Mr.Gaston Bonifass, whom we knew

Mr. Gaston Bonifass’ first death anniversary falls on the 23rd of February 2019, and he well deserves an appreciation due to his honest services rendered to the people in Nuwara Eliya. 

Born on the 21st March 1938 and being an ex-seminarian Mr. Bonifass entered the teaching profession in 1974 assuming duty at Senanada Vidyalaya at Meepilimana , and later joining the staff of Holy Trinity College where he served as a master of English for a number of years. In 1986 he was appointed the Principal of St. Xavier’s College succeeding Mr.I.V.Selvanayagam who was the acting Principal after the legendary Mr. Noel Nadeson. We have seen a three-faceted person in Mr.Bonifass; he was an Authority of the English language, a cricket enthusiast and was a devout Catholic. His meekness and sense of humour won him many hearts. While at Holy Trinity College he tried his best to impart a good knowledge of English to his students with dedication. There are a number of students employed in Colombo and overseas who cherish his tutelage. 

For the first time in the history of Holy Trinity College, he was in charge of organizing an English day programme in which all the teachers performed in English. Mrs. Mandanamuththu and every teacher had a part to play. They took part in recitation, speeches, drama, and various other entertainment activities. This was an eye-opener and an icebreaker for the students to organize an English day for themselves. As the master in charge of Green House Mr.Bonifass was able to encourage the Athletes and secure the challenge trophy consecutively for 3 years. Along with the then Principal Mr.Marimuyththu, he organized several junior and senior English day programmes. He was instrumental in getting the support of Rotarians to re-establish scouting at HTC. Whenever he was assigned to do remedial work, he taught the lads and lass Mathematics in English. He always encouraged students to improve their English in order to get employed.

His arrival at St. Xavier’s College as the 8th Principal in 1986 was a fulfillment of finding a leader to guide the destinies of the College.

In December 1985 more than 50% got through the O/L examination, and the attempt to revive the Sinhala medium A/L classes was commenced. Due to political interference and the laiszes-faire attitudes of the authorities, this effort delayed and unfortunately, the ’85 batch including the writer had to seek admission to schools outside Nuwara Eliya district. Mr.Bonifass treated both streams equally and effectively promoting bilingualism and ethnic harmony. In 1988 the formation of the SDS and the revival of the OBA in 1987 are commendable achievements that stimulated the recommencement of the Sinhala medium A.L Classes at St Xavier’s College. 

The arrival of Mr. Derrick Keerthiransa from St. Anthony’s College, Kandy and Mr. Samaranayake Manathunga from Sri Pada College, enabled Mr.Bonifass to take sports activities at St. Xavier’s College to a higher scale after the 1950-1970 victorious era. Winning the circuit level and District level athletic championship in ‘87, ‘88 ,and ‘89, the football championship in ‘87, ‘88 ,’89, Cricket, Table Tennis, Basketball, Physical Culture/Body build, Cycling and Scouting involving the largest number of scouts in the Island are remarkable achievements of Mr.Bonifass. Organizing the 2nd cricket encounter with Paynter memorial school and the subsequent cricket fixtures and taking part in division III cricket tournaments organized by SLSCA were merely due to the enthusiasm of Mr.Bonifass. The ‘Nimal Mediwaka ’ challenge cup cricket encounter with Gamini Central College was an appreciating endeavor where the writer had been one of the masters-in-charges of the Xaverian winning team in 1993. Mr.Bonifass’s service to Hardball cricket during an era where cricket was confined only to softball games in 80’s is always remembered, particularly during the old boys’ cricket match played during the April season in Nuwara Eliya. 

Mr.Bonifass being the President of the Rotary Club of Nuwara Eliya encouraged the writer and a few youth from Nuwara Eliya to form the Rotaract club of Nuwara Eliya. The experience and exposure that we received from the Rotaract Club is totally due to the goodwill of Mr.Bonifass and a few other senior Rotarians towards the youth. He was instrumental in making the charter presentation of the club in 1989 where the writer was the charter secretary. The formation of the Interact Club of 1992 at St. Xavier’s College was another achievement due to the prudence of Mr.Bonifass. 

In ’86, ’87, ’88 the standard of the education also improved at SXC remarkably, and a number of students entered universities including the faculties of medicine and engineering. It was Mr.Banifass’ brainchild, the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the registration of SXC as an English school. The celebrations in 1995 included the ‘mini Olympics’ inter-house athletic meet organized in collaboration with the OBA headed by Messrs. Paul Perera and Sylvester Anthony. The event was appreciated by the students, teachers and the parents. The following lines extracted from Mr.Bonifass’ message published in the printed souvenir which is a clear indication of his commitment towards SXC “throughout the years St Xavier’s College has maintained a proud tradition of excellence in sports. Our meet has been an event that has been looked forward to much by all sports lovers. Our past pupils have always rallied round us to undertake a big share of the burden of running our meets. Many a young man has reached the top echelons of his profession due to his involvement in sports.” 

During his turner of office, the construction of the first ever building after the vesting of the College in the state in 1962 took place and it was an addition to the College though many were sad to sacrifice the Basketball courts.

The revival of the OBA which was defunct for some time was another appreciative move of Mr.Bonifass. The SXCOBA which continues to date as an independent association always comes forward to safeguard their noble institution. The year 1997 was not a pleasing one for the Xaverians, as Mr.Bonifass retired from the Government service. Since then the school has been undergoing several vicissitudes. 

After his retirement, an international school sought the assistance Mr.Bonifass to administer their school. Subsequently, he shifted to Colombo to live with his children. For old Xaverians, Mr.Bonifass had been a teacher, a leader and a gentleman who lived his life following the footpaths of his maker and doing his share for the others. Many silently bear the loss of this true gentleman.

May his soul rest in peace.

Thomas Benjamin Former teacher and Joint Secretary-Old Boys’ Association. & Vadivel Balendran Past pupil at HTC