March 18, 2025 – Final Voyage Obituaries

Mrs. Mary. Sama Devanayagam, retired Co-Vice Principal of Chundikuli Girls College, Jaffna, passed away in Toronto, Canada, on March 15, 2025, at the age of 83 years. May her soul rest in peace.

Below is an excerpt from the Centenary Magazine written by student Dileeni Spencer. Magazine was published to commemorate the Centenary of Chundikuli Girls’ College Jaffna. (1896 – 1996)

Personalities : Mrs.M.S.Devanayagam (page 110)

It is with great pleasure that I write this article of appreciation to my teacher and former Co-Vice Principal Mrs. M.S.Devanayagam. She started her career in Chundikuli as an assistant teacher in 1971 and through sheer hard work and loyalty she was elevated to the post of Co-Vice Principal in 1993.She was unassuming, smartly dressed and moved freely with both staff and students. Mrs. Devanayagam’s forte was teaching General Science and Zoology in particular.

I first encountered this lady on a personal basis when she walked into our year 9 classroom to teach science. And it was my good fortune that I was under Mrs. Devanayagam’s stewardship for the next six years as my science teacher till I left school after my advanced level.

Her way of teaching was quite different from other teachers. She would always insist that we read and understand our study materials ourselves before she would explain the relevant portion. Though I found this a bit tiresome at that time, now as a university student I’m quite grateful to her for encouraging us to read and comprehend our lessons by ourselves. She would always recommend us to read other books related to the subject matter. Also she would make it a point to use the English equivalent of any technical terms we came across in Science. This benefited me greatly in my further studies. She firmly believed that theory without practical knowledge was useless and hence our science classes became alive as we explored many secrets in science. Even though she was averse to dust she did not hesitate to use chalk frequently to explain things more clearly.

Mrs Devanayagam was pleasant, courteous and had a flair for pleasing her peers. Always dressed smartly with a smile playing on her lips she would move around quite confidently carrying out her duties. As the sectional head of the Science stream it was a treat watching her organizing quiz programmes and discussions enthusiastically.

It often surprised us students how Mrs.Devanayagam found time to involve herself in all school activities from morning to evening and still run a home with a husband and three children. She was well versed in music and this talent She passed on to her children. Mrs.Devanayagam was always there to give a patient and sympathetic hearing to her students. Yet she never hesitated to call a spade and spade.

Mrs. Devanayagam served our Alma Mater faithfully for well over twenty years. She took a premature retirement due to the unsettled conditions in the North and emigrated to devote more time with her family. May God’s hand guide and protect her and bless her with a peaceful and contented retirement.

Dileeni Spencer (1996)

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துயர் பகிர்வு:

உங்கள் துயர் பகிர்வுகளையும், அனுதாபச் செய்திகளையும் ஒரே இடத்தில் குடும்பத்தார் பார்வையிடுவதற்காக இவ் தளத்தின் பின்னோட்டத்தில் பதிவிடலாம். எக்காரணம் கொண்டும் உங்கள் மின்னஞ்சல் தகவல் இவ் தளத்தில் பதியப்படவோ பகிரப்படவோ மாட்டாது என பணிவுடன் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறோம்.

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Born 4 November 1925 – Entered glory 17 March 2025

” I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

– 2 Timothy 4:7 –

Mary Helen Rajamoney called to rest on 17 March 2025 at Matale, Sri Lanka at the age of 99.

Beloved wife late Vincent Singaraj Rajamoney.

Cherished mother of Nesta Elizabeth, Jenita Margret, Rita Pakiyabai and Ruben Anandaraj (Australia).

Loving mother-in-law of Rajasunderam, late Abel Rajasingham, Ranjan Thirunavukkarasu and Amirtha Rajamoney. Adored sister of late Ruby Jeyaratnam, late Wilson Solomon, late Concy Abraham and Daisy Rajamoney.

Doting grandmother of Roshan, Priya, Aaron, Yohan, Ajith and Nirosha (USA) and loving great grandmother of Evangeline, Casselrine, Micheal, Hadassah, Cyrus, Atara and Jayda.

A gentle soul, mummy/ paatti / Helen aunty will be missed and fondly remembered by her sister, her immediate and extended families and friends. It is greater than the sorrow of her loss is the joy and love that she spread during her life, as she loved and helped all. Mrs. Helen Rajamoney is very pious and a true Christian and will be missed by the Pentecostal mission and members. Her wisdom and love will continue to guide each one across the generations. Her lifetime of dedication and self-sacrifice serves as a monument to the person she was. Her integrity and the fear of God will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Visitation and viewing:

18 March 2025 at 9 am onwards at Peiris Funeral Parlor, Matale (opposite Vijaya College)

Funeral Service:

To celebrate the life of Mrs. Helen Rajamoney, a Thanksgiving service will be held on 19 March 2025, from 8 am onwards at Ceylon Pentecostal Mission, Rose Street, Matale, followed by the procession to the burial grounds at 10:00 AM.