COMMUNITY PILLARS OF MFA
Those Who Built Us
For 25 years, MFA has been carried by extraordinary individuals who gave their time, talent, treasure, and heart
“They did not always stand on stage. Their names were not always in the headlines. But without them, there would be no MFA.”
FOUNDERS & PRESIDENTS
The people who led
Ten presidents and founding members have carried MFA across 25 years — each leaving their own mark on who we are today.
JY
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Established MFA’s first committee and structure; held the first Mannar Night in December
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Quietly covered financial shortfalls from his own pocket to keep MFA debt-free
“Without Jude, MFA might not have survived its first few years. He gave us stability when we had nothing.”
— Sylvester Nicholas
BK
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Moved Mannar Night from church halls to full banquet halls, printing MFA’s first souvenir magazine
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Established the Scholarship Trust Fund at Hatton National Bank — still funding students today
“2007 was the year MFA grew up. Bertie made us look and feel like a real organization.”
— Sylvester Nicholas
BK
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Led MFA through internal challenges — united members and brought back those who had stepped away
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Launched Bridge to Mannar, supporting 160 war-affected children; remains an active adviser today
“Gaster was the bridge that brought us back together. Without him, MFA might have faded. We owe him a great debt.”
— A past executive committee member
SN
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Served ten consecutive years — longer than anyone in MFA history; returned in 2026 for the 25th Anniversary
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Modernized operations, attracted sponsors, expanded humanitarian work — hospital donations, orphanage sponsorship, flood relief
“There was a time when no one else would lead. Sylvester said, ‘I will do it.’ That is the mark of a true servant leader.”
— MFA Executive Committee member
IX
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Became MFA’s first female President during a difficult post-COVID transition
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Initiated the $9,000 orphanage sponsorship and led the 2026 flood relief response for 80 families
“When MFA was going through a tough time, Indra said, ‘I will do it.’ She didn’t hesitate. She led with heart and action.”
— Sylvester Nicholas
MORE FOUNDERS & LEADERS
Serving alongside them
Jeevaratnam “DSO” Murugesupillai
FOUNDING VISIONARY, DIRECTOR
Former District Sports Officer of Mannar; initiated the idea of forming MFA and Unified the founding members.
Christina Kingsley
PERFORMER & VOLUNTEER
Performed alongside Bertie for years; supported rehearsals and coordination.
Rohan Mathews
FOUNDING MEMBER, TREASURER
Longest-serving Treasurer; managed MFA’s finances with discipline and transparency.
Shyamala Mathews
VOLUNTEER
Worked alongside Rohan at every BBQ and Mannar Night, welcoming new families with warmth.
Michael Xavier “Master”
LONG-TIME MEMBER
Opened his home for meetings; handled logistics for every Mannar Night and BBQ.
PATRONS, SPONSORS & BUILDERS
Those who gave generously
Meleni David
PATRON, LONG-TIME SPONSOR
Stepped up financially whenever MFA faced shortfalls; provided moral support through difficult years.
Christeen “Dushy” Seevaratnam
DIRECTOR, SPONSOR
Provided consistent platinum and gold level sponsorships year after year.
Dr. John Figurado
DIRECTOR, RAFFLE SPONSOR
Donated valuable raffle prizes every single year — a vital fundraising source.
George Nicholas “George Uncle”
DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY BUILDER
Personally brought hundreds of Mannar people into MFA over decades of quiet service.
Christie “Christy Uncle” Masillamany
CONSTITUTION WRITER, DIRECTOR
Drafted the original MFA Constitution in 2005, still governing the association today.
Alston Thayalarajah Nicholas
EARLY COMMITTEE MEMBER
Hosted meetings at his home; stayed after every gathering to clean and organise.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Suresh Mathews & Ravi Mathews
1966–2024 · 1965–2024 — Two brothers, one legacy of service. Suresh built the engine of charity. Ravi was the heart of community. Their loss is deeply felt.
Suresh Mathews
Architect of the Scholarship Program
Initiated the MFA University Scholarship Program and established the fixed deposit model that has helped 45+ students complete their education.
“Suresh made a system so that helping students would continue long after he was gone. That is legacy.”
Ravi Mathews
The “BBQ King”
Known for operating the grill at Summer Picnics in scorching heat, without complaint — always cheerful, always present.
“Ravi cooked for us in the burning sun, never complained, and always smiled. He made our BBQs feel like family.”
COMPLETE RECORD
Every pillar, at a glance
| NAME | ROLE(S) | KEY CONTRIBUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Jude Yoganathan | Founding President, Patron | First president; covered shortfalls; guided successors |
| Jeevaratnam (DSO) | Founding Visionary, Director | Initiated MFA; organised sports; football tournaments |
| Bertie Kingsley | 2nd President | Banquet hall era, first magazine, trust fund |
| Christina Kingsley | Performer, Volunteer | Performed and volunteered for decades |
| Rohan Mathews | Founding Member, Treasurer | Managed finances; membership outreach |
| Shyamala Mathews | Volunteer | BBQs, Mannar Nights, hospitality |
| John Benedict “Gaster” | President (2011–2012) | United MFA; Bridge to Mannar project |
| Sylvester Nicholas | President (2013–2023, 2026) | Longest-serving; modernised MFA |
| Indra Michael Xavier | President (2024–2025) | First female president; orphanage sponsorship |
| Michael Xavier “Master” | Long-time Member | Opened home; logistics for every event |
| Meleni David | Patron, Past Patron | Major sponsor; mentorship |
| Christeen Seevaratnam | Director, Sponsor | Platinum/gold sponsorships |
| Dr. John Figurado | Director, Raffle Sponsor | Consistent raffle donations |
| George Nicholas | Director, Community Builder | Brought hundreds into MFA |
| Christie Masillamany | Constitution Writer, Director | Drafted constitution; hosted meetings |
| Alston Nicholas | Early Committee Member | Hosted meetings; supported fundraisers |
| Gerald Nagarajah | Supportive Father | Encouraged Meleni David’s service |
| Suresh Mathews † | Treasurer, Scholarship Founder | Initiated scholarship program |
| Ravi Mathews † | Volunteer, “BBQ King” | BBQ grill; joyful service |
A FINAL WORD OF GRATITUDE