Reviewed by Nimuthu Pathiraja (PROMWEB)
When the “T150 Project” was launched two years ago in recognition of Trinity’s Sesquicentennial anniversary, “The Trinity History project” was undoubtedly a key part of its’ celebrations. Highlighting the importance of celebrating a significant past, many committed, grateful and dedicated heads got together to successfully produce “The Trinity Story” in paperback and digital versions, rekindling Trinity’s unprecedented legacy. The historic moment was witnessed by many dignitaries including his Lordship the Bishop, the Board of Governors, The College Executive Council and Old boys. Therefore, in this years’ presentation of the Fraser Memorial Oration, a programme launched at celebrating Trinity’s excellence through the great Visionary principal, Mr. Alexander Garden Fraser.
The key-note speaker of this years’ rendition of the Fraser Memorial Oration was none other than the man behind the Trinity History Project, Mr. M.V. Muhsin. Mr. Muhsin, being a proud Trinitian was the winner of the illustrious Ryde medal in 1962 and he was the senior prefect in 1963. After he left his alma mater, he started off as a chartered accountant. He managed to rise up the ranks soon, becoming a Group Director of Zambia’s mining conglomerate. Later he was appointed to the prestigious position of Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the World. Mr. Muhsin’s service to Trinity has truly been unprecedented. Mr. Mushin was who funded Trinity’s first IT Network and he is the founding patron of the TCK Washington OBA. He contributed with instrumental influence and effort to bring the “Trinity Story” to life by both funding this initiative entirety and taking up the key role of executive chair.
It would be fair to state that Mr. Muhsin took us on a tour along the schools’ history during his speech. He shared some delightful stories of the past along with descriptions about the great members of staff we had in the past. His speech was truly inspiring, and we are forever grateful for his outstanding tales. Mr. Muhsin managed to paint a picture in our young minds, of how great a personality Mr. Alexander Fraser was.
Next, within a historically significant moment in our history, the first copy of the “Trinity Story” was handed over to the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB. Following this, in another feat the new college digital history website was launched. The website was pioneered with the leadership of Dr. Romesh Ranawana. The winner of the Coveted Amunugama award, he currently serves as the Group Chief of Analytics and AI Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC and serves as the Chairperson of the National Committee on Artificial-Intelligence Strategy.
The new digital website is an unparalleled commemoration of our history through technology. From Virtual-Reality tours to a complete archive of our prize lists, it is a work of art, none of this would have been possible without the leadership of staff members, the PROMWEB and the 50-student task force. Importantly, all of the proceeds of the “Trinity Story” will directly be provided to the College Archives. Truly immortalising Trinity’s legacy.
The Digital History website can be viewed at https://history.trinitycollege.lk
Afterwards, a Q & A session was held with the aim of increasing interaction in our history. Then, Tokens of Souvenirs were presented to Mr. M.V. Muhsin, Dr. Romesh Ranawana and Mr. Arjuna Ranawana for their outstanding dedication and commitment. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Master. Abidh Jameel, The senior prefect.
I think it is fair to state that this event successfully embodied our college’s legacy, and created resources to preserve our alma mater’s proud history for upwards of another 150 years. None of this would have been possible, however, without the contributions of many. We must thank the Executive director of the project, Mr. M.V. Muhsin, the Architect of the website Dr. Romesh Ranawana, the lead writer and editor Mr. Arjuna Ranawana. The College Executive Council including Principal Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Vice Principal Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas, Co-Vice Principal Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, Ms. Thilini Sumanasekara for her contributions from the archives, All members of staff, including Mr. Sheshan Abeysekara and Mr. Shevantha De Silva from the PROMWEB, who played a pivotal role in creating the Digital Website. We must also thank the 50-student task force who went to great lengths to make this initiative a success and everyone else who made this programme a resounding success.
The following are the names of the THP Publication team,
THP Publication Team
Trinity History Project Steering Committee: Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundera OSB (Principal and Chairman) M.V. Muhsin (Executive Chair and Executive Editor), Arjuna Ranawana (Editor), Himendra Ranaweera, Ananda Marasinghe (Co-Vice Principal), Jayantha Jayawardene, Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Sriyantha Senaratne; and Dr. Nalin Wickramanayake and (the late) Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala (Counsellors).
Editorial Committee: Sriyantha Senaratne (Chair), M.V. Muhsin, Arjuna Ranawana, Upali Ratnayake, Himendra Ranaweera, Jayantha Jayawardene, Keshan Thalgahagoda, Harindra Dunuwille, Harendra Alwis, Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Sheshan Abeysekara, Ms. Kshama Ranawana, and Mrs. Thilini Sumanasekara.
Production Team : David Colin-Thomé, Kasun Benaragama, M.V. Muhsin, Dr. Romesh Ranawana, Sheshan Abeysekara, Thilini Dias Sumanasekera, and Lalanthi Rajapakse.
Staff and Student Research team: Mrs. Thilini Sumanasekera, Mr. Bhanuka Warnasooriya, Mr. Sheshan Abeysekara, Shevindra Herath, Abidh Jameel, Adithya Dissanayake, Akmal Fareekdeen, Dilmin Bandaranayake, Dinil Jayasuriya, Gesith Epa, Janidu Jayasekera, Jayageeth Basnayake, Jayageeth Basnayake, Jeffrey Arumugam, Kesarindra Egodawele, Matthew Francis, Muhammed Zaffrulla, Muhammed Zaffrulla, Rahul Jayasinghe, Rumaiz Rizan, Shaahid Khaleel, Sheran Marasinghe, Thusara Gallage, Thushyantha Bandara, Uthsara Dissanayake, Yadesh Mohandas, Aqib Rumaiz, Harindu Senanayake, Kevin Tennekoon, Lolonyo Rahulan, Parinda Ratnayake, Sachika Boyagoda, Sherwain Wavita, Thithira Jayakody, and Yuki Ranathilake
The event photographed by the Trinity College Media Unit
