St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy creates history in the educational arena of the Hill Capital, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary on November 01, 2010.
Though living overseas, we rejoice over the occasion with just a few years to reach the Diamond Jubilee of our Alma Mater. The sound of bells conveys to us the message that Sylvestarians past as well as present, together with the principal and staff, the parents and well wishers are strongly committed to uphold the unblemished reputation of our college, with a series of dynamic strategies to commemorate the anniversary.
It is also coincidental to have an old Sylvestarian Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, as the Governor of the Central Province to lead the Sylvestarians’ “Walk to the Future” from the historical suburb Gatambe, to Kandy town to mark the occasion.
Setting up of a monument in the college premises in memory of our dear collegues who were Heros of the war, to liberate Mother Lanka and felicitation of the old boys are among highlights of the celebrations. Outstanding students will also receive their merits. In 1940, seventy years ago, when the saintly Rev. Fr. Robbert M Perera, pioneered this educational project it had only 245 students and a dozen of teachers as the tutorial staff. Today, the College has made a remarkable achievement as a prime national institute with over 3145 students and 155 member academic staff, under the guidance of the principal Ranil Meetiyagoda.
Initially, Fr. Robbert, as he was affectionately known served as the first principal until he assumed duties as the Rector in 1949. Thereafter the ever-green era under the principalship of D.J.N. Seneviratne, continued for a marathon period of 24 years. Mr. Seneviratne was so fortunate as to have a strong supporting staff. The able Head Master W.S.S. Janz, R.M. Amarasinghe, Pandit M.O. Fernando, Richard Abeysekera and Sinharachchi are a few of them. Messers K.S. Gunaratne, W.B. Gopallawa, Berly, Nillegoda, A.B. Herath, Abeysinghe and the successive principals also rendered yeomen service to the College.
The name and the fame of the College spread islandwide, not only for its public examination results but also for its high standard of discipline and extra mural performances. The Boys Scouting, Cricket and Boxing were gaining grounds.
Sylvestarians became famous when they repeatedly became the “Stubbs Shield” champions. The College located in the heart of the Kandy town, at present provides facilities to the students to reach the highest levels in education and in any social field.
To its great glory, during the past seven decades the college had produced high ranking and eminent citizens to serve the motherland. One time Governor Gen. Cyril Ranatunga a former commander of the SL Army, and the unfading political personality Percy Samaraweera are among these distinguished old boys.
Article: Daily morror
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