Peterite goodwill mission to India

The Peterite soccer and basketball under 19 and under 17 teams respectively embarked on a goodwill mission to India on June 26 to July 3.

Being the closest neighbour to Sri Lanka and having inherited religion, culture and to some extent language from India, there is more in common than the differences between us and Indians.

The objective of the Peterite goodwill mission was to establish friendly ties with the students and the peoples of India where ever and whenever the opportunity and the possibility was there to do so.

Although ancient history, religion, culture, politics, economics and even to a larger extent the development of language bound both countries together yet events that happened not so long ago created a strain in the relationship between both these truly friendly neighbours. The Peterite goodwill mission was to experience that which united both these countries and to shed aside differences.

The Peterite soccer and basketball goodwill mission was a window to have a glimpse of the different dimensions of the Indian way of life and the glorious history behind the build up of this great nation.

The Peterite touched down at Chennai and their first match was against M.C.S. College in Chennai. The soccer match was nil all and the Peterite basketball players scored 46 points against their opponents who were able to shoot only 36 points. The match was friendly and the hospitality was remarkable.

Later in the evening they strolled along the Marina beach enjoying the breeze learning a golden lesson that it will blow where it will. The small and big ornaments made out of sea shells exhibited in the shops along the coast of the beach gave it a unique definite character and elegance. This was a spectacular experience. Peterites visited where the ashes of the famous actor turned politician M.G.R. and the revolutionary leader Anna were kept.

Peterites started off to Mahavalipuram on the next day and stopped at a crocodile farm where an innumerable number of crocodiles almost from all the countries were reared. Having enjoyed their visit to the crocodile farm they proceeded with their journey. The unending roaring sound of the waves of Mahavalipuram a city famous for its meticulous stone carvings greeted them.

In the evening they went to the Mega Carnival-similar to that of the Disney World. They were delighted and marvelled at the wonder of how a variety of machine technology could provide fun and merriment to all. They swam in the pool and went on boat rides. All in their entire visit to the mega-carnival was a thrilling and an exciting experience.

Peterites on the third day left to Bangalore the garden city of India by bus which took them only eight hours. There they played against St. Joseph's Boys High School students. The soccerites registered a 3 to 2 victory. The Basketball players registered a 42 to 40 point win.

The high point of their stay in Bangalore was their visit to the museum. They were able to witness for themselves of advanced scientific and technology self - explanatory modals of basic and complex scientific paradigms and theories. It was an informative and an educative experience.

From there Peterites left to Mysoore which comparatively is less populated, a bit cold and a famous tourist site. They visited the places in Mysoore which were built during the British rule of India by a King who favoured the British. Ever since then his dynasty has controlled the palaces or have sought to control the palaces. The beautiful architecture, the elegant sculpture and the colourful paintings were a majestic sight to see. The Peterites visited the Chamundi temple which was that of the King of Mysoore. This temple which was famous for miraculous cures was situated on the peak of a rock and from the top the entire city of Mysoore was visible.

Peterites then visited the Brindavana Gardens by the side of the controversial Kaveri river. The colourful water fountain that danced to the rhythm of music was a magnificent sight to watch.

From Mysoore of Karnataka they travelled to the cool climes of Ooty in Tamil Nadhu travelling along the sandalwood infected Mudumali Jungle once the fortress of the slain bandit turned war lord Weerappan. On their way they stopped at a huge and an extensive Sun flower garden. They made an observational tour of the garden. From the cold, chilly winter like hills of Ooty they made their way to Madras. After a brief tour of the city they bid fare well to India.

The Peterite touched down in Sri Lanka on the wee hours of the night of July 2. They brought along with them wonderful and pleasant memories that they would treasure.

The Sports Coordinator of St. Peter's College Colombo 4. Rev. Fr. Sunil Ranjith Perera, was the Master in Charge of Basketball, Noel Cooray, his assistant Asiri Caldera, the Basketball coach Sembukutiarachchi, the Teacher in Charge of Soccer Miss Marina Thasisius and the soccer coach Tissa Kodithuwakku accompanied the Peterite Soccer and Basketball teams to India.

The Rector of St. Peter's College Colombo 4, Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera was the brain and the architect behind the Goodwill mission to India.