Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa

Prince of Wales' College

ICH DIEN, NIHIL PER SALTUM
Not at a leap, I serve
Location
Moratuwa
Sri Lanka
Coordinates 6°47′07″N 79°52′58″E / 6.785199°N 79.8827°ECoordinates: 6°47′07″N 79°52′58″E / 6.785199°N 79.8827°E[1]
Information
Type National
(Secondary School / College up to University Entrance)
Established 1876
Founder Sir Charles Henry de Soysa
Principal J.W.S. Siriwardhana
Grades Class 1 – 13
Gender Boys
Age 5 to 19
Enrollment 5000+
Pupils Cambrians
Color(s) Purple Gold and Maroon
Publication The Cambrian
Former pupils Old Cambrians
Website PrinceOfWalesCollege.org

Prince of Wales' College is a selective entry boys' school in Sri Lanka. The school is situated in Moratuwa, a suburb of Colombo. Prince of Wales' College was founded in 1876 by Sir Charles Henry de Soysa (along with Princess of Wales' College, Moratuwa) who was a famous 19th century Sri Lankan philanthropist. Prince of Wales College became fully government-controlled school in 1962. As of 2014 over 5000 boys are studying in the School from grade 1 to 13 including all main streams of secondary studies which include biology, mathematics, commerce and arts.

The father of free education, the Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara and Dr. T. B. Jayah, a former senior politician and Minister have both served on the staff of Prince of Wales College.

For a very long time they have created a niche for themselves in the field of sports. Prince of Wales College has produced many a cricketer of repute who at sometime or another played for the national side or the schools team. It won the Herman Loos Cup for cadeting many a time in the past.[2]

History

Founder

Statue of Charles Henry de Soysa in Prince of Wales' College

The founder of the school was the philanthropist, Sir Charles Henry de Soysa. Following the arrival of the then Prince of Wales (Edward VII) in Colombo in 1875, Sir Charles Henry De Soysa felt like naming the two schools he intended to build as Prince of Wales’ and Princess of Wales’. As a result of a letter sent on 27 November 1875, he received permission to name the two schools as Prince of Wales’ and Princess of Wales’.

14 September 1876 was a memorable day for the Moratuwa community; the school, which was built on a picturesque 15 acre land facing the Galle Road and bordered by the Lunawa lagoon, was ceremonially opened. The then governor of Sri Lanka, Sir William Gregory, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The plan of the school was drawn by Mr. Muhandiram Mendis Jayawardena and about Rs. 300,000/= was spent on the construction of the school. This school building was one of the most elegant school buildings of the country in that era. The ceremonial opening of the St. John's Church and endowments to St. John's College Panadura by Mudliyar Susew De Soysa were also conducted on the same day.[3][4][5][6][7]

Sir Charles Henry De Soysa completed 5 school buildings at first (along with all the necessary equipment) and opened the school to the public. He also carefully looked over the administration, management and maintenance of the school till his death. In his last will, he requested that his eldest son Mudalier J. W. C. de Soysa take over the responsibilities of the school and also asked his wife to pay Rs. 3000/= to the school annually, for maintenance work. After Lady Catherine De Soysa passed away, the seven sons of Sir Charles Henry De Soysa received the stewardship of the school. They also received their education from Prince of Wales’ College and their aid was vital for the school. They endowed the school with two plantations for it's maintenance.

Mr. W.S. Gunawardena (B.A. Calcutta) was the first principal of the school and served the school from 1876 till 1891. At first, this was not operated as one school, but as 4 educational institutes. That is,

There were only 40 teachers for all of the above mentioned schools.

The first prize giving of the school was held in 1883 with Sir John Douglas as the chief guest. There were prize records of all 4 schools in it. Prince of Wales’ College and Prince of Wales’ College (native) only had classes up to Grade 7. Prince of Wales’ College was the higher school and it had two divisions named Upper and Lower. Apart from this, there were 2 classes for undergraduates.

3 March was selected as the Founder’s Day. Students attended the service at the Holy Emmanuel church and also paid respect to the tomb of Sir Charles Henry de Soysa. Since 1960s, Buddhist students have commemorated the Founder's Day by engaging in Buddhist rituals.

Evolution

Mr. W.S. Gunawardena (First Principal 1876-1891)

Mr. W.S. Gunawardena (B.A. Calcutta) was the first principal of the school and served the school from 1876 till 1891. The school hostel was started in 1882 and cricket was also introduced to the school during this time.[8]

Mr. Philip Lewis (Principal 1892-1896)

Mr. Philip Lewis became the second principal of the school and served the school from 1892 till 1896. Although amongst many difficulties, a rapid development of the school could be seen during this period.

Mr. J.P.C. Mendis (Principal 1896-1917)

Mr. J.P.C. Mendis (B.A. Cambridge) rendered a valuable service to the school for two decades, from 1896 to 1917. During his reign a Cricket Society was formed in the school and the school ground was further developed. The school magazine: "The Cambrian"(first issued in 1897), Debating Team, Cadet Corps (1903), library, laboratory, Commerce Section, tennis and soccer teams, a kid’s park were some of the elements which were added to the school in this era. Another important milestone was the formation of the Old Boys’ Association in 1904. After 21 years of service, Mr. Mendis had to retire from his post as Principal due to his bad health condition.

Mr. P.T. Jayasuriya (Principal 1917-1925)

Mr. P.T. Jayasuriya [B.A. Hon.(Lond)] became the successor of Mr. Mendis. During his time at Prince of Wales’ College, the academic aspect of the school improved significantly, with students bringing up great results. Under Mr. P.T. Jayasuriya the Science section and the school cricket ground were developed further and a separate kids' park for the school was built. In 1922, "The Cambrian" was published again and the infrastructure of the school was also enhanced by adding 3 more class rooms. A house system was initiated and 4 houses were named, after the founder and the first three of the principals (namely, Founder’s, Gunawardena, Lewis, Mendis)

Mr. L.E. Blaze (Principal 1926)

In 1926, Mr. L.E. Blaze (B.A. Cantab) was appointed as the principal. He was the founder of Kingswood college, Kandy, a former student of Trinity College, Kandy and the father of schools Rugby football in Sri Lanka. He was a very dynamic person and the Golden Jubilee Prize Giving was held in his period. The English College anthem was also created during this period.

Mr. L.G. Crease (Principal 1927-1931)

Mr. L.G. Crease (M.A. Oxen) headed the school from 1927 to 1931. He was a European and was very strict when it came to student discipline. He was a competent administrator and there was a marked development in cadetting and sports.

Rev. F.R.E. Mendis (Principal 1931-1932)

Rev. F.R.E. Mendis (M.A. Cantab) served as the principal from 1931-1932. He started the library fund and developed cricket, soccer, boxing and athletics.

Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo (Principal 1933-1959)

The principal from 1933-1959, Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo (M.A. [Oxen] J.P.U.M.), was a very capable administrator and blessed with a great personality. The Teachers’ Guild, Cinema Association, Science Association, Drama Association, Red Cross branch, Sinhala and English Literary Associations, Debating Team, Co-operative Association and Hockey were initiated for the benefit of the students and new class rooms were built.[4][9][10][11][12]

In 1933, the inaugural Battle of the Golds (Prince of Wales’ College vs. St. Sebastian's College) was held at the school ground.

Mr. S.C.H. De Silva (Principal 1959 - 1973)

Mr. S.C.H. De Silva (B.A., Dip. in School Admst) served the school for 14 years and there was a notable progression in the development of the school. Scouting was introduced and the Buddha shrine was constructed in 1967, ceremonially opened by the Governor, Mr. William Gopallawa. The Sinhala college anthem was written by Mr. B. Godahewa in 1967. Mr. Tissa Gunawardena joined the staff during this time. It was a blessing to have the services of an individual with expertise on fields ranging from art, sculpture to drama. Art Society and the Drama Club showed remarkable progress under his guidance. Mr. Gunawardena presented many stage plays, bringing out the hidden talents of the students.

Mr. L. H. Gunapala (Principal 1973-1977)

Mr. L. H. Gunapala (1973-1977), who had served as a school inspector and as a district education inspector previously, was the principal during the centennial anniversary of the school. The school was improved to a high standard and Hevisi and Western bands were formed during this time.

Mr. M. E. C. Fernando (Principal 1977-1988)

Mr. M. E. C. Fernando (1977-1988) succeeded Mr. Gunapala as the principal. The H. R. Fernando pavilion was gifted by former student Mr. H. R. Fernando. The cricket score board, library buildings, Science and Commerce buildings were some of these new additions. The sculpture of Sir Charles Henry de Soysa (sculpted by Mr. Tissa Gunawardena) was unveiled during this time. The venue of the annual Big Match was changed and was arranged to be held at De Soysa Stadium.

Mr. H.L.B. Gomes (Principal 1989-1998)

Mr. H.L.B. Gomes (M.A.), who was an old boy, a teacher and vice principal (during Mr. M. E. C. Fernando’s reign as principal), was appointed as the principal in 1989. In his time, the school became one of the 15 National Schools in Sri Lanka. A new auditorium with the latest facilities and a computer department was introduces.

Amongst other developments which were seen in the school during his reign are,

In 1998, the Western Band of the school had the rare privilege of welcoming the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, who visited Sri Lanka in order to be part of the 50th Independence Day celebration of Sri Lanka. The school’s cricket showed tremendous growth during this period and this was reflected with the captain Suranga Wijenayake representing the National team.

The 14th principal Mr. D.A. Ramanayake improved the computing department. Mr. S.J.P, Wijesinghe was the next principal and the he was followed by Mr. K. Ratnaweera Perera and then Mr. Rohana Karunaratne. After a tenure by Mr. W. Jayasena and Mr. Sampath Weragoda, Mr. J.W.S. Siriwardhana is the current principal and in 2014 Hon. Jeewan Kumaranatunga allocated funding for the swimming pool project.

Past Principals

Many distinguished men have served as the Principal of Prince of Wales' College since the inception. Listed below are the names of these principals.[13]

Mr. W.S. Gunawardena 1876 - 1891
Mr. Philip Lewis 1892 - 1896
Mr. J.P.C. Mendis 1896 - 1917
Mr. P.T. Jayasuriya 1917 - 1925
Mr. L.E. Blaze 1926
Mr. L.G. Crease 1927 - 1931
Rev. F.R.E. Mendis 1931 - 1932
Mr. H. Samaranayake 1932 - 1933
Mr. J.B.C. Rodrigo 1933 - 1959
Mr. S.C.H. De Silva 1959 - 1973
Mr. L.H. Gunapala 1973 - 1977
Mr. M.E.C. Fernando 1977 - 1988
Mr. H.L.B. Gomes 1989 - 1998
Mr. D.A. Ramanayake 1998 - 2001
Mr. S.J.P. Wijesinghe 2001 - 2005
Mr. K. Rathnaweera Perera 2005 - 2007
Mr. Rohana Karunarathna 2007 - 2011
Mr. W.D. Jayasena 2011 - 2012
Mr. Sampath Weragoda 2012 - 2013
Mr. J.W.S. Siriwardane Current Principal

Old Boys' Association

In 1904 when Mr. J . G .C . Mendis was at the helm he commenced the Old Boys’ Association and from there to date there is a vast improvement and it marches forward strength to strength. By now the membership has risen close up to four thousand.

Uniform

Grade 1 to 5 : White collared shirt with the school badge as well as Blue colored short-Pants with White socks and Black Shoes.

Grade 6 to 9 : White collared shirt with the school badge as well as White colored short-Pants with White socks and Black Shoes.

Grade 10 to 13 :White collared shirt with the school badge as well as White colored long-pants with white socks and black shoes.

For Special Occasions : White collared long sleeved shirt with white colored pants plus the college tie and also white socks with black shoes

Clubs and Societies

Many of these clubs and societies organize several projects on an annual basis. The Computer Club, The Interact Club, The Radio Club, The Aeronautical Society, the Stamp Club, the Senior Science Association and the Red Cross Society are just some of clubs and societies. All of the above are fully or partially funded by the College. Joining and actively taking part in club activity is strongly recommended. All such clubs and societies are supervised by a Master-in-Charge and have their respective President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer elected from among the students.

Sports

Cambrians are famous for cricket. When the college was founded this noble game was introduced in 1876. During this period only the staff members took part and in 1896 the organizd school cricket was introduced and the first ever inter school cricket match was played against Royal College, Colombo.[15] Cadeting was introduced to college in 1904. Later Athletis and Football and some times later Volley ball was introduced. Presently there are twenty three games are functioning.

The College has many sports and games for its students, including:

Annual sports events

Battle of the Golds

Prince of Wales' College plays its annual Big Match with St. Sebastian's College, Moratuwa. It is also known as Battle of the Golds.[16] Cricketers to have captained the school include Wirantha Fernando and Kusal Mendis.[17]

Notable Alumni

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Coordinates of School". Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  2. ↑ Prince of Wales is striding forward with great vision - Sujitha Miranda (Sunday Times)
  3. ↑ Remembering Sir Charles Henry de Soysa by Dilwin Mendis The Island (Sri Lanka) Retrieved 05 December 2014
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Prince and Princess of Wales Colleges - Moratuwa: The seeming endlessness of the Soysa legacy by Malathi Perera, Daily News (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 05 December 2014
  5. ↑ A century and quarter of St. John's College... : Its great contribution for the development of education in Sri Lanka, by L. Panditharathna Daily News (Sri Lanka), Retrieved 05 December 2014
  6. ↑ The Prince of Wales College: History (Official Website) Retrieved 05 December 2014
  7. ↑ The Princes of Wales College: History (Official Website) Retrieved 05 December 2014
  8. ↑ Cambrians field a formidable team this year - Dilwin Mendis (Daily news)
  9. ↑ My prayer for my alma mater is let there be another JBC era, Hyasti Aponso (Sunday Times)
  10. ↑ Remembering Rodrigo, a principal with a passion for cricket By Hyasti Aponso (Island Cricket)
  11. ↑ …a friend in deed By Upali Salgado (Sunday Times)
  12. ↑ Sri Lankan Schools Association: The foundation for the nations success- Errol Seneviratne (ESPN Cricinfo)
  13. ↑ "History of PWC". OBA of Prince of Wales' College. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  14. ↑ Cambrian cadeting centenary By Willet S. Fernando (Daily Mirroe)
  15. ↑ "College Sports". OBA of PWC.
  16. ↑ Cambrians-Sebs clash in 63rd Battle of the Golds
  17. ↑ Daily News,"Kusal – first Cambrian to lead Sri Lanka under 19 team", 26 August 2013
  18. ↑ Was Jagath Chamila that good? - Capt Elmo Jayawardena (Daily News)
  19. ↑ Lasantha Rodrigo excelled in six sports By Leslie FERNANDO (Sunday Observer)
  20. ↑ Stanley de Alwis' all-round performance helped Cambrians beat Royalists by 1 wkt By Dilwin MENDIS (Sunday Observer)

External links