My lord bishop Nishantha Fernando – Bishop of Kurunegala, the chief guest of the Prize Giving 2023 – Mr. Rajiv De Silva, madam Julie Yankovich, members of the Board of Governors, members of the College Executive Council, members of the College Management Team, madam Deepika Nilanthi – the secretary of the Prize Giving Committee, eminent members of tutorial staff, secretary of the parent-teacher association, distinguished guests, parents, old boys, and my dear students, welcome to the Prize Giving 2023.
As we gather here today amidst an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and excitement, I am reminded of the countless moments of dedication, perseverance, and triumph that have defined our journey throughout this academic year 2023. It is my utmost privilege to stand before you and present the Annual School Review 2023 of Trinity College Kandy, a testament to the extraordinary achievements and remarkable growth that have characterized our school community.
Allow me to paint a picture for you—a canvas adorned with the vibrant core values of integrity, service, excellence, and resilience, where each brushstroke represents a milestone achieved, a lesson learned, and a dream pursued with unwavering determination. As we reflect on our 2023 journey, let us embark on a journey of celebration and recognition, honoring the achievements of our students and the unwavering support of our dedicated faculty.
Today, we come together to celebrate not only academic excellence but also the invaluable contributions, talents, and spirit of our students that have illuminated and enriched the fabric of our community. In the class, on the stage, and in the sports field, our students have embraced challenges, pursued passions, and embraced opportunities for growth with enthusiasm and zeal. So, as we embark on this journey of celebration and reflection, let us cherish the memories we have created, the lessons we have learned, and the bonds we have forged. Together, let us applaud the extraordinary achievements of our students and reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity that empowers every individual to realize their fullest potential.
With praise and gratitude to the most Holy Trinity, I stand before this august gathering, as the 20th custodian of Trinity College Kandy, and in my fourth year in office, to deliver the Annual School Review of Trinity College Kandy for the year under consideration.
Today we have the honor of having with us Mr. Rajiv De Silva as the chief guest – a winner of the Trinity Prize for business and industry. He is a member of the Batch of 1985 and joined Trinity College in 1972 and left Trinity in 1985. During his studentship, Rajiv captained the College debate team and was the Chief Editor of the College Magazine. He was a School Officer from the Simithraaratchy House. Rajiv excelled in the GCE Ordinary Level examination in 1982 and was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious Princeton University in New Jersey, USA and graduated in 1989 with a B. Sc. [Hono] in Civil Engineering. He then attended Stanford University in California, USA, where he graduated with an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering in 1990. Rajiv also attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with an MBA with Distinction in 1995. He has been a luminary in many transformation efforts across the globe over 25 years. Currently, Mr. De Silva hold key executive positions in leading pharmaceutical companies and many other leading organizations in the US, Canada, and Europe. Rajiv is an active philanthropist focused on educational causes and Sri Lanka. He holds trusteeship in prestigious schools in the US and endowed scholarships for international students at Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University in the US. The De Silva Charitable Fund has also provided support to several causes in Sri Lanka including, indigent school children in Vakarai and Thirukkovil, the Ami Tsunami House in Dunagaha, and the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe through Veterinarians International, a charity based in the US. Mr. Rajiv De Silva is the son of the late Mrs. Chandra De Silva and Prof. Kingsley De Silva, the renown Sri Lankan historian who still lives in Kandy.
My lord bishop, esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen and students, I present to you the chief guest of Prize Giving 2023, Mr. Rajiv De Silva and Madam Julie Yankovich.
The Trinity Education Model
Trinity, with its history and culture spanning over 150 years, is an ideal, aptly captured by her motto Respice Finem. When we strive to emulate this ideal personified in a living and dynamic community, we seek to cultivate the same mindset, character, and spirit that define that ideal. It’s about adopting a growth mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities alike, demonstrates empathy and compassion towards others, and fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability in all our endeavors. The Trinity education model consists of 10 sectors: Trinity Academy / Religious & Value Education Domain / Trinity College Core-Curricular Enrichment Initiative [TCCEI] / Arts for Life Aesthetic Forum / Sprit of Lions Sports’ Paradigm / Trinity College Boarding / Trinity EduCare Institute / Life Coaching & Well-being Domain / Trinity College Center for Excellence / College Administration.
Trinity Academy consists of two qualifications: national and international. In the National Qualification public examinations, we have improved on our efforts from 2022. At the GCE [Ordinary Level] Examination 2022 held in May 2023, 97% qualified to enter the Advance Level, with 33 students obtaining 9As. At the GCE [Advanced Level] Examination 2022 held in February 2023, 65.2% of our students reached university entrance eligibility, with 28 students obtaining the elusive 3A grading. We congratulate all the students who excelled at these intensely competitive public exams. Trinity College International Qualification achieved 78.34% success [January – June – October] at the Pearson-Edexcel examinations. During the year 2023, we witnessed significant movements in our faculty with 17 members leaving our staff. A special note of thanks to Mrs. Kamani Ratnayake, Mrs. Nalini Udayakumaran, Mr. Nalin Wijeratna, Mr. Uththiya Wijesinghe, Mrs. Priyangani Randeniya, and Mr. S. Pushparajah for their dedicated service spanning over decades. 18 young and energetic individuals joined the Trinity College Academic staff to shoulder the responsibility of providing a wholesome educational experience to our students. We extend a warm welcome to all of them to the school where ‘life abounds’.
In 2023 we also expanded the Trinity Academy by launching the International – GSCE qualification of the Trinity College International Qualification, Trinity College EduCare Institute as a platform for remedial education and the Life Coaching Unit for student guidance and counselling and a robust teacher supervision and appraisal framework.
In light of the current global and local challenges, the plight of education has become increasingly evident. From the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the persistent inequalities in access to quality education, the national educational system is facing unprecedented strains. School closures, remote learning challenges, proliferation of shadow education [tuition] and the increased student absenteeism, displaced education policies, reckless and short-sighted education reforms and the widening educational disparities have highlighted the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the quality of the Trinity Academy. As educators, parents, policymakers, old boys, and community members, we bear a shared responsibility to address these challenges and ensure that the Trinitians of today and tomorrow have every opportunity to receive a wholesome academic grounding. Now more than ever, it is crucial that the Trinity Community rally round to establish a future-ready teaching, learning, assessment, and supervision model at Trinity by supporting innovative academic interventions to foster creative pedagogies, professional staff development initiatives, high-quality school infrastructure and cutting-edge education technologies. It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being and holistic development of our students. By investing in education, above all in a Trinity education, we invest in the future of our society, fostering greater opportunities for economic prosperity, social cohesion, and global progress.
Religious & Value Education Domain holds a profound significance in shaping the moral compass, ethical framework, and spiritual development of the Trinitian. As an inclusive school community, it goes beyond imparting knowledge about religious beliefs and practices; it instills timeless values, fosters empathy, and promotes a sense of purpose and interconnectedness with others and the world. The annual Pirith chanting ceremony and the Sangagatha Dakshinawa by the Buddhist Student Movement, the annual Islamic Students Movement Day, Vaani Vizha by the Hindu Students Movement, Nine Lessons and Carols & Cross and Triumph of Christ by the College Choir, Revelation – the Student Christian Movement Day and Trinity Monday were held in a meaningful manner.
Trinity College Co-Curricular Enrichment Initiative was launched as an integral component of the T150 Sesquicentennial Anniversary with the grand vision to transform the Trinity College co-curricular platform that will soar “beyond the curriculum, where imagination takes flight and creativity knows no bounds.” Currently, there are 31 active clubs and societies under the TCCEI mandate.
The year 2023 marked the emergence of the TCCEI with renewed vigour and visibility with many events organised by clubs and societies with high level of collaboration. This year the TCCEI will operate within a new policy framework on event planning and management. Our effort is to provide professional training for teachers-in-charge and student committees to instill resource sustainability, continuous improvement, and collaboration. TCCEI will play a key role in the development of 21st century Trinity skills, character building, social and emotional wellbeing, cultural and global awareness, physical health and wellbeing, career, and personal development in 2024.
Inter-House Sinhala Debate organized by the Sinhala Literary Union, Inter-House Drama (English) organized by the Trinity College Drama society and much anticipated Inter-House Culinary Competition organized by the Culinary and Hospitality Club were among the highlights of 2023. Social Service week organized by the Social Service Union and the Climate Week by the Environment Pioneer Brigade had resounding success attracting many students and staff. Annual Days for Commerce, ICT and Science, Astro Night, Hill Country Model United Nations, Muththamil Vizha, Waag Prathibha and Saahitha of Sinhala Literary Union, Senkanda MTB Challenge by the newly established Cycling Club, Lakshman Kadirgamar All Island Debating Competition, Annual Medical Camp organized by the Interact, Library Week, Christmas Fiesta provided many opportunities for or students. The Natural History Society revived the Menikdena Archeological site with the assistance of the Archeological Department. During the latter part of the year under consideration, we witnessed the commencement of a groundbreaking new program under the TCCEI mandate: Trinity College STEM, AI and Robotics initiative. As a future-ready institution, we are committed to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, and this program is designed to provide them with hands-on learning, cutting edge curriculum and innovative resources with two new laboratory facilities specifically crafted for this venture.
The critical importance of co-curricular activities for Trinity College cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals and fostering holistic development beyond the confines of the classroom. By providing diverse opportunities for learning, skill development, personal growth, social interaction, and civic engagement, co-curricular activities enrich the educational experience and empower students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. In 2024, TCCEI confronts two significant challenges: promoting student participation and funding TCCEI activities. I am confident that the global Trinity Community will step in to assist us to assure the sustainability of the TCCEI. We thank, Mr. Wasana Dissanayaka – the Director – TCCEI, school coordinators – Mrs. Sulakshana Abayanayake, Mrs. Eshani Jayawardana, Mr. Mahesh Wijerathne and all the collaborators for their efforts.
‘Arts for Life’ Aesthetic Forum explores and celebrates the transformative power of art, music, drama and dance. This forum is a vibrant hub where students embark on a remarkable journey of self-expression, exploration, and innovation. Through a rich tapestry of disciplines, our dedicated team of passionate educators nurture the creative spirit within each student. Trinitians are not merely learners but fearless creators, daring to dream, to explore, and to leave their mark on the world from which they will master the ‘art of life’. This forum will be a sanctuary for those who seek beauty, meaning, and purpose through the lens of creativity.
2023 was a remarkable year for the aesthetic forum. The musical extravaganza “Glimpse of Broadway” produced by the TCK DRAMSOC was a watershed event. Rangawali, the trademark rendition of the Trinity College National Drum and Dance Troup, Euphony, a classical chamber performance the Western Music chorale, “Symphony of Colours” –an Art Exhibition by the Art Circle, “Theevra” Oriental Music Performance, “World Belongs to You” a combined effort of the aesthetic forum, and many other national achievements brought great joy to the Trinity Community. We thank the dedicated and highly talented aesthetic faculty of Trinity College for guiding our students.
Spirit of Lions Sports’ Paradigm is an ambitious Post-T150 Roadmap initiative to restructure Trinity College sports management and administration in line with the global and local trends in school-based sports. Unlike in the past, the intensity of school sports has grown exponentially and demands innovation, sustainability, and high resource allocation. While it is regrettable to note the abject competition prevalent in school sports, it is imperative that we have our priorities right, having the wellbeing of the child as the core of all sports. On this, Trinity College will not compromise, and we will shun the temptation ‘to win at any cost’. The transformation we intend to achieve through the sports paradigm will ensure a robust framework for Trinity Sports geared towards high performance and personal growth.
Trinity College House system forms the bedrock of Trinity Sports which comprises of 18 sports. The Annual Sports Meet 2023 saw the Central Boarding House winning the championship. Sahayam House won the Junior championship.
Considering the level of commitment and professionalism of our sports administrators, MICs, Coaches, and students, we need to mention, at least in brief, the achievements of 2023. Trinity College Athletics had a successful season, achieving remarkable results in various meets and competitions. Consecutive victories at Zonal Meets, Relay Carnivals, Provincial and National Meets demonstrate our commitment to excellence. Trinity College athletes secured second place at the Junior John Tarbet Meet after 30 years. We are proud of the accomplishments of our athletes and coaching staff, and we look forward to building upon this success in the upcoming season.
Trinity College Weightlifting has sustained high achievements for many years. They emerged champions at the Inter school weightlifting championship, Central Province Sports Meet, All Island School Games, and at the Junior and Senior Novices Weightlifting championship. The newly established Weightlifting facility at Asgiriya will surely sustain their remarkable journey. The boxing team had an eventful year in 2023. After a lapse of 7 years, two boxers were awarded the prestigious Lion. Trinity boxers were placed third at the Stubbs Shield and two boxers represented Sri Lanka at the 34th Penang Pesta International Boxing Tournament – Malaysia winning two bronze medals for the country. The Trinity Cadet Band emerged provincial champions and the cadet platoon was selected to participate at the prestigious Hermann Loss Camp after 27 years.
Trinity Cricket continued to pursue new heights in 2023. The 1st XI team had a dream run during the 2022/2023 season becoming the Champions of the Limited Overs Tournament, beating Richmond College Galle and joint champions with St. Joseph’s College in the Two-Day format. We also retained the Sir John Halangoda Trophy at the Big Match 2023 with the first innings victory over St. Anthony’s College, Kandy. Trinity Cricket also produced a few national players at the U. 19 level. We are confident that with the influx of new coaches our junior cricket will continue to reach new standards.
The exceptional achievements of our Trinity College Hockey in 2023 need commendation. The 1st XI Hockey team emerged victorious in the Bowl Championship category at the Royal Blue and Gold Hockey 7’s All Island Hockey Tournament, organized by the Royal College-Colombo. In addition, the team continued their success by winning the J.C.A. Correa Memorial Trophy in the Annual Hockey encounter vs Royal College-Colombo. They also triumphed at the TPT hockey carnival, becoming champions.
I am happy to say that Trinity Rugby is now on the correct path with all the structures in place. In 2023, we witnessed an intense schools’ rugby season. In the league tournament, Trinity played 6 games, winning 3, losing 2 and 1 match abandoned. Even though the coveted Bradby shield eluded us once more, Trinity beat their rivels in the 1st leg of the Bradby. This year, with the able assistance of the Old Trinitian Rugby Scrummage, we have put in place a robust junior rugby programme and the Trinity Rugby Skills Academy that will augur well for Trinity Rugby in the future. I wish to recall with gratitude the role played by Mr. Nilantha Ratnayaka and his committee of the Old Trinitian Rugby Scrummage. Of course, for the Trinity community only one thing matters – winning that trophy. However, let us not lose focus on the process and the league. On that note, I congratulate the U. 16 Rugby Team for their unbeaten record during the 2023 season and winning the All-Island 10 A-side Elite Schools U16 Rugby Tournament.
Trinity College Swimming underwent total restructuring in 2023. Under the new Trinity College Swimming Model, our swimmers have reached new heights. During the year, we performed well at the Age Group Relay Championship, National Age Group Swimming Championship, Pentathlon Swimming Championships, Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Championship, National & Junior National Championship, National School Games Organized by Ministry of Education, and the National & Junior National Short Course Championships, where we were placed withing the first five places. With the refurbished Home of Trinity Swimming and the new strength & conditioning framework, Trinity swimming is bound to thrive. We have also completed the blueprints for our own Badminton facility, which will surely raise the standards of this sport.
With the new centralized strength & conditioning and injury management model, talent replenishment schemes, and other infrastructure improvements, we hope to see Trinity sports at a very competitive level in 2024. We wish to express our appreciation to the Old Boys’ Association – Parent Body, affiliated Old Boy Sports bodies for their advice and assistance. We thank Mr. Uththiya Wijesinghe, the last of the prefects of games at Trinity for his services. The Spirit of the Lions Sports Paradigm now comes under the direct purview of Director of Sports, Mr. Gihan Samarasekara. I recall with gratitude his services in this critical aspect of Trinity education. I also wish to thank the sports coordinators Mr. Sumith Ratnayaka, Mr. Dammika Kulathunga and Mr. Bandula Kuruduhewage, MICs, coaches, and trainers for their role in improving the standards of Trinity Sports.
Trinity College Boarding is an integral part of Trinity. Though there are many factors that negatively influence the boarding culture of Trinity College, we take every effort to promote it in our admission processes, making it a ‘home away from home’ for more than 140 students comprising the Central Boarding House, Intermediate Boarding and the Junior Boarding. During the year 2023, our boarders did exceptionally well in cocurricular and sports activites. It is our wish and prayer that the Boarding will act as a catalyst to promote and preserve the unique Trinity culture. We thank Mr. Shane De Silva, the Senior Boarding House Master, the Madasekara family, Boarding House Masters, Campus Families, and board staff for their efforts.
Our post-T150 efforts also include some recent additions: Trinity EduCare Institute will provide much needed academic support for students with learning challenges, the Life Coaching & Well-being Domain plays a critical role in ensuring the psychological stability of the child. The English Improvement Programme will assure the that every Trinitian, especially sportsmen will acquire fluency in English. Trinity College Center for Excellence has taken up the onerous task of making the Trinitian future ready. It also coordinates all staff professional development ventures.
Trinity Administration plays a multifaceted role in ensuring the effective operations, safety, and success of all our school processes. By managing resources, facilities, finances, personnel, and student support services, these departments enable Trinity College to foster a flagship school community that imparts a holistic learning experience to nurture a balanced human person. One can never undermine their committed efforts in driving Trinity College exploring vistas of excellence. We thank Mr. Anuruddha Ekanayaka – IT Manager, Mrs. Rachel Dias – Head of HR, Mr. Dakshaka Cooray – Head of Student Affairs, Mr. Sanjaya Rathnayaka – the Premises Manager, Mr. Shevantha De Silva – Head of PROMWEB and Mr. Susantha Senaratna – Manager of Trinity College William Sinnathamby Farm.
T150 + 2 [2024] and beyond will witness the full implementation of the Board-approved Post-T150 Roadmap and the 10-priority thrust areas which will provide a comprehensive framework for growth. As trustees of Trinity College, we need to ensure that this seat of erudition and culture is “future ready”. This year, we embrace the collective vision to EMPOWER each other, exploring vistas of excellence, by Imagining a community, where every member is inspired, motivated, and takes up the responsibility to make decisions that drive growth and excellence. We picture a school environment where creativity thrives, innovation blossoms, and collaboration becomes second nature.
In line with Education 4.0, the coefficient of Industry 4.0, Trinity Education will march forward in her tripartite journey: academic [knowledge and information], skills [abilities and aptitudes] and most importantly character [values and attitudes]. The Trinity Community will need to focus on the rearticulated core values of Trinity – the ISER: integrity, service, excellence, and resilience.
In an age of multifaced anxiety and disenchantment, we want Trinitians to “thrive and flourish “. It is to live one’s in-built purposiveness beyond mere biological and social survival. One key challenge preventing the broad development of future-ready skills through education is the lack of a common foundation, definition and understanding of the skills needed for the future and how these can be developed from an early age. Here, I present to the Trinity Community the 21st Century Transferable Skills of the Trinitian based on the 6C Model: Communication – Critical Thinking – Collaboration – Creativity – Citizenship – Character.
In 2024, all our education processes will gear up to establish new pedagogies that will promote these 21st Century Skills through a versatile and hybrid Trinity curriculum:
Communication [5]: language & story telling / active listening [to understand] / sharing ideas / media literacy and human connectivity / information processing & relevance.
Critical Thinking [5]: inquiry & research / problem solving / systems thinking / decision making / bias & misinformation identification.
Collaboration [5]: empathy / teamwork / participation / goal-focus / conflict resolution.
Creativity [7]: innovation / process thinking / task orientation / digital and virtual skills / entrepreneurship / curiosity and initiative / self & continuous learning.
Citizenship [7]: global awareness / equality and equity / respect, diversity, and inclusion / civic responsibility / ecological awareness / negotiation / philanthropy.
Character [7]: care & compassion / adaptability & flexibility / crises and conflict management [AQ] / inter-personal relationships / social & emotional intelligence [EQ] / self-reliance and resilience / assertiveness
Closer analyses will show that these skills address systemic issues that are symptomatic of the crises in national education. Trinity College, as a flagship school with a history spanning over one and half centuries, wishes to proactively address the many lacunae of this ill-fated system.
Today, we come together not only to honor academic excellence but also to recognize the diverse talents, contributions, and values that enrich our school’s culture and ethos. Whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, in the arts, or through community service, our students and staff have demonstrated remarkable passion, creativity, and leadership that inspire us all. As Principal, I am profoundly humbled by the dedication and efforts of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our parents and the guidance of our talented educators. Together, we have created a vibrant learning community where each individual is empowered to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence.
Today’s ceremony is a testament to the collective achievements of the Trinity College community and a celebration of the endless possibilities that lie ahead. As we honor our students and commend their accomplishments, let us also reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a culture of quality, class, excellence, inclusivity, and lifelong learning that empowers every student to reach their full potential. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our prize winners and commend each one of you for your dedication, resilience, and determination. Your achievements inspire us, your talents enrich us, and your futures ignite our hopes for a brighter tomorrow in a better Sri Lanka.
Acknowledgements:
Ut in Omnibus Glorificetur Deus! May God be Glorified in all things. I wish to note my sentiments of appreciation to the Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo – the chairman of the Board of Governors, Bishop Nishantha Fernando and all the Board members for their commitment to Trinity and the guidance they provide in steering the destinies of our beloved alma mater. My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Rajiv De Silva and Madam Julie Yankovich for gracing the Prize Giving 2023.
I have the unique blessing and luxury of having three remarkable human beings in the College Executive Council – the Vice Principal Mr. Krishanthan Antonydas, the Co-Vice Principal Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, and the Finance Manager Mr. Rukshan Galanga. Trinity is blessed to have your services. I recall with gratitude the spiritual support of the Chaplain, in discerning God’s will for us.
May I also express my sentiments of gratitude to Board-appointed sub-committees, the president Hon. Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and members of the TCK OBA, Mr. Ranil Premathilaka and the members of the TCK OBA Colombo Branch, Local and Foreign OBA Branches, Batches, and Groups, Old Trinitian Sports Bodies, Members of the College Management Team, Madam. Deepika Nilanthi – Secretary to the Prize Committee and all the members of the staff, who worked tirelessly in organizing this event, the Staff Guild, The Parent-Teacher Association, Parents, the administration and support staff, School Officers’ Guild, Prize Winners and young Trinitians.
It is my earnest prayer and dream to see Trinity College at the fore front of innovative, cutting-edge education in Sri Lanka and in the world. In that task, our intentions and aspirations are clear. Trinity College Kandy is a celebration of diversity, it is an ideal that one should relentlessly pursue. It is a community of learning, animated from its origins by the Christian vision of education and the perennial values of our nation. Trinity is dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of excellence, remaining within the traditions set forth by her pioneers and a specific and time-tested set of core values of integrity, service, excellence, and resilience. Together, we will passionately preserve her as “the best school of all”. Respice Finem!
Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB
Principal
Trinity College Kandy
16th February 2024
