Cathy Watson Collection
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Remembering my grandfather
By Cathy Watson
I had seen them in Uganda – the grandchildren of distinguished colonialists – Sir Albert Cook, who set up the first hospital and the progressive governor Sir Andrew Cohen, who led the building of the Nile dam. And now I was one of them, Sir Ivor Jenning’s granddaughter, clutching old photos to present to the University of Peradeniya.
I did not know what to expect. With colleagues from the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), we filed into the vice chancellor’s office, where my grandfather sat from 1942 to 1955. Across the table were deans, and next to me the current vice-chancellor, Professor Atula Senaratne.
I had asked my mother for talking points. But nothing had come. My daughter, who studied Papa’s letters and papers, 40 boxes worth in Senate House at the University of London, had advised me simply -- say he believed in education. My husband had said – tell family stories. Everyone loves them.
So I sat there with my notes. Professor K Samarasinghe spoke first. “This is a historic meeting from our side because we respect our first vice-chancellor because of this university, the most beautiful in the world. We have this gift because of Sir Ivor Jennings.”
The dean of the faculty of agriculture went on: “The entire country respects him so much. I take this opportunity to thank Cathy and the ICRAF team for taking time to do this important thing. We were dreaming to meet a relative of Sir Ivor Jennings.”
I thought – “oh no, how beautiful!” And then - “I mustn’t cry”. I thought “you can be strong.” Then the Vice-chancellor spoke.
“Your grandfather was the person behind the first constitution. DS Senanayake wanted independence to be on his birthday. But your grandfather said it is far and the people are yearning for Independence.” So, apparently, they chose my grandparents’ wedding anniversary instead. That’s the story at least!
I then handed over the photos, including one of an elephant lifting a steel girder during the building of the university and another of the signing of the constitution. My grandfather was 38 when he arrived in Ceylon and had already written 11 books.
Later I talk with my mother. I tell her that Peradeniya is tree-filled, the trees in bloom, students chat in milk bars, and the library has one million books. She says – “My father always said that his books would be his legacy, but perhaps his real legacy is the university.” I nod in agreement down the phone.”
That evening we are hosted to dinner at the vice chancellor’s residence, from where my mother married in 1952. I thank the chief librarian for being so generous about my grandfather. She says – “He is always with us, every day. He is all around us as we walk across this campus.” Again I swallow tears.
My grandfather went on to write another 19 books and several more constitutions and to be Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University and master of Trinity Hall. But he never forgot Sri Lanka.
END
By Cathy Watson
I had seen them in Uganda – the grandchildren of distinguished colonialists – Sir Albert Cook, who set up the first hospital and the progressive governor Sir Andrew Cohen, who led the building of the Nile dam. And now I was one of them, Sir Ivor Jenning’s granddaughter, clutching old photos to present to the University of Peradeniya.
I did not know what to expect. With colleagues from the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), we filed into the vice chancellor’s office, where my grandfather sat from 1942 to 1955. Across the table were deans, and next to me the current vice-chancellor, Professor Atula Senaratne.
I had asked my mother for talking points. But nothing had come. My daughter, who studied Papa’s letters and papers, 40 boxes worth in Senate House at the University of London, had advised me simply -- say he believed in education. My husband had said – tell family stories. Everyone loves them.
So I sat there with my notes. Professor K Samarasinghe spoke first. “This is a historic meeting from our side because we respect our first vice-chancellor because of this university, the most beautiful in the world. We have this gift because of Sir Ivor Jennings.”
The dean of the faculty of agriculture went on: “The entire country respects him so much. I take this opportunity to thank Cathy and the ICRAF team for taking time to do this important thing. We were dreaming to meet a relative of Sir Ivor Jennings.”
I thought – “oh no, how beautiful!” And then - “I mustn’t cry”. I thought “you can be strong.” Then the Vice-chancellor spoke.
“Your grandfather was the person behind the first constitution. DS Senanayake wanted independence to be on his birthday. But your grandfather said it is far and the people are yearning for Independence.” So, apparently, they chose my grandparents’ wedding anniversary instead. That’s the story at least!
I then handed over the photos, including one of an elephant lifting a steel girder during the building of the university and another of the signing of the constitution. My grandfather was 38 when he arrived in Ceylon and had already written 11 books.
Later I talk with my mother. I tell her that Peradeniya is tree-filled, the trees in bloom, students chat in milk bars, and the library has one million books. She says – “My father always said that his books would be his legacy, but perhaps his real legacy is the university.” I nod in agreement down the phone.”
That evening we are hosted to dinner at the vice chancellor’s residence, from where my mother married in 1952. I thank the chief librarian for being so generous about my grandfather. She says – “He is always with us, every day. He is all around us as we walk across this campus.” Again I swallow tears.
My grandfather went on to write another 19 books and several more constitutions and to be Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University and master of Trinity Hall. But he never forgot Sri Lanka.
END
