A visionary and a man who dedicated his life to education, Ralph Ignatius Thomas Alles sir has gifted this country loyal students, passionate teachers, industrialists, professionals and politicians who are forever indebted to his unstinting service and guidance. Born on 3 rd October 1932, in Galle, Ralph Ignatius Thomas Alles received his primary education at St. Aloysius’ College in Galle and St. Anthony’s College in Kandy. Having lost his beloved father at a very early age of seven in the year 1939, Alles sir lived under his dear mother and siblings.

Alles sir began his career as an Assistant Teacher at Royal College, Colombo which laid the foundation for an illustrious journey as a veteran educationist. He went onto become the Founding Principal of one of Sri Lanka’s leading education institutions, D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo 7, as the Principal Father “Viduhalpathi Piyathuma” on 10 th of February 1967.

Later he joined the Public Service and served as the State Secretary to the Ministry of Education from 1989 to 1993. He also founded the Gateway International School and served as the Chairman of the Gateway Group until the time of his death on 28 th November 2013.

Alles sir was the loving husband of Rohini Alles and father of Parliamentarian Tiran Alles, Dr. Harsha Alles and late Malik Alles.