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14th August 2023 01:04:56 Hours
St. Thomas’ College, Matale celebrated its 150th Anniversary with a series of events scheduled today (13 August) at the college premises. The day was graced with the presence of His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Commencing the day’s ceremony, the president was escorted to plant a memorial sapling by the school Eastern Band. The chief guest also unveiled a commemorative plaque at the premises to mark the historical occasion. Subsequently, the President was accompanied to the school ground by the school ‘Wes Dancers’ where the President was awarded a Guard of Honour by the school cadet team.
Delivering the welcome speech, the principal of the school warmly welcomed His Excellency the President for this milestone event of the school along with other invitees and dignitaries. He also expressed that he is earnestly proud of the service being rendered by the school and staff of the school from the very beginning since the college has endowed a number of prominent figures and intellectuals as well as patriotic sons to the motherland.
The chief guest, HE the president made his speech in the English language to the students and in the Sinhala language to the general public. Addressing the distinguished gathering, His Excellency the President congratulated on this special occasion whilst expressing that he is pleased to witness the proud products of the school in every possible field of expertise. He also wished the school and the members of the school the strength and wisdom to continue this national responsibility for numerous years to come being a beacon of excellence in the education of the country.
During the speech, the president explained the future policies of the country. Further, he declared that the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) class will be established in St. Thomas’ College, Matale. Also, HE the President approved the purchasing of adjacent land to the college for the request made by the Principal stating that will allocate funds from the next budget. In his speech, emphasized that St. Thomas’ College has produced many prominent characters such as the present Secretary to the Prime minister Mr. Anura Dissanayake, and the CDS General Shavendra Silva.
During the ceremony, the President presented special certificates to the students who recorded the first ranks in the district in the last GCE (A/L) examination in their streams. At the same time, the President was also briefed on the School’s Masterplan and presented the same to the president. The Principal of the school also presented a memento to His Excellency the President to mark his gracious presence and the landmark event.
At the special invitation extended by the Principal, Staff, and the Old Boy’s Association of the school, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the ceremony where special gratitude was extended by the principal and staff for his assistance and guidance extended in numerous ways for the success of this event.
The event was also attended by the Hon Minister of Education and parliamentarians, Old Thomas’ Tri-Services and Police personalities, members of the Old Boy’s Associations, invitees, teachers and staff of the school, students, and parents.
