Writeup by Nimuthu Pathiraja and Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team)
The Prize Giving is one of the most prestigious events of any institution, especially at Trinity College Kandy. It is a tradition, a felicitation, a celebration of all those who have progressed with significant achievements throughout the year. Therefore, according to the customary date system, the evening of the 14th of February, the second Friday of February, was special not only to those who were recognized but to the school as well – the Prize Giving is a symbol of the legacy of the college.
This year’s edition of the Prize Giving had the pride of welcoming The Hon. Justice Janak De Silva and Mrs. Neeliya De Silva as the chief guests of the event. Mr. De Silva has been an alumnus of the college from 1973 to 1987. During his school life, he excelled in hockey, and was an ardent player of the College Hockey team. He was awarded Hockey Colours in 1985. Mr. De Silva also contributed to the school as a member of the Junior Chess team, Trinity Athletics, and Cricket. He was also the editor of the 1984 college magazine and represented the school at Drama and Quiz competitions. These achievements resulted in him being awarded the first Valesca Reimann Scholarship in 1981. He also received multiple prizes on the very same stage where the Prize Giving was held. Additionally, he was a prefect.
Appointed to the Court of Appeal in 2017, he became a Supreme Court judge in 2020- one of the youngest in recent times. He chaired the Presidential Commission on the Easter attacks and became an Honorary Bencher of Gray’s Inn in 2021. In 2023, he was named a Senior Fellow at Melbourne University and a Non-Resident Justice of the Seychelles Court of Appeal.
As per usual practice, upon the arrival and welcoming of the Chief Guest and dignitaries by the National Drum and Dance Troupe, the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB welcomed everyone in the audience to this grand event. Next, the College hymn was sung in pride, before the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Shelton Samadanam led the opening prayer. The Principal then presented his detailed report of the College’s activities in the past year. It included all academic, sports and Co-Curricular achievements and activities of Trinity College, each of which wouldn’t have been possible without the committment of numerous young Trinitians.
The speech delivered by the Chief Guest, which came next, included a quote which was etched into the minds of all sitting in the audience, as they listened in intrigue:
“You can be a Trinitian by name, or you can be a Trinitian by make”
All the prizes were then handed over to the eager youngsters waiting for their moment of recognition. The priceless smiles on the brightly lit faces of those who climbed the stage, highlighted the success of the prize giving. The senior prefect, Mast. Rushen Bandaranayake delivered the vote of thanks, recognizing each and every individual who worked behind the scenes not only for the prize giving, but for Trinity College. Finally, the event came to a conclusion with the singing of the College Song and National Anthem.
Yet another well-organized and successful event in the college calendar had concluded. The efforts of many, including the Board of Governors, College Executive Council, College Management Team, Secretary of the Prize giving Mr. Ruwan Jayarathne, Upper School Prize Giving Assistant Secretary Mrs. Thilanka Niyangoda, Middle School Prize Giving Assistant Secretary Mrs. Eshani Jayawardane and the PROMWEB, teachers, non-academic and support staff, the School Officers’ Guild, students, and countless individuals, had yielded fruit. May the College continue to explore vistas of excellence for years to come.
