Remembering the services of a dedicated principal

Thousands of people are born each day and lot of people die; this is the stalk reality of life; But only some do a very honest, dedicated service and remain in our hearts for their qualities.

They leave a trace for others to emulate them. My former principal Alhaj A.R.M.Jiffry, whose sudden demise was talked about by many people, was one such person. His demise on January 20, 2020 is a great and unbearable loss. 

I knew him for twenty seven years. I saw him work as a colleague, principal, administrator, strategist, benefactor, tutor, lecturer, news reader, compere, artist and playing many more roles.

Born and bred in kalmunai he was an Alumnus of Kalmunai Wesley College as well as Zahira College. His achievements in education are many. He got a diploma in Agriculture from Kundasalai. Later on he became a Maths and Science special trained teacher. Then while teaching he completed his Bachelor of Education and also passed the Sri Lankan Principals Service examination and became a Grade 1 principal. He  also got through the SLEAS examination and obtained a diploma in special education. His also completed his Masters in Education.

While all this was going on he started as an announcer and news reader at S.L.B.C; a passion he continued till the time of his death.

One project initiated by him was the “Mother SriLanka Project RUN”. Under his guidance I was in charge of the project. He made the students to collect coconut shells which can be harmful to the environment. It created awareness and we raised a reasonable sum of money by selling them to companies

I have worked with him for many years and was amazed to see how he interacted with the staff. He was a very decent person with a heart full of wit and humour. His wife is my dearest friend.

There will be little development a principal can carry out due to a hectic work schedule, but Jiffry(may his soul rest in peace) ensured rapid development that uplifted the standard of Jeelan Central College Henamulla, Panadura in many ways.

His aim was to elevate it to be the best school to study in Tamil Medium in the Kalutara District. He untiringly worked using his acquaintances as well as influence to raise the G.C.E (O/L) and G.C.E (A/L) results and the achievements of the students. He also promoted extra curricular activities. During his time, the pupils of the school brought glory from District, Western, and even island wide competitions in Tamil, Muslim and English drama events. The time was called the “Golden Era” of the school because many students obtained 9A’s. He created a very strict learning environment and facilitated all the teachers serving in the science stream. This made students from Kalutara, Beruwela and Galle join the school to pursue education in the science stream. 

He got approval from the department and the ministry to start classes in English Medium and a much needed special education unit for the differently abled children.

At that time some teachers who had to travel more than twenty five kilo metres were finding it difficult to reach school on time as they had small children without help. They took leave if they got late. When he came to know he leniently allowed them to come to school even if they were late and made the sectional heads take care of their classes. He would say if the teacher took leave the students would lose supervision during eight periods. He himself taught many subjects.

Regarding the welfare of the students he was really concerned. Students easily fell victim to the trap of getting addicted to drugs. He devised plans with the SDS and SDC and they would stand on junctions to prevent students from getting into groups or meeting unknown persons. The members would make sudden visits to students’ homes at night and check whether they were studying. 

He also made the philanthropists he knew to contribute for worthy causes in education. He held standard prize givings and awarded trophies and gave away vouchers to motivate the students. 

Many students were able to receive scholarships and other benefits through his effort. 

One project initiated by him was the “Mother SriLanka Project RUN”. Under his guidance I was in charge of the project. He made the students to collect coconut shells which can be harmful to the environment. It created awareness and we raised a reasonable sum of money by selling them to companies. 

He was very strict in maintaining discipline. 

Jiffry had written many books for the betterment of the students’ population. Three of the books were “Padi”(study),”Viyathahu Vingnanihal”(wonderful scientists) and”Arivu Kalagnchiyam”(knowledge treasure).  
He was a beloved husband and a father:

His demise is a great unbearable loss to his dear wife Aamina, his sons, daughter in law and grandchild. 
January 20 marks his first death anniversary. May his soul rest in peace.
 Ms.U.Z.Rafieq (Retired teacher)