It is with much sadness that the University Community has learnt of the passing of Samuel Bertram Bandara, Senior Librarian II, on Monday, September 25. The University in general and his co-workers at the Library in particular, mourn his passing, and extend condolences to his wife, Swarna, Head of the Medical Branch Library, and to their children, relatives and friends. A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life Mr Bandara will take place on Friday, October 6 at the University Chapel beginning at 2:00 pm.
Mr B, as he was affectionately called, began his career in the education system of his native country, Sri Lanka where he worked as Assistant Master of Trinity College until 1968 when he migrated to Britain where he worked as an assistant with teaching and research duties at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He later went back to Sri Lanka in 1974 working as an Assistant Librarian at the University of Sri Lanka until 1977 when he came to Jamaica in 1977. He has been apart of the University of the West Indies, Mona family since then serving in varying capacities and contributing greatly to the work of the library in particular.