Today 102 years since the formation of the OBU , little did I imagine that I will stand before you in this great hall as your 29th elected president , and that too purely by default, as there are more eligible gentlemen seated in this audience and some of them not present here today who are more worthy of this position.

But quoting the famous line in our college song ” WHEN Wesley’s CALL SHALL SOUND READY AYE SHALL ALL BE FOUND ” hence my standing here today.

It was in this spirit that 5 years ago Mr. Lasantha Fernando came to the rescue of this great union and if I was going to speak about his contributions to the OBU and Wesley at large it might take 5 more long years . Thank you Lasantha , we will certainly miss your leadership , but I’m personally comforted by your assurance at the last EXCO meeting where you said and may I quote ” YOU WILL HAVE MY PRESENCE BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY” knowing you I have absolutely no doubt that you will keep to your commitment.

May the almighty bless you and family nothing but the very best that you richly deserve.

We yesterday “EYE WITNESSED” a milestone at Wesley and may I take this opportunity to thank our proactive and dynamic Principal Dr Shanti McLelland for his visionary leadership and not forgetting his team led by Lasantha and Richie along with the rest, made this dream of a pool a reality for Wesley. I pleasantly recall when I was secretary of the OBU , where at an EXCO meeting Mr. Jurangpathy mooted the idea of a pool for Wesley and the President at that time Mr. Rienzie Wijethilake spontaneously agreed and obliged with the first contribution and followed by Lasantha .

All these belong to the ” Wesley Archives ” and I pray that someday Wesley will produce a Medal Winner at the Olympics.

Now that we have concluded the election of office bearers for the year 2012/13, Let me sincerely thank each and every one of you for volunteering your time for Wesley . Lets have some fun as I’m a firm believer that Happiness follows Happiness !!!!

I have also made a request from the Principal who has very kindly agreed to share a cup of tea with me once a week for a informal chat on areas where the OBU could support the school.

I also invite and appeal to the other stakeholders of Wesley , namely the PTA , Welfare, respective Old Boy Groups and the overseas OBU’s for a constant dialogue, which the OBU will facilitate , with the sole objective of contributing constructively to the school.

Thank you gentlemen for placing you confidence in me and I promise that I shall do my utmost within my capacity in making the Wesley OBU a vibrant force to recon with.

I conclude my speech with a quote from Mr. A S Wirasinha, past Principal of Wesley and I quote

“Throughout Wesley has stood for freedom of Human Spirit and the community of all her sons to whatever race or religion they belong. She has always been friendly and a joyful place for a boy to grow up in.”

Long Live Wesley and God Bless You All

Mr. Ivor Maharoof
President 2012/2013