NOEL NADESON

NOEL NADESON CHALLENGE CUP 2022:The 5th Tournament: 

1st- 1997 (OBA 50th Anniversary Tournament Organized by SXCOBA)

2nd-2012-N Eliya Organized by SXCOBA)

3th-2020-Radalla Organized by SXCOBA)

4th-2021-N Eliya Organized by SXCOBA)

5th-2022-N eliya Organized by SXCOBA)

An Appreciation of a true Gentleman of our times

He was a strict disciplinarian and an exemplary character of our times who won the hearts of the common man. He was a great enthusiast among enthusiasts and a true gentleman among gentlemen.

On 10th June 1992,Xaverians and the residents of NuwaraEliya were shaken by the news, that this true gentleman had passed away. He is non-other than Mr.NoelNadeson who guided many youngsters from different walks of life. Born on the 25th of May 1929, Mr. Noel Nadeson had his entire education at St. Xavier’s College NuwaraEliya under the stewardship of Rev.Rectors Fr. Clement Marie, Fr. D.D. Barsenbach, and Fr. D. Farina, who served the people of N’ Eliya irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It is remarkable that Mr.Nadesonhad been a student under another Old Xaverian Principal, Mr.D.M.Amos.

Mr.Nadeson relished the tutelage and discipline imparted by the Christian missionaries and excelled in sports; his special forte was soccer. Besides sports and education he was a King’s Scout of the first scouts troop at St. Xavier’s College which was founded in the year 1923 by the then Rector Rev.Fr. D.H. Van Rayk. To repay his debts to his Alma Mater he joined the College staff soon after qualifying from the teachers’ training College in Trincomalee. He also served as the master in charge of the College Scouting pack and the Hony. Secretary of the NuwaraEliya District Boys’ Scout Local Association.

He was promoted to the post of Vice Principal, and became the successor to Mr.Weerasingham who served SXC as Principal in 1966 after the transfer of Mr.Sivapadam who took up responsibility at Holy Trinity College as Principal in 1967. Mr.Nadeson assumed duties as the 2nd Old Xaverian Principal in 1967. His enthusiasm in guiding the destinies of the College was evident in all his endeavours.

Way back in the 60’s he was elected as President of the Nuwara Eliya Consumer Protection Society, and the President of the N’Eliya Rotary Club. He gave his best to all these organizations.

In 1954 he was observed to be one who had the ability to exercise his authority on youth without any outward austerity, he was also the President of the youth organization, and during his tenure of office , he was able to guide the youngsters in constructive activities.

He was a man of sports, Literature and drama. The beauty and the precision of his Athletics meets earned the title ‘the Mini Olympics’ which continues to be only a dream even for leading schools in the Island today. His only wish was to bring the school to a very high standard. The school western band was his brain-child, he personally went to all whom he knew for contributions to purchase instruments for the school band. He had no difference towards Race or Religion. He respected them all, but he hated politics. He never encouraged politics in school, and he never went behind politicians for any favour at all.

Being true to the College Motto God-Truth and Charity he wished to see that the College continued to be the best institution in the area and retained its glorious reputation.

He was a God fearing gentleman who had much faith in the Lord, and he served his beloved church loyally and most devoutly. He was the President of the Parish Council during the Late 70’s to 80’s and was elected as Vice President of the Nuwara Eliya Association Football League. Being an excellent organizer, he got along well with the young and the old alike.

On the 12th December 1967 he married Therese Mildred Suraweera . He was a devout father to his children Devika and Navesh, a loving husband to his dear wife, and most of all he was a brilliant teacher who sacrificed his entire life towards his beloved School St. Xavier’s College, and the students. After a brief illness he passed away in 1992 at the age of 63.

His funeral was attended by a vast gathering. If the number of the attendees is taken as a guide, it would give a clear indication of the esteem in which he was held by his fellowmen. To all those who knew him and were close to him, his death left a great void and sorrow.

Today as we remember this man of wisdom and Knowledge on his 22nd death anniversary, we cherish the good memories of him with great affection.May perpetual light shine upon this grateful Old Xaverian and gentleman.. TBJ/2014