Reviewed by Dilith Halahakoon (Web Content Team) As the sun shone on the historic grounds of Asgiriya, young Trinity athletes geared up for a day of excitement, sportsmanship, and dedication at the Junior School Inter-house Athletic Meet 2026, held on 12 February 2026. As Trinitians prepared to take the baton, a vibrant opening ceremony welcomed the Chief Guest, who was escorted by the Under 8 and Under 9 Champions of 2025. The ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag was performed by the Chief Guest, Mr Muthiah Chandrasekaran, a respected entrepreneur and proprietor of a jewellery business in Colombo. The College Flag was hoisted by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara. Mr Chandrasekaran is an old boy of Trinity College, Kandy, having studied at the College from 1965 to 1975. During his school years, he demonstrated strong leadership and a deep involvement in school life. He represented Trinity College in hockey at the Under 14 level and served as Vice President of the Tamil Literary Union and President of the Hindu Student Movement. He continues to serve the College and currently holds office as the President of the Trinity College Kandy Old Boys’ Association, Colombo Branch. After a prayer by the College Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Sanjaya Gamage, attention turned to the lighting of the Olympic Lamp. This tradition was completed by the athletic captains of the competing houses. The Athletes’ Oath followed, as the House Captains pledged their allegiance to the rules. Following a display by the Junior School Western Band, the inter-house athletic meet was officially declared open by the Principal. A drill display with colourful umbrellas was performed by the students of the Junior School, followed by the Junior School gymnastics team. Track events for the Under 8, 9, and 10 age groups were highly competitive. The field became a blur of colour as the five houses went head-to-head. Despite the competitive atmosphere, the young Trinitians maintained the values of sportsmanship. As the award ceremony began, students walked up to Mrs Chandrasekaran and Mr Muthiah Chandrasekaran to receive their certificates and trophies. The Under 8 category was won by Master S. G. Abeypala of Carter Red, the Under 9 category by Master A. M. S. N. Adikari of Boarding House, and the Under 10 category by Master S. Adrien of Carter Red. Our young athletes challenged records dating back to the 20th century. Master A. M. S. N. Adikari of Boarding House broke the Under 9 75m record with a time of 11.15 seconds. He also surpassed the long jump record with a jump of 3.69 m. Master T. T. M. Kankanamge of Boarding House broke the Under 10 75m record by clocking 10.67 seconds. Master Y. B. Gajanayake of Boarding House broke the shot put record with a throw of 7.12 m. The College congratulates all the record breakers of 2026. After a closely contested tally, the Junior School houses scored as follows: The meet drew to a close as Master Rithin Seneviratne delivered the vote of thanks. With the College Flag lowered by the Scouts and the bugle sounded by the Cadet Band, the athletic meet concluded. Gratitude is extended to Mr and Mrs Chandrasekaran for gracing the occasion. Sincere thanks are also due to the College Management Team, the College Executive Council, and PROMWEB. Special appreciation is extended to the Headmistress of the Junior School, Mrs C. P. K. De Tissera, the Secretary of the Sports Meet, Mrs Pradeepa Kobbekaduwa, and the Acting Sports Coordinator of the Junior School, Mrs Sulakshana Abeynayake. The commitment of the referees and the Director of Sports, Mr Gihan Samarasekara, is also acknowledged. Finally, thanks go to the senior Housemasters and Housemistresses, teachers, parents, and the students who made this athletic meet a memorable occasion.
