For this issue of the Ternion we decided to interview the new headmaster of the lower school, Mr. A. E. N. Fernando. Commenting on Mr. Fernando, a past pupil admitted that he was the teacher he most feared initially. Yet as all his students discover he is one of those teachers with an unstinting love for his students, so it was with great pleasure that I sat down to interview Mr. Fernando.

Q: Sir, would you please tell us when you joined College? I remember that day well. It was the 15th of November 1978, when I was employed by Warden Illangakoon. I was taken in as a temporary teacher for the subject of metal work in the middle and upper school.

Q: Where did you have your primary education? I had my primary education at Methodist High School, Katunayake. After my O/L's I went to Harischandra Maha Vidyalya which is situated in Negombo.

Q: Where were you teaching before you joined S. Thomas' College? To tell you the truth, College is the first school and since I am still here, has been the only school that I have taught in.

Q: Do you see any difference between College then and College now? Yes I do see a difference but sadly it's a difference for the worse. When comparing the old boys and the present boys I would say that the old boys did whatever they were involved in for the love of College. This love the old boys had towards the school is inexpressible. Sadly this love is not to be seen in the hearts of the present students. I'm not saying that all the students do not have this love but that the majority of the students lack this love.

Q: What would you say about the current standard of discipline? Well, when comparing the old days to the present days I would say that the standard of discipline has taken a fall. The respect shown to the teachers then was at a very high level but today sadly that high standard which stood for a long time is beginning to crumble. The respect shown to the teachers has dropped to the misfortune of the school.

Q: Ok moving on!! What are the subjects you teach here in college? When I joined College as I told you before I was taken in as a temporary teacher for metal work and throughout the years I have taught many subjects but for the past few years I have been teaching the middle school mathematics.

Q: How has your professional life in College been? In the year 1993 I was appointed as a sectional head in the Middle School. In 1995 on the 1st of January I was appointed as the deputy Headmaster of the Middle School. Finally on the 10th of October 2005 I was appointed the headmaster of the Lower School. So I would say that though it has taken me a long time I think that it has been a good professional life.

Q: What are the extra curricular activities you are involved in? I am the assistant house master of Stone House. I was the master-in-charge of boxing from 1985 to 1988. At that time boxing was a very popular sport amongst the boys and since I did boxing while I was schooling, it made me happy to become the master-in-charge of boxing. There were even a few colours men for boxing at that time. Those days S. Thomas' College was fairly good in boxing.

Q: Sir you are involved with the Wildlife Society, is there a special reason? I have been the master-in-charge of the Wild Life Society from its inauguration. I like the Wild Life Society because I love the environment and I also love life. I have a great love toward animals so I'm very happy to be the master-in-charge of the Wild Life Society.

Q: What is your view on the step taken on the banning of corporal punishment by the government? Well I think that there should be corporal punishment because boys will be boys. I also say that if corporal punishment were to be there that it should not be taken to an extreme extent.

Q: What is the most unforgettable moment in life you have experienced? On the 7th of October 2005 I was called to the warden's office and I was informed that I had been appointed as the Headmaster of the Lower School. When I got back to my class and told them about this, they were so upset that they cried. When I saw how upset they were it touched my heart to know that these students really loved me. That is the most unforgettable moment I have experienced.

Q: Whom would you like to thank for your current position? I would especially like to thank Warden Illangakoon for taking me in to College to teach. I would also like to thank Warden de Alwis, Warden Ponniah, Sub Warden- Mr. H.D. Perera, Mr. L. de Silva, Mr. D. Edirisinghe, Mr. S. Wickrameratne, The Lord Bishop-Rev. de Chikera and all the other headmasters and teachers who have helped me throughout the years.

Q: One Final question, sir, what is the advice you can give us students? Well I would say that today the two most important things are your studies and your discipline. So I would say to study hard and to maintain a high standard of discipline. Most of all remember who you are. You are a Thomian so be proud of it. Oh not forgetting sports. Take part in sports too. I hope that you will all succeed in life.

Thank You