OBA History

Quote” what about the OBA? Next to our founder of revered memory C H de Soysa and the de Soysa family no other institution or an individual has done so much for Prince of Wales’ college. During its long history of 100 years. It is mainly the OBA which has kept alive the vision of the founder and the spirit of the school. ”Through all the changing scenes of life “the OBA is the string that binds the golden beads of its alumni. In the best of times and the worst of times it has stood by the school in loyalty and service, always remembering its past and helping to transmit the culture, the service and the traditions from one generation of Cambrians to the next .” unquote (Mr. M E C Fernando)

1904 was a significant year of the Mr. J G C Mendis M.A., (Contab) the third Principal of the Prince of Wales’ College. After finishing higher studies at the University of Cambridge and on his return to Ceylon, he joined the tutorial staff of Royal but did not stay there long as he joined the staff of his Alma Mater. A few years later he was invited to accept the post of Principal of Prince of Wales’ College which he did gladly. He assumed duties as Principal in 1896 and continued in office till 1917 a span of twenty one years. during his Principal ship he brought Prince of Wales’ on a par with the leading colleges of the island .1904, why the year is so significant , the Old Boys Association was inaugurated on Patron’s Day ( Nov 9^th).the Prince of Wales’ company of the cadet battalion Ceylon Light Infantry (CB., CLI) was also inaugurated on the same day.

We give thanks to God for the life and work of Mr. J G C Mendis and for the manifold blessing that have flown from these two foundations.

“The Cambrians” Michaelmas Term 1907 Vol.vi.No 29 “records that Mr. J G C Mendis decided on the college colours “Purple, gold, maroon” and this was announced at the third anniversary of the OBA on November 9^th 1906. (The writer remembers that over seventy years ago Miss Fernie Jayawardana a devoted teacher and the repository of many facts pertaining to the College, being the daughter of the architect of the college telling us her young students that the first letters of the three colours stood for ‘Prince’ ‘Govenor’ ‘Moratuwa’ – signifying that in absence of the Prince, the Govenor came to Moratuwa to lay the foundation of the school). The second motto of the school “Nihil Per Saltum” was also introduced in Mr. Mendis time. The colours, crest and mottos are shared by Prince and Princess of Wales’ Colleges a unique feature unparalleled in the educational history of our Island.

The story of formation the OBA is briefly written by Mr. N T B Fernando who is a Vice Patron of the OBA. Here it is on his own words. “The old boys association owes its foundation to that great man J.G.C. Mendis of revered memory who, in the year 1917 on the eve of his retirement from the principal ship of the college paid the highest tribute to the memory of one who richly deserved it in the following terms”.

“The OBA was started from the ashes of that great and good man Philip Lewis. I remember returning from his graveside ,the Old Boys fourteen years ago, surrounded me to ask me in the first place to start a fitting memorial to Mr. Lewis who died in harness after twenty three years in this place and secondly the Old Boys thought it was high time we should start Old Boys’ Association”. So states Mr. D.H.L. de Silva in the Golden Jubilee Souvenir.

The Old Boys met on 9^th November to consider the formation of an Old Boys’ Association. A committee was elected to draft a constitution. The first anniversary of the OBA was fixed for 9^th November 1905 but had to be postponed due to the sudden death of the drill instructor, colour sergeant Adams of the Worcester Regiment. The celebrations were therefore held on the 11^th. The events included a cricket match between the Old Boys and present Boys led by G A Fernando (later Revd. G.A.F. Senarathne).there was also a sports meet.at the first anniversary meeting held on 11^th November, Mr. Ney A. Dharmarathne presented the draft constitution which was duly accepted by the house. The first president was Mr. J.G.C.Mendis  ex officio while Mr. Ney Dharmarathna was elected secretary and Mr. Simeon Perera was elected the first treasurer. A committee as well as twelve Honarary members were also elected. A report of this meeting published in the Vol. v No. 23, Michaemas term 1905 of the Cambrian appears elsewhere. The third anniversary was also celebrated on 9^th November in the grand manner and the King’s birthday parade with the participation of the R. Coy of the C.L.I. numbering 80 was the highlight. The parade was commanded by Lt. J.W.C. de Soysa, Lt. C.P. De Silva commanded the C.L.I. while the cadets were under Hony. Lt. Senarathne.the Tennis Tournament was disrupted by rain but the sports meet turned out to be a grand success. The physical training display by the cadets was judged to be “as perfect as that given by the Worcester’s”. The principal was at home throughout the day to the Old Boys and refreshments were served ad lib. Lady Catherine de Soysa gave away the Prize.

The third anniversary celebrations were marked by the first OBA Dinner in the soacious library of the college and covers were laid for seventy two. this ,as well as subsequent dinners were very formal occations and many toasts were eloquently proposed and replied. The principal in replying to the toast of the college proposed by Mr. Solomon Fernando, Proctor ended his strring speech with the following words: “ this college was started with an object.it was founded for the Commoners by a Commoner .there is no caste, no colour, no creed observed within the four walls of this college. This college is not meant only for Moratuwa.it is meant for all Ceylonese, whether, Singhalese , Burgher or Tamil who will come and learn here. All have fair play, equal chances – absolutely equal chances,such as are not obtainable perhaps, in some of the other college. Under these circumstances we live and our motto is Ich Dien. We serve a certain cause, we live for that cause and we shall always exist for that cause”.

Mr.Ney A Dharmarathna who was elected the first secretary could not function for long in this office due to his departure to chilaw to practice his profession – Law. The Cambrian records that at a committee meeting Mr. Bastian Peiris was elected Secretary in place of Mr. Dharmarathne. He continued to hold office for some time.

In the early years and up to the late thirties Old Boys’ Day was observed on 9^th November, the birthday of the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward vii. In Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo’s time the date was changed to the first Saturday after March 3^rd Founder’s Day on account of the inclement weather in November. During Mr. M.E.C. Fernando’s president ship it was again changed to the first Saturday after 14^th September and continues so till now.

The secretaries from the early periods have been Messrs Ney Dharmarathne, Bastian Peiris, B.L.Mendis, Roland E. W. Perera – father of Revd Soma Perera, a Vice Patron, C.S.A. Perera – father of Mr.Eardley Perera, P.C., C.W. Peiris, O.T.F. Senarathne D.H.L. de Silva, A.V.S. Fernando, J.A.F.Fernando, T.G.F.Mendis, R.T.N. Fernando and Jayantha Fernando, The present Secretary is Mr.Dilwin Mendis. The office of Treasurer was filled by Mr. Simeon Perera followed by Messrs C.P. De Silva, V.S.A.Dias, P.A. Fernando, D.H.L De Silva who was also a secretary later, W.R.O. Fernando, G.P. de Silva, Lioyd H. Peiris , N.T.B. Fernando,Santha Fernando,Thedanath Perera,Shriyan Samararathne and Sriyantha Fernando.Mr.Ranjan Kurukulasuriya is the present Treasurer.

In the early period the Association worked with great spirit.on one occation a garden party was held instead of the sports meet. Families of Old Boys and well-wishers were invited and guests were “lavish in their praisers for the unstinted liberality shown” Another feature of the OBA at this time was the unity and excellent support of the tutorial staff led by persons of the caliber of Messrs R.J.F. Mendis, D.C.M. Jayawardene, A.P.M. Peiris and H.Samaranayake.

A memorable sports meet was held on founders’ day 1919.the chief Guest was the Colonial Secretary Mr. R.E. Stubbs who was accompanied by the Director of Education, Mr. E.B. Denham. An official at this meet was Mr. O.E. Goonetilleke (later Sir Oliver) While among the distinguished judges were Messrs J.G.C.Mendis ,Solomon Fernando, Major E.Evans,C.H.Z. Fernando,Leonard Peiris and Dr. John Rockwood. Besides other trophies,no less than fourteen silver cups were awarded.Several committees of Old Boys assisted by teachers prominent among whom was Mr.M.V.P. Peiris (later the famous surgeon Dr. M.V.P. Peiris) were in charge of the arrangements.

On a later date the venue of the dinner was changed from the college to the Mt.Lavinia Hotel with Sir Graeme Thompson, Colonial Secretary as Chief Guest Leading members of then high society were invited as guests among whom were Sir. Thompson Broome, Mr E B Creasy, Sir Stewart Schneider, Mr Fredrick Dornhorst, Mr. James Peiris and Dr. Paul E. Peiris both of whom were  knighted later on. Sir James Peiris later became the Chairman of the College Trust Board.

At this time the Old Boys were in the forefront in collecting funds for prize giving’s and sport meets and the services rendered by D.H.L. de Silva are worthy of mention.the OBA also successfully endeavoured to uphold the ideals of the founder,Charles Henry de Soysa and to maintain the traditions of the college. These lofty ideals should be beacon to the present generation.

During the trade depression the college found itself in dire financial straits but the OBA was not in a position to lend a helping hand in view of its own weak financial position.the OBA inaugurated a Self-Denial Fund with the object of raising Rs. 30,000.00 with three hundred Old Boys contributing  Rs. 100.00 each.this objective failed to come anywhere near its target.the campaign to enroll Old Boys as life members was not quite a success.the failure to reach the target was mainly due to the financial situation prevailing in the country at that time.it has to be stated that the Principal Mr. P.T. Jayasuriya assisted the OBA whenever possible.

In 1926 when the strike of students took place, the OBA rallied round the Principal, Mr L.G.  Crease (M.A. Oxon) to meet the situation. At a special meeting the Old Boys "expressed in unmistakable the terms the absolute confidence they had in the Principal whose generous and forgiving manner won for him popularity. His most admirable trait was administrative ability which he coupled with careful and methodical work.” the year 1931 saw the first Old Boy to be the ex officio President of the OBA when Rev. F.R.E. Mendis, (M.A. Cantab) assumed duties as Principal. During his short term of office he maintained excellent relations with the OBA and did much to improve the college, both in studies and sports.

The departure of Rev. F.R.E Mendis saw Mr. H. Samaranayake (B.A. London), a Classics and Sinhala scholar who was on the tutorial staff, being appointed as Acting Principal and ex officio President OBA Mr. Samarnayake took a keen interest in the affairs of the OBA and later served as Asst. Secretary for some time.

 A new era dawned for the College in 1933 when Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo, (BA. LLB London) was appointed Principal and ex officio President of the OBA. At this time it was the intention of the Old Boys to raise funds to assist the college and also celebrate jointly with the Princess of Wales' College the birth Centenary of the Founder and the Diamond Jubilee of the founding of the two colleges.

The first Carnival held in Moratuwa was organized jointly by the OBA and the Princess of Wales’ College Union in 1935 with a view to collect funds to be invested for the purpose of awarding scholarships to students attending the two colleges. Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo was the Chairman of the Joint Committee. The general Secretaries of the Celebration were Mrs. Beatrice C. de Mel and O.T.F. Senaratne, while Miss Irene Peirs and Mr. W.R.O Fernando were the Secretaries of the Carnival and Miss Fernie C.M. Jaywardena and Mr. D.H.L De Silva were the Treasurers. October 1" 1935 was a red letter day in the annals of the two colleges and the OBA and the Princess of Wales' College Union when the Governor, Sir Reginald Stubbs opened the Cambrian Fair and Carnival at the conclusion of the prize giving at which his Excellency had presided. The carnival grounds, illuminated with 6000 electric bulbs, presented a fairyland of colour,music, mirth and merriment. On the three days of the carnival over 20,000 passed through the gate. The total collection was Rs. 10,710.00 a princely sum those days and the nett proceeds handed over to the Trustees as decided by the 2 Associations amounted to Rs. 5606.00.

This was followed by another carnival in June 1939 organised by the O.B.A. with Messrs Senaratne, D.H.L de Siva and H. Samaranayake Vice Principal, as secretaries and V.L.P. Perera as Treasurer. A sum of Rs 4557/58 was realised and allocated to the Building Fund. As building activities had to be suspended on account of the outbreak of World War ii in September the money was lent to the Trustees for a period of three years.

In 1942 the college premises including the Girts school were requisitioned by the Military for a Naval Camp and the Boys School had to be shifted to 'Silver Sand' at Charles Place (while the Girls school shifted elsewhere). The OBA gave the Trustees an interest free loan to enable them to put up temporary sheds to accommodate the classes.

Soon after derequisition in 1945 another Cambrian Carnival was organised by the OBA in December. The general secretaries were Mr. D.H.L De Silva und Mr. N.W Dias and the Hony Treasurer was Mr. G.S.C. Peiris. The nett proceeds amounting Rs. 15,246/were to form the nucleus of an Equipment Fund. Thereafter the OBA contributed Ra. 4557/-towards additions to the E.L.F. de Soysa Science Laboratory. 5000/- for Laboratory equipment and Rs. 2,000/- to the Library. Apart from this, Mr. Rodrigo organised several carnivals with the assistance of Old Boys to raise funds for the college.

At this time a delegation from the OBA met the Trustees regarding the rumoured sale of the Estata at Ahangama which was bequeathed by the De Soysa family for the benefit of the college.

In 1948 Mr. A.V.S. Fernando was elected Hony Secretary and held office till the Old Boys' day 1954.one of his first act was to move a resolution either to modernize the main hall or to build a new assembly hall. There was delay in implementing this resolution. As the college was in urgent need of additional accommodation for the increasing numbers, Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo organised another Carnival with the assistance of the OBA and the teachers. With the proceeds of this carnival the main hall was improved at a cost of Rs. 16,000/- to serve the dual purpose of class rooms and assembly hall.

 The main event of this period was the joint celebration in 1951 of the 75 anniversary of the founding of the two colleges. The celebrations which were organised jointly by the OBA and Princess of Wales' College Union began with a service on Founder's Day 1952. The Bishop of Colombo, the Rt. Rvd. A.R. Graham Campbell delivered an inspiring sermon. The other events were the Joint Carnival, sport meet and prize giving at which Lord Soulbury, Governor General presided and gave away the prizes. Old Boys, Old Girls and well-wishers attended these events in their numbers indicating the love and respect in which the colleges are held by those who realise their value.

As a means of showing gratitude to the Founder, the C.H. de Soysa memorial Building Fund was started at the time of the Jubilee. Mr. H E.P de Mel was its chairman. The first building to be put up was the Nursery Block built at a cost of Rs.35000/- alongside the main hall. This was declared opened by an Old Boy, Mr. C. B.P. Perera, CCS, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Land Development. The good intentions of the committee to add further buildings were however not realised. The OBA organised a function to honour Col. R.J.F. Mendis vwhen he was appointed commandant of the Ceylon Defence Force (CDF).

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees was present by invitation at a meeting of Old Boys as they were anxious to know the financial position of the colleges. At this meeting the chairman informed the Old Boys that the College Trust Property had been acquired by the Govt and the compensation amounting to over two and a half lakhs had been invested by the Trustees.

In 1954, Mr. J.A.F. Fernando who had earlier served as an Asst. Secretary and an Asst Treasurer was elected secretary of the OBA. A man with a vision and dynamic ability to carry it through he brought new life to the OBA which became a hive of activity. One of his first tasks was to organize the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the OBA and the cadet contingent of the College which was due in November. A full day sports meet with a cadet demonstration was held on 28^th October. Mr. E.B Wickramanayaka QC a former teacher and Mrs. Wickramanayake were the Chief Guests. 1954 also saw the renewal of the Cambrian Sebastianite Cricket encounter and the OBA has taken the lead in organising this match since then.

 The Constitution of the OBA was revised.

 The objectives of the Association were amended to read as follows:

1)     To foster among Old Boys a sense of fellowship and to encourage in them a true sense of loyalty to the college and abiding interest in her welfare and progress

2)     To assist, encourage and actively participate in all undertakings which will help raise the standard of Education and Sportsmanship in the college.

3)     To ledad the younger generation in the path of duty, loyalty and gratitude4 towards their Alma Mater.

Provision was also included for the election of 3 Vice Presidents and Mr. D.H.L de Silve, Mudliya W.A. Perera and Revd. G.AF Seneratne were elected the first Vice Presidents of the OBA. The Principals lunch which was an integral part of the OBA celebrations had become a very informal affair with impromptu speeches Mr. R.J.F. Mendis Deputy Director of Education a very distinguished Old Boy was invited to propose the toast of the College thus reverting to the practice that had been in vogue in the early years of the Association. The formality which Mr. J.A.F. Fernando reintroduced continued for several years. Old Boys day celebrations also became more lively with the teachers and senior boys being invited to participate.

In 1957 the OBA celebrated a unique event - the Silver Jubilee of the Principalship of Mr. Rodrigo. The celebrations were jointly organised by the OBA and the Teachers' Guild. A public meeting presided by Sir Oliver Goonetilleke the Governor General was the highlight of the celebrations. His Excellency congratulated Mr. Rodrigo on his unique achievements and referred to his contribution towards the upliftment of Education and Sports. Later H.E. unveiled a portrait of Mr. Rodrigo. Among the other speekers were Dr. H.A. Aponso, Mr. Meryl Fernando M.P. and Mr. N.P.Dias, Advocate, all distinguished pupils of Mr. Rodrigo. On the following day a complimentary dinner was held in Mr. Rodrigo's honour which Old Boys from all walks of life, teachers and members of the public. Attended. The speakers at the dinner were Mr. C.B.P Perera, Mr. E.B. Wickremanayake, Q.C. Rev. Harold de Soysa and Rev. Br. Austin, Director of the St Sebastian's.

 Another noteworthy event was the cricket match between a De. Soysa xi captained by Mr. Ryle de Soysa and an Old Boys' xi led by the Mr. J.B.C.Rodrigo.

 In 1955 Mr. B.W. Fernando a distinguished Old Boy created a fund to award a prize for mathematics in memory of Mr. J.G.C. Mendis. This was the first such endowment and was followed by several others. Prize givings and sports meet were funded by Old Boys and Mr. J.A.F. Fernando was able to muster many new contributors for these projects.

 1958 saw three Old Boys functioning as Permanent Secretaries of Govt. Ministries. In recognition of this achievement the OBA feted Messrs Shelton C. Fernando, Conrad B.P. Perera and V.S.M. de Mel at a reception held in their honour. A group photograph was also taken with the three distinguished Cambrue as central figures.

 The life membership campaign which had been limping towards its original target of five nom had reached three hundred and sixty in 1958. A draw back was the regular demise of senior member.

 On 20 December 1958 E.L.F. de Soysa the G.O.M. of Moratuwa was called to his eternal rest. He had been manager of the College for nearly twenty five years and was also the Patron of the OBA. He was a great benefactor of the school and among his most notable benefactions were the Science laboratory and the Tennis Pavillion near the Lagoon in memory of his son Douglas. He was the undisputed king of "The Sports of Kings" and a philanthropist. He followed in the footsteps of his revered father, C.H. De Soyna, His son Lance (E.L.F. Jr) succeeded him as Manager of the two colleges and Patron of the OBA. On 7 March 1959 the OBA bade farewell to Mr. K.K.S. Ram, Vice Principal who had been a dedicated teacher for 35 long years. Dr. G.N. Perera FRCS one of his old pupils paid him a glowing tribute when unveiling Mr. Ram's photograph A purse was also presented to him.

An era in the history of the college and the OBA came to end with the retirement of Mr. J.B.C Rodrigo on 5" June 1959. I now quote from Diamond Jubilee. "When Mr. Rodrigo was appointed principal in 1933, he took charge of an Institution which was then in the doldrums of the great depression and its fortunes at a low ebb after the swift vicissitudes of four brief regimes during the preceding 8 years. The conditions which confronted him would have daunted other men. But he was made of sterner stuff.

 "His dynamic personality and innate vitality and enthusiasm infected all those who came in contact with him. Dangers and difficulties were only a challenge that spurred him on to greater efforts to give the School its rightful place on the educational map of the country".

The all-round progress achieved by the School and the exploits of his students in the academic sphere as well as in the field of sport and cadeting are too well-known to be catalogued here. “The Cambrian" and several Cambrian Jubilee Souvenirs bear ample testimony to the resounding record of the Rodrigo Regime.

 "Within a few days of his retirement, Mr. Rodrigo was elected an honorary life member of the OBA. A Farewell Dinner held in the College Hall on 8h August 1959, presided over by the Patron of the Association, Mr.E.L.F. de Soysa was attended by a large number of Old Boys and well-wishers who gathered to pay tribute to this Colossus who, as the then Prime Minister, Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike observed on earlier occasion, "occupies a distinguished place in a line of illustrious Principals of Prince of Wales' College and has made a great contribution to continued success of this Institution and the OBA.” Even after his retirement Mr. Rodrigo took an interest in the affairs of the college and the OBA, an example followed by the two old pupil principals Messrs M.E.C. Fernando and H.L.B Gomes .A thanksgiving Eucharist presided by Bishop Swithin Fernando was held at Holy Emmanuel Church on 6^th June 1999 to commemorate Mr. Rodrigo’s birth centenary.

Mr. S.C.H. de Silva BA, Dip in School Admin. Birmingham, was installed as Principal on 9^th September 1959 and in the interregnum Mr. A.P. M. Peiris acted as Principal.

 During this time one of the most distinguished old boys, Sir Claude Corea who was Ceylon's Permanent Representative at the United Nations paid a visit to the College. In his address to a special assembly of past and present students he paid a glowing tribute to Mr. J.G.C. Mendis who, he said, had influenced his life He exhorted the students to be honest, industrious and patriotic.

 Perhaps the most important event of this period was the 125 birth anniversary of our founder C H de Soysa. His philanthropy which was proverbial was not confined to our country but spread beyond its shores. He was undoubtedly the greatest philanthropist of this country and the greatest of his legendary benefactions was the founding of Prince and Princes of Wales Colleges. For over a hundred yeas the students of the College led by their Principals and the Old Boys and Old Girls have marched past the grave of the Founder at the cemetery of Holy Emmanuel Church which was founded by his father Gate Mudliyar Jeronis de Soysa. On 2^nd March 1961 a bust of the Founder gifted by the Old Boys was unveiled by by Rt. Revd. Rollo Graham Campbell, Bishop of Colombo who said “it is fitting that his likeness should be perpetuated within these Walls, a memorial to generations unborn of one who looked upon the wealth which God had given him as a trust and who used it in the service of his fellow men. The Rev Moratuwe Sumana Thero, an Old Cambrian, speaking on this occasion said that C.H de Soysa was the greatest Ceylonese born since the time of Parakramabahu the great. Mr. Meryl Fernando MP, an Old Boy, too paid a tribute.

 On March 9^th 1963 a very large gathering of Old Boys assembled to bid farewell to Major A.P.M. Peris one of the greatest of Cambrian teachers within living memory. He had served the college for thirty six years in many capacities and retired as Vice Principal. He was a Vice president and President of the OBA for short time His photograph was unveiled by one of his pupils Rev. Somasiri K Perara and a purse was presented on behalf of the Old Boys by the Hony Treasurer Mr. N.T.B Fernando also a pupil of his.

 Largely due 1o the agitation of the Old Boys, the College Trust Board was resuscitated towards the end of 1958. Col. R.J.F. Mendis and Mr. V.L.P. Perera two distinguished Old Boys served on the Trust Board. At the Prize giving held in 1962, the Chief Guest. Mr. Sam P.C Fernando, Minister of Justice and an Old Boy unveiled the photograph of two Old Boy Trustees, Revd. Canon Jacob Mendis, an erudite Sinhala scholar and Incumbent of Holy Emmanuel Church and Dr. H.I. Fernando, first Charman of the Moratuws UC and a former secretary of the OBA.

 In 1965 Mr. Tom (T.G.FJ Mendis succeeded Mr. JA.F Fernando as Hony Secretary In November 1965 the OBA observed the birth centenary of J.G.C. Mendis with a thanksgiving service at which the preacher was Revd. H.E.C Mendis M.A (Cantab) a distinguished pupil of J.G.C. After the service a memorial tablet at the entrance to the main hall was unveiled by the Principal S.C.H. de Silva. In the evening Mr. Philip Gunawardena a distinguished Old Cambrian of the J.G.C. era gave a radeio talk on the life and work of J.G.C Mendis.

The 90 Anniversary of the Collegas was celebrated in September 1966. The celebration were jointly organised by the OBA and the Old Girls Union. On 12 September there was a Pirith Ceremony organised by the staff and pupils of both colleges. On the following day a thanksgiving service was conducted at the Holy Emmanuel Church. The preacher was the Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Revd Harold De Soysa - a grandson of the Founder. A rally of children of both schools was held on 15^th September with Hon. J.R. Jayawardena Minister of State as the Chief Guest. The final event was a dinner at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel presided over by the eminent Surgeon Dr. M.V.P. Peiris, a former teacher. Mr. J.B.C Rodrigo, Mr. E.R. de Silva Principal of Richmond and Mrs. Moira Fernando were the other speakers.

 In 1972, the doyen of the OBA, Mr. D.H.L de Silva was honoured at a Cricket match between two Teams of Old Boys captained by Mr. de Silva and Dr. OLF Senaratna.

 R.T.N. Fermando succeeded Tom Mendis as Honorary Secretary in 1973 One of his first assignments was to organise the Cambrian Sebastianite Cricket encounter with the cooperation of the Old Boys and the College staff. At this time the match was played on the grounds of the College hosting the event. As a large number of spectators had free entry to the grounds the profit from the matches was meagre.

 In 1972 a joint committee of the OBA and the Princess of Wales' College Union with the 2 Principals as co-chairpersons was elected to plan the celebration of the Centenary of the founding of the two colleges which was due in 1976. Subsequently this committee was expanded to include representatives’ from the staff and Parent Teachers Associations of both schools. Later a steering committee and a celebrations committee were also elected. However owing to various procedural and practical difficulties hardly any progress was made and on 7 April 1976 the joint committee decided to disband itself.

 Shortly after the dissolution of the joint committee the Ps W.C.Union did not allow grass to grow under their feet and formulated their own program which included a “Kumari Mela” and other activities. When the OBA committee got wind of the Union’s decision to go it alone, it authorized a few members to meet the Union to explore the possibility of having a joint celebration, The ensuring negotiations were quite successful and a joint committee of twenty from OBA and the Union was elected and this committee given the responsibility of planning and executing within the short period of two months the following events to commemorate the centenary of the founding of the two sister colleges by Charles Haney Soysa of revered memory.

1.       Exhibition and Carnival

2.       Religious Services

3.       Dinner

4.       Carnival Guide and Souvenir

5.       Public meeting

 The Twenty committee was headed by Mr. G.P. de Silva, the Secretaries were M/s Ivy Stambo, M/s Janaki Peins, Mr. M.E.C Fernando and Mr. R.T.N. Fernando while the Joint Treasurers were M/s. Beryl de Mel, Vilma Gomes and N.T.B.Fermando. The other members were Mesdames B.L. Menda, Sunethra Fonseka, Bermil Femando, Malini Ratnapala, Myrtle Mendis, Swinitha de Mel, Messrs A.P.M.Peiris, J.A.F Femando, Lloyd Peiris, Harward Fernando, Jayantha Fernando and Hyasti Aponso.

 The Carnival was opened on the first day by Mr. L.S.D.Peiris a great grandson of the Founder and on the other three days by Mr. Wimalasiri de Mel. MP, Mrs, H.C.Peiris (an Old Girl) and Mr. H.R. Fernando (Old Boy). In terms of the agreement, the Union ran all the stalls regarding which they had already made much progress at the time of the agreement. The OBA ran certain stalls and others were joint ventures. The Success of the Mela was due to the unstinted cooperation of over one thousand Old Girls, Old Boys and well-wishers. The Exhibition was held alongside the Carnival by the Girls' School in their hall. It was organized under the broad sections of religious knowledge, science mathematics, social studies, aesthetic studies and pre vocational studies.

 The Pinkama on 12^th September 1976 was organised by the Buddhist Association of Princess of Wales on a large scale. Session Pirith was chanted for two days from the 12^th, four priests in each session chanting pirith. A Sanghika Dana was given to one hundred Bikkhus mainly through the efforts of schools Buddhist Society. The traditional Ata Pirikara and one hundred robes were offered to the Bikkhus.

 The thanksgiving service on 14-Septenber 1976 at Holy Emmanuel Church, built by the Founder's father Mr. Jeronis de Soysa was conducted by an Old Boy, the Revd, Calestine Fermando (BA. Hons. London D. Litt.(Oxon)) He was assisted by the Vicar of Holy Emmanuel and Revd. D.W.Peiris, also an Old Boy, The preacher was another Old Boy, the Revd. Premasiri Fernando. A hundred voice choir sang a special anthem composed for the occasion and set to music by Mrs. Trila Perera an Old Girl and teacher of the Girls School.

The public meeting was held on 19" September in the presence of a large gathering of Old Girls, Old Boys, teachers and students, parents and well-wishers. The President, Mr. William Gopallawa who presided was conducted to the meeting from Lunawa Junction in procession. Mr. H.E.P. de Mel, Chairman, Public Meeting committee welcomed the President and invited him to take the chair. The speakers on the occasion were Mr. Wimalasiri de Mel, M.P., Mr. T.C.A. de Soysa, a grandson of the Founder, Prof. Priyani Soysa on behalf of the Old girls and Mr. A. Karannagoda on behalf of the Old Boys. A vote of thanks was proposed by Major A.P.M. Peiris and seconded by Ms Ivy Stambo. A unique feature was one hundred past students of both schools mounting the stage with lighted candles and handing them over to one hundred present students symbolizing the continuation of the torch of learning while a commentary on its significance was given by Mrs. Janaki Fernando, Mr. M.E.C. Fernando and Mr. R.T.N. Fernando.

 The Joint Dinner was held on 2^nd October 1976 in the Princess of Wales' Hall presided over by Mr. Lloyd H. Peiris, Chairman of the dinner committee. Covers were laid for over four hundred including 16 distinguished guests. The usual toasts were proposed and replied. The beautiful table decorations were done by Mrs. Trila Perera and Mr. Talbot de Silva.

 A profusely illustrated Souvenir edited by Mrs. Eileen Fernando, Mr. Wimalasiri A Fernando & Mr. Nemsiri Mutucumara was published.

In early 1977 relations of the OBA with Principal were not what it should be as Principal could not seo eya to eye with the OBA. The situation in the college was not too good, culminating in student strikes. The Principal sensing that he could not get the backing of the OBA made the committee feel that they were not welcome though he did not ban anyone from coming to the school. Therefore the secretary convene a meeting of the committee to be held at the Home for the Aged auditorium where it was decided to seek the transfer of the Principal and the secretary who was also the A.G.A. Moratuwa, was asked to take the necessary steps.

When the results of the 1977 General Election came, it brought new hope for the college. Before long the Principal was transferred and Mr. M E.C Fernando an Old Boy was appointed in his place. The services rendered by Mr. R.T.N. Fernando and the cooperation and assistance of the new M.P. for Moratuwa Mr. Tyronne Fernando and our Old Bay Mr. Sarathchandra Rajakaruna M.P. are worthy of appreciation and mention.

 In 1979 the venue of the big match was shifted to the De Soysa Park which had only uncovered terraces at that time and these had to be covered with cadjans. A great deal of work had to be done to play the match there and many Old Boys gave unstinted support to the Principal and the OBA to make a success of the event. Although the game ended in a draw, the profit of the match amounting to over Rs. thirty five thousand was a great boon for development of sports at the College.

In 1979 the OBA celebrated its 75" Anniversary in conjunction with the 75h Anniversary of the Cadet contingent. At the public meeting held to commemorate the events the Chief Guest was the Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe Minister of Education. He also declared open the three storeyed Science Laboratory and the sports pavillion donated by Mr. H.R. Fernando an illustrious Old Boy. He also declared open the score board gifted by Mr. Sidney Mendis another distinguished Old Boy. A special feature of the celebrations was a display by our cadets as well as service personnel. This was organised by Brigadier Oswald C. de Alwis, Commander of the Volunteer Forces of Sri Lanka and a distinguished Old Boy who in earlier years had actively participated in College and Old Boys activities. He always had the interests of the College and OBA at heart and his sudden demise at a comparatively early age was a big blow to the Association and it created a void difficult to fill. He also gave a donation to form the nucleus of a Fund to equip a Cadet Band.

In 1985 during the height of the J.V.P. Insurgency, when the Principal Mr. M.E.C.Fernando accompanied by Mr. Justin Jayasuriya and Mr. B. Geoffrey Mendis were bringing the monthly salaries from the Bank they were shot at near the college gate and the cash robbed. Mr. Fernando and Mr. Jayasooriya had a narrow escape from death while Mr. Mendis who was injured had to be hospitalised. The purpose of ncluding this incident in the history of tho OBA is only to reveal the magnanimous gesture of the OBA in providing the money to pay the College staff the next day without waiting till the Education Department did so. Subsequently the Department reimbursed the OBA. This action strengthened the bond between the staff and the OBA.

The erection of a statue of the Founder in the College premises was mooted by the C.H.de Soysa Commemoration Society which took the initial steps in this regard but progress was slow due to circumstances beyond its control. With the 150 anniversary of the birth of the Founder drawing closer, and closer the OBA took upon itself the task of erecting the statue. The sculpting of the statue was entrusted to Mr. Tissa Gunawardena whose capability is well known to Cambrians both young and not so young. When the work of sculpting was completed there arose the problem of shifting this massive statue to its permanent site. Fortunately for the OBA, one of our Old Boys, Mr. Leslie Fernando of the Ports Authority came to our rescue by providing a huge crane and the necessary personnel to compete the job.

 The siting of the statue caused a difference of opinion. Between the OBA and the Commemoration Society and a final decision was left in the hands of Prof. Rupert Peiris who ultimately decided on the present site as the best, after visiting other well-known statues in and around Colombo. He also designed the pedestal and the mound. Ho also drew up a site plan for future buildings in the College premises. The commemoration society through the effort of Mr. Tom Mendis obtained a donation of Rs. 10,000/- from the Moratuwa Urban Council for construction of the pedestal while the greater share of the expenses of the project was met by the OBA. The statue was unveiled by H.E.President J.R.Jayawardene on 3 March 1986. With the erection of this statue a new tradition of paying a floral tribute to the Founder before the commencement of any college or OBA function was established. On March 3" Founder's Day every year, students of both colleges pay their respects to Founder at this statue before marching past the Founder's grave at the Holy Emmanuel Church Cemetery. On the occasion of the unveiling of the statue, the President Jayewardene also declared open the new three storied Science Laboratory Building.

During this period the following Trust Funds were created for the benefit of the College.

1.       School Development Fund started with Mr. S.C. Rajakaruna‘s donation of his first salary as M.P.

2.       Scholarship Fund

3.       Endowment Fund

In 1981 R.T.N. did not seek re-election as Secretary and Mr. Jayantha Fernando was elected place. This is the first instance of father (J.A.F.Fernando) and son (Jayantha) holding the office of sec of the OBA. Jayantha's brother Santha was elected Treasurer in 1980 to. During R.T.N.'s stewardship among those who worked closely with him were Messrs G.P.de Silva, Lloyd Peiris, Wimalasiri Fernando Mr. N. T.B. Fernando and Jayantha Fernando besides the three Principals, Mr. S.C.H. de Silva, Mr, M.E.C. Fernando and Mr. H.L.B.Gomas.

 R.T.N.Fernando was the longest serving Secretary. In the latter part of his stewardship he devoted most of his time for the College. He used to come every day to the college and attend to matters connected to the OBA. He passed away on 23.03.2001 on and his remains were interred in the Holy Emmanuel Church Cemetery.

 This article will be incomplete without a reference to the Patrons of the OBA. When the rules of the OBA were framed at its first anniversary meeting it was resolved that the Trustee of the College should be its Patron ex officio. Accordingly Gate Mudaliyar J.W.C. de Soysa was its first Patron. He was succeeded by his younger brother Mr. A.J.R. de Soysa. On his passing away another son of the Founder Mr. E.L.F.de Soysa succeeded him. Mr. E.L.F. de Soysa identified himself with the College more than anyone else Mr Lance de Soysa took over the mantle from his father E.L.F. senior in 1958 and he too continued in office for a long time. He in turn was succeeded by the genial Mr. Ryle de Soysa, a son of Sir Wilfred. On his resting with the Lord, the OBA elected Mr. Ranil de Soysa, son of Mr. Carlos de Soysa and Grandson of Mr. J.S.Walter de Soysa another son of the Founder. He is taking a keen interest in the College and the OBA and also enlisting the participati