The vibrant past of Royal College comes to life

The launch of “History of Royal College – 1985-2010” took place amongst a distinguished Royal gathering.

History repeated itself at Royal College, with the launch of its second History Book, capturing many milestones and facets of the College for the present generation and also the future generation of Royalists to cherish their school. 177 years have passed since this august establishment which is now known as Royal College from its genesis as Hill Street Academy. The ‘royal’ journey has not yet seen its conclusion.

The history of Royal College from 1835-1985, has been previously chronicled by S. S. Perera and in the recent past M.L Fernando has set out to complete the legend from 1985-2010. S. S. Perera’s research and dedication of 4 years resulted in the 603 page history book which had been launched in 1986 with the Royal College Union (RCU) initiating this chronicled recording of 150 years of priceless history.

The sequel to the legacy is a culmination of a 2 year research done by M. L. Fernando and records all College academic, sports, notable events and numerous other activities worth recording for posterity by the College during the period of August 1985 to December 2010. It has by no means been an easy task and his efforts were praised and appreciated by all who understood the amount of effort taken to complete such a task with dedication and pride.

The event at Navarangahala was graced by Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to President Mahinda Rajapaksha, Manik de Silva, Chief Editor of the Sunday Island, Dinesh Weerawansa, Editor-in-Chief Sunday Observer, Malinda Senavirathne, the Editor in Chief of The Nation, Principal of Royal College Upali Gunasekara and Secretary of RCU Manju Ariyaratne. The Senior Deputy Principal, Deputy Principals, past Principals, vice presidents, trustees and past secretaries of the RCU along with faculty members and students attended the historic launch.

The occasion itself was a rare moment of history in the making when four outstanding royalists who have created history for Royal by reaching the highest echelons of the profession they all belong to, were in attendance on one platform. Specifically, the senior most officer in the Sri Lankan Administrative Services and three distinguished gentlemen holding the highest office in print media representing three national English newspapers unveiling the history that all Royalists treasure. “This is the only time in the county’s history that we have four old Royalists simultaneously heading their respective newspapers,” stated Mr Ariyaratne, Secretary of the RCU.

Speaking at the event, the Principal of Royal College Upali Gunasekara, expressed his absolute pleasure to be present at this extraordinary event. “History has to be rewritten in every generation, because although the past does not change, the present does; each generation asks new questions of the past and finds new areas of sympathy as it re-lives different aspects of the experiences of its predecessors.” He further stated that Royal College was an exceptional institution that had witnessed a long journey of ups and downs, adding to its character, resilience and longevity. He thanked the editor for undertaking a task of great magnitude and stated that history serves to enhance one’s self-consciousness whilst offering a new way to look at things.