Royal celebrations to mark 175th anniversary

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Royal College, Colombo, Sri Lanka's oldest school with 8,300 students, will celebrate its 175th anniversary on Tuesday with an all-night pirith ceremony followed by an alms-giving on February 10.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be the Chief Guest at the Special General Assembly at the College auditorium on February 23. The anniversary celebrations will continue during the year and it will conclude in the first week of December with a musical show and raffle draw.

Royal College, Colombo is recognised as the third oldest school in the world with a large number of students. It has over 350 academic staff at present.

The Principal of Royal College, Upali Gunasekera told a media briefing last week at the College Union office, that in addition to studies, students are given an opportunity to excel in various sports activities including cricket, rugger, swimming and boxing.

He said an indoor stadium will be set up in the school shortly in keeping with international standards to pave the way for students to go ahead with other sports activities.

Anniversary Committee Chairman Capt. Ajith Peiris outlined the selfless services rendered by the students that would be highlighted during the celebration period.

Royal College Union (RCU), Secretary Rizan Nazeer said the Union has over 20,000 members in Sri Lanka and around the world and a first day cover designed by two students will be released to mark the 175th anniversary celebrations.

Anniversary Committee Deputy Chairman, Suayid Ismail said that in addition to Buddhist religious activities, a series of other religious ceremonies with the participation of Christian, Muslim and Hindu dignitaries will also be held during the celebration period.

He said that the RCU has decided to conduct educational exhibitions and competitions during the eleven-month celebration period.

RCU Deputy Chairman Abhaya Amaradasa and Deputy Principal Lakshmi Attygala were also present at the press briefing.