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30/03/2025

Student Archives Committee 2024

Seated left to right -
Giretharan Branavaram, Vimukthi Dasunpriya,
Senira Prematillake, Riyashad Mihiraj,
Senith Bandara, Nehan Karunaratne,
Ovindu Fernando (Head of the Committee), ⁠Himsara Caldera (Head of the Committee), ⁠Vinindu Siriwardhana,
Kalhara Wanniarachchi, Nisal Peiris,
Thinal Sri Jayasuriya, Vhikaash Sithamparam,
Kemitha Withanage ,Ulindu Prabashwara

Standing left to right -
Althaf Isfahan, V. Kirithikan, Shamikara Pasan,
Danupa Rathnayake, Archana Jayathilake,
Kiran Chandrasiri, Kavya Fernando,
Dimuthu Gimsara, Oshada Ragala, Abiru De silva, Theviru Jayawardhana⁩, M.M Jayawardhana,
Ramindu Wimalasiri, Dhashindra Bakmedeniya,
Yasitha Adikaramge, Purinda Wijeratne,
Yuvanka Dayaratne

21/03/2025

The Royal-Thomian Tamil Debate Encounter, Sri Lanka’s longest-running Tamil debate, has been an esteemed annual event since 1994, contested for the Kulasekaram Memorial Shield. This prestigious debate between Royal College, Colombo, and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, remains the sole Tamil-language competition between the two institutions.

The shield commemorates Mr. M.M. Kulasekaram, former Vice Principal and Acting Principal of Royal College. An alumnus of Jaffna College and Trinity College, Kandy, he was a distinguished scholar and sportsman. Having completed the B.Sc. (Lond.) Examination, he joined Royal College in 1922 as a Mathematics and Physics teacher. He mentored generations of students, many of whom later achieved professional and academic excellence, attributing their success to his guidance. Appointed Vice Principal in 1946, he also served as Acting Principal in 1953 before retiring in 1954.

Introduced in 1994, the original shield was replaced in 2002 with a version featuring 15 slots for winners. In 2009, a third shield with 50 slots was introduced, ensuring the event’s continuity for five decades.

The Royal College Tamil Debaters’ Council, established in 2006, represents Royal College in the competition. Previously, the Tamil Debating Team functioned under the Royal College Tamil Literary Association, founded in 1938. As one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Tamil debating teams, it has been instrumental in fostering intellectual discourse.

Since the 14th Encounter in 2007, the Best Debater Award has been presented based on judges’ discretion, with a revised rule in 2011 allowing only one winner per year, sponsored by the Royal College Old Tamil Debaters’ Association.

Currently, Royal College leads with 14 victories, while S. Thomas’ College has 9, with two ties, reflecting a rich history of intellectual rivalry and dedication to the Tamil language.

The 26th Annual Royal-Thomian Tamil Debate Encounter will take place on March 22, 2025, at 4:01 p.m. at the Main Hall of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.

14/03/2025

The Mustangs Trophy is the annual limited-overs cricket match between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College, played a week after the historic Battle of the Blues.

First played in 1975, the encounter was pioneered by three distinguished Old Royalists, Air Vice Marshal Harry Goonetilleka, Brigadier S. D. N. Hapugalle, and Lankanath De Silva. The inaugural match, sponsored by the 43rd Group of Royal College, took place on April 12, 1975, at the C.C.C. Grounds. A unique tradition began when the captains, Prasanna Kariyawasam (Royal) and Mohan de Silva (St Thomas), carried a stump to the Mustangs Tent, where it was burned, and the ashes enshrined in the trophy. The match ended in a Royal victory after rain interrupted play.

Before the Mustangs Trophy, the schools met in the Exide Trophy final in 1973 or 1974. Over the years, the encounter has become a highly anticipated fixture, though not without controversy—such as a miscalculated Duckworth-Lewis result in the 37th edition, which was later corrected to a joint win.

Memorable performances have shaped the tournament’s history, including Royal’s Lahiru Madusanka’s unbeaten 46 off 17 balls in the 44th edition (2019), which secured victory after Royal’s loss in the 140th Battle of the Blues where his aggressive batting pressured Thomian vice-captain Kalana Perera, a national U19 pacer, into resorting to spin.

As of 2025, S. Thomas’ College holds the Mustangs Trophy after reclaiming it in the 47th edition. Royal College leads the overall tally with 23 wins, while S. Thomas’ has 22 victories. The 48th encounter will be played on March 15 at the SSC. Royal will be led by Ramiru Perera, while S. Thomas’ will be captained by Kavindu Dias, who recently led his team to regain the Senanayake Challenge Shield in the 146th Battle of the Blues.

Best wishes to both teams as they continue this prestigious tradition.

04/03/2025

The Battle of The Blues, the annual cricket encounter between Royal College, Colombo, and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, has been played since 1879, making it the second-longest uninterrupted cricket series globally and the oldest in the country.

The match, now in its 146th edition, is contested for the prestigious D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield, first awarded in 1928. The shield honors Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister, who played for S. Thomas’ College in 1901 and 1902. The match’s origins trace back to the introduction of cricket at Royal College by Joseph Brooke-Bailey, further popularized by the arrival of Mr. Ashley Walker in 1876. If a match ends in a draw, the current holder of the shield retains it.

Royal College is the current holder, having won the 144th match in 2023 under the captaincy of Dasis Manchanayaka. The centenary match in 1979 marked the transition to a three-day format, further cementing the event’s historical significance in Sri Lankan cricket.

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31/12/2024

Rooted in history and architectural elegance, the Oak Building of Royal College stands as a testament to tradition and resilience. Once a boarding house, hospital, and a hub of education, it embodies the legacy of Dutch colonial architecture while preserving the memories of generations of Royalists.

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29/12/2024

A testament to discipline, leadership, and service. The Cadet Square of Royal College stands as a proud symbol of the school’s rich cadeting legacy. Here, generations of Royalists have been molded into leaders of tomorrow.

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15/12/2024

Honoring the brave Royalists who made the supreme sacrifice for our nation. The War Heroes Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of their courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit.

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11/12/2024

Serving as the heart of Royal College, the Main Building is a symbol of heritage and tradition. Housing the iconic Main Hall and more, it has been the venue for historic events, inspiring speeches, and defining moments.

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04/12/2024

Celebrating the legacy of the J.R. Jayewardene Pavilion.

A testament to Royal College’s enduring spirit and excellence in sports. From unforgettable Events to historic milestones, this iconic structure stands as a symbol of camaraderie and achievement.

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29/11/2024

Step into the rich history of Navarangahala.

A symbol of tradition and excellence. From timeless performances to historic gatherings, this iconic theatre has witnessed countless moments that shaped the legacy of Royal College.

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24/11/2024

Standing tall for 86 years, the iconic Boake Gates of Royal College have witnessed generations of excellence, tradition, and unwavering pride. A gateway to history, heritage, and the spirit of Royalists past and present.

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19/11/2024

“Open Week ’24,” an educational initiative aimed at orienting Probationary Senior Stewards, Probationary Junior Stewards, Junior Prefects, and Primary Prefects with the historical significance and cultural heritage preserved within the Royal College Archives, sought to provide an immersive experience for young student leaders, fostering an understanding and appreciation of the esteemed history of our institution.

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