In memory of Mrs Margaret Abhayapala

It is with great sadness that we heard the passing away of a long standing dedicated very personable teacher known to most as a Math teacher but played many roles at Bishop’s college. Class teacher, science teacher and even coordinated and played a key role in supporting Buddhist education to the Buddhist community at college.

Known to most of us by her nick name “Abhaya”, she was a formidable, no-nonsense teacher who managed to control us high energy naughty teenagers very well. Even the naughtiest in class which some other teachers struggled to control would be in their best behaviour in Abhaya’s class.

We now know and appreciate all what she did for us and is so thankful to her as the tributes keep coming from her students far and wide thanking her for the disciplinarian she was, which contributed to making us what we are today.

With sayings such as “Anything I have learnt in Math and geometry is thanks to Abhaya”, “She was a strict teacher but thanks to her I learnt a lot”, “she certainly loved Math and was a very dedicated great teacher who was able to withstand the naughtiness of us high energy teenagers” …. and the accolades go on.

Now is the time for us to go back in time and celebrate the beautiful life she dedicated to us with her passion for teaching not only from the books but things like values, respect and responsibility.
In the latter years, post school days she was so kind and friendly towards us past pupils.

Many class batches have been to visit her and show her their gratitude, which I hear had made her extremely happy.
I know there may be some students who would have very much disliked her for the disciplinarian she was but Abhaya did what she had to do without wanting to be the pet teacher at school.

Abhaya the strong determined Fordian, was a great example of the Ford house profile “Play up, play up and play the Game “.
A heat felt Thank You! to a great teacher from a very grateful student.

Mrs Margaret Abhayapala, “May you attain the ultimate bliss of Nibbana”.
– Sudharshani Samarasena