Royal College 1946 Group marks Diamond Jubilee

COLOMBO: In the year 1946, a group of around 100 boys, dressed in dark blue shorts and white shirts assembled at "Carlton Lodge", Turret Road, Kollupitiya; near the office of the Royal College Principal E.L. Bradby.

He addressed them briefly, and sent them to their respective classes; all located at three different bungalows on Turret road. Another 24 boys proceeded to Royal College branch Bandarawela due to lack of accommodation in Colombo. The present building of Royal College was occupied by the Army at that time.

These youngsters were moulded by the masters of the school; amidst much coaxing, teasing and occasional twist of the ear or a whack of cane on their posterior. After 5 or 6 years we saw a set of men, who learnt of books and learnt of men and learnt to play the game, walk out of the school.

These young men then proceeded to take their position in the state or private sector, armed services and police, whilst others proceeded with their academic careers. Some ventured overseas.

Much later in life most of these people proceeded to be leaders in their respective fields. One rose up to be a minister of the state who ultimately sacrificed his life along with his spouse. It is also sad to observe that 30 of us have crossed the great divide.

Most of us have lost touch with each other over the years. We take this opportunity to get together as a group, after 60 long years at the Colombo Hilton today March 08, along with our spouses.

It has been quite a task for the organizing committee to gather our colleagues scattered all over the globe, who will be coming to Sri Lanka for this Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

We hope to meet and swap yarns of the days and events gone by. We thank our colleagues and all others who helped to make our Diamond Jubilee a success.

Organizing Committee.