Mrs. Sunimal Kurumbalapitiya: A teacher beyond compare

It is rarely that we come across a teacher utterly imbued with unceasing quest to impart knowledge and skills to students reach heights of their potentiality. When such an obsession is tempered with gentle persuasion then such a pedagogical approach becomes worthy of recognition.

‘Miss Sunimal’ as she was affectionately known was one such person always possessing a gentle demeanor despite her demanding and challenging role. For nearly 27 years she served her alma mater, Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena playing a multiple role as a teacher, trainer, coach and mentor. During school hours she toiled as a Science and Mathematics teacher and thereafter, stayed back to ensure the progress of physical training and sports as the Prefect 
of Games. 

I had the opportunity to work with her as the convent’s Basketball coach training players in four different age groups. Back in 1980 we both were in Bangkok, Thailand, she as the head of the National Youth (girls) basketball team and me playing the role as the head Coach of the National Youth (boys) team. It is there she appealed to me to assume the responsibility of the basketball coach of her school, which according to her had reached the rock bottom. My challenge was to set going the strenuous upward momentum. With her unfailing presence my goal was reached within a short span of two years.

Such fame came not without planned effort and perseverance. I played my role as a tough task- master shouting out harsh commands in training and at matches. Loud and sharp words were meant to keep the morale high and get things moving to plan.
In addition, Miss Sunimal impressed everyone with her elegant and graceful personality. Her students still recall that she possessed refinement in dress and in speech. 
Mrs. Sunimal Kurumbalapitiya was born in Negombo in 1943 and had her early education at Ave Maria Convent, Negombo. She came to Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena for her secondary education where she excelled in her studies, Netball and athletics.

On leaving her school she gained formal training as a teacher in Science and Mathematics and thereafter returned to her alma mater to teach in the middle section. With this assignment also came the responsibility of covering the duties as the Prefect of Games and Netball coach, as recounted earlier. It is in the sphere of sports that she even went beyond, to be elected as the Sectional Secretary of Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association. It was in this capacity that she was also nominated as the Manageress of several National Youth Teams to Asian Championships.

She was honoured on the evening of September 29 this year by her students who felicitated their admirable mentor. Undoubtedly they would have encountered an overwhelming sense of love, gratitude and nostalgia. 
Having lost her husband Shelton (a former Air Force Officer) Miss Sunimal now spends the evening of her life in a well- earned retirement phase yet never failing to be in touch with her students. 
To conclude, let me recall the ancient Latin saying, “Docti Lucebunt Sicut Stellae”-teachers shall shine like stars. Indeed, Miss Sunimal is worthy of this brilliant stellar glory.