AGM of Richmond College Union (Colombo)

Palitha S. Thenuwara Vice President -RCU

Richmond College, the leading boys' educational institution in the South was started in 1876. It has developed in size- physically, stature and fame, student population, numbers in the staff, extra curricular activities, and many other ways.

These developments were consequences and achievements of great commitment shown by Principals of the caliber of Rev. Darrel, Rev Small, Rev Sneath, the Sri Lankan Principals who served Richmond, starting from ER de Silva who was the first. Principals such as AS Weerasinghe, D. Welikala etc. are considered as 'greats' who later served Richmond tremendously. The contribution made throughout by the teaching and other staff has motivated the students to achieve greater heights.

Great products of Richmond extend to the glorious past and even today in many fields. Some important names are Dr. C.W.W Kannangara and Mr. SKP de Silva who was more famously known as P de S Kularatna, who excelled in the sphere of education and nation building. Richmond has produced two Heads of State - President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Dr. W. Dahanayake. Major Montague Jayawickrema, Messers Norman Waidyaratne, Chamal Rajapaksa, Amarasiri Dodangoda, Vasudeva Nanayakkara etc. have excelled in diverse political activity in the national political field. Some others acquired attention also in the Local and Provincial political field. Even today there are two old Richmondite Ministers in the Southern Provincial Council.

Many famous civil servants, judges, principals, professors, literary maestros, doctors, engineers and other professionals adore the list of Richmond products. In addition, there had been many reputed military personnel who fought against the terrorists and there are business leaders who excelled in production, marketing and businesses. These names and positions prove the multifarious contributions made by Richmond College to the multifaceted Sri Lankan society.

Richmond College has nearly 4,500 students and about 175 in the teaching staff. The schooling from the kindergarten to Advanced Level classes is supplemented by many other activities like farming projects, other production units, almost all games played in Sri Lankan schools, scouting, cadetting, student associations etc.

However, with the financial difficulties faced by schools, Richmond too faced problems in its development processes. The old boys have taken upon themselves this challenge mainly through the Richmond College Old Boys, Association and other Old Boys' Groups to supplement financial and material support to the College. RCU stands in the forefront in supplementation for the simple reason of its proximity to all such facilitating and supporting organizations.

RCU Ex Co approached the development process for Richmond by an initial dialogue with the Principal, which produced a shopping list of activities to be undertaken. RCU succeeded in implementation of some and partly succeeded in others and yet a very few did not succeed. AGM 2009 may be a forum to review RCU's performance, appreciate successes and review failures, in search of solutions. It will be a forum to discuss new approaches for 2010 and beyond.

To begin with successes, the foremost was the procurement of a passenger van for the College. RCU succeeded in importing a van from Japan worth Rs. 6.5 million. The purchase was accelerated by the support received from the College, RCOBA, Umbrella Groups, Ex Co Members, RCU Members and well-wishers. It is noted with appreciation the support received from Ministries of Finance and Planning and Education.

The RCU initiated the cricket ground rehabilitation project by negotiating with Hon Gamini Lokuge, the Minister of Sports and Public Recreation who has already pledged Rs. 1.5 million from the budget for 2010. The Ministry officials were extremely helpful in this matter, which is appreciated. A pledge of Rs. 2 million was made by the School Development Society exhibiting greater cooperation. The RCOBA has in principle agreed to assist this project. RCU thanks for cooperation and anticipate more contributions for this project from the Old Boys.

RCU proudly announces the mobilization of funds for two scholarships amounting to Rs. 350,000 from Yvonne Gunawardena and Gladys Muriel Abeysekara and Rs. 50,000 for cricket from old boy Ahamed Nawal Saheed. It donated Rs. 200,000 for cricket gear for 2010. Its target is to mobilize Rs. 1 million for the Old College Hall Restoration Fund from the proceeds of the AGM.

Incidental support to the College was undertaken by the RCU in one event. It was the War Hero Uttama Pooja event held at Richmond. RCU part financed the event.

RCU initiated action to find a block of land from the government and announces happily that the Land Commissioner General is pursuing this matter and hopes that he would solve the problem. And therefore RCU has not lost hope.

RCU could not substantially succeed in the Membership Drive and proposes more participation in this exercise by the younger Old Boys. The mega musical project had to be abandoned due to country situation.

This year's AGM organized by the RCU is scheduled for the 5th of December 2009 at Waters Edge at 7.00 p.m followed by Dinner / Dance. The Organizing Committee has been able to harness support and increase contributions, mainly due to the extraordinary enthusiasm of the Ex Co Members, other RCU members and support from the business community.

The theme of the AGM will be the Restoration of the Old College Hall that stood for the more than 100 years, used by many generations of Richmondites as an assembly hall, prize-giving hall, sometimes as class- rooms and even to play Badminton or Table Tennis or to stage a concert or a play. We aim at making the hall to stand to be used by the present generation of Richmondites and for another hundred years by future Richmondites, inclusive the unborn. The cost estimation is approximately Rs. 2.5 million and hence AGM proceeds will be insufficient and therefore further financial commitments from Old Boys are welcome. The contributions can be made to the College Old Hall Restoration Fund that will be launched at the AGM or by depositing in Bank Account No: 351002 at Bank of Ceylon, City Office Branch, Account Name: Richmond College Union (Colombo). Any inquiries please contact the treasurer Chanura Wijetillake Tel: 0716487018.

Hence, our invitation is to Old Richmondites to attend the Dinner Dance with their families and contribute towards improvement of Richmond. RCU looks forward for the great occasion and let us heartily say "See you there, chum!"

All for Richmond none for self!