Vice-Principal of Wesley, Mr. Lancelot Aelian Fernando joined the staff of Wesley College in 1950, and was Hostel Master (1950-51), and Senior Hostel Master in the period l951-1954. Mr. Fernando was awarded a scholarship to the United States, to the Garett Biblical Institute and North Western University, where he followed a course of studies in the period, l954-l956. Mr. Fernando returned to Ceylon in 1957, and was appointed Chaplain of the school.

A man of intellectual dynamism and conviction, he was a towering presence on the teaching scene at Wesley from the 1950s and well into the 60's. The schools had to adapt to the changing expectations of a new generation of parents of post colonial Ceylon. The process was sometimes painful and the transition difficult. He had a strong personality and with his forthrightness, with a flair to shun publicity and ambition. The school benefited enormously from his enthusiasm and ability.

Mr. L.A. was a bright eyed lad from Moratuwa with a wicked grin and a bucketful of enthusiasm. He was the Senior Hostel Master and a father figure to the hostellers. He maintained strict discipline and was fiercely loyal to the Hostel and Moscrop House and he was always there for the Inter-house matches to cheer the boys. The whole hostel were taken by him to the "pictures" in large groups to see "The Robe", "Sampson and Delilah" "Demitrius and the Gladiators" "Quo Vadis"and many others.

He was a devout Christian and a lay preacher. As kids we loved to hear him deliver the Sermon at the hostel Chapel or Maradana Methodist Church for his great mastery of the art of story telling. Be it the story of the Prodigal son or Feeding the 5000 he brought them to life by his superb narrations. I have always remembered his story of the famous painting of Albrecht Durer "The Praying Hands". At Assembly he enjoyed singing the school song and Hymns from the famous Wesley College Hymnal, specially "When I survey the wondrous Cross". Its lovely poignant lyrics and the lilting melody sung at the Assembly hall with over 500 student voices echoing and seemingly lifting the roof.

He immersed himself fully in whatever he did, sports, academic or extracurricular activities - an extrovert. He had a commanding, rather plummy voice, and an authoritative physical presence. We knew it when he was around as he took over the affairs and directed the proceedings. He urged the students to achieve what they didn't think they could. He provided pastoral care to those in trouble, financial or otherwise. Towards the end of his school career he had an old hostellers get together to meet all those who had been with him right from the beginning. It was a massive gathering and a fun day for all. At the school cricket matches he was a cheer leader gathering the troops to support our players.

He had a masterful public manner and kept the school in the spotlight. Being a strong political figure at school of considerable stature he rose to become the Vice Principal above many strong contenders. Wesley College at the time was a centrifugal institution well suited to his personal dynamism. This appealed to the liberal-minded Methodist Synod. His immense stamina was always an asset. He had a healthy rapport with the parents who were at ease with him.

As the years rolled on I remember how sad we were to see him leave for further studies in the USA. After his return, he had an open house for all boarders and had a classical music appreciation classes at the Vice Principals bungalow when he played the vinyl micro groove records he had brought from the USA. The Mozarts - Eine Kleine Nacht Music still lingers on reminding of those happy times.

In 1958 taught chemistry. He was a good conscientious teacher and prepared all students for the examinations. He had the rare gift to teach to remember facts and I would call him a gifted guru born to teach. His didactic teaching manner suited students well. The most remarkable feature of his teaching was the attention he paid to those who were less able, always encouraging them to do better. Mr. L.A. Fernando taught Organic Chemistry for A-levels to give a superb grounding in the subject. He personally brought the University Entrance results to us and he was just ecstatic and appeared happier and jubilant than some of the students. He took great personal pride in each and everyone’s success, a sign of a great teacher.

He left Wesley to join the US Educational Foundation (USEF) in 1968 foregoing the opportunity to lead the school as the Principal of Wesley, which was an enormous loss for the school. Although, Mr. L. A. Fernando died at the relatively young age of 64, even now his vision and passion seems indestructible. His photo brings him back to life and his voice seems to echo in the background. He was so much a part of Wesley even after the passage of 15 years. In all his years at Wesley his concern for the students' welfare stood out.

Mr. L. A. Fernando brought to the school, the boarding, the classroom and his life as a Vice Principal a regal grandness of purpose and possibility. During the time I knew him his non-conformist views, attitudes and life stands out. All of those who knew him were lifted by it, and there are many. Wesley is greatly indebted to him. He had a tremendous talent for teaching. Wesley will miss him in the years to come.

Teacher, Philosopher, Preacher and Raconteur
He had confidence in students’ ability when they had doubts:
He was one of the finest all round teachers of our times.