In 1966 he was a founder member of the Association of Sri Lankans in the UK, and he was the Sri Lankan representative to the Immigrants Advisory Service. Often Ben and Ira would invite people into their home for a meal and a counselling chat. They were also widely known for their large Christmas parties.
Ben became a Methodist lay preacher in 1976, and served on numerous church committees. A loving father, he brought up his daughters with a strong social conscience, taking them on marches and demonstrations, and fundraising for charities. One of his personal achievements was completing the London Marathon five times, collecting funds for the British Heart Foundation and a small Methodist church in his father's hometown of Minuwangoda, Sri Lanka.
In 1995, Ben returned to Sri Lanka as principal of Wesley College. Over five years, he transformed the school, elevating standards, raising funds to update the fabric of the buildings and enhancing the qualifications of the staff. He greatly improved the welfare of the pupils, controversially abolishing corporal punishment. Morale rose markedly under his humane guidance.
Returning to the UK in 2000, he wrote his PhD thesis on leadership and continuing professional development of teachers; accepting this final degree in March at London University was the culmination of his own belief in lifelong learning. He died a week later, at a Methodist conference, surrounded by friends.
His love of the old and the young, his sense of humour, his gifts of communication, quiet leadership and unfailing kindness will always be remembered. He is survived by Ira, his daughters Mali, Roshi and Ishani and six grandchildren.
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