Written by: Master Chirath Jayasinghe (Web Content Team)
It was a bright sunny day on the 25th of February, at Asgiriya Grounds, as the Junior School of Trinity College Kandy geared up for a spirited day of sports and games; a day of celebration of the talented young sportsmen of the school. For this, was the Junior School Inter-House Athletic Meet – 2025.
The opening ceremony began with a warm welcome to our chief guest by the Under 8 champion athletes of last year, which was closely followed by the ceremonial hoisting of the National and College flags. The National flag was hoisted by our esteemed chief guest for the day, Prof. Arinda Dharmapala, who, not only is currently serving as a consultant surgeon at the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, but is also a celebrated old boy of the College.
During his tenure at school, Prof. Dharmapala earned a reputation for being one of those rare individuals who managed to handle both sports and academics in perfect balance. A talented cricketer, he represented our school competing Under 13, 15, 17, and 1st Eleven teams. His studies, however, were not left in the dust, as he later went on to receive prizes for Best Results in Ordinary Levels and Best Results in Biology (Advanced Level).
Even after his time at school, he never lost his touch. Currently, he holds a host of important posts in various societies and fields; a few being: President of the Central Chapter of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, a Council Member of the Silk Route Alliance of the HPB Surgeons of Asia, the President of the Kandy Society of Medicine, Professor in Surgery at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, former member of the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, as well as a member of the College Board of Governors
After seeking blessings with a prayer by the College Chaplain, Fr. Shelton Samadanam, everyone’s attention turned to the lighting of the Sacred Olympic Torch. This ancient tradition, reminiscent of the olden days of the Greek Olympics, was undertaken by the athletics captains of the competing houses.
Then, came another long-lasting tradition that pays homage to the mighty Olympians: The athlete’s oath, undertaken by the acclaimed house captains of the Junior School.
Finally, after a display of discipline and music by the Junior School Western Band, the long-awaited Sports Meet was officially declared open by the Principal Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB.
The opening ceremony was spiced up by the grade 3,4, and 5 students of the Junior School performing a vibrant drill display, dancing their hearts out to the rhythms of modern music.
Subsequently, a gymnastic display by a team of students proved the athletic agility of Juniors. Events unfolded thereafter.
Track events, encompassing the Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10 age groups, were competitive. The field was a blur of color, as the five houses went head-to-head, yearning to be the ones to take the trophy home. Despite the competitive atmosphere, however, it was delightful to see that our young Trinitians never put aside the traditions of sportsmanship in their haste to win.
After an exhilarating day of nail-biting action, it was finally time to reveal which house would take the shield home. As the award ceremony started, suspense was building. One by one, the students walked up to Dr. (Mrs.) Sayuri Dharmapala, and later Prof. Arinda Dharmapala, to receive their certificates and trophies respectively: fruits of their hard work. The Under 8 category was won by Master A.M.S.N. Adikari of Boarding House, the Under 9 category by Master N.P.M.U Naranapitiya of Campbell House, and the final Under 10 category by Master D. Dashwin of Carter Reds.
Vibes of a charged atmosphere at Asgiriya were palpable for the onlookers. Over 500 students sat, not-so-patiently; waiting, listening for the final revelation they knew would come.
And it came, as follows:
Fifth Place – Campbell House – 123 points
Fourth Place – Carter Yellow – 128 points
Third Place – Boarding House – 144 points
Second Place – Carter Blue – 161 points
First Place – Carter Red – 168 points
After a tiring, but also a thrilling day of competition, victories and even some inevitable losses, the Inter House Junior School Sports Meet of 2025 was finally just a not-so-distant memory. The Vote of Thanks was given out by Master Suchendra Goonatilleke, as the College Flag was solemnly lowered, and the National Anthem was played one last time. Everyone felt a strange sense of finality, as the realization that one of the most important College events of the year had finally come to its epic conclusion, sank in.
However, this event could never have been the terrific success it was, had it not been for a few key individuals. Firstly, gratitude is extended to Prof. Arinda Dharmapala for gracing our humble event. Next, a huge thank you goes to the College Management Team, the College Executive Council, and the PROMWEB for commandeering the effort of making this celebration of talent a reality. Special thanks go to the Headmistress of the Junior School, Mrs. C.P. Tissera and to the Secretary of the sports meet, Mrs. Pradeepa Kobbekaduwa for their dedication and guidance throughout. Furthermore, the commitment of the referees, headed by the Sports Coordinator for the Junior School, Mr. Y.M.S. Rathnayaka, as well as the Director of Sports, Mr. Gihan Samarasekara, deserves recognition for making certain that the event ran smoothly. A special note of appreciation goes to all the respective senior housemasters and housemistresses for their continuous support. Finally, a wholehearted thank you goes to the teachers, parents and, above all, our fellow students, who added a much-needed sense of liveliness to an otherwise blank slate of a competition.
