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Landmarks of Ananda's march into the future

Ananda College, Colombo, Sri Lanka's premier Buddhist educational institution, marked its 125th anniversary with a simple but inspiring commemorative ceremony at Kularatne Hall (college hall) under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.

The journey travelled by Ananda College, Colombo, which turned 125 years on October 31, is as majestic as it is monumental.

Ananda College having maintained its pristine glory for 124 years stepped into its 125th year, with an all night pirith ceremony from October 31 up to the morning of the Founder's Day, November 1, 2011. This was followed by the offering of dana to 125 members of the maha sangha.

Since then, the college completed a host of events to mark its 125th anniversary which culminated with the main commemorative ceremony yesterday.

Yesterday's events began with the arrival of President Rajapaksa who received a warm welcome at the entrance to the school gate and then conducted to the historical shrine room of the college to pay homage.

Later, he was escorted to the Kularatne hall by schoolboys, in a colourful procession led by traditional dancers.

Old Boys Association Chairman, former Parliamentarian Tilak Karunaratne and college principal L M D Dharmasena addressed the gathering followed by the commemorative lecture delivered by, distinguished old Anandian Prof J B Dissanayake who led the gathering down the memory lane of the monumental journey of Ananda, spanning 125 years.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana spoke on the contributions made by erudite and patriotic citizens produced by Ananda who contributed in numerous ways to the progress of their motherland. He said that Ananda College has also been instrumental and inspirational in bringing forward thousands of heroes to the Armed Forces, from the battle for Independence in 1948, until the re-unification of the motherland in 2009.

He specifically mentioned the services rendered by another distinguished old Anandian Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and other Security Forces personnel produced by Ananda in this regard who supported the President in saving the country from the clutches of terrorism.

Next followed the commemorative song by a group of old Anandians, who are well-known personalities in the music field. The song which kept the audience enthralled was created solely by past and present Anandians.

Then a commemorative coin made of silver, especially designed for the occasion by the Central Bank was presented to the President and other distinguished invitees.

It was mentioned that this was the first time in history that such a coin was designed by the CB for a commemorative occasion of a school.

Prof J B Dissanayake presented the final three books in the series of books written by him on learning Sinhala to the President and other distinguished invitees.

Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, another distinguished old Anandian delivered the vote of thanks. Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, other prominent old Anandians serving in various fields, members of the OBA, teachers and students attended the event. Earlier in the day, Minister Gunawardana opened the newly built Educational Research and Development unit of the school.

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