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.
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