From The Principal
31st July 2019
I am writing this in response to certain recent Media reports regarding the current situation of the child from Kuliyapitiya to whom Trinity offered entirely free schooling in 2016.
We would like to assure you that the schooling and hostel accommodation offered to this boy by Trinity remains completely free of charge, and will continue to be given on that same basis throughout his career at the school. Some of the media reports, which seem to suggest otherwise, are therefore factually incorrect in that respect.
The school has done everything possible to help the boy from the day he arrived at the school. This has included paying for all his uniform, school trips, stationery, travel and other school expenses. Indeed, his mother, in a meeting with the Junior School Headmaster yesterday, clarified to us that she is very happy with the way the school is looking after her son and that she is delighted with his progress. Furthermore, she said to Mr Marasinghe that there is nothing more that she feels Trinity could be doing.
The boy (whose name is not being mentioned to protect his privacy) is now in Grade 4 and is doing very well at school. He is an active member of his class, who loves his sports and has already won awards for athletics. He is also a popular member of the Junior Boarding House, having become a boarder in 2018. Previously, he was living with his mother in Kandy.
I was very pleased to be able to provide the opportunity for this student to have his education at Trinity College, and the school is happy to continue to do so in the future. I am delighted that he is doing so well; and that he is making such good progress in his studies, his English, his self-discipline and his extra-curricular activities.
I remember saying when he first arrived that my dream was that he would one day play in the Bradby Shield before heading to University. Three years later, both these things very much remain a possibility. He has made an excellent start on his educational journey. I am confident that he will continue to thrive, just as long as he is allowed to carry on developing like a normal Trinity boy, away from the glare and pressure of public scrutiny.
Hopefully, this has clarified any concerns that people may mistakenly have had about the educational well-being of this young boy.
Respice Finem!
Andrew Fowler-Watt
