The late Shanmuganathapillai was distinguished old of Jaffna Central College, studied from 1945 to 1956. He obtained the B.Sc degree from India and worked as a Botany teacher in the schools in SriLanka and finally in 1990 joined his old college and served the Alma mater in the capacity of Principal until 1996. Shanmuganathapillai was one of the principals served during the most difficult period in the life of people and students education in the north. The initial reconstruction of the school which was severely damaged was started by Shanmuganapillai and finished later by the late Rasathurai during his time as principal. Shanmuganathapillai is a good writer in Tamil and had written many articles in Central College magazines. We pay tribute to a sincere and dedicated Principal. I knew him well, he used to come to Colombo as a G.C.E AL Botany marking examiner when I was the Chief examiner.