President to preside at General Assembly:

Royal College - 175 years of excellence in national education

by Ruzaik FAROOK

Royal College, Colombo - the nation's premier learning establishment, celebrates 175 years of continued excellence in national education - President Mahinda Rajapaksa will preside over a special General Assembly on February 23.

With a rich history dating back to the year 1835, Royal College, Colombo has ingrained itself in the annals of Sri Lankan history as the premier provider of primary and secondary education.

The educational achievements of this noble house of learning are also to be combined with meritorious feats achieved in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

A poignant legacy of continued educational excellence coupled with supremacy in practically every sport has ensured the evolvement of Royal College, Colombo as the island's foremost educational destination.It is in this vein that the Royal College Union has set out an extensive and comprehensive plan of action to mark 175 years of dedicated service to the nation.Religious services to bless the College, will be held across all secular divisions beginning with an all-night pirith chanting that will take place on February 9, followed by a mid day almsgiving the following day.

February 11 will see the Bambalapitiya Sri Mannika Vinayagar Kovil and the school premises being at the forefront of Hindu religious offerings and blessings, whilst a Christian thanksgiving service will take place at the College premises on February 15. Islamic religious activities will be conducted at the Devatagaha mosque and subsequently at the Navarangahala on February 10.

The highlight of the year long festivities, will be a special General Assembly that will take place on February 23 under the auspices of President Rajapaksa who will be the Chief Guest. This event will also be attended by dignitaries, the entire student population, the full complement of the academic staff, management and members of the Royal College Union.February will also see a special commemorative 'first day cover' and stamp being issued by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication with the special assistance of the Postmaster General. This 175th anniversary stamp issue is a historical moment in Sri Lanka as it is the first time a stamp has been designed by school students.The key celebrative event organised will be the Royal Parade (walk) in July. To add a touch of glamour to this memorable and colourful parade, a musical show is being organised to bring a close to the day, in which the 'mega' raffle draw will also be launched.Principal of Royal College Upali Gunasekara said, "It is indeed a pleasure and privilege for me to be at the spearhead of Royal College as it celebrates 175 years of achievements.

I am looking forward to the program of activities in the pipeline and wholeheartedly pledge my support to the RCU, the driving force behind Royal College, Colombo."March, 2010 will witness a special 'Royal Banquet' for all old boys and for our alumni this will surely be an occasion to cherish for the coming decades, whilst an RCU 'Members Night' is also another occasion to look forward to and will take place during the month of May.The school history as compiled by M. L. Fernando will also be published in September to mark this historic milestone.

Hony. Secretary, RCU Rizan Nazeer said, "The RCU has gone to great efforts in organising and planning a series of exciting and memorable events. We look forward to the participation of all of our alumni and the successful celebration of 175 years of Royal College, Colombo."

The musical talents of past and present Royalists will be unveiled in December, under the aegis of a musical show entitled 'Royalists on Stage.' The Old Royalists Association of dramatists will also engage in a public theatre performance in July.The 175th year anniversary celebrations of the College will, also herald the inauguration of a novel T20 cricket tournament against S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, long time rival of Royal! Whilst an invitational athletic meet in July is also sure to draw out the competitive spirit amongst local schools."Royal College, Colombo has produced an alumnus that has engaged in selfless service to the nation.

"The activities we have planned throughout 2010 will showcase the past, present and future of College and serve to uplift the infrastructure of this prestigious dispenser of knowledge," said Capt. Ajith Peiris, Chairman of the 175th year Anniversary Committee.The activities scheduled and funds raised, will be utilised for the following projects as supported by the Royal College Union; A new multi-purpose building to house an international standard boxing ring, table tennis arena, gymnasium and locker rooms for all sports.

Also on the cards is a planned restoration of the main College building and the establishment of a space for the Royal College Union archives to be collated and displayed.