Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa
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Prince of Wales' College වේල්ස් කුමර විදුහල | |
---|---|
Latin: Ich Dien, Nihil per Saltum (I serve, not at a leap) | |
Established | 1876 |
Founder | Sir Charles Henry de Soysa |
Principal | Hasitha Kesara Wettamuni |
Staff | 350+ |
Grades | Class 1 – 13 |
Gender | Boys |
Age | 5 to 19 |
Enrollment | 7,500+ |
Color(s) | Purple, Gold and Maroon |
Publication | Cambrian Magazine |
Alumni | Old Cambrians |
Website | princeofwales |
Prince of Wales' College (Sinhala: වේල්ස් කුමර විද්යාලය Wels Kumara Vidyalaya, Tamil: பிரின்ஸ் ஆஃப் வேல்ஸ் கல்லூரி) is a selective-entry boys' school in Moratuwa, a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa (along with Princess of Wales' College), was founded and endowed in 1876 by Sir Charles Henry de Soysa, a famous 19th century Sri Lankan philanthropist and was named in honour of Prince Albert, Prince of Wales
The school became a fully government-controlled school in 1962. As of 2016 over 7100 boys are studying in the school in grades 1 to 13 including all main streams of secondary studies which include
The first Minister of Education, Dr.
For a very long time, the school has created a niche for itself in the field of sports. Prince of Wales College has produced many exceptional cricketers who, at one time or another, played for the national team. It won the Herman Loos Cup for cadeting many times in the past and has won international championships in rowing.[3][4]
History
Founder
The founding patron 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, he wanted to name the two schools he intended to build – 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 the Prince of Wales’ and Princess of Wales’.[5]
14 September 1876 was a memorable day for the Moratuwa community; the school, which was built on a picturesque 15-acre plot of land facing the Galle Road, and bordered by the Lunawa Lagoon, was ceremonially opened. The then governor of Sri Lanka, Sir
Sir Charles Henry De Soysa completed five school buildings over an area of five acres and, along with all the necessary equipment, opened the school to the public as a
Mr. W.S. Gunawardena (B.A. Calcutta) was the first
- Prince of Wales’ College
- Princess of Wales’ College
- Prince of Wales’ College (native language)
- Princess of Wales’ College (native language) [11]
The first school prize giving was held in 1883 with
3 March was selected as the Founder's Day. Students attend the service at the Holy
Evolution
W. S. Gunawardena (first principal 1876–1891)
W. S. Gunawardena (B.A. Calcutta) was the first principal and served from 1876 until 1891. The school hostel was started in 1882 and cricket was also introduced to the school during this period.[12]
Philip Lewis (principal 1892–1896)
Philip Lewis became the second principal and served from 1892 until 1896. Although there were many difficulties, a rapid development of the school could be seen during this period.
J. G. C. Mendis (principal 1896–1917)
J. G. C. Mendis (B.A. Cambridge), the son-in-law of the founding patron, rendered a valuable service to the school for two decades, from 1896 to 1917.
P. T. Jayasuriya (principal 1917–1925)
P. T. Jayasuriya [B.A. Hon.(Lond)] became Mendis' successor as principal. During his time at the school, the
L. E. Blaze (principal 1926)
In 1926,
L. G. Crease (principal 1927–1931)
L. G. Crease (M.A. Oxen) headed the school from 1927 to 1931. He was from Europe 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 to 1932. He started the library fund and developed cricket, soccer, boxing, and athletics.
H. Samaranayake (principal 1932–1933)
H. Samaranayake (B.A.) who was appointed as the principal in 1932 was the first Buddhist principal.
J. B. C. Rodrigo (principal 1933–1959)
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,
In 1933, the inaugural Battle of the Golds (Prince of Wales’ College vs. St. Sebastian's College) was held at the school grounds.
S. C. H. De Silva (principal 1959–1973)
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
L. H. Gunapala (principal 1973–1977)
L. H. Gunapala, who had served previously as a school inspector and as a district education inspector, was the principal during the school's centennial anniversary. The school was improved to a high standard and Hevisi and Western
M. E. C. Fernando (principal 1977–1988)
M. E. C. Fernando, a former student and teacher succeeded Mr. Gunapala as principal.[22] 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.
H. L. B. Gomes (principal 1989–1998)
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 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 were introduced. Amongst other developments seen at the school during his tenure were making a qualitative improvement in education, expanding the school further by adding more facilities, namely: three, three-story buildings for Grade 11, the commerce section, and the primary grades; a new auditorium with the latest facilities; the canteens for students and teachers; initiating the construction of a new hostel; construction of the school office, principal's office, meeting hall and, toilets; the introduction of the Media Unit; and the construction of two playgrounds and cricket ground for the primary grades.
In 1998, the Western Band of the school had the rare privilege of welcoming the Prince of Wales,
Recent years
The 14th principal, D. A. Ramanayake, improved the computing department. S. J. P. Wijesinghe was the next principal and he was followed by K. Ratnaweera Perera and Rohana Karunaratne correspondingly. After tenures by W. Jayasena, Sampath Weragoda(Acting Principal) & J. W. S. Siriwardhana respectively. Kusala Fernando was the principal from 2017 to 2021. In 2014 the Hon. Jeewan Kumaranatunga allocated funding for the swimming pool project. The swimming pool was opened by the prime minister Hon.Ranil Wickremesinghe on 1 August 2017.
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.[23]
W. S. Gunawardena | 1876–1891 |
Philip Lewis | 1892–1896 |
J. G. C. Mendis | 1896–1917 |
P. T. Jayasuriya | 1917–1925 |
Louis Edmund Blaze | 1926 |
L. G. Crease | 1927–1931 |
F. R. E. Mendis | 1931–1932 |
H. Samaranayake | 1932–1933 |
J. B. C. Rodrigo | 1933–1959 |
S. C. H. De Silva | 1959–1973 |
L. H. Gunapala | 1973–1977 |
M. E. C. Fernando | 1977–1988 |
H. L. B. Gomes | 1989–1998 |
D. A. Ramanayake | 1998–2001 |
S. J. P. Wijesinghe | 2001–2005 |
K. Rathnaweera Perera | 2005–2007 |
Rohana Karunarathna | 2007–2011 |
W. D. Jayasena | 2011–2012 |
Sampath Weragoda | 2012–2013 |
J. W. S. Siriwardane | 2013–2016 |
Kusala Fernando | 2017–2021 |
Dimuthu Deranagoda | 2021–2022 |
Hasitha Kesara Weththimuni | 2022–Present |
Houses
House | Colours |
---|---|
Founders | Red & Black |
Gunawardhane | Gold & Black |
Levis | Purpule & Gold |
Mendis | Red & Gold |
Jayasooriya | Blue & Gold |
Rodirgo | Red & Purple |
Old Boys' Association
In 1904 when J. G. C. Mendis was the principal, he commenced the Old Boys' Association. By now[when?] the membership has risen to around 4,500.
Sports
Cambrians are famous for cricket.[24] When the college was founded the game was introduced in 1876. During this period only the staff members took part. In 1896 organised school cricket was introduced and the first-ever inter-school cricket match was played against Royal College, Colombo.[25] Cambrian cricket players have made significant contributions in all sectors of the sport in Sri Lanka including schools, mercantile clubs, government services, defence services, corporations, and in the field of cricket administration. Some have gained fame and figured prominently as representatives on national and international cricket teams.[24]
Cadeting was introduced to college in 1904. Later athletics and football and, some time[when?] later, volleyball was introduced. In 2012, Prince of Wales College made history by winning two gold, four silver, and nine bronze medals at the fourth Asian Schools Rowing Regatta held in Karachi, Pakistan.[4]
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.[26] Cricketers to have captained the school team include Wirantha Fernando and Kusal Mendis.[27]
Notable alumni
See Category:Alumni of Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa for full list
Name | Notability | Reference |
---|---|---|
Somaweera Chandrasiri | member of parliament Moratuwa (1947–56), Kesbewa (1960–71) | [28] |
Philip Gunawardena | member of parliament Avissawella (1947–48, 1956–1970), co-founder of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party | [29][30] |
Sam Peter Christopher Fernando | member of Senate of Ceylon (1960–65) | |
Meryl Fernando | member of parliament Moratuwa (1956–60, 1960–65) | |
A. J. R. de Soysa | member of Legislative Council of Ceylon (1911–31) | |
Vernon Mendis | Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Canada (1977–80)
|
|
Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri | Head of the department of history University of Colombo, author, ex-president of The Federation of University Teachers' Association (FUTA) | |
Clancy Fernando † | Admiral, Commander of Sri Lanka Navy (1991–92) | |
Wilfred de Soysa | Planter, Businessman, Philanthropist | |
Kumara Thirimadura | journalist, actor | |
Punsiri Soysa | singer, musician | |
Valence Mendis | Catholic Bishop of Chilaw (2006–present) | |
Swithin Fernando | Anglican Bishop of Colombo (1978–87) | |
Kenneth Fernando | Anglican Bishop of Colombo (1992–2001) | [31] |
Lahiru Thirimanne | International cricket player (2010–present) | |
Amal Silva | International cricket player (1983–88) | |
Somachandra de Silva | International cricket player (1975–85) | |
Kusal Mendis | International cricket player (2015–present) | [32] |
Shehan Jayasuriya | One Day International cricket player (2015–present) | |
Chaminda Mendis | One Day International cricket player (1995) | |
Jagath Chamila | Actor model |
See also
References
- ^ "Coordinates of School". Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ^ Life of Sir James Peiris, W. T. Keble and Devar Surya Sena, p.112 (University of California)
- ^ Prince of Wales is striding forward with great vision - Sujitha Miranda (Sunday Times)
- ^ a b Cambrian rowers do well in Pakistan, Sunday Times. Retrieved 18 November 2012
- ^ The Prince of Wales in Ceylon by Tuan M Zameer Careem Ceylon Today Sep 30 2019, Retrieved 5 August 2020
- ^ Remembering Sir Charles Henry de Soysa by Dilwin Mendis The Island (Sri Lanka) Retrieved 05 December 2014
- ^ 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
- ^ 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
- ^ The Prince of Wales College: History (official website) Archived 1 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 05 December 2014
- ^ The Princes of Wales College: History (official website) Archived 28 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 05 December 2014
- ^ ISBN 978-8120613355
- ^ a b Cambrians field a formidable team this year - Dilwin Mendis (Daily news)
- ^ The De Soyas of Alfred House by Rupa de Soysa, p.56 (Karunaratne & Sons)
- ^ Gate Mudaliyar Amarasekara unfolded treasures of Eastern art, Chelvatam Maniccavasagar (Daily News) Retrieved 28 October 2015
- ^ A lasting legacy from the 19th century (Sunday Times) Accessed January 15, 2015
- ^ My prayer for my alma mater is let there be another JBC era, Hyasti Aponso (Sunday Times)
- ^ Remembering Rodrigo, a principal with a passion for cricket By Hyasti Aponso (Island Cricket)
- ^ …a friend in deed By Upali Salgado (Sunday Times)
- ^ Sri Lankan Schools Association: The foundation for the nations success- Errol Seneviratne (ESPN Cricinfo)
- ^ Uththareethara, Retrieved 09 June 2015
- ^ Award-winning actor Jagath Chamila with Tissa Gunawardena, ....., The Island, Retrieved 09 June 2015
- ^ He was an erudite scholar, Eng. B. R. O. Fernando (Sunday Times) Retrieved 18 November 2015
- ^ "History of PWC". OBA of Prince of Wales' College. Archived from the original on 1 January 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ^ a b "Cricket at Prince of Wales' College -140 years". Dailynews.
- ^ "College Sports". OBA of PWC. Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ^ Cambrians-Sebs clash in 63rd Battle of the Golds Archived 20 June 2013 at archive.today
- ^ Daily News,"Kusal – first Cambrian to lead Sri Lanka under 19 team", 26 August 2013
- ^ Abeynaike, H. B. W.; Ameratunga, H. P. (1970). Parliament of Ceylon, 1970. Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited. p. 59.
- ^ Fernando, Weerahennedige Theodor Wilfred Meryl (1923-2007), marxists.org, Retrieved 01 November 2015
- ^ Meryl Fernando stood for working class - Prof Tissa Vitharana (Daily News), Retrieved 01 November 2015
- ^ Not one Bishop, but two R.A. Piyadasa (Sunday Times), Retrieved 29/08/2015
- ^ "Kusal Mendis". Retrieved 6 November 2015.