Loyola College completes three-score years

Pushpa ROWEL

Loyola College which had its humble beginnings in a small cadjan hut at Periyamulla, Negombo on March 2, 1949 celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

The school started under the patronage of the then Periyamulla Parish Priest with S. V. Fonseka as the founding principal. The college was shifted to its present spacious location at Daluwakotuwa Negombo under the Directorship of Rev. Fr. Leo Perera in 1996. The principal was Rev. Fr. Thilakasiri.

The school which has classes from Grade One to GCE Advanced Level in Sinhala and English medium is replete with all modern educational facilities including a well equipped library, lecture halls and a laboratory.

The newest addition is a three storeyed classroom block. Construction of a swimming pool will be in near future.

The school has churned out thousands of disciplined patriotic citizens including doctors, engineers and other intellectuals who had been rendering a major contribution towards the country's forward march over the years.

The school which is presently under the able guidance of Rev. Fr. Trevor Martin as its principal has also made its mark in the sports, arts and cultural fields.

The school's 60th anniversary celebrations included a 'Loyola Walk' on February 22. A five day Educational Exhibition is being held at the school premises during which period Western and oriental bands will present musical displays in addition to a music contest, and there will be a Inter School Band competition too.