By Chaniru Senhas & Nimuthu Pathiraja (Web Content Team)
On the 30th of January 2025, aspiring young athletes of all ages, teachers and students ready to cheer on their houses and multiple college officials entered a damp and muddy Asgiriya International Cricket Stadium. Inclement weather conditions of the previous night through to early hours of dawn ensured a challenge to the students to brave the muddy conditions to reach their respective goals. Five Junior and Senior houses would compete in a fierce but friendly battle among multiple age categories for the title of the Best Overall House.
The Chief Guest for this grand annual event this year, was Mr. Ikram Odayar, a distinguished alumnus of Trinity, and a true embodiment of sportsmanship and leadership. During his school days, Mr. Odayar was a shining star in both Boxing and Rugby. At the remarkable age of 15, he earned the prestigious Lionsman title, as the youngest recipient from College at the time. In 1981, he secured the gold medal at the coveted Stubbs Shield boxing tournament and won the T.Y. Wright Challenge Cup for the Best Boxer in the senior category. His streak of excellence continued with several other gold medal victories, including the L.V. Jayaweera Boxing Meet and the T.B Jayah Meet in 1980.
Mr. Odayar’s contribution to Rugby at Trinity is equally remarkable. His Rugby journey began in the Junior School, where he captained the Junior Under-11 team in 1977. He went on to represent Trinity’s First XV Rugby team in 1984, whilst captaining the Sevens Rugby team and later Vice-Captaining the 1985 1st XV Rugby Team. He also captained the Outstation Schools’ Rugby Team in 1985 and the Sri Lanka Under-20 rugby team that toured Taiwan in 1986 and earned the Rugby Lion for his exceptional performance on the field.
Mr. Odayar’s passion for sports was matched by his commitment to Extra-Curricular activities. He served as President of Lemuel House, the Islamic Students’ Movement, and the Sinhala Literary Union, whilst holding responsibilities as a School Officer.
After graduating from Trinity College, Mr. Odayar continued his sporting career, playing for notable rugby clubs, including the Kandy Sports Club, CR & FC, and the Navy Sports Club and went on to captain the Kelany Valley Sports Club. He was also a member of the Under-24 Rugby team of Sri Lanka which played in the Rugby Asian held in Colombo in 1989.
Paying tribute to his Alma Mater, Mr. Odayar revisited Trinity in 2001 and coached the 1st XV Rugby Team. Today, Mr. Oayar is a successful entrepreneur, serving as the Managing Director of Ceylon Realty.com (Pvt) Ltd.
Following the escort of the Chief Guest by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB and other dignitaries, the crowd rose for the National Anthem and the College Song played by the Cadet Band of Trinity College. Following the opening prayer by the chaplain, Rev. Fr. Shelton Samadanam, the traditional lighting of the Games Cauldron took place. The Captain of the College Athletics Team, Mast. E. G. K. Heshan, proceeded to run a lap around the ground as the captains of each Junior and Senior House joined him as they lit their games torch. At last, all the captains united as they lit the Games Cauldron. Next, the oath was pledged by the House Captain before the Principal officially opened the Inter-House Track and Field Competition.
The Day was full of intense, competitive moments where athletes engaged in competition with determination, commitment, and grit with the objective of bringing pride to their houses.
The Road Race, which was held prior to the event, was also a treat for the eyes, and ended with the following results:
- 1st place: Central Boarding House
- 2nd place: Lemuel House
- 3rd place: Garrett House
- 4th place: Simithraaratchy House
- 5th place: Oorloff House
A special mention must be given to the Marching Squads of all the houses, considering the impressive performances across the spectrum. Amidst the tough weather conditions, the College Cadet Band and the Squads marched with dignity and discipline. To one looking over the picturesque Asgiriya Cricket Stadium, the March Past was a delightful spectacle, and undoubtedly, deciding the winners of the March Past would have been a difficult task for the judges. Eventually, the following results were issued:
March Past (Senior Category)
- 1st place: Central Boarding House
- 2nd place: Garrett House
- 3rd place: Lemuel House
- 4th place: Oorloff House
- 5th place: Simithraaratchy House
March Past (Junior Category)
- 1st place: Gibson House
- 2nd place: Pilcher House
- 3rd place: Squealery House
- 4th place: Sahayam House
- 5th place: Saunders House
Final Results
At the end of a tiring yet ambitious day, the results were announced, revealing that for the 4th time in a row, the Central Boarding House reigned over the much-awaited sports meet, while Sahayam House won among the Junior Houses.
Senior Houses
Relay:
- 1st place: Central Boarding House
- 2nd place: Simithraaratchy House
- 3rd place: Oorloff House
- 4th place: Garrett House
- 5th place: Lemuel House
Track Events:
- 1st place: Lemuel House
- 2nd place: Central Boarding House
- 3rd place: Simithraaratchy House
- 4th place: Oorloff House
- 5th place: Garrett House
Field Events:
- 1st place: Central Boarding House
- 2nd place: Simithraaratchy House
- 3rd place: Oorloff House
- 4th place: Garrett House
- 5th place: Lemuel House
Overall House results:
- 1st place: Central Boarding House (560 points)
- 2nd place: Simithraaratchy House (486 points)
- 3rd place: Oorloff House (445 points)
- 4th place: Lemuel House (394 points)
- 5th place: Garrett House (309 points)
Junior Houses
Relay Results:
- 1st place: Sahayam House
- 2nd place: Squealery House
- 3rd place: Pilcher House
- 4th place: Saunders House
- 5th place: Gibson House
Track Events:
- 1st place: Sahayam House
- 2nd place: Squealery House
- 3rd place: Pilcher House
- 4th place: Saunders House
- 5th place: Gibson House
Field Events:
- 1st place: Sahayam House
- 2nd place: Squealery House
- 3rd place: Gibson House
- 4th place: Pilcher House
- 5th place: Saunders House
Overall House results:
- 1st place: Sahayam House (358 points)
- 2nd place: Squealery House (299 points)
- 3rd place: Pilcher House (216 points)
- 4th place: Gibson House (181 points)
- 5th place: Saunders House (126 points)
It is fair to state that the Inter-House Track and Field Competition for the year 2025 will be one to remember – where despite immense difficulties, students from Junior and Senior Houses united to celebrate a vibrant event.
Our gratitude goes to the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, the Vice-Principal, Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas, the Co-Vice Principal, Mr. Ananda Marasinghe, and the Chaplain. Rev. Fr. Shelton Samadanam for their continuous guidance behind the scenes. Furthermore, the Director of Sports, Mr. H. D. G. P. Samarasekara, the Meet Secretary, Mr. C. J. Kalugampitiya, the Chief Judge, Mr. N. Bandara and his panel of judges, the March Past Judges from the National Cadet Corps, and the Chief Recorder, Mr. A. Ekanayake, deserve appreciation for their support both on and off the field. Last but not least, if it weren’t for the support of the Captain and Vice Captains of the Athletics Team, Mast. E. G. K. Heshan, Mast. M. A. Riffai and Mast. M. S. Hamsa respectively and the College Management Team, PROMWEB, the teachers and students, this event would not have been the success it was.
Photographs: Trinity College Media Unit
Inter-house track and field competition – 2025 (Heats)

Inter-house track and field competition – 2025 : Coming Soon