LKs 2024: A Celebration of Debating, Legacy and Bonding 

By Chaniru Senhas & Nimuthu Pathiraja (Web Content Team) 
 
As the sun rose on the 6th of December, groups of eager and talented debaters from prestigious schools all around the island, with an ambition to better the world through eloquence and speech, gathered at  Trinity College Kandy. The tournament was organized by the English Debating Society to honour  the legacy of Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, a well-known alumnus of the College who in addition to being a prestigious leader, was a great orator whose eloquence guided a nation. As the 5th edition of the tournament, it still remains the only physical English debating tournament outside  the Western province 

The tournament commenced, with the five preliminary rounds being held on the 6^th and 7^th of December. Thirty two participating teams, each representing their school with immense pride, faced the fierce but friendly rivalry. Being the last English Debating Tournament of the year, on the evening of Saturday, an important and long-lasting tradition was performed yet again. The annual bonfire of the tournament, followed by the circuit photograph, saw both new and old faces, as the bright amber flame rekindled the memories of the year. Despite extensive preparation to host such a bonfire, priceless were the smiles of glee on the faces of all those who witnessed the bright orange glow that night.  

Following the five preliminary rounds, on Sunday, 16 teams, who had made it to the Octo-finals were prepared to compete for the shield.  

The Octo-Finalists are as follows: 

The Quarter-Finalists are as follows: 

The Semi-Finalists are as follows: 

Following these these intense rounds on Sunday, Colombo International School and St. Thomas’ College were about to compete head-to-head in a battle for the title of Champions, in the Finals. The Grand Finale of the tournament was held on stage at the Junior School Hall. With the closing ceremony  held following the debate, the event was witnessed by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, the Vice-Principal, Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas, the Co Vice-Principal, Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, and the Director of the Trinity College Co-Curricular Enrichment Initiative, Mr. Wasana Dissanayake, accompanied by the Teacher-in-Charge, Mrs. Fathima Majeed and the English faculty. 

After an astonishing two hours of suspenseful competition, which kept the audience spellbound,  Colombo International School emerged Champions of the Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Debating Championship for the year 2024. 

Organizing a tournament of this scale, is no easy feat. This is mainly due to the complicated logistical hurdles that come with it, from finding adjudicators for rounds to making sure teams are present on time. With all of these difficulties, the organizing committee, led by the captain Mast. Thesath Keppetiyagama along with Mast. Sanchitha Wickrama   Mast. Shaluka Herath, Mast. Nethula Hettihewage,  Mast. Kavindu Athukorala, Mast. Nimuthu Pathiraja, Mast. Chaniru Senhas Mast. Muhammaed Jameel, Mast. Abeesha Wickramasinghe and Mast. Rehan Anandakumar who had countless sleepless nights in preparation to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. It is fair to state that the tournament would have been far from possible if it weren’t  for the unprecedented guidance of the Teacher-in-Charge, Mrs. Fathima Majeed. We must also extend our thanks to the Debating Coach, Mr. Suchith Tissera, the debating alumni of Trinity College, the College English Faculty, and PROMWEB for their dedication and support throughout,  not only the tournament, but the journey of Trinity Debating. The determined and ecstatic debaters of Trinity College hope to continue this legacy for many years to come, and bring pride to the best school of all.