Reviewed by Sawin Danthasinghe
“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.”– Henry Ward Beecher
On the 20th of May 2025, Trinity College Kandy came alive with colour and creativity as the annual Interhouse Art Competition was held. This year’s inspiring theme, “The Creation,” invited young artists from both the Middle and Upper Schools to explore and express how creation shapes everything around us – from the vast universe and the natural world to the smallest drop of water.
Students used their imagination and skills to bring to life their unique visions of beginnings, growth, and life itself. This event was more than a competition; it was a celebration of talent, creativity, and the wonder of the world through the eyes of young artists. Held at the Abeyratne-Jeyaraj Terrace and the Napier Hall, the competition was a vibrant display of artistic passion and skill.
Students competed enthusiastically for the prestigious David Paynter Memorial Trophy, awarded to the champion house with the highest overall points. Exceptional individual artists were also honoured with the title of Best Artist of the Year in their respective categories, recognising their outstanding creativity and technique.
A respected panel of external judges carefully evaluated each piece, making the competition even more meaningful.
Judging Panel:
Mr. Ajith Gunathilake (Risikala Aesthetic College, Mawilmada)
Mr. L.J. Wickramage (Haputale M.V.)
Mr. P. Pathmasiri Ranaweera (Madawela Primary College)
Results – Interhouse Art Competition 2025
Middle School
Grade 6–7 Category
???? 1st Place – Mast. Wajidh Ali (Pilcher House)
???? 2nd Place – Mast. S.W.S.M. Abenayake (Gibson House)
???? 3rd Place – Mast. K.A. Rathnayake (Sahayam House)
Grade 8–9 Category
???? 1st Place – Mast. P.G.M.H. Gunarathne (Squealery House)
???? 2nd Place – Mast. B.A. Nejan (Gibson House)
???? 3rd Place – Mast. K.A.O.R. Kulathunga (Gibson House)
Upper School
Grade 10–11 Category
???? 1st Place – Mast. K.G.V.I.N. Amarasena (Lemuel House)
???? 2nd Place – Mast. Dinol Ranwana (Oorloff House)
???? 3rd Place – Mast. W.L.S.M. Welendagoda (Central Boarding House)
Grade 12 and Above Category
???? 1st Place – Mast. D.W.S.C. Danthasinghe (Oorloff House)
???? 2nd Place – Mast. T.A. Amarasinghe (Simithrarachchy House)
???? 3rd Place – Mast. A.R.M.S.S.B. Mullegama (Oorloff House)
Overall Champions
???? Middle School Champions: Gibson House
???? Upper School Champions: Oorloff House
Best Artists of the Year
???? Junior Category: Mast. P.G.M.H. Gunarathne (Squealery House)
???? Senior Category: Mast. D.W.S.C. Danthasinghe (Oorloff House)
Following an intense and colourful showcase of talent, Oorloff House was declared the overall champion of the competition, winning the prestigious David Paynter Memorial Trophy for 2025. The awards were officially presented during the morning assembly on the 6th of June 2025, in front of the entire school, honouring the winning houses and top-performing artists for their outstanding efforts.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication truly brought the theme of “The Creation” to life in a way that inspired us all. Keep nurturing your artistic talents and continue to create beauty in the world.
Acknowledgements
This event would not have been possible without the support and leadership of our Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara, and our Vice Principals—especially Mr. Wasana Dissanayake, Director of the Trinity College Co-Curricular Enrichment Initiative (TCCEI), and Mr. Kanishka Samarasundara, the Coordinator of the Arts for Life Aesthetic Forum.
We also thank Mr. Saman Ratnayake, Master-in-Charge of the Trinity College Art Circle, for his tireless efforts throughout the competition, along with the dedicated Art Circle Committee for their unwavering guidance and encouragement.
Finally, our sincere gratitude goes to the panel of external judges for their invaluable contribution in making this competition a true success.
