Text Box: It is always wonderful to see a man who has lived in this world for 90 years. It is more of a pleasure to see that man leading a healthy and full life still attending to his social responsibilities. This colourful person who has even fought in the World War II is Mr Kalubanda Rajapakse. Born on 17th December 1924, he grew up in the small village of Kendagolla and went to the small village school. He possesses an incredible knowledge of history, mathematics and other related subjects, for he had served first as a teacher and then a principal in a career spanning several decades. With a beautiful smile he shares how difficult life was then in the times past; how terrible roads were, and with the minimum of facilities available how they managed to study well. After his schooling, Mr Rajapakse joined the Royal Army and went to war in 1945, and served in the theatre of war for 2 eventful years. Afterwards he left the army and started on his long and lifetime career as a teacher in 1948. Mr Rajapakse found his partner in 1957. Pannila Vithnage Premalatha was born in 1935 at Agalawatte, Matugma. Being the eldest in the family and losing her mother while she was still young, she shouldered the responsibility of looking after her brothers and sisters. Sometime later, when she was working at Welimada, Mr Rajapakse happened to see this 22-year-old pretty girl, and it was love at first sight. This was the time Mr Rajapakse was at Teacher Training School in Katukurunnda, and there, he had had the privilege of visiting her family in Matugama. On 2nd of April 1958, Rajapakse became the life partner of Pannila Vithanage Premalatha. In 1960 this young couple had their first baby. In time, three male children joined the Rajapakse family; Priyantha Rajapakse born in 1965; Susila Auna Deeptha Rajapakse born in 1972; and finally Vajira Rajapakse born in 1977. 1st of January 1971 was a memorable day to Mr Rajapakse. On that day he was promoted as a Principal. He had been working in rural schools for ten years and he was appointed as a Principal of Badulla Central College Primary Section. Having seeing thousands of children successfully pass through his school on their way to their future, Mr Rajapakse bid goodbye to his profession. Even now he is well regarded as an expert on Sinhala language. In 1982 Mr Rajapakse had to undergo surgery to remove a kidney. Even though he has been a teetotaler all his life, sometimes various health issues had threatened his health. Although living on a single kidney, he had been fortunate enough to overcome all those difficulties and lead an active life blessed with robust health. Mr Rajapakse regrets that all his school mates are now dead and gone. Sometimes when he visits funeral houses, people tend to talk more about him than the person lying in the coffin, for he has rightfully earned the respect and love of all. We all wish him long life and good health. https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/p206x206/65483_149308955119470_5711375_n.jpg

It is always wonderful to see a man who has

lived in this world for 90 years …