Snippets from Diary Entries of 1976
by Sachi Sri Kantha, June 30, 2026
An Introductory AI review of this series
As this ‘From Sachi’s Files’ series has reached chapter 30 with this segment, for the benefit of old and ‘new’ readers I’m pleased to cite an introductory (but not critical!) AI review of this series.
What is provided in the version I accessed on June 30th, states the following:
“The From Sachi’s Files series is an ongoing biographical and historical essay collection written by Sachi Sri Kantha. The series frequently explores the history of Eelam Tamils, biographical profiles, and socio-political events, primarily published by the Ilankai Tamil Sangam. (bold fonts and italics, are as in the original)
The extensive series has dozens of chapters spanning a wide variety of topics. Some notable installments and recurring themes include,
Biographical profiles: Chapters delve into the lives and impacts of significant figures in Tamil and South Asian history, including LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, politician Lalith Athulathmudali, and C. Suntharalingam.
Colonial History & Travelogues: Sachi frequently references archival material on Ceylon, such as American nurse Annette Beals’ 1939 report on nursing in Jaffna and Dr. Nicholas Senn’s 1905 observations on medical diseases in colonial Ceylon.
Collected Letters: Several chapters serve as chronological compilations of Sachi’s previously published letters to various editors and publications regarding Sri Lanka and Eelam.”
Prelude
My odyssey to become a scientist of ‘some degree of recognition’ was not an easy one. I had to face quite a number of roadblocks. This is revealed in my 50 year old diary entries. Three of my inconveniences were, (1) a sub-par academic record in the final exam of B.Sc. special degree in Zoology in 1976, (2) wishing to be an ‘original’ in charting my own path, (3) earning the first degree from a university in a ‘Third World’ country. Nevertheless, I was lifted in spirits by a few biographical books and anecdotes I had read then in English on ranking scientists (Pasteur, Marie Curie, Raman and James Watson) who did succeed despite severe odds.
According to my diary entry on June 27,1974, I had bought a paperback copy of James Watson’s (1928-2025) famous and controversial memoir ‘The Double Helix’ (1968) for 7 rupees and 15 cents at the Lake House bookshop in Colombo. Two specific components in it, attracted my attention seriously. First, in its Preface, Watson had written, “science seldom proceeds in the straight-forward logical manner imagined by outsiders. Instead, its steps forward (and sometimes backward) are often very human events in which personalities and cultural traditions play major roles.”
Secondly, in the third chapter, first paragraph, Watson had self-deprecatingly written about his deficiencies in the undergraduate education. “as an undergraduate at the University of Chicago, I was principally interested in birds and managed to avoid taking any chemistry or physics courses which looked of even medium difficulty. Briefly the Indiana biochemists encouraged me to learn organic chemistry, but after I used a Bunsen burner to warm up some benzene, I was relieved from further true chemistry. It was safer to turn out an uneducated PhD than to risk another explosion.”
With these words of wisdom and self-deprecating humor, Watson became my idol scientist. Physics had become my Trumpian-type ‘bone spur’ that blocked my path to one of the then two medical faculties in Ceylon I could have entered in 1970 or 1971! Technically, I should have entered the university in 1971, but it was postponed by few months, due to the April 1971 insurrection initiated by the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) youth. And, after entering the Colombo campus (of the then unified University of Sri Lanka) in Jan 1972, I received the best grades for three subjects (Chemistry, Zoology and Botany) at the end of that year. Though I could have opted to do a Botany special degree, having received an A grade, I chose zoology as my favorite route to do a special degree. But, in the sophomore year, I received a failing grade in biochemistry. Thus, Watson’s memoir encouraged me tremendously that my route to become a scientist was NOT lost at all!
To the best of my knowledge, for multiple reasons, the political background related to the (temporary) employment dilemma faced by Tamil graduates in 1976 remains hidden. Following the ‘political’ inauguration of the University of Jaffna in 1974 engineered by Sirima Bandaranaike (1916-2000)’s coalition government of the SLFP and the then two Leftist parties LSSP and CP, the government decided to stop the entry of Tamil students to the science disciplines at the University of Colombo, starting from 1976. Thus, due to the administrative edict, my fellow Tamil batch mates who were in disciplines other than zoology (such as Chemistry and Botany) were also not offered any temporary laboratory demonstrator positions at the institution from which we had graduated. A few found alternate arrangements by either joining schools as teachers or emigrating to other English speaking countries.
The Class of 1975 Zoology (Special) from Colombo Campus consisted of 8 members, of which I was one. Fellow male was Suki Ekaratne, a Sinhalese. Other six were females – three Sinhalese (Dilrukshi Coorey, Nandini Gunawardena and Manel Ranasinghe) and three Tamils (Regina Miranda, Indrani Gunanayagam and Kamala Rajasingam). Our final exam (Essay paper) was over on the morning of March 8, 1976, Monday.
In these diary snippets (which I wrote in a mix of Tamil and English), I provide my travails in landing my first job after graduation. I was then 23, and living in Colombo with my immediate family. I have not revised the snippets now. Contents remains untouched as the jottings of a 23 year old youth experiencing the travails of his salad days. Only additions inserted are the years of birth and death of personalities mentioned in the entries, for historical interest.
Diary Snippets for specific Days in 1976
Sachi’s 1976 diary cover
Mar 10 (Wed): In the morning, four of us (Tamil students of 1975 batch – Regina, Indrani, Kamala and me) met with Prof. Arulpragasam, to discuss our job opportunities. What he told was, there are no laboratory demonstrator positions for us. At most, one can be appointed as an Assistant lecturer. He suggested us to apply for other campuses, such as Peradeniya and Jaffna. He cavalierly suggested, Indrani may go to Jaffna campus. I can try Tea Research Institute (TRI), isn’t it?
Mar 16 (Tue): I was at the department. The deadline to submit our research project report for the degree is March 31st. Within two weeks, I have to type it.
Now job searching rites of passage had begun. I sent my applications to the Departments of Zoology, of Peradeniya campus and Jaffna campus for the positions of assistant lecturer, laboratory demonstrator and research assistant.
Mar 19 (Fri): I heard from Regina that Prof Arulpragasam had mentioned to her about a vacancy for a research assistant at the department of parasitology (Medical Faculty). They prefer a male. As such, she suggested me to apply for it. For me, this job seems appropriate.
Mar 23 (Tue): I noted in today’s Daily News paper, for a research assistant vacancy at the Department of Parasitology, Colombo Campus.
Mar 24 (Wed): with Regina and Kamala, I discussed the advertised vacancy for research assistant position. One of the requirements for the job was parasitology as a special subject. Unfortunately, we all have studied entomology.
Mar 26 (Fri): completed typing the research project report for the Final exam. 80 pages in total.
Mar 30 (Tue): sent my application for the research assistant position at the Department of Parasitology, Colombo Campus.
Mar 31 (Wed): attended a farewell function to senior most lab assistant Wijeratne. He had been at the zoology department since 1939. He remembered one or two old British professors, who worked at the department, and showed us couple of reprints in which his name had been included in the Acknowledgment section. Other two senior lab assistants were Olegasekaram (since 1947) and Themis Singo (since 1954). I wondered, during their long service period, how many students they would have interacted with.
Apr 8 (Thr): Eventually, completed typing my lengthy literature survey on honeybees around the Indian Ocean countries for the Final exam. A total of 280 pages, in 23 chapters. This was a solid 10 month work of searching, reading, indexing and analysis of published entomology literature.
Apr 9 (Fri): Handed the literature survey report to Dr Mano Sabaratnam. She conveyed that she had talked to Dr. Wilfred Samarawickrema at Medical Research Institute (MRI) about a research grant, in which I can work for a M.Sc degree, and asked me to meet him at the earliest.
Apr 13 (Tue): Among the four Tamil batch mates, Regina was chosen for the assistant lecturer position at University of Jaffna. Other two Indrani and Kamala voluntarily chose the teaching option at high schools in Jaffna and Colombo. I don’t have a job at the Colombo Campus. As such, where will I work is my current dilemma?
Apr 20 (Tue): On my return from United States Information Service (USIS) library, met batch mate Suki Ekaratne. He told me, that tomorrow appointment announcements will be made tomorrow, and asked whether Prof. [K.D. Arulpragasam, 1931-2003] conveyed anything to me. I responded in the negative. He let me know that our immediate senior Eleanor Jurianz will be appointed as a lab demonstrator. ‘If she gets a repeat appointment, why I was omitted?’, was his concern for my jobless dilemma. Whatever happens, he asked me to be present at the department.
Apr 21 (Wed): I was at the department. The list of announcements for this year’s appointees was released. Three assistant lecturers: Ekaratne, Regina and Nandini. Seven laboratory demonstrators: Dilrukshi, Manel, Preethi, Eleanor, Avril, Jayasinghe and Bro. Pinto.
Apr 22 (Thr): At 8:00 am, I met Prof. Arulpragasam at the department, to ask what can I do next? He replied: ‘Immediately, I cannot do anything. So, please apply to all the advertised positions.’ He also suggested to write to Dr. P. Sivapalan (1936-2015, of Tea Research Institute, TRI in short) about the vacancy for the Experimental Officer position. Nearby, I met Dilrukshi and Jayanthi Richards (two years senior to me) and told them what was conveyed by Professor.
With this announcement, my link to this university is coming to an end. I left the compound with the thought hereafter there is no use if I step in here.
Apr 23 (Fri): As told by Professor, I wrote a letter to Dr. Sivapalan. This week’s issue of Sutantiran (Apr 25), carried the report of what I had sent last week about this year’s university admission statistics, in its front page. In the table provided inside, source cited was Oorkakam (Village crow). It’s me. This is the second time, my pseudonym had appeared in Sutantiran. [Note by Sachi in 2026: For the uninitiated, Sutantiran political weekly was published by Federal Party leader S.J.V. Chelvanayakam and its editor was Kovai Mahesan. I had begun contributing my occasional Tamil writings voluntarily and exclusively to Sutantiran, since 1974; never received any compensation. Until I left the island in 1981, Sutantiran and its sister monthly magazine Sudar remained as my exclusive vehicles for Tamil journalism.]
Apr 26 (Mon): Didn’t leave home. If I went out, those who meet me asks, ‘what am I doing now?’ I cannot give a truthful answer to this query.
Apr 28 (Wed): while lying at bed for an afternoon nap, I was thinking – it seems, I don’t get a job until the exam results are released. After returning, father let me know that his sources at the medical faculty told that my application for a position of research assistant at the department of parasitology had been received and forwarded to the administrative section (College House). I may get an invitation for an interview, from there. Regina came home with his sister at 6:30 pm to convey the message that Professor had asked me to come to the department tomorrow immediately.
Apr 29 (Thr): I was at the department 8:15am. Met Dr Mano Sabaratnam (1931-2014) first. She asked me whether I had met Dr. Wilfred Samarawickrema. I said ‘No’ and let her know that Professor had asked me to meet him this morning. Then, I met Professor. He informed, that the demonstrator position of Eleanor had become vacant, because she had taken a position at the National Science Council. So, I’ll be appointed. He asked me, whether I can teach in Sinhala I said ‘No’. Then, he suggested, he will offer the ‘English medium’ slot for me, and asked me to assume work on May 3 Monday.
Apr 30 (Fri): Family is pleased that at the last moment, I had received a temporary appointment at the university for a year. The work experience may be of help to gain a permanent position somewhere.
May 3 (Mon): After being a student at the Campus for four years, now I begin work at the same place. 1st appointment. Still, I haven’t received the official appointment letter. When I inquired at the administrative office in College House, that lady Doreen told that still she hasn’t received the communication from the department of zoology. No responsible work done today. It seems, Dr. S. Wignarajah don’t know about my appointment. He invited me for a talk, and advised me to go to the University of Jaffna and complete a M.Sc degree under Dr. V.K. Ganesalingam (? – 2018).
May 4 (Tue): I checked with Prof Arulpragasam about my appointment letter. He said, ‘it will take two or three days’. Afternoon – the first teaching experience in a laboratory practical class. I was assigned to teach English medium group. There were 5 students in this group, one of whom was a daughter of Prof. T.Visvanathan (1920-2003), affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine.
May 6 (Thr): Prof called me to tell, ‘Collect your appointment letter at the College House’. When I went there, that lady was on leave today. Met batch mate Shyamala Thambyah at the campus. She had completed Botany special degree. She let me know that she’s leaving to New Zealand on 10th. Her parents had moved there few years ago. I wished her ‘the best in life’.
May 7 (Fri): Tea Research Institute had advertised for Research Assistant positions. I’m unaware whether those like me in the ‘pending results category’ can apply. I checked with Professor, and he told me he had written to Dr. Sivapalan.
May 8 (Sat): My 23rd birthday. After completing undergraduate studies, had joined in work, and completed a week. Somewhat of an achievement, I think, before reaching 23. Sister had received an appointment letter to assume work at General Treasury, Ministry of Finance, as a steno typist, from 10th Monday. She is lucky too.
May 10 (Mon): received the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam scores, for which I sat last February. Total score 572 [listening comprehension 53, English structure 53, vocabulary 67, reading comprehension 53, writing ability 60]. Percentile rank 83%. I feel satisfied!
May 11 (Tue): went to receive the appointment letter at College House this morning. Had assumed work on 3rd, but receive the appointment letter only today!
May 22 (Sat): Due to a delay in appointment (as I had missed first two days of May), I didn’t get this month’s salary! I was informed that I’ll receive a cumulated salary for May and June, next month.
May 23 (Sun): I’ve to wait for another month to get my salary.
May 30 (Sun): Yesterday received a letter from Prof. Ganesalingam (Dept of Zoology, University of Jaffna), in response to my application for a Temporary assistant lecturer/Demonstrator position. He had inquired, whether I’m willing to accept one of the two positions, from July 1st ? I was wondering what to do. I don’t mind accepting the assistant lecturer position there. But, I had to shift to Jaffna. I thought of consulting with Prof. Arulpragasam and Dr Mano Sabaratnam tomorrow.
June 1 (Tue): Yesterday, consulted with Prof. Arulpragasam and Dr Mano Sabaratnam, about the letter I received from Prof. Ganesalingam. Both of them did not give me any definitive suggestions. I also need to think about it.
June 6 (Sun): At 4:30 pm, I was at the Ramakrishna Mission Hall, to attend the Colombo Campus Tamil Society’s annual Kalaivizha ’76. Until the functions begin, as the Past President of the society, I was requested to engage Prof. V.K. Samaranayake (1939-2007), the Dean of the Faculty of Science, the chief guest on that day. He let me know that the exam results will be released this week, on 10th.
June 10 (Thr): I was at the campus by 8:30 morning. Board meeting scheduled for 10:00 am. Exam results were released at 11:15 am. Dr. Mano Sabaratnam was the first to let us know the results. Among the 8 (6 women and 2 men) who did zoology special degree, I was placed in the bottom rung. Regina Miranda – 1st class; Ekaratne and Dilrukshi – 2nd class upper division; Nandini and Manel – 2nd class lower division; Kamala, Indrani and me – ordinary pass.
In the afternoon, Prof Arulpragasam, Dr. Wignarajah and Dr. Mano Sabaratnam talked to me. ‘Wasted talent’ was the two word verdict of Professor. How did I feel? Returning home, I found it tough to look at my father’s face.
June 11 (Fri): Prof. told [yesterday] ‘wasted talent’. Did I waste my time, to be rewarded with this result? Only my eyes and hands know, how I tried hard. How many hours I spent at the libraries, collecting facts and opinions from many books and journals? The reward I received for my work, was beyond my expectations.
June 12 (Sat): went to MRI and met Dr. Samarawickrema – medical entomologist. He described to me the project I will assist him. A Dipteran insect (akin to mosquito) is troubling the tourists who are sunbathing in the beaches. We have to study the life cycle of this insect, their seasonal population variation and how to control this pest. First, the study begins in Bentota beach, and then all the beaches around the island have to be scanned. I liked this project.
June 13 (Sun): Due to my subpar results at the exam, I couldn’t apply for research positions at the Jaffna Campus and TRI. But, I feel satisfied that two years of research at MRI at the rank of research assistant and submitting research reports will be of help to my future.
June 14 (Mon): Met Dr Mano Sabaratnam and informed her about my meeting with Dr. Samarawickrema. She also asserted, ‘It’s the only available route for you now. This what I mentioned earlier to you. But you didn’t listen.’ She might have hinted that I will not receive a Class degree, but I was hoping that I may receive a 2nd class lower division grade. Following that, I met fellow batch mates and shared the ‘lucky’ opportunity I was served with the potential of meeting with white tourists in sea beaches, as a component of research. All enjoyed a good laugh with me. Dr Sabaratnam also told me, that as entomology was my specialist subject and as I had received B grade, I need not sit for the Master’s Qualifying Exam (M.S.Q) and can directly submit my M.Sc dissertation.
June 16 (Wed): I talked to Prof. Arulpragasam at 9:00 am, about Dr. Samarawickrema’s research project, and let him know that I’ll complete a M.Sc. His response was: ‘If so, you have to sit for a qualifying exam.’; and will talk to Dr. Mano Sabaratnam. What Dr Sabaratnam had already told me, I didn’t divulge to Prof. Then, went to MRI and met Dr. Samarawickrema. He described the conditions and stipulations of National Science Council grants that begin in January 1977 and handed me 16 reprints on the research theme.
June 21 (Mon): At the campus, there wasn’t much work. Today’s Daily News paper carried the results of our Final exam. Now, my kin and friends living in the island could check my results.
June 24 (Thr): In the morning, I was at MRI at met Dr Samarawickrema. He told me that he will be applying for a research grant to the National Science Council, to employ me, from Jan 1977 to Dec 1978. Prior to that, he wanted me to meet Prof. T. Ponnudurai (Dept of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Colombo campus) and find out whether he will recruit me or not for a research assistant vacancy there. I visited my father at the De Soysa Maternity Hospital (where he was working) and told him this news. Then, went to the Department of Parasitology. I was told that Prof Ponnudurai will return from Peradeniya tomorrow.
Sachi’s bi-lingual diary entry of June 27, 1974 Thursday
June 25 (Fri): Dr. P. Sivapalan visited the campus in the morning. After meeting me, his questions were, ‘What happened to you? Why you didn’t get a Class? Did you expect a Class, after you finished the exam?’ I could only reply meekly with a smile. In response, he quipped with a positive spin: ‘But, you had done the Research project very well. And don’t get discouraged by this!’ Soothing words for a hurt psyche.
Collected the first salary – cumulated for May and June. 1086 rupees and 72 cents; 526 rupees and 72 cents for May, and 560 rupees for June.
June 28 (Mon): At 9:00 am, met Prof. Ponnudurai at the Department of Parasitology, Medical Faculty, and let him know what Dr. Samarawickrema had told me. While I was present there, Prof Ponnudurai called the administrative office at College House and inquired about the research assistant position vacancy. Then, I informed him that I’m without a Class degree, but had done Entomology component very well. He advised me to apply for the research assistant position, for which the deadline was July 15th, and to inform Dr. Samarawickrema to apply for the National Science Council grants as well.
June 29 (Tue): Talked with Prof. Arulpragasam, about what Prof. Ponnudurai had told me yesterday. He asserted, ‘You cannot trust being selected for that position. It’s better to begin M.Sc. research directly under Dr. Samarawickrema.’
July 1 (Thr): Today’s Daily News paper carried the advertisement for the Research Assistant position at Dept of Parasitology, Medical Faculty. When I met Dr. Samarawickrema at 9:15 am in MRI, he also advised me to apply for this position. If unsuccessful, I can begin M.Sc. research project from January. He also told me that he had met Prof Ponnudurai yesterday and discussed my issue. I’m not quite sure what transpired between Prof. Ponnudurai and Dr Samarawickrema. After returning to the campus I mentioned my talks with Dr. Samarawickrema to Dr Sabaratnam. She suggested to include either Prof. A.A. Hoover or Dr. K. Balasubramaniam as references.
July 20 (Tue): At the administrative office (College House), collected my detail grades of the Final exam performance. It was as follows:
Key to grades: A 70% or more, B 55% – 69%, C 40% -54%, D 30%-39%. E less than 30%. Pass grade is C.
Cumulatively I had received 3 As, 4 Bs, 6 Cs and 1 D.
Invertebrata – B
Chordata – B
Ecology and Physiology – C
Genetics – C
Radiobiology and Research Techniques – C
Cell physiology and Embryology – B
Fauna of Ceylon – D
Evolution and zoogeography – C
Special subject (Entomology) theory – B
Special subject (Entomology) practical – A
Literature survey – A
Essay – C
Subsidiary subject – Biochemistry – C
Among the results, I was disappointed with two grades specifically. (1) I had hoped for a A grade in the Essay subject. But, I was rewarded with a C grade. (2) Also, I hoped for a B grade in the Evolution and zoogeography subject. But I was rewarded with a C grade. These two down-grades had pulled down my overall average for a needed 2nd Class degree.
July 21 (Wed): I consoled my psyche with Louis Pasteur’s words delivered to students in 1892: “…Whatever your career may be, do not let yourself become affected by a denigrating and barren skepticism, do not let yourselves be discouraged by the sorrows of certain hours which pass over…Live in the serene peace of laboratories and libraries…” which I had jotted in the notebook.
July 23 (Fri): received this month’s salary – 560 rupees. After graduation, there is a 100 rupees increase. For this, one has to write a request letter, to be attested by the professor and hand it to the Deputy Treasurer at the administration office. The current salary for a laboratory demonstrator is 654 rupees per month.
Aug 1 (Sun): Refreshed my desolated psyche with another Louis Pasteur’s gem, more than once. “Say to yourself first, ‘what have I done for my education?’ and as you gradually advance, ‘what have I done for my country’ until perhaps you may have the immense happiness of thinking that you have contributed in some way to the progress and to the good of humanity. But, whether or not our efforts bear fruit, let us be able to say, when we come near the great goal, ‘I have done what I could.’”
Sept 13 (Mon): At 8:30 am, I was at the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation building in Alfred Place, to face an interview. This is the first interview I face. The advertised position was ‘Staff Assistant for Research’. Batch mate Kamala was also there. In addition, there were other known ‘faces’ from the Campus too. Altogether, there were 35 to 40 individuals of both sexes. The interview that was supposed to begin at 9:00, started only at 10:15 am. I was called in at 10:45 am. The board members, after checking the testimonials, I was asked about my research project completed for the degree. Then, [an interviewer] after having a glance at my ‘Literature survey’ compilation (that was on honeybees), and having noted that I had passed ‘Practical Sinhala’ at G.C.E. Ordinary Level, asked me whether I could describe about honey bee farming to farmers in Sinhala language. I replied ‘I cannot’. End of interview.
Sept 17 (Fri): Sister had found out from her office contacts, that those who had been screened for the 2nd interview at the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation been selected. It seems, I have been eliminated.
Sachi’s bilingual diary jottings, about a job interview -Oct 6th and 7th, 1976
Oct 6 (Wed): Faced the second interview. This time – for the ‘Parasitology Research Assistant’ position at the Medical Faculty, Colombo Campus. I was asked to come at 8:15 am. Including me, there were altogether 5 individuals. I was the only male. Other four were females, including my batch mate Nandini. I was called in at 8:45 am. I could recognize 5 members of the selection team gathered. Three I couldn’t recognize. The known faces were, Prof. Ponnudurai, Prof. Arulpragasam, Prof. Hiran Dias (President of Colombo Campus), Prof. A.C.J.Weerakoon and Dr (Mrs) Perera. Only Prof. Hiran Dias (1934-2023) asked me all the questions.
I was introduced first as [Now you are in our temporary staff – a demonstrator in the Dept of Zoology]. Then the question, Can you tell us, what research project you had done for your degree course?
All the subsequent questions were asked by him. These were as follows:
- What is the vector of the malaria parasite? Will you tell the zoological name of it?
- Can you trace the life stages of a mosquito?
- How will you differentiate between the larvae of Culex and Anopheles, supposed you are provided with the anterior portions only?
- Have you bred mosquito? So, what is the food medium you use for the larvae? Why the pupal stage is not given any food?
- How is the flying range of a mosquito is detected?
- How will you test the adults, whether they are anthropophilic or zoophilic?
- What stage of mosquito adults can be collected?
- Final question – Are you prepared to work and collect in the field, at any time of the day?
As far as I knew, I was asked the most number of questions.
There was a transportation (bus) strike on this particular day in Colombo and suburbs. As such, subsequently I heard quite a few other applicants couldn’t make it for the interview.
Oct 8 (Fri): Went to MRI and met Dr. Samarawickrema. After hearing from me, what questions were asked at the interview, he told me: ‘In fact, Dr. Ponnudurai had spoken to me and I have recommended you to be taken. But there are some procedural formalities; so, you have to wait a little.’ Then, he continued ‘You come and meet me in two weeks times and I will tell you what is happening.’
Oct 12 (Tue): In the afternoon, during the first year students’ practical sessions, Prof. Arulpragasam came and asked me: ‘Did you go and meet Ponnudurai?’ I said ‘No’. Then, he told ‘They have to call the others who didn’t turn up that day. If no one is selected from that lot, then I think you have a chance there. We can arrange to alter the qualification requirements for the job, to include you.’ I simply, nodded my head.
Oct 26 (Tue): In the morning, went to MRI, to meet Dr Samarawickrema. He said, he haven’t met Prof. Ponnudurai, since last we talked. If feasible, he suggested me to visit with Prof. Ponnudurai and find out the latest developments. Then, I went to the medical faculty. I was told that Prof. Ponnudurai had gone on a field trip whole of this week, and will return next week.
Oct 27 (Wed): In the morning, during the first year students’ practical sessions, Prof Arulpragasam came to tell me that, he had met Prof. Ponnudurai at a recent dinner and talked about my ‘issue’. Prof. Ponnudurai’s response was ‘Almost, he had decided to hire me. On the interview I faced, compared to other candidates, I was the one who had answered the questions to his satisfaction.’ Then, Prof. Arulpragasam cautioned me, not to divulge this info to others, until final decision is officially made. I nodded my head.
Nov. 2 (Tue): Went to meet Prof. Ponnudurai at the department of Parasitology. In his words, his update was: ‘You see, we will be having the interview for the others who couldn’t turn up that day, on 8th (next Monday) and then we will be re-wording the job announcement and re-advertise again. I was really interested in hiring you that day itself, but I couldn’t because of the specific phrasing of the job notice. You do know, how the President questioned you, on this!” I thanked for his kind thoughts and returned.
Nov. 22 (Mon): Visited Prof. Ponnudurai. This is what he told me. On Nov. 8th interview date, a guy from Vidyodaya University (a 3 year general degree with 2nd Class, having chemistry, biology and mathematics) had been chosen for the position. He is currently working at the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation. He also apologized, “I am very sorry that I gave you much hopes and I was personally interested in hiring you, but because of the specifics in the job advertisement, they have selected him.” I returned in a somber mood.
Nov 30 (Tue): When I went to work, I was told by others that Prof. Arulpragasam was looking for me. So, I went to his room. He looked a bit irritated on me. His words were,
“For the last weeks, what you have been doing here? We are trying to fix you somewhere, but you are not bothered doing any work? Since you sat your Finals exam in March, what sort of research work you had carried out? And when it comes to face an interview, you can’t tell them that you are just ‘demonstrating’.” Then, he toned down and told me ‘I say, they are going to re-advertise that research assistant position in the near future. Prepare yourself.”
What’s this ‘hide-and seek’ game for me? I had temporarily stopped looking for a permanent job in Ceylon and thinking other options, now I have to focus again about this research assistant job.
Dec 3 (Fri): Met Prof. Ponnudurai at the Medical Faculty. He told me, “Come, come, this is very confidential. As I told you earlier that, as ‘he’ [my rival for the position] haven’t been released from the Cashew Corporation, I have already written a letter to the President of the Campus, asking him to re-advertise the position, after adding the specific changes needed. Once it gets sanctioned by the Vice Chancellor, I think it will be posted. Hope you will apply again.” I thanked him and left.
Dec 12 (Sun): Attended the graduation dinner of our batch, at Dilrukshi’s house. After Prof Arulpragasam came, he came near to tell the news: ‘I say, that fellow [my rival for the position] had assumed duties at the department of Parasitology. Yesterday, Ponnudurai told me.’ I could meekly elicit a smile.
Post-script in 2026
For the next few months, I used to wonder ‘what if’ there was no transportation strike on Oct 6, 1976, when I faced the interview for this Research Assistant position. The Campus administrators had to re-schedule another date (Nov. 8, 1976) for the missed candidates, and my rival was chosen on that particular day. I felt that, dice was loaded against me, for some peculiar reason. From what I heard from Prof. Ponnudurai, the educational details of the eventually chosen candidate showed he was not a ‘perfect fit’ for that position and Prof. Ponnudurai’s preference was side-stepped by the majority vote of the selection committee. But, that was how decisions were made in Sri Lanka. The Tamil professors (like Prof. Arulpragasam and Prof. Ponnudurai) had to bend to the whims of the majority decisions, passed from top echelons of power.
The political reason for that ‘transportation strike’ (on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 1976) in Colombo and its suburbs was this. The United Front government (SLFP-LSSP-CP) which came to power after the May 1970 general election had split in Sept 1975. Sirima Bandaranaike dismissed the three ministers from LSSP in her Cabinet and LSSP was in the Opposition. Then, the Trotskyists turned vindictive to Madam Prime Minister, via their trade union arm. The details of that unscheduled ‘transportation strike’, I picked up from Tribune’s popular compilation of ‘Sri Lanka chronicle – Oct 4 – Oct 9, 1976’ of that period. The abbreviation CTB stands for Ceylon Transport Board.
“Wednesday, Oct 6: Employees of the CTB belonging to the LSSP-controlled All Ceylon United Motor Workers Union in eleven depots struck work yesterday and the public was put into great inconvenience especially in the down South bus routes; yesterday’s strike was a follow up of a work stoppage at the Alutgama Depot: the strike at Alutgama was sparked off following an incident of alleged police assault on two CTB employees the LSSP controlled Union which struck work has said that unless the Police officer concerned is transferred the strike will continue.
Thursday, Oct 7: The strike by 12 CTB unions was called off yesterday after union representatives held discussions with the Chairman of the CTB Mr. J.C.T. Kotelawela; union sources said the strikers will return to work this morning.” [Tribune, Colombo, Oct, 23, 1976, p. 4]
The anti-dote for my hurt psyche was a chapter (#76) with a caption, ‘ I’m responsible for my defeat’ in my idol MGR’s 1970-72 autobiography. It described his early failures in the first half of 1940s when he lost opportunities for a film roster to his competing rivals. I was impressed by his candor in accepting the blame for his deficits in talent and skills. As such, I felt relieved, however unpleasant an outcome is, one shouldn’t wilt under pressure and has to learn to deal with the cards that life serves at a specific moment.
In 1976, I had in my grasp, the research assistant position at the Department of Parasitology, which I coveted – but failed to bring it to fruition. Professors Ponnudurai and Arulpragasam as well as Dr Samarawickrema were gracious to push me towards the goal line, but my subpar performance in the BSc final exam did fail me.
The denouement to my story followed few weeks later in 1977. I had recorded this as follows:
Feb. 7 (Mon): In the morning, I was walking along a street in Wellawatte, Colombo. I noted Dr. Sivapalan of TRI in his car. He also noted me and stopped his car by the side. The conversation was as follows:
“What are you doing now?”
My response: ‘I’m still at the Campus.”
“I thought that you had joined the MRI from this January, to do an M.Sc degree.”
My response: ‘Sir, I decided against it, because I have to spend two years for that; and I have second thoughts of leaving the country also.’ Before I completed my sentence, he interrupted to tell,
“Well, you can decide on that, but till you leave, you can follow the Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture courses in Peradeniya, and get your M.Sc in one year. I’m also giving some lectures there. Have you applied for it?”
My response: ‘Yes sir, I had applied there.’
“Well I have to leave for TRI at 8’o clock. Anyway, I’ll see you later.”
Now, at the age of 73, I re-trace my career sketch as a zoologist. From a potential mosquito dissector in 1976, after 25 years with two earned MSc degrees from Sri Lanka and two earned PhDs from USA and Japan, I morphed into a monkey sleep quantifier in 2002. But this path was not a straight one. Like the DNA double helix, it was a spiral and I had to pass through multiple mazes of plant biochemistry, marine biochemistry, nutrition and neuroscience in six laboratories in Sri Lanka (1 lab), USA (2 labs) and Japan (3 labs).
I feel proud of one achievement. Pardon me for bragging about a statistic which any scientist can comprehend. As of today, I had proved my creativity by having 183 published items in 60 scholarly journals in the past 45 years. Over 70 of my published sole author papers since 1991, fall under the category of ‘Essay/analytical papers’ in biomedical sciences. Having accomplished this, I stand vindicated. Due to some silly bias, the zoology professors at the Colombo Campus who downgraded my 1976 Final exam Essay paper from an A grade to C grade, failed to evaluate my caliber and potential as an essayist.
What was this bias? Unlike that of my fellow 7 batch mates, my answers to exam questions had ‘too much original thinking’, regurgitation of the lecture notes was not to my taste. Now I can say this directly – My 1976 exam answers were blasphemy for their petty minds. This was also the main reason, why I received a D (failing grade) for the ‘Fauna of Ceylon’ subject. I remember this well. The instructor for this course was Dr. Pilippu Hewa Don Hemasiri de Silva, the then director of Colombo Museum. He was a snake specialist. One question asked was about classifying the snakes of Sri Lanka. Rather than regurgitating what he had taught us in a lecture (his method of classification), I wrote my original version of classification of snakes in my exam. And this sort of ‘originality’ became my battle of Waterloo in receiving a good grade for this subject. Dr. de Silva died in 2020, at the age of 93. I should add that Dr de Silva would have been an excellent researcher and administrator in later years, but in 1975, when I was a student, he was a poor and uninspiring lecturer.
Among the academics mentioned here, Arulpragasam, Ganesalingam, Sabaratnam and P. Sivapalan have died. But, I’m not sure whether Wignarajah, Ponnudurai and Samarawickrema are still alive or not. A generation older to me, they were ‘institution builders’ of some sort in Sri Lanka, but I’m not. For my bad luck, I was not even allowed ‘entry’ into any of the Sri Lankan institutions on a permanent basis! This was a sad truth.
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