Royal College Colombo
Encyclopedia
The Royal College of Colombo (commonly known as Royal College or simply as Royal) (Sinhala: කොළඹ රාජකීය විද්යාලය) was founded in January 1835 in Colombo
. It is considered to be the leading Public School
in Sri Lanka
. The oldest public school in the country, it is a selective entry
National School
, as such it is funded by the central government as opposed to the provincial council providing both primary and secondary education. Royal College is often referred to as the Eton
of Sri Lanka and it was selected as one of best innovative colleges in the world by Microsoft in 2009.
Royal College has produced many distinguished alumni, including Presidents of two countries, a Sultan
, and three Prime Ministers.
, it occupies an area of 34 acres (137,593.2 m²) along the Rajakeeya Mawatha, boarded by Reid Avenue to the east; Thurstan Road to the west and to the south its former premises which houses the University of Colombo
. The college is funded by the Ministry of Education
, which appoints its Principal. The Principal is the head of the administration of the College and is assisted by a Vice Principal. The school is divided in to three sections: the primary school (the former Royal College Preparatory School
), middle school and the upper school, each coming under a deputy principal (the head of the primary school is known as the Headmaster/Headmistress). The college educates close to 9100 students in both secondary and primary education. Administration of the college hostel is carried out by the Warden under supervision of the Principal and is assisted by a Sub-warden.
The school was founded by the Rev. Joseph Marsh, the acting Colonial Chaplain at St. Paul's Church as the Hill Street Academy in 1835, as a private institution with 20 students, mainly from the upper class
community situated at Hill Street, Pettah
. In 1836, Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton
, the British Governor of Ceylon
, based on the recommendations of the Colebrooke Commission converted it, as the Colombo Academy, into an English public school modeled on Eton College
, with Marsh continuing as Head master. The oldest public school on the island with the governor as its patron, it gave to the children of leading Ceylonese an education which would make them fit to be citizens of the British Empire
and serve as the principal public school and a model for other government schools that were to be built in Ceylon. In 1836 the school was moved to San Sebastian Hill, Pettah
, (prior to which it was at Maradana, next to Hulftsdorp) it would stay there for another 75 years before being shifted to Thurstan Road. Even though the college had close ties to Anglicanism at its early years, since 1936 it has remained a secular school.
In 1859 it was renamed Colombo Academy and Queens College and affiliated to the University of Calcutta
. In 1865 the Morgan Committee of inquiry into education recommended that it be reorganized and that scholarships should be awarded to study in University of Oxford
. It became the Colombo Academy once again in 1869.
In 1881 it was renamed Royal College Colombo with the royal consent from Her Majesty Queen Victoria. The Gazette
Notification giving Her Majesty's approval to change the name of the school appeared on July 31, 1881. The same year the first cadet battalion in Ceylon was formed at the College, attached to the Ceylon Light Infantry. The Royal College Union was formed in 1891 as the first alumni society in the country.
On August 27, 1913 the school was moved to its new building
at Thurstan Road (which is now the main building
of the University of Colombo
). Ten years later on October 10, 1923 the school moved once again, this time to the newly built Victorian styled
building on Reid Avenue, which it still occupies. This move was due to the suggestion made by a higher education committee in 1914, which suggested that Royal College should be converted into a University College. Due to the objections made by members of the Royal College Old Boys Union, especially by the speeches made by Frederick Dornhorst
, KC, the then Governor of Ceylon, Lord Chalmers
instead created a separate University College named University College Colombo
, at the schools former premises which became the University of Colombo
in the later years. With the introduction of free education in Ceylon in 1931, Royal stopped charging fees from its students thus proving education free of charge to this day.
In 1940 the school was again on the move this time due to the onset of World War II
. The school was ordered to move out and the British Army
moved in establishing a military hospital
in the school buildings. Principal E.L. Bradby made sure the education of the students was carried on unhindered by moving the students in to four private villas (known as bungalows in Ceylon) at Turret Street, Colombo and shifting the 1-3 forms to Glendale bungalow in Bandarawela
where it was till 1948. After the war the school was relocated to its old home on Ried Avenue, Colombo. In August 1977 the Royal Preparatory School
was amalgamated to Royal College forming the school's primary school, with it came the county's only national theatre at the time the Navarangahala
.
Five years earlier on May 22, 1972 the members of the House of Representatives
of the Dominion of Ceylon met at the Royal Primary School Hall (Navarangahala) enacted the Republican Constitution that established the Republic of Sri Lanka.
; however with Sinhala becoming the official language
along with Tamil
, the medium of education was changed to Sinhala and Tamil. Since 2002 English has been reintroduced as a medium of education at the College. Students may select one of the three mediums in which to conduct their studies.
The school is equipped with facilities such as lecture hall
s, science and computer lab
oratories, auditorium
s etc. This includes the 'College Hall' and the Navarangahala
which is a national theatre.
The first hostel
of the Colombo Academy was established in San Sebastian in 1868, establishing Royal as one of the first boarding school
s in Sri Lanka. Since then the school has maintained a hostel for students from outside Colombo, with around 230 hostelers.
Sport plays a major part in Royal College's activities. The school's facilities include a swimming pool, cricket and athletics grounds, tennis courts, indoor cricket nets and an international standard sports complex with its own rugby ground. The sports complex, built in 2000, a short distance from the college, hosts national and school sporting events all year round.
Admission to the school is very competitive. It gets its highest number of applications for admission to grade 1 and the best 250 students from all over the country enter the school in year 5 via the grade 5 scholarship examination.
", meaning "Learn or Depart" in Latin
. The motto is associated with the high academic standard maintained at the school for over hundred and seventy five years. First mentions of the motto appearer during the tenure of Principal George Todd (1871–1878). "Floreat", meaning "Flourish" also in Latin has been a motto associated with school since the founding of the Colombo Academy in 1836. Derived from "Floreat Etona", the motto of Eton College
on which the academy was modeled on at its formation. Although the school had affiliations with the Anglican Church, it is a secular school
with students of all faiths admitted.
In 1968, a shorter version of the college song in Sinhala was composed on the instructions of the Principal by the same combination which composed the first song (Messrs W.A. Wickramasena and S.J.F. Dissanayake). It is sung at the end of the school day.
. Formally four houses were established in 1918 by Principal Hartley with the names Cinnamon Gardens, Bambalapitiya North and South and Colpetty. They were renamed in 1921 with names are derived from past headmasters and principals of the college by Principal Major H. L Reed. In 1970 the fifth house was established in memory of Principal Reed. The houses are led by House Captains, competing in all major games to win the inter-house games and house colours are awarded winners. The houses are:
Hartley House
Harward House
Marsh House
Boake House
Reed House
, awarded (since 1930) to the most popular student each year, in the memory of Frederick Dornhorst
, KC, followed by the Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize
for the most outstanding Royalist of the year. The Turnour Prize
awarded since 1846 is the oldest of the panel prizes. Prizes are awarded at the prize-giving under the patronage of the President of Sri Lanka
(earlier under the patronage of the Governor of Ceylon
).
The Royal Crown
, is the most prestigious award a sportsman can achieve at Royal, awarded each year at the Colours Night to a sportsman who has made outstanding achievements in his field of sports while Colours
are awarded to other players who have made significant contributions in the sporting arena.
(Big Match), the Bradby
and the Regatta
.
Other sports played at Royal include;
Cricket has been played at the school since 1838 and the Royal College Cricket Club was formed in 1878. The annual cricket
match, The Big Match played against the school's traditional rival
, S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia is the second longest uninterrupted cricket match series in the world. The original match was played between the Colombo Academy and St Thomas' College in 1879, with schoolmasters participating as well as schoolboys. From 1880 onwards, only schoolboys were allowed to play in the match.
Until 2006 the tally stands with both schools winning 33 each and 61 drawn. This is preceded by the Cycle Parade which usually happens on the day before the big match, with the official objective of visiting the captain's house to encourage him.
The annual rugby encounter
against friendly rival Trinity College, Kandy is the Blue Riband of schools' rugby in Sri Lanka. Rugby was introduced at Royal in 1916, and the first historic match against Trinity was played in 1920. The Bradby Shield was first presented in 1945 by the departing Principal of Royal College, E. L. Bradby. Since 1945, two matches have taken place each year, one in Kandy and the other in Colombo. The Shield is awarded to the school that gets the highest aggregate of points in the two match series.
The Centenary match between the two schools was the second leg encounter played in 1983 - the Chief Guest was Mr E.L Bradby himself. The 2008 second leg match will be the 150th match between the two schools.
The 2002 Bradby encounter was the highest scoring encounter for Royal, led by Zulki Hamid, winning a record (39-00) in the first leg held in Colombo and winning the second leg (44-00) in Kandy, thus winning the Bradby Shield with a record aggregate of 83 - 00.
The 2009 Bradby first leg was won by Royal (23 - 12) in Kandy. The second leg was also won by Royal (31 - 15) in Colombo. Thus Royal wins the Bradby for 2009 with an aggregate of 53 - 27.
Royal was the first school to start its own rowing program in 1955. The Regatta is the annual regatta
between Royal College and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. The Boat Race which is a coxed fours event began in 1962. By 1966, it broadened out to give rise to the regatta having a card of six events, made up of 2 Single Sculls, 2 Coxless Pairs and 2 Coxed Fours. The events take place at the Beira lake
(alongside the Colombo Rowing Club
) in Colombo around October each year with the T. N. Fernando Trophy awarded to the overall winner.
In 2007, under the captaincy of Maalik Aziz, Royal won the regatta with a record 40 points to nil, for the first time in its history. The Royal College Crew created records in all six events including a record for the Boat Race with a timing of 3 mins 11 secs (elapsing the previous record of 3mins 19secs).
Some of these are;
and oriental. The Royal College Orchestra and the College Choir which is part of the Western Music Society (formally the Royal College Music Society) has a long and rich history. Performances are held at the College Hall and at the Navarangahala
, the later designed specifically oriental performance. There are several marching bands including the Senior Cadet Band Platoon, Middle School Western Band, Junior Western Band and the Oriental Band.
The SAGA musical festival is a important event in the annual cultural calendar of Colombo. he school participates in many national competitions and has produced many talented musicians.
which is specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra
. English language productions are hosted at the Lionel Wendt
which is situated in close proximity to the school. The school has a smaller theatre, called the 'Little Theatre' which is currently in use by the Royal College Film Society screening of classical and contemporary films. Productions are staged regularly by alumni, organized by the Old Royalists Association of Dramatists and the Royal College Union.
The Royalist is the school paper, published every quarter.
in Sri Lanka. It was the first cadet battalion to be formed in a school in Ceylon in 1881, attached to the Ceylon Light Infantry soon after its own formation that year. Later named the Royal College Volunteer Corps, it was attached to the Ceylon Volunteers by the Volunteer Gazette of 1905. 1979 a Senior Cadet Band Platoon was added and in 2007 Royal was one of two schools to establish the first Air Force Cadet platoons in the country.
Both the Cadet Contingent and Senior Cadet Band Platoon have performed well, gaining claim as two of the finest units in the country. Over the years the Cadet Contingent has won the Hermanloose Trophy on many years annually and Senior Cadet Band Platoon has won the Lt.Gen. T.I. Weerathunga Trophy ten times.
Past pupils of Royal College Colombo are known as Old Royalists, they include many distinguished figures. The school has produced the first Executive President of Sri Lanka
J. R. Jayewardene; the longest serving President of the Maldives
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
; the last Sultan of the Maldives Muhammad Fareed Didi
and also three Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka
, including General
Sir John Kotalawela and Ranil Wickremasinghe
.
Many of the prominent leaders of the independence movement in the early twentieth century including Anagarika Dharmapala
, E.W.Perera, Sir James Peiris
, Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam
, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan
and C.A. Hewavitharne
were educated at the Colombo Academy.
The school's alumni also include Shirley Amerasinghe
(President of the United Nations General Assembly
), Gamani Corea
(Secretary-General
of the UNCTD
), Christopher Weeramantry
(Judge of the International Court of Justice
), Sir Nicholas Attygalle
(First Sri Lankan Vice Chancellor), V. K. Samaranayake
(Founder of the UCSC
), Mohan Munasinghe
(Vice President of the IPCC
) and General
Deshamanya
Sepala Attygalle
(First Sri Lankan Four-star General
).
and the College Main Hall, is the memorial to Old Royalists who died in the two World Wars and the Sri Lankan civil war
. The war memorial is located in front of the school's main building. Another memorial plaque is displayed in the entry way to the Navarangahala
bearing the names of 47 Old Royalists who where killed in action in the civil war.
The Royal College Union (RCU) is the alumni
society (old boys association) for the college and was founded in 1891 and as such it is the oldest such alumni society in Sri Lanka. The Royal College Union was set up to further the interests of the College and its past and present members, and to keep former pupils in touch with each other and with the school. Annually the RCU organizes many events including the Royal-Thomian
, EDEX
and carry out development projects for the college.
with S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia as well as close ties with Trinity College, Kandy
. Royal has long had a familial relationship with C.M.S. Ladies' College, Colombo
: several families who chose to send their sons to Royal also chose to send their daughters to Ladies College, and many Old Royalists over the years have married alumni of C.M.S. Ladies' College, Colombo
.
In 1945, Minister of Education C. W. W. Kannangara began the establishment of central colleges
(Madhya Maha Vidhyala) as part of the Free Education policy to provide secondary education for the rural masses, he modeled these schools on the general structure of Royal College.
Although there are several schools in parts of the island that have adapted the name Royal College in the post-independence era; none have links to Royal College Colombo nor have been received formal permission to use the Royal prefix.
| align="center" colspan="6"|Lineage
|-
| width="25%" rowspan="20" align="center" | Royal College Colombo
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Royal College Colombo
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Colombo Academy
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Colombo Academy
and Queens College
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Colombo Academy
|-
| width="25%" align="center"| Hill Street Academy
|-
| width="25%" colspan="1" align="center"| Royal Preparatory School
Publications
Library
Alumni
Sports
Student Society
Colombo
Colombo is the largest city of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is often referred to as the capital of the country, since Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a satellite city of Colombo...
. It is considered to be the leading Public School
Public School (UK)
A public school, in common British usage, is a school that is neither administered nor financed by the state or from taxpayer contributions, and is instead funded by a combination of endowments, tuition fees and charitable contributions, usually existing as a non profit-making charitable trust...
in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. The oldest public school in the country, it is a selective entry
Selective school
A selective school is a school that admits students on the basis of some sort of selection criteria, usually academic. The term may have different connotations in different systems....
National School
National school (Sri Lanka)
A National school ) in Sri Lanka is a school that is funded and administered by the Ministry of Education of the central government as opposed to Provincial schools run by the local provincial council. These schools provide secondary education , with some providing primary education as well...
, as such it is funded by the central government as opposed to the provincial council providing both primary and secondary education. Royal College is often referred to as the Eton
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
of Sri Lanka and it was selected as one of best innovative colleges in the world by Microsoft in 2009.
Royal College has produced many distinguished alumni, including Presidents of two countries, a Sultan
Sultan
Sultan is a title with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic language abstract noun meaning "strength", "authority", "rulership", and "dictatorship", derived from the masdar سلطة , meaning "authority" or "power". Later, it came to be used as the title of certain rulers who...
, and three Prime Ministers.
Overview
Situated in a quiet residential suburb of Colombo known as the Cinnamon GardensCinnamon Gardens
Cinnamon Gardens is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka located 3 kilometers south-east from Colombo city centre. Cinnamon Gardens is named from the former Cinnamon plantation in this area. In the year 1789, there were of Cinnamon trees in Cinnamon Gardens...
, it occupies an area of 34 acres (137,593.2 m²) along the Rajakeeya Mawatha, boarded by Reid Avenue to the east; Thurstan Road to the west and to the south its former premises which houses the University of Colombo
University of Colombo
The University of Colombo is a public research university located primarily in Colombo, Sri Lanka...
. The college is funded by the Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education (Sri Lanka)
The Ministry Of Education is a ministry of the Government of Sri Lanka that directs the formulation and implementation of policies related to primary and secondary education in Sri Lanka...
, which appoints its Principal. The Principal is the head of the administration of the College and is assisted by a Vice Principal. The school is divided in to three sections: the primary school (the former Royal College Preparatory School
Royal Preparatory School
Royal Preparatory School was a preparatory school in Colombo, Ceylon . It was established in 1933 as a preparatory school to prepare students to the Royal College Colombo situated next to it...
), middle school and the upper school, each coming under a deputy principal (the head of the primary school is known as the Headmaster/Headmistress). The college educates close to 9100 students in both secondary and primary education. Administration of the college hostel is carried out by the Warden under supervision of the Principal and is assisted by a Sub-warden.
History
Upper class
In social science, the "upper class" is the group of people at the top of a social hierarchy. Members of an upper class may have great power over the allocation of resources and governmental policy in their area.- Historical meaning :...
community situated at Hill Street, Pettah
Pettah
Pettah is an urban neighbourhood of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the Indian state of Kerala.-Location:Pettah is on the way to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Shanghumugham Beach. Private and KSRTC buses connect Pettah to most parts of the city.The railway station at Pettah is...
. In 1836, Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton
Sir Robert John Wilmot-Horton, 3rd Baronet
Sir Robert John Wilmot-Horton, 3rd Baronet GCH, PC, FRS was a British politician, pamphleteer and colonial administrator during the first third of the 19th century...
, the British Governor of Ceylon
Governor of Ceylon
The British Governor of Ceylon was an official who ruled Ceylon during the British colonial period between 1798 and 1948....
, based on the recommendations of the Colebrooke Commission converted it, as the Colombo Academy, into an English public school modeled on Eton College
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
, with Marsh continuing as Head master. The oldest public school on the island with the governor as its patron, it gave to the children of leading Ceylonese an education which would make them fit to be citizens of the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
and serve as the principal public school and a model for other government schools that were to be built in Ceylon. In 1836 the school was moved to San Sebastian Hill, Pettah
Pettah, Sri Lanka
Pettah is a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka located east of the City centre Fort. The Pettah neighborhood is famous for its open air bazaars and markets....
, (prior to which it was at Maradana, next to Hulftsdorp) it would stay there for another 75 years before being shifted to Thurstan Road. Even though the college had close ties to Anglicanism at its early years, since 1936 it has remained a secular school.
In 1859 it was renamed Colombo Academy and Queens College and affiliated to the University of Calcutta
University of Calcutta
The University of Calcutta is a public university located in the city of Kolkata , India, founded on 24 January 1857...
. In 1865 the Morgan Committee of inquiry into education recommended that it be reorganized and that scholarships should be awarded to study in University of Oxford
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a university located in Oxford, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest surviving university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. Although its exact date of foundation is unclear, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096...
. It became the Colombo Academy once again in 1869.
In 1881 it was renamed Royal College Colombo with the royal consent from Her Majesty Queen Victoria. The Gazette
Gazette
A gazette is a public journal, a newspaper of record, or simply a newspaper.In English- and French-speaking countries, newspaper publishers have applied the name Gazette since the 17th century; today, numerous weekly and daily newspapers bear the name The Gazette.Gazette is a loanword from the...
Notification giving Her Majesty's approval to change the name of the school appeared on July 31, 1881. The same year the first cadet battalion in Ceylon was formed at the College, attached to the Ceylon Light Infantry. The Royal College Union was formed in 1891 as the first alumni society in the country.
On August 27, 1913 the school was moved to its new building
Old Royal College Building, University of Colombo
Old Royal College Building is the main building of the University of Colombo. The iconic symbol of the University of Colombo, it is located on campus center in front of the university sports grounds, and presently houses the Department of Mathematics...
at Thurstan Road (which is now the main building
Old Royal College Building, University of Colombo
Old Royal College Building is the main building of the University of Colombo. The iconic symbol of the University of Colombo, it is located on campus center in front of the university sports grounds, and presently houses the Department of Mathematics...
of the University of Colombo
University of Colombo
The University of Colombo is a public research university located primarily in Colombo, Sri Lanka...
). Ten years later on October 10, 1923 the school moved once again, this time to the newly built Victorian styled
Victorian architecture
The term Victorian architecture refers collectively to several architectural styles employed predominantly during the middle and late 19th century. The period that it indicates may slightly overlap the actual reign, 20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901, of Queen Victoria. This represents the British and...
building on Reid Avenue, which it still occupies. This move was due to the suggestion made by a higher education committee in 1914, which suggested that Royal College should be converted into a University College. Due to the objections made by members of the Royal College Old Boys Union, especially by the speeches made by Frederick Dornhorst
Frederick Dornhorst
Frederick Dornhorst, KC was a Ceylonese lawyer. A King's Advocate, he was a leader of the bar.Educated at the prestigious Colombo Academy , Dornhorst became a teacher at the Colombo Academy before moving on to a legal career and became highly respected lawyer after becoming a Barrister at the...
, KC, the then Governor of Ceylon, Lord Chalmers
Robert Chalmers, 1st Baron Chalmers
Robert Chalmers, 1st Baron Chalmers GCB PC , was a British civil servant.-Background and education:Chalmers was born in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, the son of John Chalmers and his wife Julia...
instead created a separate University College named University College Colombo
University of Ceylon
The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was...
, at the schools former premises which became the University of Colombo
University of Colombo
The University of Colombo is a public research university located primarily in Colombo, Sri Lanka...
in the later years. With the introduction of free education in Ceylon in 1931, Royal stopped charging fees from its students thus proving education free of charge to this day.
In 1940 the school was again on the move this time due to the onset of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The school was ordered to move out and the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
moved in establishing a military hospital
Military hospital
Military hospital is a hospital, which is generally located on a military base and is reserved for the use of military personnel, their dependents or other authorized users....
in the school buildings. Principal E.L. Bradby made sure the education of the students was carried on unhindered by moving the students in to four private villas (known as bungalows in Ceylon) at Turret Street, Colombo and shifting the 1-3 forms to Glendale bungalow in Bandarawela
Bandarawela
Bandarawela is the second largest city in Badulla District which is 28 km away from Badulla. Due to higher altitude, Bandarawela has a mild weather condition throughout the year hence, it is popular among the citizens to spend the vacations with their family members...
where it was till 1948. After the war the school was relocated to its old home on Ried Avenue, Colombo. In August 1977 the Royal Preparatory School
Royal Preparatory School
Royal Preparatory School was a preparatory school in Colombo, Ceylon . It was established in 1933 as a preparatory school to prepare students to the Royal College Colombo situated next to it...
was amalgamated to Royal College forming the school's primary school, with it came the county's only national theatre at the time the Navarangahala
Navarangahala
The Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
.
Five years earlier on May 22, 1972 the members of the House of Representatives
Parliament of Sri Lanka
The Parliament of Sri Lanka is the 225-member unicameral legislature of Sri Lanka. The members of Parliament are elected by proportional representation for six-year terms, with universal suffrage. Parliament reserves the power to make all laws...
of the Dominion of Ceylon met at the Royal Primary School Hall (Navarangahala) enacted the Republican Constitution that established the Republic of Sri Lanka.
Current status
Since its establishment the main medium of education had been EnglishEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
; however with Sinhala becoming the official language
Official language
An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in a particular country, state, or other jurisdiction. Typically a nation's official language will be the one used in that nation's courts, parliament and administration. However, official status can also be used to give a...
along with Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
, the medium of education was changed to Sinhala and Tamil. Since 2002 English has been reintroduced as a medium of education at the College. Students may select one of the three mediums in which to conduct their studies.
The school is equipped with facilities such as lecture hall
Lecture hall
A lecture hall is a large room used for instruction, typically at a college or university. Unlike a traditional classroom with a capacity from one to four dozen, the capacity of lecture halls is typically measured in the hundreds...
s, science and computer lab
Computer lab
A computer lab, also known as a computer suite or computer cluster is typically a room which contains many networked computers for public use...
oratories, auditorium
Auditorium
An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances at venues such as theatres. For movie theaters, the number of auditoriums is expressed as the number of screens.- Etymology :...
s etc. This includes the 'College Hall' and the Navarangahala
Navarangahala
The Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
which is a national theatre.
The first hostel
Dormitory
A dormitory, often shortened to dorm, in the United States is a residence hall consisting of sleeping quarters or entire buildings primarily providing sleeping and residential quarters for large numbers of people, often boarding school, college or university students...
of the Colombo Academy was established in San Sebastian in 1868, establishing Royal as one of the first boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
s in Sri Lanka. Since then the school has maintained a hostel for students from outside Colombo, with around 230 hostelers.
Sport plays a major part in Royal College's activities. The school's facilities include a swimming pool, cricket and athletics grounds, tennis courts, indoor cricket nets and an international standard sports complex with its own rugby ground. The sports complex, built in 2000, a short distance from the college, hosts national and school sporting events all year round.
Admission to the school is very competitive. It gets its highest number of applications for admission to grade 1 and the best 250 students from all over the country enter the school in year 5 via the grade 5 scholarship examination.
College tradition
The College motto is "Disce aut DiscedeDisce aut discede
Disce aut Discede is the motto of Royal College, Colombo. The exact author or date the motto was adapted by the college is unknown, however the first mention of the motto was during the tenure of Principal Todd who constantly reminded the dullards that they must learn or get out...
", meaning "Learn or Depart" in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
. The motto is associated with the high academic standard maintained at the school for over hundred and seventy five years. First mentions of the motto appearer during the tenure of Principal George Todd (1871–1878). "Floreat", meaning "Flourish" also in Latin has been a motto associated with school since the founding of the Colombo Academy in 1836. Derived from "Floreat Etona", the motto of Eton College
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
on which the academy was modeled on at its formation. Although the school had affiliations with the Anglican Church, it is a secular school
Secular education
Secular education is the system of public education in countries with a secular government or separation between religion and state.An example of a highly secular educational system would be the French public educational system, going as far as to ban conspicuous religious symbols in schools.In...
with students of all faiths admitted.
College song
The College song is "School of Our Fathers", which is sung at the start of the school day and on important occasions. The words of the song were written by Major H.L.Reed, a Principal of the school in 1927. The music was later revised by S. Schmid.In 1968, a shorter version of the college song in Sinhala was composed on the instructions of the Principal by the same combination which composed the first song (Messrs W.A. Wickramasena and S.J.F. Dissanayake). It is sung at the end of the school day.
Houses
The students are divided into five housesHouse system
The house system is a traditional feature of British schools, and schools in the Commonwealth. Historically, it was associated with established public schools, where a 'house' refers to a boarding house or dormitory of a boarding school...
. Formally four houses were established in 1918 by Principal Hartley with the names Cinnamon Gardens, Bambalapitiya North and South and Colpetty. They were renamed in 1921 with names are derived from past headmasters and principals of the college by Principal Major H. L Reed. In 1970 the fifth house was established in memory of Principal Reed. The houses are led by House Captains, competing in all major games to win the inter-house games and house colours are awarded winners. The houses are:
Hartley House
- Colours :Pink & Blue
- Established :1918
Harward House
- Colours :Pink & Grey
- Established :1918
Marsh House
- Colours :Pink & Brown
- Established :1918
Boake House
- Colours :Red & Black
- Established :1918
Reed House
- Colours :Red & White
- Established :1970
Awards
There are 165 endowed prizes and awards. The College Main Hall carries the names of those students who have won the Panel Prizes. The most coveted prize at Royal is the Dornhorst Memorial PrizeDornhorst Memorial Prize
The Dornhorst Memorial Prize is a most prestigious prize and honour awarded to a student of Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in the country. Awarded annually to the most popular student, judged by General Merit. The selection is made based on votes gained in a secret ballot conducted...
, awarded (since 1930) to the most popular student each year, in the memory of Frederick Dornhorst
Frederick Dornhorst
Frederick Dornhorst, KC was a Ceylonese lawyer. A King's Advocate, he was a leader of the bar.Educated at the prestigious Colombo Academy , Dornhorst became a teacher at the Colombo Academy before moving on to a legal career and became highly respected lawyer after becoming a Barrister at the...
, KC, followed by the Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize
Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize
The Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize is a prestigious prize and honour awarded to a student of Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in Sri Lanka. Awarded annually to the Most Outstanding Royalist of the Year....
for the most outstanding Royalist of the year. The Turnour Prize
Turnour Prize
The Turnour Prize is the oldest of the panel prizes at Royal College Colombo. It is one of the most prestigious prizes and honour awarded to a student of Royal College, the oldest public school in the country. Awarded annually to the best student in performance in academics. First awarded in 1846...
awarded since 1846 is the oldest of the panel prizes. Prizes are awarded at the prize-giving under the patronage of the President of Sri Lanka
President of Sri Lanka
The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is the elected head of state and the head of government. The President is a dominant political figure in Sri Lanka. The office was created in 1978 but has grown so powerful there have been calls to restrict or even eliminate its power...
(earlier under the patronage of the Governor of Ceylon
Governor of Ceylon
The British Governor of Ceylon was an official who ruled Ceylon during the British colonial period between 1798 and 1948....
).
The Royal Crown
Royal Crown (Royal College Colombo)
The Royal Crown is the most prestigious award a sportsman can achieve at Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in the country. It is awarded each year at the Colours Night to one or many sportsmen who has made outstanding achievements in their field of sports along with Colours to other...
, is the most prestigious award a sportsman can achieve at Royal, awarded each year at the Colours Night to a sportsman who has made outstanding achievements in his field of sports while Colours
Sporting Colours
Sporting colours, more often known merely as colours or house-colours, are awarded to members of a university or school who have excelled in a sport. Colours are traditionally worn in or on scarves, ties, blazers, gowns, cuff-links, and other items of apparel...
are awarded to other players who have made significant contributions in the sporting arena.
Scholarship and Prizes
| Prize | Year of Institution |
| Turnour Prize Turnour Prize The Turnour Prize is the oldest of the panel prizes at Royal College Colombo. It is one of the most prestigious prizes and honour awarded to a student of Royal College, the oldest public school in the country. Awarded annually to the best student in performance in academics. First awarded in 1846... |
1846 - |
| Senior Mathematical Prize | 1846–1934 |
| Shakespeare Prize | 1870–1932 |
| English University Scholarship | 1870–1926 |
| Lorensz Scholarship Lorensz Scholarship The Lorensz Scholarship is one of the oldest of the panel prizes at Royal College Colombo. It is the second oldest panel prize at is being currently awarded to students of Royal College, the oldest public school in the country. Awarded annually to the best all rounder with best in performance in... |
1876 |
| Director's Prize | 1883–1921 |
| De Soysa Science Prize | 1893 |
| Sir James Peiris James Peiris Sir James Peiris, JP was a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan independence movement and a Vice President of the Legislative Council.-Early life and education:... Memorial Prize |
1905 |
| Donald Obeyesekere Donald Obeyesekere Donald Obeyesekere was a prominent colonial era legislator from Ceylon. He was a member of the State Council of Ceylon, the Legislative Council of Ceylon and was the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ceylon.... Prize |
1912 |
| F Dadabhoy Memorial Prize | 1922 |
| The Governor Governor of Ceylon The British Governor of Ceylon was an official who ruled Ceylon during the British colonial period between 1798 and 1948.... 's Prize |
1922–1947 |
| C M Fernando Memorial Prize | 1925 |
| Harward Memorial Prize | 1926–1963 |
| Steward's Prize | 1929 |
| Dornhorst Memorial Prize Dornhorst Memorial Prize The Dornhorst Memorial Prize is a most prestigious prize and honour awarded to a student of Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in the country. Awarded annually to the most popular student, judged by General Merit. The selection is made based on votes gained in a secret ballot conducted... |
1930 |
| Gate Mudaliar R E Gooneratne Memorial Prize | 1933 |
| G L Rupasinghe Memorial Prize | 1934 |
| Dr F E Weerasooriya Memorial Prize | 1934 |
| Canon Lucien Jansz Memorial Prize | 1934 |
| Adigar A Sellamuttu Prize | 1935 |
| Ruby Andries Memorial Prize | 1935 |
| Stubbs Prize | 1935–1970 |
| Sir Edward Denham Edward Brandis Denham Sir Edward Brandis Denham, GCMG, KBE was a British colonial administrator. He served as Governor of The Gambia , British Guiana and Jamaica .-Life:... Memorial Prize |
1939 |
| Dr C A Hewavitarane Charles Alwis Hewavitharana Charles Alwis Hewavitharana, FRCS, LRCP was a Ceylonese physician who played a significant role in Sir Lanka's Sri Lankan independence movement... Memorial Prize |
1942 |
| Cecil Perera Memorial Scholarship | 1944 |
| The Governor General Governor-General of Ceylon The Governor-General of Ceylon was the representative of the Ceylonese monarch, and head of state, who held the title of Queen of Ceylon from 1948 when the country became independent as a Dominion until the country became the republic of Sri Lanka in 1972.-Role:The monarch, on the advice of the... 's Prize |
1947–1972 |
| Peter De Abrew Peter De Abrew Peter De Abrew was a Ceylonese industrialist and philanthropist.Born to William de Abrew a successful businessmen, Peter De Abrew was educated at the prestigious Colombo Academy . Going into business as produce merchant, De Abrew gain a strong reputation amongst the business community... Memorial Scholarship |
1948 |
| Dr H L H De Mel Lakdasa De Mel Lakdasa De Mel, MA was the first Bishop of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.Born to Sir Henry de Mel former Member of the Legislative Council, he was educated at the prestigious Royal College Colombo and went on to study at the University of Oxford, gaining a MA.... Memorial Prize |
1948 |
| Earle De Zoysa Memorial Prize | 1952 |
| P U Ratnaunga Prize | 1952 |
| J N Jimendradasa Memorial Prize | 1954 |
| E W Perera E. W. Perera Edward Walter Perera was a Ceylonese barrister, politician and freedom fighter. He was known as the 'Lion of Kotte' and was a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan independence movement and a Senator.... Memorial Memorial Scholarship |
1954 |
| Dudley K G De Silva Dudley de Silva Dudley Kenneth George de Silva was a Sri Lankan educationist. He was Principal of Royal College Colombo and Director of Technical Education, Ministry of Education... Prize |
1957 |
| R H Wickramasinghe Memorial Prize | 1957 |
| Tissa Wickramasinghe Memorial Prize | 1963 |
| Amal De Mel Memorial Prize | 1966 |
| Harsha Panditha Gunawardena Memorial Scholarship | 1967 |
| T D Jayasooriaya Memorial Prize | 1970 |
| Mudaliyar L C Wijeshinghe Prize | 1970 |
| The President President of Sri Lanka The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is the elected head of state and the head of government. The President is a dominant political figure in Sri Lanka. The office was created in 1978 but has grown so powerful there have been calls to restrict or even eliminate its power... 's Prize |
1973 |
| Omeon Mendis Memorial Scholarship | 1973 |
| 1927 Group Scholarship | 1978 |
| George Rajapakse George Rajapakse George Rajapakse was a Sri Lankan politician. He was the former Cabinet Minister of Health, Fisheries and a Member of Parliament. Educated at the Royal College Colombo he is the son of D. M. Rajapaksa, known as the "Lion of the Ruhuna", nephew of Don Alwin Rajapaksa, founder member of the SLFP, and... Memorial Scholarship |
1973 |
| Ajantha Wijesena Scholarship | 1978 |
| Sir Henry De Mel Henry de Mel Sir Henry Lawson De Mel was a Ceylonese industrialist and politician. He was a member of the Legislative Council and founder of the H.L. De Mel & Co.... Memorial Prize |
1983 |
| Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize The Lalith Athulathmudali Memorial Prize is a prestigious prize and honour awarded to a student of Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in Sri Lanka. Awarded annually to the Most Outstanding Royalist of the Year.... |
1994 |
| J R Jayawardene Junius Richard Jayewardene Junius Richard Jayewardene , famously abbreviated in Sri Lanka as JR, was the first executive President of Sri Lanka, serving from 1978 till 1989. He was a leader of the nationalist movement in Ceylon who served in a variety of cabinet positions in the decades following independence... Memorial Prize |
1997 |
Trophies and sports scholarships
- Col. T.G. JayawardenaTheodore Godfrey Wijesinghe JayewardeneColonel Theodore Godfrey Wijesinghe Jayewardene, JP, CLI was a Ceylonese engineer, politician and military officer...
Memorial Shield - Maalin Dias Sports Scholarship
- E L Bradby - J C A Corea Prize
- Grp. Capt. D.S. Wickremasinghe Memorial Prize
Endowments
- Albert Edirisinghe Endowment
- Gamini Edirisinghe Endowment
- A C Soysa Memorial Endowment
- A S Wimalakirthi Memorial Endowment
- Capt Panduka Dharmapriya Wijesinghe Memorial Endowment
- Clarence Amerasinghe Memorial Endowment
- Dias Memorial Endowment
- D B I P S Siriwardhane Memorial Award
- Dr Malin Sugathapala Memorial Endowment
- Dr L Dissanayake Memorial Endowment
- E C Gunasekera Memorial Endowment
- H J Wijesinghe Memorial Endowment
- Herman E Peiris Memorial Endowment
- Junji Ito Memorial Endowment
- Lt Col M K J Cantlay Memorial Endowment
- Major L V & Mrs Rhoda Gooneratne Memorial Endowment (English)
- Major L V & Mrs Rhoda Gooneratne Memorial Endowment (Snr Cadet)
- M T Thambapillai Memorial Endowment
- Pathinayaka Siri Memorial Endowment
- Pilot Officer Ranjit Fernando Jr Memorial Endowment
- Prof K N Seneviratne Memorial Endowment
- Reed Memorial Endowment
- Sarath Kodagoda Endowment
- S F De Silva Memorial Endowment
- Sir Razik FareedRazik FareedSir Razik Fareed, OBE, JP , was a Ceylonese lawyer, politician, diplomat and philanthropist. He was the former Cabinet Minister of Trade, Senator, member of parliament and the state council...
Memorial Endowment - T M Weerasinghe Memorial Endowment
- Tirimanne Memorial Endowment
- Wilson Family Memorial Endowment
- Yasawathie Edirisinghe Memorial Endowment
Sports
Sport is a major part of Royal College, with over 21 different sports played. Taking center stage of the annual sporting calender are the Royal-ThomianRoyal-Thomian
The Royal–Thomian , the annual cricket match between Royal College, Colombo and S...
(Big Match), the Bradby
Bradby Shield Encounter
The Bradby Shield Encounter - commonly known as "The Bradby" - is the blue ribbon of Sri Lanka's school rugby union season. It is played annually between traditional rivals Royal College, Colombo, and Trinity College, Kandy. The encounter consists of two legs, one being played in the Royal College...
and the Regatta
Royal Thomian Regatta
The event generally known as Royal Thomian Regatta or The Regatta is the annual rowing race between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia having begun in 1962 as the Royal Thomian Boat Race that evolved into a regatta in 1966 and now is made up of 8 events.The races are rowed...
.
Other sports played at Royal include;
- Athletics
- Archery
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Chess
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Karate
- Rifle Shooting
- Rowing http://www.royalcollegerowing.org/index.htm
- Rugby union
- Football
- Squash
- Swimming/Diving
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Wushu
Royal-Thomian
Cricket has been played at the school since 1838 and the Royal College Cricket Club was formed in 1878. The annual cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
match, The Big Match played against the school's traditional rival
Royal-Thomian rivalry
Royal–Thomian Rivalry refers to the competition, both in academics and sports between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. Both schools have rich histories of academic excellence, as well as sport competition and school pride...
, S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia is the second longest uninterrupted cricket match series in the world. The original match was played between the Colombo Academy and St Thomas' College in 1879, with schoolmasters participating as well as schoolboys. From 1880 onwards, only schoolboys were allowed to play in the match.
Until 2006 the tally stands with both schools winning 33 each and 61 drawn. This is preceded by the Cycle Parade which usually happens on the day before the big match, with the official objective of visiting the captain's house to encourage him.
Royal-Trinity Bradby Shield Encounter
The annual rugby encounter
Bradby Shield Encounter
The Bradby Shield Encounter - commonly known as "The Bradby" - is the blue ribbon of Sri Lanka's school rugby union season. It is played annually between traditional rivals Royal College, Colombo, and Trinity College, Kandy. The encounter consists of two legs, one being played in the Royal College...
against friendly rival Trinity College, Kandy is the Blue Riband of schools' rugby in Sri Lanka. Rugby was introduced at Royal in 1916, and the first historic match against Trinity was played in 1920. The Bradby Shield was first presented in 1945 by the departing Principal of Royal College, E. L. Bradby. Since 1945, two matches have taken place each year, one in Kandy and the other in Colombo. The Shield is awarded to the school that gets the highest aggregate of points in the two match series.
The Centenary match between the two schools was the second leg encounter played in 1983 - the Chief Guest was Mr E.L Bradby himself. The 2008 second leg match will be the 150th match between the two schools.
The 2002 Bradby encounter was the highest scoring encounter for Royal, led by Zulki Hamid, winning a record (39-00) in the first leg held in Colombo and winning the second leg (44-00) in Kandy, thus winning the Bradby Shield with a record aggregate of 83 - 00.
The 2009 Bradby first leg was won by Royal (23 - 12) in Kandy. The second leg was also won by Royal (31 - 15) in Colombo. Thus Royal wins the Bradby for 2009 with an aggregate of 53 - 27.
Royal-Thomian Regatta
Royal was the first school to start its own rowing program in 1955. The Regatta is the annual regatta
Regatta
A regatta is a series of boat races. The term typically describes racing events of rowed or sailed water craft, although some powerboat race series are also called regattas...
between Royal College and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. The Boat Race which is a coxed fours event began in 1962. By 1966, it broadened out to give rise to the regatta having a card of six events, made up of 2 Single Sculls, 2 Coxless Pairs and 2 Coxed Fours. The events take place at the Beira lake
Beira Lake
Beira Lake is a lake in the heart of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The lake is surrounded by many important businesses in the city. It occupied approximately 165 hectares of land 100 years ago and has been reduced to mere 65 hectares today due to various reasons. During the colonial era of the...
(alongside the Colombo Rowing Club
Colombo Rowing Club
The Colombo Rowing Club is the premier boat club in Sri Lanka having been founded in 1864. Its club house and boat house are located on the edge of the northern Beira Lake, at Sir Chittapalam A...
) in Colombo around October each year with the T. N. Fernando Trophy awarded to the overall winner.
In 2007, under the captaincy of Maalik Aziz, Royal won the regatta with a record 40 points to nil, for the first time in its history. The Royal College Crew created records in all six events including a record for the Boat Race with a timing of 3 mins 11 secs (elapsing the previous record of 3mins 19secs).
Clubs and societies
The college magazine and the library started in 1837. Today there are over 60 clubs and societies.Some of these are;
- Adventure Club
- Association for Ethnic Harmony
- Archaeological Society
- Architects' Society
- Art Circle
- Astronomical SocietyRoyal College Astronomical SocietyThe Royal College Astronomical Society is a student society of the Royal College Colombo, that engages in the study of astronomy. -History:...
- Aviation Society
- Buddhist Brotherhood
- Catholic Students Union
- Commerce Society
- Computer Society
- Debaters' Council
- Discussion Forum
- English Drama Society
- English Literary Association
- Environment Conservation Society
- Film Society
- General Knowledge Club
- Hindu Students Union
- Historical Society
- I*earn
- Insurance Society
- Interact Club
- Islamic Society
- Japanese Society
- Junior Sinahala Literary Association
- Leo Club
- Library Readers Associationhttp://rclra.net
- Media Unit http://www.murc.info
- Mathematics Society
- National Savings Bank
- Oriental Music Society
- Philatelic Club
- Photographic Society
- Political Science Society
- Radio Clubhttp://www.fmroyal.info
- Red Cross Society
- Science Association
- Scrabble Club
- Social Services League
- Seylan Bank
- Sinhala Drama Society
- Sinhala Language and Literary Unit
- Sinhala Oratory and Debating Society
- SIPSA
- Student Christian Movement
- Tamil Debaters' Council
- Tamil Dramatic Society
- Tamil Karnartic Music Society
- Tamil Literary Association
- Temperance Society
- United Nations Club
- United Students Circle
- Western Music Society
- Wildlife Protection Society
- Young Biologist's Society
- Young Inventor's Club
- Young Zoologists Association
- Youth Services Association
Music
The college as a strong association with the study of music, both westernClassical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
and oriental. The Royal College Orchestra and the College Choir which is part of the Western Music Society (formally the Royal College Music Society) has a long and rich history. Performances are held at the College Hall and at the Navarangahala
Navarangahala
The Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
, the later designed specifically oriental performance. There are several marching bands including the Senior Cadet Band Platoon, Middle School Western Band, Junior Western Band and the Oriental Band.
The SAGA musical festival is a important event in the annual cultural calendar of Colombo. he school participates in many national competitions and has produced many talented musicians.
Drama
Many plays are put on every year at Royal, organized by the English Drama Society (formally the Royal College Dramatic Society) and the Sinhala Drama Society. Sinhala and Tamil drama productions are hosted at the college's main theatre; the NavarangahalaNavarangahala
The Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
which is specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra
Natya Shastra
The Natya Shastra is an ancient Indian treatise on the performing arts, encompassing theatre, dance and music. It was written during the period between 200 BC and 200 AD in classical India and is traditionally attributed to the Sage Bharata.The Natya Shastra is incredibly wide in its scope...
. English language productions are hosted at the Lionel Wendt
Lionel Wendt Art Centre
The Lionel Wendt Art Centre is an art centre dedicated to the memory of Sri Lankan Lionel Wendt. It combines live theater and art exhibition, with two exhibition galleries and a theater with over 600 seats.-History:...
which is situated in close proximity to the school. The school has a smaller theatre, called the 'Little Theatre' which is currently in use by the Royal College Film Society screening of classical and contemporary films. Productions are staged regularly by alumni, organized by the Old Royalists Association of Dramatists and the Royal College Union.
School magazines
The college magazine dates back to 1837 when The Colombo Academy Miscellany and Juvenile Repository was published on a monthly basis during the time of headmaster Rev. Joseph Marsh. The Royal College Magazine the official school magazine was first published in 1893 and was printed at the Times of Ceylon Press. The magazine was published till the 1970s by the school press, edited by boys at the school. Its publication resumed in 1993 and has continued since.The Royalist is the school paper, published every quarter.
Cadet Contingent
The Royal College Cadet Corps is the oldest school cadet contingentNational Cadet Corps (Sri Lanka)
The National Cadet Corps is the Sri Lankan military cadet corps and is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation in the Sri Lanka. Formally the Ceylon Cadet Corps It is open to high school students on voluntary basis and has a history of more than 126 years as of 2007. The officers are...
in Sri Lanka. It was the first cadet battalion to be formed in a school in Ceylon in 1881, attached to the Ceylon Light Infantry soon after its own formation that year. Later named the Royal College Volunteer Corps, it was attached to the Ceylon Volunteers by the Volunteer Gazette of 1905. 1979 a Senior Cadet Band Platoon was added and in 2007 Royal was one of two schools to establish the first Air Force Cadet platoons in the country.
Both the Cadet Contingent and Senior Cadet Band Platoon have performed well, gaining claim as two of the finest units in the country. Over the years the Cadet Contingent has won the Hermanloose Trophy on many years annually and Senior Cadet Band Platoon has won the Lt.Gen. T.I. Weerathunga Trophy ten times.
Principals and Head Masters
Following is a list of past Principals and Head Masters of the Colombo Academy and the Royal College Colombo;Head Masters
| Name | Entered Office | Departed Office |
|---|---|---|
| Rev. The Reverend The Reverend is a style most often used as a prefix to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. There are sometimes differences in the way the style is used in different countries and church traditions. The Reverend is correctly called a style but is often and in some dictionaries called a... J.H. Marsh (Snr), MA Master of Arts (postgraduate) A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees... (Edin University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university... ) |
||
| J. Brooke H. Bailey (acting) | ||
| Rev. The Reverend The Reverend is a style most often used as a prefix to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. There are sometimes differences in the way the style is used in different countries and church traditions. The Reverend is correctly called a style but is often and in some dictionaries called a... A. Kessen |
||
Principals
| Name | Entered Office | Departed Office |
|---|---|---|
| J.F. Haslam, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Cantab Cantab Cantab may refer to:*Cantabrigian, a member of the University of Cambridge or a resident of Cambridge*"Cantab", a common shortened form of Cantabrian, a term used for people from Canterbury, New Zealand... ) |
||
| Rev. The Reverend The Reverend is a style most often used as a prefix to the names of Christian clergy and ministers. There are sometimes differences in the way the style is used in different countries and church traditions. The Reverend is correctly called a style but is often and in some dictionaries called a... Dr Doctor (title) Doctor, as a title, originates from the Latin word of the same spelling and meaning. The word is originally an agentive noun of the Latin verb docēre . It has been used as an honored academic title for over a millennium in Europe, where it dates back to the rise of the university. This use spread... Barcroft Boake, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Dublin University of Dublin The University of Dublin , corporately designated the Chancellor, Doctors and Masters of the University of Dublin , located in Dublin, Ireland, was effectively founded when in 1592 Queen Elizabeth I issued a charter for Trinity College, Dublin, as "the mother of a university" – this date making it... ), DD Doctor of Divinity Doctor of Divinity is an advanced academic degree in divinity. Historically, it identified one who had been licensed by a university to teach Christian theology or related religious subjects.... (Dublin University of Dublin The University of Dublin , corporately designated the Chancellor, Doctors and Masters of the University of Dublin , located in Dublin, Ireland, was effectively founded when in 1592 Queen Elizabeth I issued a charter for Trinity College, Dublin, as "the mother of a university" – this date making it... ) |
||
| George Todd, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Oxon Oxon Oxon may refer to:* Oxon, England, short for Oxonia , a county in the United Kingdom* Oxon , an organic compound* Universitas Oxoniensis, the University of Oxford... ), ISO |
||
| J.B. Cull, MA(Oxon Oxon Oxon may refer to:* Oxon, England, short for Oxonia , a county in the United Kingdom* Oxon , an organic compound* Universitas Oxoniensis, the University of Oxford... ) |
||
| J.H. Marsh (Jnr), MA Master of Arts (postgraduate) A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees... (Edin University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university... ) |
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| J.H. Harward John Harward John Henry Harward was a British educationist. Former Principal of Royal College Colombo .Born in Worksworth, Derbyshire, he was educated at Durham School and University College, Oxford and graduated B.A... , MA(Oxon Oxon Oxon may refer to:* Oxon, England, short for Oxonia , a county in the United Kingdom* Oxon , an organic compound* Universitas Oxoniensis, the University of Oxford... ) |
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| C. Hartley Charles Hartley (educationist) Charles Hartley was a British educationist. Former Principal of Royal College Colombo .Born in Beccles, Suffolk, he was educated at Fauconberg Grammar School, Beccles, then at Marlborough College . He went on to Magdalen College, Cambridge, captaining Magdalen College Cricket Team and graduating B.A... , MA(Cantab Cantab Cantab may refer to:*Cantabrigian, a member of the University of Cambridge or a resident of Cambridge*"Cantab", a common shortened form of Cantabrian, a term used for people from Canterbury, New Zealand... ) |
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| Major H.L. Reed, MC Military Cross The Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.... , BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Cantab Cantab Cantab may refer to:*Cantabrigian, a member of the University of Cambridge or a resident of Cambridge*"Cantab", a common shortened form of Cantabrian, a term used for people from Canterbury, New Zealand... ) |
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| L.H.W. Sampson, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Oxon Oxon Oxon may refer to:* Oxon, England, short for Oxonia , a county in the United Kingdom* Oxon , an organic compound* Universitas Oxoniensis, the University of Oxford... ), FRGS |
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| E.L. Bradby, MA(Oxon Oxon Oxon may refer to:* Oxon, England, short for Oxonia , a county in the United Kingdom* Oxon , an organic compound* Universitas Oxoniensis, the University of Oxford... ) |
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| J.C.A. Corea J.C.A. Corea James Clifford Aelian Corea was a Sri Lankan educationist. He was the former Principal of Royal College Colombo.-Early Life:Born in the coastal town of Chilaw in Ceylon in 1904, he was educated at Royal College Colombo, then gained a MA in Psychology from the University of London and a Diploma in... , MA Master of Arts (postgraduate) A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... (Cantab Cantab Cantab may refer to:*Cantabrigian, a member of the University of Cambridge or a resident of Cambridge*"Cantab", a common shortened form of Cantabrian, a term used for people from Canterbury, New Zealand... ) |
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| D.K.G. de Silva Dudley de Silva Dudley Kenneth George de Silva was a Sri Lankan educationist. He was Principal of Royal College Colombo and Director of Technical Education, Ministry of Education... , BSc BSC BSC is a three-letter abbreviation that may refer to:Science and technology* Bachelor of Science , an undergraduate degree* Base Station Controller, part of a mobile phone network; see: Base Station subsystem... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... (Cey) |
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| Deshabandu Deshabandu Deshabandu is a National Honours of Sri Lanka, a civil honour awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka. It is conventionally used as a title or prefix to the awardees name. Deshabandu ranks lower than Deshamanya.-Awardees:Awardees include:*N. H. Keerthiratne... B.G. Premaratne, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ), MA Master of Arts (postgraduate) A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees... (NY TTC) |
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| D.G. Welikala, BSc BSC BSC is a three-letter abbreviation that may refer to:Science and technology* Bachelor of Science , an undergraduate degree* Base Station Controller, part of a mobile phone network; see: Base Station subsystem... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ) |
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| D.J.N. Seneviratne, BSc BSC BSC is a three-letter abbreviation that may refer to:Science and technology* Bachelor of Science , an undergraduate degree* Base Station Controller, part of a mobile phone network; see: Base Station subsystem... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ), MA Master of Arts (postgraduate) A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees... (Colombia Columbia University Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the... ), F.G.TRD, Cert(History)(Cey University of Ceylon The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was... ) |
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| L.D.H. Peiris, BSc BSC BSC is a three-letter abbreviation that may refer to:Science and technology* Bachelor of Science , an undergraduate degree* Base Station Controller, part of a mobile phone network; see: Base Station subsystem... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... (Cey University of Ceylon The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was... ) |
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| C.T.M. Fernando, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Lond University of London -20th century:Shortly after 6 Burlington Gardens was vacated, the University went through a period of rapid expansion. Bedford College, Royal Holloway and the London School of Economics all joined in 1900, Regent's Park College, which had affiliated in 1841 became an official divinity school of the... ), CertEd Certificate in Education The Certificate in Education is a professional qualification for teachers in the United Kingdom. There have been two incarnations of the Cert Ed over the years.-New Cert Ed:... (Cey University of Ceylon The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was... ), Cert Ed. Adm.(Edin University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university... ) |
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| B. Suriyaarachchi, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Cey University of Ceylon The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... |
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| S.H. Kumarasinghe, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Cey University of Ceylon The University of Ceylon was the only university in Sri Lanka from 1942 until 1972. It had several constituent campuses at various locations around Sri Lanka. The University of Ceylon Act No. 1 of 1972, replaced it with the University of Sri Lanka which existed from 1973 to 1978. In 1978 it was... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... |
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| H.L.B. Gomes, BA Bachelor of Arts A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both... (Pera University of Peradeniya The University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... , Cert Ed. Mgt. |
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| H.A. Upali Gunasekera, BSc BSC BSC is a three-letter abbreviation that may refer to:Science and technology* Bachelor of Science , an undergraduate degree* Base Station Controller, part of a mobile phone network; see: Base Station subsystem... (Pera University of Peradeniya The University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission... ), DipEd Diploma of Education The Diploma of Education, often abbreviated to DipEd or GradDipEd, is a postgraduate qualification offered in many Commonwealth countries including Australia, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom... |
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Prefects
In addition to the masters, four categories of senior boys are entitled to exercise school discipline. Boys who belong to any of three categories of prefects, are entitled to wear a silver college crest on their uniform and dress in an all white uniform.- Senior Prefect:, the most senior prefectorial group, who makes up the Prefects Council. Selected on academic, sport and co-curricular activity achievements, they are appointed on a probationary basis after completing the final exams at school (GCE Advanced LevelAdvanced Level (SL)The Sri Lankan Advanced Level , is a General Certificate of Education qualification in Sri Lanka, conducted by the Department of Examinations of the Ministry of Education. Similar to the British Advanced Level...
). Of these only a handful are appointed as Senior Prefects. Since they have completed the final exams there are in fact older than any of the other students and effectively stay an extra year at school, their disciplinary powers extend to all students of the school. From amongst the Senior Prefects are chosen the Head Prefect to lead all prefects of the college and the Prefects' Top Board, which consists of the Head Prefect (HP), the Senior Deputy Head Prefect (SDHP) and three or four Deputy Head Prefects (DHP). Notable head prefects include: J. R. Jayewardene, Sepala Attygalle, Ranjan MadugalleRanjan MadugalleRanjan Senerath Madugalle is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who became a match referee in 1993. He was educated at Trinity College, Kandy, and Royal College, Colombo....
. - Steward: selected from students in grade 12, assist the senior prefects to exercise discipline in Upper School (grades 10, 11).
- Junior Prefect: selected from students in grade 9 (grade 8, until 1998), their disciplinary powers are limited to the students of Middle School (grades 6, 7, 8 & 9).
- Primary Prefect: selected from students in grade 5, their disciplinary powers are limited to the students of the Primary School (grades 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).
Old Royalists
Main Article: List of Old RoyalistsPast pupils of Royal College Colombo are known as Old Royalists, they include many distinguished figures. The school has produced the first Executive President of Sri Lanka
President of Sri Lanka
The President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is the elected head of state and the head of government. The President is a dominant political figure in Sri Lanka. The office was created in 1978 but has grown so powerful there have been calls to restrict or even eliminate its power...
J. R. Jayewardene; the longest serving President of the Maldives
President of the Maldives
The President of the Maldives is the Head of State and Head of Government and first citizen of the Republic of Maldives and the Supreme Commander of the Maldivian armed forces.The current President of the Republic of Maldives is Mohamed Nasheed....
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was President of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. After serving as Minister of Transport, he was nominated as President by the Majlis of the Maldives and succeeded Ibrahim Nasir on November 11, 1978. He eventually became the longest-ruling head of government in Asia...
; the last Sultan of the Maldives Muhammad Fareed Didi
Muhammad Fareed Didi
King Muhammad Fareed Didi , the son of the Sultan Prince Abdul Majeed Didi . Muhammed Fareed Didi was the last Sultan of Maldives and the first Maldivian Monarch to assume the title of "King" with the style of "Your Majesty". He was the Sultan of Maldives from March 7, 1954 until November 11, 1968...
and also three Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is the functional head of the Cabinet of Sri Lanka. However, the President is both head of state and head of government in Sri Lanka...
, including General
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Sir John Kotalawela and Ranil Wickremasinghe
Ranil Wickremasinghe
Ranil Shriyan Wickremesinghe , MP, is a Sri Lankan politician and current Leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lankan parliament. He was Prime Minister of Sri Lanka twice, from May 7, 1993 to August 19, 1994 and from December 9, 2001 to April 6, 2004...
.
Many of the prominent leaders of the independence movement in the early twentieth century including Anagarika Dharmapala
Anagarika Dharmapala
Anagarika Dharmapala was a leading figure of Buddhism in the twentieth century. He was one of the founding contributors of Sinhalese Buddhist Nationalism and Protestant Buddhism...
, E.W.Perera, Sir James Peiris
James Peiris
Sir James Peiris, JP was a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan independence movement and a Vice President of the Legislative Council.-Early life and education:...
, Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam
Ponnambalam Arunachalam
Sir Ponnambalam Arunachchalam, CCS was a Tamil political leader in Ceylon and a member of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council.-Early life:...
, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan
Ponnambalam Ramanathan
Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, KCMG, KC was a Solicitor-General and Tamil political leader in Sri Lanka.-Early life:...
and C.A. Hewavitharne
Charles Alwis Hewavitharana
Charles Alwis Hewavitharana, FRCS, LRCP was a Ceylonese physician who played a significant role in Sir Lanka's Sri Lankan independence movement...
were educated at the Colombo Academy.
The school's alumni also include Shirley Amerasinghe
Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe
Hamilton Shirley Amerasinghe, CCS was a Sri Lankan diplomat and civil servant. He was the Ceylon's High Commissioner to India and concurrently Ambassador to both Nepal and Afghanistan and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance & Treasury and the Ministry of Health...
(President of the United Nations General Assembly
President of the United Nations General Assembly
The President of the United Nations General Assembly is a position voted for by representatives in the United Nations General Assembly on a yearly basis.- Election :...
), Gamani Corea
Gamani Corea
Deshamanya Gamani Corea is a Sri Lankan economist, civil servant and diplomat. He was the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1974 to 1984, Ceylon's Ambassador to the EEC, Belgium, Luxembourg and...
(Secretary-General
Secretary-General
-International intergovernmental organizations:-International nongovernmental organizations:-Sports governing bodies:...
of the UNCTD
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body. It is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues....
), Christopher Weeramantry
Christopher Weeramantry
Sri Lankabhimanya Christopher Gregory Weeramantry was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka from 1967 to 1972. He was a Judge of the International Court of Justice from 1991 to 2000, and was Vice-President of the ICJ from 1997 to 2000...
(Judge of the International Court of Justice
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. It is based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands...
), Sir Nicholas Attygalle
Nicholas Attygalle
Sir Nicholas Attygalle, FRCS was a Ceylonese academic, surgeon and a Senator. He was the President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1953 to 1960 and the first Ceylonese Vice Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, where he was known as the "Iron Vice Chancellor".-Early life and education:He was born...
(First Sri Lankan Vice Chancellor), V. K. Samaranayake
V. K. Samaranayake
Vidya Jyothi V. K. Samaranayake MBCS, MCS, FNASSL, MIEEE pioneered computing & IT development industry and usage in Sri Lanka and thus considered as the "Father of Information Technology" in Sri Lanka. He was a Professor of Computer Science and former Dean of the Faculty of Science,...
(Founder of the UCSC
University of Colombo School of Computing
The University of Colombo School of Computing in Sri Lanka was formed in 2002 by bringing together the Department of Computer Science and the Institute of Computer Technology.- History :Professor V. K...
), Mohan Munasinghe
Mohan Munasinghe
Mohan Munasinghe is a Sri Lankan physicist and economist. With a focus on energy, sustainable development and climate change, he is the Chairman of the , the at the University of Manchester, UK, and the Vice Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change , that shared the 2007 Nobel...
(Vice President of the IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a scientific intergovernmental body which provides comprehensive assessments of current scientific, technical and socio-economic information worldwide about the risk of climate change caused by human activity, its potential environmental and...
) and General
General
A general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
Deshamanya
Deshamanya
Deshamanya is the second highest Sri Lankan national honour awarded by the Government of Sri Lanka as a civil honour.It is conventionally used as a title or prefix to the awardee's name....
Sepala Attygalle
D. S. Attygalle
General Deshamanya Don Sepala Attygalle, LVO, ADC, idc, psc, SLAC was a Sri Lankan military leader, civil servant and diplomat...
(First Sri Lankan Four-star General
4 star rank
Four-star rank is a term used to describe a very senior commander in many of the armed services holding a rank described by the NATO OF-9 code. The term is also used by some armed forces which are not NATO members...
).
War Memorial
Situated in front of the main building, between the center Boake GatesBoake Gates
The Boake Gates at Royal College Colombo are three entrances to the main building along Rajakeeya Mawatha in Colombo....
and the College Main Hall, is the memorial to Old Royalists who died in the two World Wars and the Sri Lankan civil war
Sri Lankan civil war
The Sri Lankan Civil War was a conflict fought on the island of Sri Lanka. Beginning on July 23, 1983, there was an on-and-off insurgency against the government by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , a separatist militant organization which fought to create an independent Tamil state named Tamil...
. The war memorial is located in front of the school's main building. Another memorial plaque is displayed in the entry way to the Navarangahala
Navarangahala
The Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
bearing the names of 47 Old Royalists who where killed in action in the civil war.
The Royal College Union
Alumnus
An alumnus , according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is "a graduate of a school, college, or university." An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor or inmate as well as a former student. In addition, an alumna is "a female graduate or former student of a school, college,...
society (old boys association) for the college and was founded in 1891 and as such it is the oldest such alumni society in Sri Lanka. The Royal College Union was set up to further the interests of the College and its past and present members, and to keep former pupils in touch with each other and with the school. Annually the RCU organizes many events including the Royal-Thomian
Royal-Thomian
The Royal–Thomian , the annual cricket match between Royal College, Colombo and S...
, EDEX
EDEX
EDEX is an annual career fair and exhibition in Sri Lanka. Over the years it has become the primer career fair in the country and a national event with the primary exhibition taking place at BMICH, Colombo followed by a secondary exhibition taking pace at Queens Hotel, Kandy a few weeks later...
and carry out development projects for the college.
Royal and other Schools
Royal College's maintains a century old rivalryRoyal-Thomian rivalry
Royal–Thomian Rivalry refers to the competition, both in academics and sports between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. Both schools have rich histories of academic excellence, as well as sport competition and school pride...
with S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia as well as close ties with Trinity College, Kandy
Trinity College, Kandy
Trinity College, Kandy founded in 1872 by Anglican missionaries, is an Independent elite private boys’ school providing primary and secondary education in Sri Lanka...
. Royal has long had a familial relationship with C.M.S. Ladies' College, Colombo
C.M.S. Ladies' College, Colombo
C.M.S Ladies' College is a private girls' school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located at 66, Sir Ernest De Silva Mawatha , Colombo 07, Sri Lanka.-Foundation:The college was founded by the Church Missionary Society in 1900...
: several families who chose to send their sons to Royal also chose to send their daughters to Ladies College, and many Old Royalists over the years have married alumni of C.M.S. Ladies' College, Colombo
C.M.S. Ladies' College, Colombo
C.M.S Ladies' College is a private girls' school in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located at 66, Sir Ernest De Silva Mawatha , Colombo 07, Sri Lanka.-Foundation:The college was founded by the Church Missionary Society in 1900...
.
In 1945, Minister of Education C. W. W. Kannangara began the establishment of central colleges
Madhya Maha Vidyalaya
Madhya Maha Vidyalayas or Central Colleges were established by the late Minister of Education Hon. Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, as part of his initiative in establishing free education in Sri Lanka....
(Madhya Maha Vidhyala) as part of the Free Education policy to provide secondary education for the rural masses, he modeled these schools on the general structure of Royal College.
Although there are several schools in parts of the island that have adapted the name Royal College in the post-independence era; none have links to Royal College Colombo nor have been received formal permission to use the Royal prefix.
In popular culture
- In Martin WickramasingheMartin WickramasingheMartin Wickramasinghe , MBE was a Sri Lankan novelist. His books have been translated into several langues....
's novel Kaliyugaya, the character Allan is an old Royallist. - In the last part of Carl MullerCarl MullerCarl Muller is a Sri Lankan writer, poet and journalist best known for his trilogy about Burghers in Sri Lanka: The Jam Fruit Tree, Yakada Yaka and Once Upon A Tender Time...
's trilogy Once Upon a Tender Time, the central character Carlaboy von Bloss of the final story studies at Royal. - In Nihal De SilvaNihal De SilvaNihal De Silva is the author of "The Road From Elephant Pass", which won the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award and the Gratiaen Prize. He also published "The Far Spent Day" and "The Ginirella Conspiracy".- Biography :...
's novel The Giniralla Conspiracy, a protagonist, Mithra had studied at Royal College. - in Martin WickramasingheMartin WickramasingheMartin Wickramasinghe , MBE was a Sri Lankan novelist. His books have been translated into several langues....
's novel Yuganthaya, the character Malin is a an old Royalist.
Information
- On the May 22, 1972 the House of RepresentativesParliament of Sri LankaThe Parliament of Sri Lanka is the 225-member unicameral legislature of Sri Lanka. The members of Parliament are elected by proportional representation for six-year terms, with universal suffrage. Parliament reserves the power to make all laws...
of the Dominion of CeylonDominion of CeylonThe Dominion of Ceylon, known today as Sri Lanka, was a dominion, in the British Empire between 1948 and 1972. In 1948, British Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon. In 1972, the Dominion of Ceylon became a republic within the Commonwealth, and its name was changed to Sri Lanka...
met at the Royal Primary School Hall (now known as the NavarangahalaNavarangahalaThe Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
) to finalize and approve the RepublicRepublicA republic is a form of government in which the people, or some significant portion of them, have supreme control over the government and where offices of state are elected or chosen by elected people. In modern times, a common simplified definition of a republic is a government where the head of...
ConstitutionConstitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is...
, thereby proclaimed establishment of the Republic of Sri Lanka. - During construction of the school's new buildingOld Royal College Building, University of ColomboOld Royal College Building is the main building of the University of Colombo. The iconic symbol of the University of Colombo, it is located on campus center in front of the university sports grounds, and presently houses the Department of Mathematics...
it was hit by an aircraft that was trying the establish the record for the first flight over Ceylon in November 1911.
Lineage
|-style="text-align: center; background: #ADD8E6;"| align="center" colspan="6"|Lineage
|-
| width="25%" rowspan="20" align="center" | Royal College Colombo
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Royal College Colombo
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Colombo Academy
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Colombo Academy
and Queens College
| width="25%" rowspan="2" align="center"| Colombo Academy
|-
| width="25%" align="center"| Hill Street Academy
|-
| width="25%" colspan="1" align="center"| Royal Preparatory School
Royal Preparatory School
Royal Preparatory School was a preparatory school in Colombo, Ceylon . It was established in 1933 as a preparatory school to prepare students to the Royal College Colombo situated next to it...
See also
- School of Our FathersSchool of Our FathersThe School of Our Fathers is the school song of Royal College Colombo. It is sung at the start of every school day except for Monday,when the National Anthem is sung, and on other important occasions. The words of the song were written by Major H.L.Reed, a Principal of the school in the third term...
- Old Royalists
- Royal Preparatory SchoolRoyal Preparatory SchoolRoyal Preparatory School was a preparatory school in Colombo, Ceylon . It was established in 1933 as a preparatory school to prepare students to the Royal College Colombo situated next to it...
- Royal-Thomian rivalryRoyal-Thomian rivalryRoyal–Thomian Rivalry refers to the competition, both in academics and sports between Royal College Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. Both schools have rich histories of academic excellence, as well as sport competition and school pride...
- The Royal-ThomianRoyal-ThomianThe Royal–Thomian , the annual cricket match between Royal College, Colombo and S...
- Bradby Shield EncounterBradby Shield EncounterThe Bradby Shield Encounter - commonly known as "The Bradby" - is the blue ribbon of Sri Lanka's school rugby union season. It is played annually between traditional rivals Royal College, Colombo, and Trinity College, Kandy. The encounter consists of two legs, one being played in the Royal College...
- Royal Thomian RegattaRoyal Thomian RegattaThe event generally known as Royal Thomian Regatta or The Regatta is the annual rowing race between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia having begun in 1962 as the Royal Thomian Boat Race that evolved into a regatta in 1966 and now is made up of 8 events.The races are rowed...
- Royal Crown (Royal College Colombo)Royal Crown (Royal College Colombo)The Royal Crown is the most prestigious award a sportsman can achieve at Royal College Colombo, the oldest public school in the country. It is awarded each year at the Colours Night to one or many sportsmen who has made outstanding achievements in their field of sports along with Colours to other...
- NavarangahalaNavarangahalaThe Navarangahala in Colombo is one of the main national theatres of Sri Lanka. Built between 1966 and 1969 as the Royal Primary School Hall it was specially designed for local drama and music which required open air type auditorium in accordance to Natya Shastra...
- Rajakeeya MawathaRajakeeya MawathaRajakeeya Mawatha is a street in Colombo, Sri Lanka, named after the Royal College Colombo, which boarders it on the southern side...
- Education in Sri LankaEducation in Sri LankaEducation in Sri Lanka has a long history which dates back two millennia and the Constitution of Sri Lanka provide for education as a fundamental right. The Sri Lanka's population has a literacy rate of 92%, higher than that expected for a third world country; it has the highest literacy rate in...
- National Cadet CorpsNational Cadet Corps (Sri Lanka)The National Cadet Corps is the Sri Lankan military cadet corps and is a Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation in the Sri Lanka. Formally the Ceylon Cadet Corps It is open to high school students on voluntary basis and has a history of more than 126 years as of 2007. The officers are...
- Sri Lanka Light InfantrySri Lanka Light InfantryThe Sri Lanka Light Infantry is the oldest regiment in the Sri Lanka Army and the oldest infantry regiment in the army. It is made up of ten regular battalions, five volunteer battalions. Headquartered at Panagoda Cantonment, Panagoda...
- EDEXEDEXEDEX is an annual career fair and exhibition in Sri Lanka. Over the years it has become the primer career fair in the country and a national event with the primary exhibition taking place at BMICH, Colombo followed by a secondary exhibition taking pace at Queens Hotel, Kandy a few weeks later...
External links and sources
OfficialPublications
Library
Alumni
Sports
Student Society
- The official web site of the 42nd Colombo "Royal College" Scout Group
- Royal College Radio Club website
- FMRoyal Website (The official radio station of Royal College)
- Media Unit of Royal College
- Youtube channel of Royal College
- Royal College Library Readers Association
- Royal College Tamil Literary Association