Those who saw the ‘soft opening’ pictures of the ‘Hilary Abeyratne – Paul Jeyaraj’ building might have spotted a change of scenery around the buildings of Gaster, Alison and the Science Laboratory block.
On par with our objective ‘Care for our common home’, in celebration of Trinity’s 150th Anniversary, we are now looking to ensure that our students and staff have the best and the most comfortable environment for education both inside and outside the classroom, as we pledge to protect and conserve nature.
“Where River Lake and Mountain Meet, our Boyhood’s Home Surrounding”
With the unique experience of having to climb quite a number of steps – Trinity, fondly known to those of us as the ‘School on the Hill’ – has always been one of the most picturesque schools in the island.
Adding to this natural beauty was the recent landscaping of the immediate surrounds of the new ‘Hilary Abeyratne – Paul Jeyaraj’ building. The project commenced on 14th of July 2021 and was completed by 11th of August 2021.
Those who have seen the ground amidst these buildings before would know that this was all sand, mud and soil – starting from the steps leading towards the Alison House near the Quadrangle and up to the old (former) Junior laboratory building.
THEN NOW
Today, one can count over 600 cement blocks beautifully arranged with green grass in between throughout the walkaway.
The ‘temporary classroom building’, constructed back in 1976 between the Senior Science Laboratory and Alison House, and which later became an unsatisfactory permanent structure for over four decades, was finally knocked down.
This brought about the long-awaited grand view of the Science Block housing the Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories. The exterior of the Science Laboratory building itself is a work of architecture!
THEN NOW
At present, visitors to the College may see a blend of modern and old architecture between the buildings of Gaster and the new Abeyratne – Jeyaraj block. Both stand grand with a pleasant ground view of green grass overlooking the misty Hanthana mountains.
The old Junior Laboratory – 1954 Hilary Abeyratne Paul Jeyaraj Building – 2021
As you may have already noticed at the very beginning of this article, another artistic addition to the landscape are the two benches, placed on an elevated platform near the slope, just below the Science Laboratory building. We believe that our future ‘Alisonians’ would very much enjoy spending their Sunday evenings here – with the classic views of the Kandy town and hillside.
View from steps near Alison House View overlooking the Science Laboratory Building View of Alison House from the Gaster Block View of the new building, the slope and the Science Laboratory building
The gravestone of Mrs Oakley, the wife of Rev. Oakley who is credited for the construction of the Oakley’s Church, has been restored and now given its due respect in the new landscape. Carved on the gravestone are the words, “Sacred to the memory of Frances Mary, wife of the Rev. William Oakley. Died July, 14 – 1868. Aged, 51 Years.”
Oakley’s Church stood alongside the entrance to the College over 150 years ago and this is the only visible gravestone from the Church graveyard.
While we encourage everyone to visit the College during the Sesquicentennial Celebrations in 2022 and experience this beautiful landscape, we hope the pictures and this article will help to give an idea of the spectacular change.
We appreciate all those who worked behind the scenes, the support staff, landscape supervisors, and the College Executive Council in continuing to make Trinity a comfortable, and a peaceful environment for students to learn and enjoy their Upper School years.
