under their control and the names of the captains who served in those ships.
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Name of Captain
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Name of Ship
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Sanjuvan Anthony
Maria Sanjuvan Yuvakeen Daniel Yuvakeen Fernando Anthony Gabriel Anthony Saveri Anthony Saveri Ignasi Daniel Ignasi Nazareth Philippu Mariselen Bastian Seenimuthu Augustine Thomman Yuwakeen Manuel Saveri Anthony Jacob Gabriel Anthony Thiagu Pedru Cruz |
Mariyapavulina
Regina Mary Josephinaa Emmanuel Kththana Veeraluxmy Kanthasamipuravi Monister Dukesan Aravalaththamman Josephinaa Mariapuravi Kathresan Pattiyapoddu Velauthapuravi Veecha Maria Veecha Maria |
Those days there was a famous physician named Anthony Santhio in East Street.He owned two ships. Savery Seenimuthu and Manuel were the captains of these ships.
Sailors and their Talents
Some people from Karampon too used to work as sailors. Some of their names were Chellappah Thamothiry, Bastiampillai, Saviri, Muthuthamby Mariampillai, Thambiah. They travelled to many foreign countries. It is noteworthy to mention that Bastiampillai also served at Colombo Port Commission as the head officer overseing 300 clerks. Furthermore Thambiah travelled to various countries such as USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore and Malyasia. He also had worked as Master in a ship owned by Shell Company.
The traders from foreign countries who owned ships had great faith in the talent of the sailors from Kayts than from those of other parts of Ceylon .This was why people from Kayts were able to continue to serve as captains Deck hands and Able seamen for several decades.
Here are some examples of some ships owned by people from Kayts town.
For example the ship named Kanthaswamypuravi owned by Vellayappapillai, Monister owned by a Burgher Captain Jumbo, Pemily owned by Kos Mammathu of Kayalpatinam, Veecha Maria owned by A. S. Mudalali, Sathkkulputhar and Sebaluxmy owned by another Burgher Vanaathusan Kuththupalan and Santhalna owned by Thampipillai Mudali of Navaly, Meenadchisunderam owned by Charlisis Perira, Star of Calcutta owned by Kasthuri Nayakkar, Annapoorny owned by Rengasamy.
Further many other ships owned by Naatukottai Chettys were also under the control of people from Kayts. It is worth mentioning that Adaippanaar, Thommaikuudy, Constantine, Katuvalpillai, SethupillaiI, Soosaipillai Udayar, Thambiayah, and Overseer Anthonypillai were some of the notable sailors from Kayts.However during the course of time these sailors lost interest in shipping industry and began seeking various other forms of employment.
Charlis Pereira and Meenadchisunderam
Among the Sinhalese who owned ships in early 19th century, the most famous were Babosingo Venthanaar of Moratuwa and Charlis Perira of Beruwela. Of these two, Charlis Pereira was more famous. He was originally a Buddhist and later he became a Catholic when Fr.Antony Coudert was serving as the parish priest in Beru-wela. He later became the Archbishop of Colombo (1905-1929). When Fr. Antony was the parish he had promised Charlis Pereira that he will officiate at his daughter's wedding and he kept the promise even after he was appointed as the Archbishop. Charlis Perira owned a ship named Meenadchisunderam. Even though he was very wealthy enough to employ a captain from Kerala or even from Britain, yet he handed over the responsibility of captaining the ship to Sinnamuththar Rasampillai of Kayts East. This alone is more than enough to prove the expertise of the local seamen.
Employment in other parts of Ceylon
People from Kayts were involved not only in sailing but also worked as commission agents, Teachers, Contractors etc in various areas of Ceylon. For example when Chetty community in Nagapatinam needed a teacher they employed Mr.Pasqual from Kayts East and he worked there for many years. Furthermore Mr.Bastiampillai from Kayts East worked as a commission agent for export and import business. Further Mr. Mathiarasar from Kayts East was involved in leasing work in places such as Singapore, Penang and in various parts of India including Nagapattinam and Saddykamam. He also had a cigar business in Avisawela.
Generally people of Kayts were prosperous till Second World War began. However unfortunately since then, Kayts harbour gradually began to lose its importance. As a result, in due course the residents of Kayts town and surrounding areas began to choose various other forms of employment.
(The above article appeared in the first and second issues of the monthly newspaper named "Theevaga Jothy" published in 1953 by "Kayts Samuga Seva Sangam" was translated by Raymond Rajabalan for "A Historical Record of Kayts Island")
Sailors and their Talents
Some people from Karampon too used to work as sailors. Some of their names were Chellappah Thamothiry, Bastiampillai, Saviri, Muthuthamby Mariampillai, Thambiah. They travelled to many foreign countries. It is noteworthy to mention that Bastiampillai also served at Colombo Port Commission as the head officer overseing 300 clerks. Furthermore Thambiah travelled to various countries such as USA, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Singapore and Malyasia. He also had worked as Master in a ship owned by Shell Company.
The traders from foreign countries who owned ships had great faith in the talent of the sailors from Kayts than from those of other parts of Ceylon .This was why people from Kayts were able to continue to serve as captains Deck hands and Able seamen for several decades.
Here are some examples of some ships owned by people from Kayts town.
For example the ship named Kanthaswamypuravi owned by Vellayappapillai, Monister owned by a Burgher Captain Jumbo, Pemily owned by Kos Mammathu of Kayalpatinam, Veecha Maria owned by A. S. Mudalali, Sathkkulputhar and Sebaluxmy owned by another Burgher Vanaathusan Kuththupalan and Santhalna owned by Thampipillai Mudali of Navaly, Meenadchisunderam owned by Charlisis Perira, Star of Calcutta owned by Kasthuri Nayakkar, Annapoorny owned by Rengasamy.
Further many other ships owned by Naatukottai Chettys were also under the control of people from Kayts. It is worth mentioning that Adaippanaar, Thommaikuudy, Constantine, Katuvalpillai, SethupillaiI, Soosaipillai Udayar, Thambiayah, and Overseer Anthonypillai were some of the notable sailors from Kayts.However during the course of time these sailors lost interest in shipping industry and began seeking various other forms of employment.
Charlis Pereira and Meenadchisunderam
Among the Sinhalese who owned ships in early 19th century, the most famous were Babosingo Venthanaar of Moratuwa and Charlis Perira of Beruwela. Of these two, Charlis Pereira was more famous. He was originally a Buddhist and later he became a Catholic when Fr.Antony Coudert was serving as the parish priest in Beru-wela. He later became the Archbishop of Colombo (1905-1929). When Fr. Antony was the parish he had promised Charlis Pereira that he will officiate at his daughter's wedding and he kept the promise even after he was appointed as the Archbishop. Charlis Perira owned a ship named Meenadchisunderam. Even though he was very wealthy enough to employ a captain from Kerala or even from Britain, yet he handed over the responsibility of captaining the ship to Sinnamuththar Rasampillai of Kayts East. This alone is more than enough to prove the expertise of the local seamen.
Employment in other parts of Ceylon
People from Kayts were involved not only in sailing but also worked as commission agents, Teachers, Contractors etc in various areas of Ceylon. For example when Chetty community in Nagapatinam needed a teacher they employed Mr.Pasqual from Kayts East and he worked there for many years. Furthermore Mr.Bastiampillai from Kayts East worked as a commission agent for export and import business. Further Mr. Mathiarasar from Kayts East was involved in leasing work in places such as Singapore, Penang and in various parts of India including Nagapattinam and Saddykamam. He also had a cigar business in Avisawela.
Generally people of Kayts were prosperous till Second World War began. However unfortunately since then, Kayts harbour gradually began to lose its importance. As a result, in due course the residents of Kayts town and surrounding areas began to choose various other forms of employment.
(The above article appeared in the first and second issues of the monthly newspaper named "Theevaga Jothy" published in 1953 by "Kayts Samuga Seva Sangam" was translated by Raymond Rajabalan for "A Historical Record of Kayts Island")
