Tissa de Alwis

Past President, Tissa de Alwis

It is with a profound sense of sadness that we place on record the passing away of Tissa de Alwis, our immediate Past President. Tissa Richard Parakrama, Tissa to all his friends, joined S. Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia in 1946. While in College he actively participated in many sports. However, most of his time was devoted to Cricket and Athletics. His contribution in maintaining statistics in both these sports, when computers were not even dreamt of, was tremendous.

Tissa was appointed a Prefect of the College. After leaving College, he continued to extend his support to the College in many ways. For a umber of years, he was a live-wire in the organizing committee of the Royal-Thomian cricket match.

As active member of the OBA of which he was Vice- President, TIssa was elected as its representative to the Board of Governors, S Thomas’ College in which capacity he served for four years.

He was Secretary of the Old Thomian’s Swimming Club for a number of years. Tissa served as Secretary of the Old Boy’s Centenary Group from 205 till he was elected President in 1009. During his term of office as Secretary, he brought all records up to date and introduced a proper filing system. He was always prompt in his correspondence with members in Sri Lanka and overseas. Although, Tissa suffered many setbacks in his health, this did not deter him accomplishing whatever tasks he had undertaken. This was evident from the fact that as President of the Centenary Group, he presided at the 2010 AGM, soon after which his illness took the better of him.

As a practicing Christian, he fought bravely against the many illness and with the help of his caring wife Ruth, was at all times cheerful.

We convey our deepest sympathies to Ruth, their son, Ashan, daughter Neelia, grand children and in-laws.

May he rest in peace.