Reviewed by Nahidh Naseem & Ayaash Abubakar (Web Content Team) The Junior Athletic team of Trinity College emerged runners-up at the 52nd Sir John Tarbet Junior Athletic Championship 2023, held from the 3rd to the 5th of November at the Sugathathasa Stadium. They fell short of Royal College Colombo by two points. This triumph marked the realisation of a dream that had been cherished for 39 long years. Notably, the team achieved significant success with Master Joel Rambukkanage earning second place in the javelin event for under 15. One of the standout stars of the event was Master Raveesh Wijerathne, whose extraordinary jumping skills propelled him to the top of the podium for the third time this year. Another remarkable performance was delivered by Master Rivindu Amarasinghe, who displayed an incredible technique as he effortlessly glided over the 70M hurdle to secure the second position. The success of the Junior Athletics team was not achieved through individual efforts alone. The support and guidance of Mr. C.J. Kalugampitiya, the Master in Charge and the dedication of the coaching staff played a pivotal role in the team’s impressive performance. Their commitment to nurturing and developing the talents of these young athletes has once again proven to be a vital component in the team’s journey to success.
Reviewed by Chaniru Senhas The English Debating team of Trinity College emerged Champions at the Inter-School Debating Championships organised by the Mooting and Debating Law Students’ Association of the Royal Institute of Colombo, of which the quarter finals, semifinals and finals were held on the 5th of November. The A Team from Trinity College Kandy performed exceptionally well, emerging as national champions for the 3rd time this year, Additionally they were the first team to get selected for the outrounds with 5 victories, The A Team was able to receive marvellous victories at the Quarter-finals, Semi Finals and put the cherry on top with a glorious performance in the final against Royal College A. The B Team showed their debating prowess as well, becoming the 4th team to get selected for quarter-finals with 4 wins, however after a very intense round they lost to Ananda College A at the Quater-Finals. The C Team too ended with a captivating 2 wins and ending as the 15th team overall. This victory complemented their many recent championships, placing Trinity in the 1st place on the debating league. The tournament consisted of 5 preliminary rounds followed by the quarter finals, semifinals, and finals. Three teams from the college participated, the A team, consisting of Ammar Zaffarullah, Thesath Keppetiyagama, Thithira Jayakody and Nethula Hettihewage, the B team, consisting of Sancthitha Wickrama, Shaluka Herath Nimuthu Pathiraja and Parinda Rathnayake and the C team, consisting of Chaniru Senhas, Muhammed Jameel, Abeesha Wickramasinghe and Kavindu Athukorala. We congratulate all the debaters of all three teams and a special thanks goes out to their coach, Mr. Suchith Tissera and the Teacher-in-Charge, Mrs. Fathima Majeed for their unwavering support.
Reviewed by Sharukh Fairooz, Reshan Odayar and Thehas Dayarathne. (Web Content Team) The Inter-House Swimming meet, held at the College Swimming Complex on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2023, united passionate swimmers in pursuit of victory for their houses. Sahayam House triumphed among the junior houses, while Simithraaratchy House emerged victorious among the senior houses in this year’s competition. At the Heats, on the 2nd afternoon, the event started strong with the 133m Individual Medley Relay. Determined to break the record of 02.02.30, set by S.R.Tennakoon, the swimmers got on to the blocks. Amid a moment of silence at the Trinity Swimming Complex, the whistle marked the commencement of the individual medley, challenging swimmers with the Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle. The event ended with some brilliant wins and the Heats continued for the rest of the events, which were successfully completed. The final segment of the Inter-House Swimming Meet was on the 3rd of November, graced by the Chief Guest Mr. Vinoth Kumar, an old boy, and an ardent swimmer who had secured championships during his time, and his wife, Mrs. Susheela Kumarappan. The final events in the competition served a primary purpose of identifying youth talent while bolstering a culture of sportsmanship and friendly competition. The fierce rivalries of the houses were on full display as the day began with the 33m Butterfly stroke. The whistle blew and the swimmers plunged into the water and swam with one goal: victory. The second event on the agenda was the exciting 33m breaststroke. The swimmers dived in, desperate for victory. The graceful and disciplined movements of the swimmers were a testament to rigorous training for months and weeks under their respective coaches. Next, the 33m backstroke event commenced, as the first line of swimmers assembled at the marshaling point and lowered themselves into the water, full of anticipation. With no distraction from the losses of the previous event, and no over confidence with the wins, the enthusiastic swimmers eager to bring glory to their respective houses, set out on achieving their next milestone- the 33M Freestyle event. Tension was brewing to its max. Following a brief break, the Women’s Invited Relay featured participants from Hillwood College, Mahamaya College, Gateway College, and Girls’ High School. Hillwood College secured the top spot, followed by Mahamaya College and Gateway College. The Men’s Invited Relay followed, with swimmers from Dharmaraja College, Chandananda College, Kingswood College, and St. Anthony’s College. Dharmaraja College claimed the first position, with Kingswood College and Chandananda College securing the second and third spots, respectively. In the final event, the Old Boys and Coaches swam in a Relay, and Old Boys emerged as winners. Age Group Champions Under 13 – Sithupa Ninduwara – Gibson House Under 15 – Imesh Dissanayake – Sahayam House Under 17 – A.M.Randunna – Simithraaratchy House Under 19 – S.N.Ranaweera – Central Boarding House Results – Junior Houses Results – Senior Houses The Inter-House Swimming Meet was not just a sporting event but an event for students to explore their talents and display their competitiveness. Our congratulations to all the participants and winners this year!
තර්කයෙන් විතර්කයට , සංවාදයෙන් විසංවාදයට මනා සාධාරණීයත්වයක් ඉටු කළ විද්යාලයීය ජ්යෙෂ්ඨ සිංහල විවාද කණ්ඩායම ‘සිරස’ නාලිකාව මඟින් හතර වන වරටත් විකාශනය කරනු ලැබූ The Debater with AAT තරගාවලිය වර්ණවත් කළේ ඔවුන්ගේ තාර්කික කුසලතා මැනවින් ප්රදර්ශනය කරමිනි. යොහාන් පියතිලක ( නායක ) , සෙත්ලත් දිසානායක , සෙත්මල් දිසානායක හා අමෝද කොස්සලවත්ත යන සාමාජිකයින්ගෙන් සැදුම් ලත් කණ්ඩායම ඊට සහභාගී වූහ. 09 මසකට පෙරාතුව ගමනක ආරම්භය සනිටුහන් කරමින් රූපවාහිනිය තුළ විකාශනය නොවූ මූලික වටය පාසල් 500 ක පමණ සහභාගීත්වයකින් පැවැත් වූයේ තෝරාගැනීමේ වටයක් ලෙසිනි. එම තරග වටයෙන් ඉදිරි වටයට පියවර තැබීමට සුදුසුකම් ලැබූ ත්රිත්වයින් ප්රතියෝජක පසුපෙළ ලෙස විවාදයට එක්වූයේ කොළඹ විශාඛා විද්යාලය , තිඹිරිගස්කටුව මාරිස්ටෙලා විද්යාලය හා නුගේගොඩ සමුද්රාදේවි බාලිකා විද්යාලය සමඟිනි. උරෙන් උර ගැටුණු තරගකාරී තරගවටයක් අවසන් වූයේ සිය වාග් ප්රතිභාවන් විදහා දැක්වු අප විද්යාලයීය විවාදකයින් මීළඟ වටයට තේරීපත් වීමෙනි. උද්වේගකර වූ ‘Octo Finale ‘ තරගවටයේ ත්රිත්ව තාර්කිකයෝ කොළඹ රාජකීය විද්යාලය, මහනුවර ශ්රී චන්දානන්ද විද්යාලය හා මල්වත්තාවල ජාතික පාසල සමඟ යෝජක ඉදිරිපෙළ ලෙස ඉතා තියුණු තරගයකින් පසු මීළඟ වටයට ප්රවිෂ්ට වූහ. සංග්රාමයෙන් පිරි තාර්කික බුද්ධි මණ්ඩපයේ අර්ධ අවසාන පූර්ව වටයට කොළඹ නාලන්දා විද්යාලය කොළඹ තර්ස්ටන් විද්යාලය හා කොළඹ ඩී. එස් . සේනානායක විද්යාලය සමඟ ත්රිත්වයින් අවතීර්ණ වූයේ ප්රතියෝජක ඉදිරිපෙළ ලෙසයි. පළමු කථිකයාගේ සිට ම ඉතා තියුණු මුහුණුවරක් ගත් මෙම විවාදයේ , ආරම්භයේ සිට ම ජයග්රහණය සිව් පිළට ම දෝලනය වූයේ ප්රේක්ෂකයන්ගේ කුතුහලය දෙගුණ තෙගුණ කරමිනි. වට හතරකින් යුක්ත වූ මෙම තරගය අවසානයේ දී බලාපොරොත්තු නොවූ අයුරින් අවසන් පූර්ව වටයට සුදුසුකම් ලැබීමේ අවස්ථාව ත්රිත්වයින්ට අහිමි වූයේ එම විවාදයට උපරිම සාධාරණත්වයක් ඉටු කිරීමෙන් පසුවය. එලෙසින් මෙම තරගාවලියේ ත්රිත්වයින්ගේ භූමිකාවේ නිමාව සනිටුහන් වුවද එයින් ලද අත්දැකීම් ඔස්සේ ඉදිරියටත් තම දක්ෂතා ඔපනංවමින් ත්රිත්ව විද්යාලය වෙනුවෙන් විවාද තරගාවලි නියෝජනය කිරීමට ජ්යෙෂ්ඨ සිංහල විවාද කණ්ඩායම අපේක්ෂා කරති. මාස ගණනාවක් පුරා පැවති මෙම තරගාවලියට විවිධ අයුරින් කාලය, ශ්රමය, වැය කළ, තම දැනුමෙන් නොමඳව විවාදකයින් පෝෂණය කළ අප විද්යාලයීය ගුරු මව් පියවරුන්ට අපගේ හෘද්යාංගම ස්තූතිය පුද කරමු. අශේන් විජේසිංහ (සිංහල විවාද සංසදය)
Article by Nimuthu Pathiraja (Web Content Team) The English Debating team of Trinity College Kandy has had an exceptionally victorious year. As of now, the team has participated in 9 tournaments, securing 3 unbeaten national championships, reaching semifinals in 5 tournaments, and quarterfinals in 1. In addition, 4 Trinitians have been selected to the National Debating Pool of Sri Lanka: Competitors to the National pool are chosen by the Debaters’ Council of Sri Lanka, the administrative body of World Schools’ Debating for Sri Lanka. This year, the pool consists of 16 best debaters in the national debating circuit, from which, the National team and the development squad will be selected to represent Sri Lanka at international tournaments throughout the year 2024. The pool will have the privilege of receiving training and coaching from a panel of experts. Additionally, we must express our gratitude to the parents of these talented debaters and the teacher in charge, Mrs. Fathima Majeed, as well as all the other teachers who accompanied the debaters to Colombo for multiple tournaments they participated in and worked tirelessly to ensure the Trinity Debating team can reach massive heights. We also make special mention of the coaches of Trinity Debating, Mr. Suchith Tissera and Mrs. Shanya Sadanandan, who spent sleepless nights coaching the team throughout the year. In conclusion, we congratulate the four debaters for their outstanding achievements and the glory they have brought to Trinity.
Review by: Muhammed Jameel (Web Content Team) Trinity Weightlifting team emerged victorious at the Sri Lanka Novices Championship 2023, held at the National Sports Complex in Polonnaruwa from November 4th to 6th. The competition showcased the extraordinary talent of the young Trinitians, securing the coveted first place in various categories. Under 20 Category: Under 17 Category: They clinched the title of ‘The Junior Championship (Men) 2023’ through their collective efforts, marking a significant achievement. The triumph underscores the commitment and diligence of every athlete, guided by Coach Mr. M. Wijerathne and backed by the steadfast support of Master-in-Charge Mr. Galagoda. Trinity College extends heartfelt congratulations to the weightlifting team on their outstanding achievements. Their continuous wins in the schools’ weightlifting arena is a pride for the College, reflecting the spirit of excellence and commitment nurtured within its exceptional athletes.
Reviewed by Nimuthu Pathiraja (Web Content Team) On the 4th of November 2023, the Junior School Hall hosted a special workshop about stamp collecting, organised by the Junior School Stamp Club. The event was held with the captivating aim of encouraging the educational hobby of stamp collecting. The event, which kicked off at 10 am, had many valuable discussions and lectures on stamp collecting, which inevitably had many of the 50 students who attended mesmerized. The educational programme was blessed with the presence of Mr. Rohan Fernando, The President of the Kandy Philatelic society and Mr. Nirosha Peiris, a Senior Philatelist and Philatelic Web Content Creator, who is also a Sri Lanka Stamp Advisory Board Member. When the event ended at 1 pm, all the students had travelled into the magnificent world of stamp collecting through many educational activities and lectures. The Junior School would like to extend its appreciation to the two esteemed guests Mr. Rohan Fernando and Mr. And Mrs. Nirosha Peiris for spending their valuable time in encouraging stamp collecting, Mr. Amila Perera for his co-ordination and the Headmistress of the Junior School Mrs. C.P. K de Tissera, the teacher in charge of the Junior School stamp club Mrs. Indira Bandara also for their diligent efforts and encouragement in making this event a resounding success.
Reviewed by Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team) The Hindu Students’ Movement of Trinity College Kandy collaborated with their teachers on the 23rd of October 2023, to stage ‘Vaani Vizha’ (வாணி விழா), a grand celebration held at the College Hall. This special event was dedicated to honoring Navratri (நவராத்திரி), a ten-day festival that embodies values of courage, prosperity, and wisdom. Notably, the festivities coincided with Vijayadashami (விஜயதசமி), the auspicious and final day of Navratri. The ‘Vaani Vizha’ began with fervent prayers, blessings, and worship to invoke divine blessings upon the school and its students. Grade 11 students beautifully sang the ‘pancha puranam,’ a sacred hymn that radiated holiness. This was followed by the mesmerizing ‘sagalagala valli malai,’ a song deeply connected to Navarathri. The event commenced with an enlightening introductory film that delved into the history and significance of Navarathri. Master Jihan Jaswinth, the president of the Hindu Students’ Movement, extended a warm welcome to all attendees and introduced a series of captivating performances that encapsulated the essence of this cherished tradition. The audience was enthralled by the melodious tunes of the veenai, a revered cultural instrument. The young talents of grades 6 and 7 took the stage with a lively welcome dance, adding a splash of colour and rhythm to the proceedings. Mr. Ravindran’s devotional song conveyed profound spirituality, and a riveting play showcased the talents of eighth and ninth-grade students. A soulful bajana performance moved the hearts of the audience. The event also marked the launch of the annual magazine, a moment of pride that celebrated literary achievements within the Trinity College community. Grade 12 students dazzled the audience with a dance performance that celebrated diversity and unity, while outstanding intra-school and inter-school achievements were recognized. Mr. Krishanathan Anthonydas, the vice principal, delivered an inspiring speech in Tamil, and the ancient art of villu pattu added a touch of folklore to the event. The cultural vitality and joy of the day culminated in a stunning dance performed by Grade 13 students. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Principal Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Vice Principal Mr. Krishannthan Anthonydas, and Teacher In-Charge Mrs. Nalini Udayakumaran for their guidance in the organisation of this remarkable event. “Vaani Vizha” stands as a shining testament to Trinity College’s commitment to promoting and honoring multicultural traditions, exemplifying the diversity and talents that flourish within our university.
Landscaping in alliance with nature, is a gift for humanity. It is more invaluable when children are exposed to the wonder of the quiet serenity of a miniature Zen Garden. Honouring the concept of 2023 as the ‘Year of Collaboration’, and blending the essence of meditation and nature, the students of both Upper and Middle School of TCK rallied around their Japanese teacher Mrs W.M.R. Kumari, to transform a dull, unused spot in front of the Rev. Wickramasinghe Building and the canteen, into a Zen Haven. Pre and post captures speak a voluminous story of sustainable living, collaboration and commitment of both students, teacher, a few parents and two conscientious gardeners. The initial task was to pave the ground area under the mango tree, filling and flattening it with earth, and surrounding it with granite blocks. Later, narrow rock paths with a granite bridge were constructed. Rocks and stones are salient elements in any Japanese Zen Garden: larger rocks may symbolise islands and water, while raked gravel dotted with strategically placed stones represent flowing water. The ‘hashi’ or bridge constructed is symbolic of the crossing between the mortal world and afterlife allowing one to rid oneself of worldly burdens and experience inner peace, becoming one with nature. The happy team included a little asymmetrical pond: a fundamental element of human existence, at the corner of this little paradise. Plants were placed in several locations of the garden. These will grow and blossom to add an authentic lustre to the Zen theme. Trinity College is grateful to the Japanese Culture Society and its MIC Mrs Rathna Kumari for creating a vibrant masterpiece that adds life and beauty to the Middle School.
Reviewed by Rehan Anandakumar (Web Content Team) A series of spectacular events were organised for the Library Day of TCK, within the months of September and October 2023. Carefully planned activities tested and nurtured the literary and creative skills of the student participants. Read A Thon, Short Story Writing, Digital Story Creation, Book Talks, Speeches, Photographic and Home Library competitions were the many challenges that the students were eager to register for, and compete in. Adding to the glamour of the events related to the Library Day, 17th of October, blended into an evening of Literary Melodies. It was an incredible celebration of creative knowledge, and a search for talent. The Library Day theme for the year, “Beyond the Bookshelf,” encapsulated the essence of the event. The Napier Multipurpose Learning Arena of TCK buzzed with happy voices of students and invitees.An evening of meeting cultures through literary melodies in all three languages, were to be laid out for an explicit review, by maestros. The main theme of the evening was the many facets of LOVE: Parental love, Love for Family, Love for oneself, Love for mother nature and Romance. Especially chosen, popular Sinhala, Tamil and Western songs were carefully dissected for an elaborate review by renowned maestros. Mr. Lasantha Tennekoon, our College Choir master expertly led the English segment, which served as the event’s opening act. The audience was taken into the world of English literature and its romantic tales as the notes and lyrics of the movie ‘Love Story’ reverberated in the air. The Tamil music performance that followed, was a stunning illustration of the rich cultural diversity found within the Trinity College community. Mrs.Sharmiladevi Duraisingam, was the backbone of this extraordinary presentation. The chosen songs delivered an in- depth beauty of communal harmony and the simple pleasures of binding with nature. Next up was the final music segment which was in Sinhala. Led by Mr. Samitha Dunukepotha. Deputy Director (planning) Chief Secretariat of the Central Provincial Council, a thought-provoking review of popular Sinhala Songs made the evening worth the wait. He was assisted by Mrs Nimesha Wimalsena with her expertise and knowledge in songs and her passion for compering. The finale of the Library Week dawned on the 20th of October in the main hall of the college. The event unfolded with Master Yuki Rathnathilake the Secretary of the Library Council, welcoming the attendees with a speech that set the tone for the event’s upcoming proceedings. The eloquent winner of the speech contest, Master Isija Thilakarathne took the stage with an electrifying speech, lighting up the crowd’s imagination about how libraries are perceived in the world. Each listener’s inner creative spark was ignited by the words he skilfully wove, transforming a routine gathering into a raging fire of zeal and inspiration. Professor, Chalinda K. Benaragama, Head of the Department of Crop Science, faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, in his keynote address, emphasized on the importance of research-based learning. He stressed that research is not just for academia, it is a platform that improves our attitude and abilities. His message was a profound reminder that learning never stops, regardless of our age. As the event reached its zenith, the upper school achievers were recognised for their excellence in the library day competitions. This was followed by the Chief Curator Dhananjaya Herath’s impassioned speech in his mother tongue which delved into the idea that everything we encounter holds countless discoveries to be unearthed. With his comments, Mr. Wasana Dissanayake highlighted the fact that libraries are more than simply a place; they are also a springboard for incredible journeys, a treasure trove of emotions, and an endless source of adventure. The event concluded with the Chief Curator, Master Dhananjaya Herath, delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks, leaving everyone acknowledging the indispensable role libraries play in our lives. A sincere thank you to the Principal Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Vice Principal Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas, The Librarian Mrs. Achala Illangakoon and the Library Council for organising this special occasion.