George Mendis was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He was a highly respected educationist, a skilled scientist, a talented sportsman, a prolific journalist, and a devoted family man. Born in Sri Lanka in 1925, Mendis grew up in a family that valued education, hard work, and community service.
Mendis excelled in many subjects in his school days at St. Peter’s College, Colombo, but he was particularly talented in mathematics. He was also a highly skilled cricketer, selected to play for St. Peter’s Cricket 1st XI at a very young age. He was a master leg spinner, which is considered one of the most difficult bowling styles to control.
After completing his degree in Bachelor of Science, Mendis began his career in education. He worked as a School Inspector and rose to the highest professional rank in the Education service. He became the Deputy Director-General of Education and later the Chairman of the Education Services Committee, which controlled the key appointments, transfers, and promotions of teachers and principals in the country. He was known for his focus on disadvantaged schools and children and initiated programs such as the “Small Schools” program and the “Shishya Guru” program for skilled fresh graduates to pursue teaching careers.
Mendis also made significant contributions to the development of temples in Sri Lanka. He worked closely with the founder of the Dimbulagala temple, the honorable Seelankara Thero, and started the temple school that was the beginning of that development. He built the first schools in Somawathiya temple and Tantirimale temple, which are temple icons in Sri Lanka.
Mendis was also a highly accomplished sportsman, who could master any sport. He was a Sri Lanka clubs tennis champion and won key championships like the Bandarawela tennis open. He was also skilled in badminton, table tennis, and other sports.
In addition to his professional and sporting achievements, Mendis was a talented journalist who regularly contributed to leading English newspapers in Sri Lanka, writing about cricket. He had perfect English writing skills and had three popular books published. He was also a key pianist in Dehiwela Church at a young age and could play any song on the mouth-organ, which he continued to do until late in life.
Mendis was known for his boundless energy, attention to detail, and perfectionism. He taught his children to never give up on anything and to know that if they put their minds to something, anything is possible. He had a great sense of humor and was always coming up with intelligent jokes that lit up any gathering.
Throughout his life, Mendis touched many people around the world, from Australia to Africa to Europe. He travelled extensively, but he was always there for his family. For 63 years, he and his wife shared everything life could offer – together. They were a great team, supporting each other in every way. His love for his family, in-laws, and grandchildren was unconditional, and his kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mendis passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of achievement, service, and love. He was a true inspiration to all who knew him, and his memory will continue to live on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.
(Bio of my father, created by ChatGPT based on a talk given at his funeral by my brother Prof Priyan Mendis)
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