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'Royal Loyalty Pledge' launched at Royal College

by Ananda Kannangara

Royal College, Colombo on Thursday created history by launching the unique programme 'The Royal Loyalty Pledge'.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest.

About 500 old Royalists including Ministers, Parliamentarians, academics, military service personnel, sportsmen and others attended the ceremony organised by the Royal College Union (RCU).

'The Loyalty Pledge' was launched to initiate a professional development programme for Royal College teachers to learn the latest educational techniques here and abroad, start teacher exchange programmes with neighbouring countries and provide them with medical and life insurance policies while improving their management training skills.

The programme will finance student-centered activities, promote sports and upgrade school buildings.

The Prime Minister paid a glowing a tribute to the RCU for their efforts to launch the Loyalty Pledge. He said the programme will benefit Royal College teachers and students.

The day's proceedings began with the welcoming of the chief guest and other invitees by Principal Lakshman Gomes.

The Premier said it was the duty of all Royalists to sacrifice towards their alma mater by repaying the debt for the excellent education received.

"You are true Royalists who benefited by Royal education. You must think of your alma mater by making a contribution towards this unique programme," he said.

"This programme will benefit teachers and also students of Royal College in the years to come," Wickremesinghe said.

The Prime Minister also recalled the origin of Royal College and said from the time the college was established at St. Sebastian Hill in 1835, education and other activities of the institution developed gradually due to teachers and students' efforts.

The principal said profiles of students will be maintained as a computerised database to identify students' talents and needs.

Talented students will be encouraged and provided opportunities to develop their talents, Gomes said.

This database will also help recognise students' needs like financial and other requirements.

Loyalty Pledge Management Committee Chairman Mahendra Amerasuriya thanked Royal College Union Treasurer Kamal Abeysinghe for encouraging him in this programme. He said the concept of the loyalty pledge derives from the fact that almost every Royalist will admit that the position they have reached in the society was due to the unique educational experience they received from the school.

He said the Loyalty Pledge was based on the famous oath taken by young men of Athens.

"I request all present and past Royalists, parents and well-wishers to think further about this programme and contribute in cash and kind to support and develop the college," he said.

Amerasuriya said details on this Loyalty Pledge programme could be downloaded from the official web site WWW.royalcollege.lk/currentprojects/loyaltypledge.shtml 

Capt. Ajith Peiris proposed the vote of thanks.

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