Trinity College, Kandy (TCK) has long placed equal importance on academic achievement, character development, and the cultivation of skills beyond the classroom. On Friday, 22 May 2026, the Centre for Excellence welcomed Old Trinitian Mr Dinuk Wickramanayake to speak with the Advanced Level Commerce students.
Drawing from his experience balancing academics, school leadership, and competitive cricket during his years at TCK, Mr Wickramanayake reflected on how those formative experiences shaped his professional life and outlook. His story offered students a practical reminder that purposeful effort and consistency can open meaningful opportunities in the years ahead.
Mr Wickramanayake left TCK in 2013 as a Prefect, Captain of the 1st XI Cricket Team, and recipient of the Ryde Gold Medal, the most prestigious award presented to the College’s best all-round senior student. He also achieved four A passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, securing District Rank 52.
During his time at TCK, he earned Cricket Colours and recognition as a Lionsman for his achievements in the sport. He was also part of three unbeaten College cricket teams, including the record-breaking 2012 side that secured the Schools League, One Day, and T20 championships together with the Big Match in the same season. He further represented the Sri Lanka Under-19 Cricket Team and earned national colours while still a schoolboy.
Following his years at TCK, Mr Wickramanayake graduated with First Class Honours in International Business from the University of Colombo and became a CIMA Passed Finalist, while concurrently representing the championship-winning Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club. He later served as a Brand Manager at Nestlé, overseeing global brands such as MILO and MILKMAID, before moving into entrepreneurship in the digital sector.
The Session
Speaking candidly, Mr Wickramanayake emphasised the importance of deliberate planning and the value of beginning early. Reflecting on his school years, he described the challenge of balancing studies, cricket, and leadership responsibilities, and the discipline those commitments instilled in him over time.
He also encouraged students to make the most of opportunities without waiting for the “perfect” moment, and to view school not only as a place of study, but as an environment that shapes habits, resilience, and character.
His experiences across sport, higher education, the corporate sector, and entrepreneurship illustrated that professional growth is rarely linear, and that adaptability and clarity of purpose remain invaluable qualities for young people preparing for the future.
A Continuing Initiative
This session formed part of the Centre for Excellence’s continuing effort to reconnect students with inspiring young alumni, individuals who distinguished themselves not only academically, but also through co-curricular involvement and personal character.
The initiative offers current students more than advice. It provides visible examples of how commitment inside and outside the classroom can contribute towards meaningful higher education and professional pathways.
TCK extends its sincere gratitude to Mr Dinuk Wickramanayake for generously sharing his time and experiences. His visit was a valuable opportunity for the Commerce students and a reminder that Respice Finem is not merely a motto to be recited, but a principle to be lived.
