Archive | August, 2014

47th_Saints_Quadrangular

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SPC-OBU Report on 47th Saints Quad

Posted on 25 August 2014 by admin

47th_Saints_QuadrangularA unique sporting event in the sporting calendar of Sri Lanka came to a unique ending on Sunday, 24th August at St. Peter’s College grounds. The event is unique because there is no other such event where the Old Boys or past pupils of a group of schools in Sri Lanka come together in a sporting contest.

The annual Saints Quadrangular tournament conducted among 4 Catholic Schools in Sri Lanka was the brainchild of the Old Benedictines for their OBU Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1963. A number of schools were invited by the Benedictines for this inaugural tournament, but only three schools responded namely St. Anthony’s College, Kandy and from Colombo St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College.

Subsequent to the inaugural event organised by the Old Benedictines it was an Old Anthonian, Mr. Ranjith Samarasekera who was responsible for the annual event that is now the popular Saints Quadrangular.

With only a 2 day cricket match played among the past players of the four schools in the early years of this popular tournament, it has since changed in format to a 25 overs a side limited overs cricket match and now includes a veterans cricket match for the over 40s introduced in 2002, basketball added in 2004 and 7 a side rugby from this year onwards.

In matches conducted over 2 days (23rd and 24th August) and played in the true spirit of sportsmanship and the brotherly relationships that exist among these 4 Catholic Colleges, the other unique feature of this competition emerged at the end of the 2nd day where each of the four Colleges had won a championship trophy (pic. Below).

The championships won by the respectful schools were as follows:

In the main cricket final that was between St. Peter’s and St. Joseph’s (traditional Big Match rivals), played at St. Peter’s College grounds, the Old Peterites emerged victorious. Old Peterites 181 for 7 in 25 overs and Old Joes 92 all out in 23.3 overs.

In the veterans (over 40) cricket finals, played at St. Thomas’ College grounds Mt. Lavinia, the Old Anthonians won the championship beating the Old Bens. Old Anthonians 179 for 4 in 25 overs and Old Bens 146 for 8 in 25 overs.

In the basketball final played at the Peterites’ basketball court, the Old Bens upset the Old Peterites to win 54 – 52 and annex the Very Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickremasinghe trophy.

The biggest upset perhaps was in rugby when the much fancied Old Peterites were beaten by the Old Joes 19 – 14 at the Peterite grounds on 23rd August, to win the Ranjith Samarasekera Challenge trophy.

Overall, the hosts, Old Peterites must be the happier lot having won the main cricket tournament and becoming runners up in basketball and rugby.

The Chief Guest was Mr. Russel Arnold, a proud product of St. Peter’s who represented Sri Lanka in Test Cricket and ODIs and is arguably the best international cricket commentator in Sri Lanka.

After the award ceremony the Quadrangular flag and a replica of the trophy on offer for the main cricket match were handed over to Mr. Malsiri Perera, President of the Old Bens’ Sports Club, the hosts for the next year’s tournament. This was followed by the full throated singing of the anthems of the respective Colleges and the National Anthem which brought the proceedings of this unique event to a close.

 

Algi Wijewickrema

Hony. General Secretary

St. Peter’s College Old Boys’ Union (hosts for the 2014 event)

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30th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance presented by JPAA Canada – October 4th (Sat)

Posted on 24 August 2014 by admin

JPAA TICKET 2014The stage is set and doors will open at 7:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2014, when The Grand Ballroom at Markham Convention Centre will be lit with the glitter of alumni from St. Joseph's College and St. Peter's College entering with their spouses, girl friends, family and friends. The Saints will go marching by to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Josephian-Peterite Alumni Association of Canada (JPAA Canada). To make this milestone an unqualified success, your sincere commitment is requested to sell upto 400 tickets. The Dance Committee led by Old Peterite Jerome Fernandez and his dynamic team have finally put the pieces together to make this a memorable evening. So, lets unite to make this a reality.

Attached is a flyer in jpg format that may be circulated to your friends and family. Tickets are with Jerome/Upali as of August 28th, but until they are delivered to you – please go ahead and spread the word. Try and sell by the table (10 per table) that makes it easier for us to place you on a first come first served `Table Reservation list“. Specimen of the ticket is attached, subject to changes if any. Also enclosed herewith is a dance flyer in jpg format (Version 1). In the next six weeks, this flyer will keep changing with the addition of sponsors as when they commit.

For tickets and table reservations, please call the undersigned or Jerome Fernandez – Chair, JPAA Dance Committee on 416-616-7283.

I am appealing to you to form your own table or join in with another and participate in the festivities. You have been part of the association over the years and its mere survival is testimony to the worthy cause for which it was formed initially. Let us continue the tradition and show that good teamwork is the catalyst to a successful event.

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestion on how best we could celebrate this great event, please send me an e-mail or call me (416-445-5390).

I also look forward to hearing from you with your ticket requirements and/or table reservations. Please also visit our popular website www.jpaacanada.com for ongoing updates.

 

Thanks and best regards,

Upali

……………………………………..

Upali Obeyesekere – President, JPAA Canada

Tel: 416-445-5390/416-418-2207            E-Mail: upaliobey@rogers.com       Website: www.jpaacanada.com

 

Josephians & Peterites in Canada & USA will rally round the school flags and join their classmates and school mates in Toronto on Saturday, October 4, 2014. As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, JPAA Canada plans on presenting a dynamic dance to attract the Old Boys this year. Details of the extravaganza will be released shortly. In the meantime, this is only a preliminary notice to the alumni of both schools to keep the weekend free. Special hotel rates in Toronto arranged with Radisson Hotel for the weekend of October 3rd to 6th. Further updates will appear on our website www.jpaacanada.com

This is an authorized communique from JPAA Canada

 

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47th_Saints_Quadrangular

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Sujith Silva comments on “Saints Quadrangular” vis-a-vis four premier Catholic Schools

Posted on 22 August 2014 by admin

Dear Peterites, Benedictines, Josephians and Ant 47th_Saints_Quadrangularonians,
 
It’s time for Saints to gather once again and celebrate the camaraderie and fellowship whilst reliving the glory years as four premier Catholic Schools in Sri Lanka strengthen their roots which began in mid 1800’s then Ceylon under colonial governance. During those British rules, 19th Century, importance was placed on developing proper English education and uplifting of Moral and Spiritual values of Ceylonese. English, French, Italian and Irish missionaries, (Catholic and Christian) who travelled around the world in spreading God’s message landed on the Island paradise from Galle (presumably) and found their way and set up their bases in Colombo and Kandy.
 
With their intervention St. Anthony’s College Katugastota, St. Benedict’s College Colombo 13 (Kotahena to be precise), St. Joseph’s College Colombo 10 (Maradana) and St. Peter’s College Colombo 04 (Bambalapitiya) came into existence and now can boast as Four Premier Catholic (boys) Institutions in Sri Lanka. The Catholic bonding, the education and sports, mainly Cricket has bonded these four schools over a century. Thus forming the union of Quadrangular Schools in Sri Lanka. Undoubtedly these Quadrangular schools had their say in shaping the most popular sport in Sri Lanka, Cricket. Not only Cricket but in all spheres of life here and overseas be it Sports, Arts, Education, Religion, Civil services, Social services, Politics or Corporate World the old boys from these four schools have contributed immensely and outshone others. It’s noteworthy to revisit the old roots as we set to celebrate the 47th Saints Quadrangular.
 
In years of existence, St. Anthony’s College Katugastota takes the lead over the rest. Founded back in 1854 when Fr. Felice Zoppi, a Franciscan from the Chinese missionary who was sent to Kandy by Monsignor Joseph Maria Bravi OSB, turned his official residence (premises where the present St. Anthony’s Cathedral is based) into a school. Later school was shifted thanks to the initiative of Bishop Bede Beeckmeyer, an Old Anthonian, when he purchased the old Dunuwille Walauwa and shifted the school in 1928 to the present premises of the College in Katugastota. Meanwhile in December 1911, Old Anthonians got together and formed the Old Boys Association, which has been a major force in college development over the last century.
 
Anthonians commenced Cricket back in 1903 when they formed 'St. Anthony's College Cricket Club' consisting of staff and school boys and played their first Cricket match against Darmaraja College in 1904. The 1st XI Cricket team consisting School Boys was formed in 1906 and played their very first Cricket match against St. Benedict’s College in the same year. There had been many Anthonian ‘Eagles’ who have flown high on the Cricketing fields over a century. This includes names such as Jack Anderson, Lionel V. Jayaweera, Hary Jayasundara, A.C.M.Lafir, Saliya Doranegama, Tom Deen, Cuthbert Pereira, Wejepala Premaratne, Chralie Joseph, Ranjith Samarasekera, Randy Sims, Mahesh Goonatilleka, Merril Dunuwila, Bernard Perera, Marlon Von Hagt, Damina Nadaraja, Ruwan Kalpage, Piyal Wijetunga, Muttaih Muralitharan, Sajith Fernando, Dilshan Witharana, Prasad Ranawaka and Hiran Wickramasekera. ‘Muttaih’ is a Legend who carved a name for him, his alma mater and the country in International Cricket doubt any Eagle or human can surpass him.
From Kandy to Colombo back to the 19th Century, with the enthusiasm for English education among the Catholics and with the creation of the Colombo Vicariate in 1837 Sir Robert Wilmot Horton helped the Vicar Apostolic of Ceylon with a donation of £50 for the first catholic English School in the Island. On May 15, 1839, the Roman Catholic Seminary (the school that was destined to become St. Benedict’s College) was declared open in Wolfendhal Street by its Patron, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincente de Rosario, Bishop of Tamocene and Vicar Apostolic of Colombo. “The Seminary” as the school was called in those days, was for superior English Education. As there was a need for a bigger space with rising demand, on 13th of February 1863, the corner stone of St. Benedict’s College (present place) was laid by his lordship the Rt. Rev. Charles Hyacintus Valerga of St. Elias. In the year 1865 St. Benedict's College, was inaugurated by the Benedictine Monks and later in 1868 the De La Salle Brothers took over the administration of the College. Almost after 40 years, in 1904, St. Benedict’s College Old Boy’s Union was formed under the Director of St. Benedict’s College.
 
Benedictines took to Cricket in 1890’s and played their first ever Cricket match against Wesley College. By then Royal College (commenced Cricket in 1838), St. Thomas’ College (1879), Wesley College (1893) and Trinity College (1893) held sway in School’s Cricket. Later Prince of Wales College (1897) and St. Joseph’s College (1898) joined the fray. Bens played their first match against Joes in 1898 and against Anthonians in 1906.
 
 
St. Benedict’s boasts a rich legacy in Cricket apart from their powers in Hockey, Basketball and Football. Some of the outstanding players from their Cricket annals includes Norman Koelemyer, W.E.Perera, Dionysius and Peter Pulle, Laddie Bakleman, Arnold Amerasekera, Joe Savirumuththu, Donald Dias, Aloy Perera, Shelton Perera, Terrence Perera, Edward Perera, Anton Sethupathy, T. Abetdeera, Cecil Waidyaratne, Neville Casie Chetty, Leslie Saverimuthu, Noel Ponniah, L.P.Rayen, Lionel Fernando, Fitzroy Ponniah, Elmo Rodrigopulle, Alan Gunasekera, Lasantha Fernando, Neville Wickramasinghe, Benjamin Silva, Ranjith Fernando, Sunil Fernando, Felix Dias, Harold Sirisena, Selva Perumal, Joe Saverymuththupulle, Lal Wickramatunga, Wasantha Meegoda, Gihan Perera, George Ranasinghe, Nevin Noyahr, Ravi Irugalbandara, Marlon Fernandopulle, Tyrone Kalyanaratne, Attque Mohamed, Robin Perera, Shanthilal Silva, Sujeewa Paranavithane, Susantha De Alwis, Kamalgoda bothers Jagath and Lanka, Suraj Joseph, Christpher Pieris, Russel Hewage, Muditha Pieris, Nirosh Weerasinghe, Chandimal Manjula, Sujeewa De Silva, Vishan Fernando, S.K Perera, Shihara Muthuporuthota, Pradeep Hewage, Rally Tissera, Jeremy Saverimuththupulle, Jason Perera and Dilanka Auwardt. Though many could’ve fit into any Ceylon or Sri Lanka teams (provided they got the opportunity) from this list, only one made it all the way. Ranjit Fernando (Captain 1962 who also Captained Bens Rugby in their first year in 1963) won the Schoolboy Cricket of the Year in 1964 and went on to represent Sri Lanka in its inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975. With that he commenced his long and illustrious career with Sri Lanka Cricket.
 
 
From Kotahena to Maradana; St. Joseph’s College was declared open in 1896 by French missionaries, with Rev Christopher Ernst Bonjean playing a leading role and with Very Rev. Fr. Charles Collin as the First Rector. Josephians commenced Cricket back in 1898 and an ‘un-official’ one-day game was believed to have been played in 1899 against St. Anthony’s which has often remained unaccounted for. However Joes played their first inter-school cricket match against Royal in 1898.
 
 
Some of the outstanding Joes Cricketers of which some went on to represent All-Ceylon and Sri Lanka in cricket while some missed out on Test Caps (after 1982) includes names such as Douglas Muller, Fred Perera, Cecil Horan, George Pereira, D. S. Jayasundera, Rajive Benedict, T. H. Kelaart, Malcolm Spittel, Lou Spittel, Gerry Gooneratne, Hector Perera, Fairlie Dalpadatu, Makin Salih, Norton Fredrick, Malcolm Franke, Brian Obeysekera, Brian Perumal, Carlton Bernadus, Rohan Wijesinghe (Jnr), Gary Melder, Dushan Soza, Hareen Silva, Ashley de Silva, Rohan Weerakkody, Ajith Weerakkody, Ajith Alirajah, Prasan Liyanage, Oril De Mel, Viran Perera, Chaminda Vaas, Peter Hamer, Ian Daniels, Trevin Mathews, Asela Pathirana, Michael Vandort, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera and Dimuth Karunaratne. From this, Chaminda Vaas undoubtedly the best in the modern era as a medium fast bowler with present Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews who has been labeled alongside Don Bradman (as a Captain) is set to break many records and bring glory to his alma mater and country.
From Maradana to Bambalapitiya; on 18 January 1922, Fr. Le Goc with a large number of Josephian students and Staff opened St. Joseph’s College South in a Cinnamon plot they acquired earlier in Bambalapitiya which later in 1927 became St. Peter’s College with Rev. Fr. D. J. Nicholas Perera being appointed Rector of the College. Same year , the inaugural meeting of St. Peter's College Old Boys' Union took place on 15th October 1927, presided over by the first Rector, very. Rev. Fr. D.J. Nicholas Perera who also became the President of the Union. St. Peter’s took to Cricket in early 1930’s and played their first Battle of Saints against St. Joseph’s College in 1933.
 
St. Peter’s too boast of a rich Cricketing pedigree apart from Rugger, Basketball and athletics. Some of those outstanding names which comes to mind includes Percy Perera, Joe Misso, Dion Wallace, Russell Duckworth, H.I.K Fernando, Travis Fernando, Clive Inman, David Heyn, Roya Dias, Kitto Fernandopulle, Tony Opatha, Keerthi Gunaratne, Benard Wijetunga (Jnr), Michael Elias, Vonodhan John, Rumesh Ratnayake, Senarath Seneviratne, Amal Silva, Rohan Bultjens, Rohan Paulpillai, Ranmore Martinesz, Roshan Anthony, Indunil Anthony, Jayaweera Bandara, Niranjan Dabare, Riaz Farook, Asanga Perera, Hemal Wimalasekera, Russell Arnold, Mario Villevarayan, Malinda Warnapura, Kaushal Lokuarachchi and Angelo Perera. Roy Dias could be termed as one of the finest batsman Sri Lanka seen who also became the Vice Captain of Sri Lanka Test team and Russell Arnold who also played both Test and One day Cricket now is in the limelight as one of the best international cricket commentators.
 
Come tomorrow at St. Peter’s College Grounds, we celebrate the camaraderie of the Old Boys of these schools as they come together to celebrate the 47th Saints Quadrangular. This will be held on 23rd and 24th of August in Colombo (at St. Peter’s College Grounds, St. Joseph’s College Grounds and at St. Thomas’ College Grounds). This year, Old Peterites Sports Club will host this prestigious Old Boy’s sporting event. It is the flagship event of the Old Boys of the four premier Catholic Schools in Sri Lanka.
 
The Annual Saints quadrangular tournament was the brainchild of the Old Benedictines for their OBU Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1963. Various schools were invited for this inaugural tournament, but coincidently only three schools responded namely St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo and St. Peter’s College, Colombo. Old Anthonian Ranjith Samarasekera is a pillar of strength of the Saints Quadrangular as he galvanized the OBU’s subsequent to the inaugural event and made this an annual event. He has been present in every organizing committee since then.
 
In addition to Cricket and Basketball Tournaments, this year organizer’s will be introducing a 7 a side Rugby tournament for the first time and this will make the Saints Quadrangular more exciting with most of the current leading National and Club Rugby players who are hailing from these four schools are expected to represent their alma mater.
 
The winning Basketball team of the Quadrangular Tournament will receive the Very Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickremasinghe Trophy. Last year the tournament was held in Kandy where Old Peterites won the Basketball and Main Cricket Tournaments whilst Old Anthonians won the Over 40’s (age) Cricket tournament. This year, ‘Ranjith Samarasekera Challenge Trophy’ donated by Old Peterites Sports Club is to be introduced for the Rugby 7’s in recognizing the commitment and the excellent service rendered by Old Anthonian Ranjith Samarasekera towards Saints Quadrangular.
 
The Chief Guest for this occasion will be former Peterite and Sri Lanka Cricketer and now an International Cricket commentator Mr. Russel Arnold whilst Guest of Honor will be former Josephian Cricketer (1969) Mr. Arthur Hakel. A Saints Quadrangular Social will be held on Saturday 23rd August from 7.00p.m onwards at St. Peter’s College Hall with Live Band, entertainment and with food stalls.
Tickets are available with respective OBU’s.
 
 
 
Let the battle begins with Quadrangular Comrade lives forever!
 
Do share this with Saints.
 
 
Go Saints!
 
Sujith Silva
 
 
(Please do accept my sincere apology if I may have missed any names, nothing personal. The age too is catching up. Most records extracted from archives, published records and online)

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SJC LOGO SITE

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St. Joseph’s College storm into semis

Posted on 08 August 2014 by admin

 

 

 

SJC LOGO SITESt. Joseph's College Colombo advanced to the semi final of the 'Singer Trophy' Under 17 division one inter schools cricket tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association yesterday at Mercantile Cricket Association Ground.

St. Joseph's College Colombo beat Royal College Panadura by 14 runs according to Duckworth Lewis system in the pre-quarter final round match was played at MCA grounds yesterday.

St Joseph scored 211 runs in 50 overs. Shevon Fonseka scored 58 runs with good contributions from Kevin Coting 57 Tashan Perera 28 and Sandaruwan Rodrigo 23 runs.

For Panadura Royal Rangana Kumarasiri and Raveen Lakshan shared three wickets each and Sachin Tharuka took 2 for 21.

In reply, Royal College Panadura were restricted for 117 for 5 in 31 overs. Pathum Nirmal scored 31 Hashan Vimukthi not out 27 and Raveen Lakshan scored 26 also batted well.

For the Josephians Roshan Perera took 3 for 26 .

St. Joseph's Colombo will meet Trinity College Kandy in the semi final next week.

St. Joseph's: 211 in 50 overs (Shevon Fonseka 58, Kevin Cotling 57, Tashan Perera 28, Sandaruwan Rodrigo 23, Ranga Kumarasiri 3/42, Raveen Lakshan 3/45, Sachin Tharuak 2/21)

Royal Panadura: 117/5 in 31 overs (Pethum Nirmal 31, Hashan Vimukthi 27 n.o., Raveen Lakshan 26, Roshen Perera 3/26)

 

 

– See more at: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=sports/st-josephs-storm-semis#sthash.szK8BhIG.dpuf

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Sunil Perera & Roy Dias were classmates at St. Peter’s College

Posted on 03 August 2014 by admin

 

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Soon after Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1981, it was Duleep Mendis and Roy Dias who shouldered the burden of the national team’s batting with many memorable knocks while Sunil Perera of Gypsies emerged as a leading entertainer circa that period. The trio came together on Saturday during the wedding of Duleep’s son. Mendis, a former CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, is the current coach of Oman while Dias is the Head Coach of the Tamil Union. Sunil’s latest release Kottamalli has become an instant hit among the young and the old alike.

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Obituaries

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LEON JOACHIM (1929 – 2014) – May His Soul Rest in Peace

Posted on 02 August 2014 by admin

ObituariesJOACHIM, Leon – August 17, 1929 – July 31, 2014 Passed away peacefully in his 85th year. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Glenda (nee Rodrigoe); his children and their spouses, Rebecca (Sasha Latka), John (Kavita Chhiba), Janice (Noel Hsu) and Kaye (Russell Juriansz); his grandchildren, Michael (Libby Hsu), Nicole (Clint Willmore), Elaine, Emma, Ali, Leila, Jayna, Anjuli, Neel and great-grandchildren, Emma and Paige. Resting at the Paul O'Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E. (between Pharmacy and Warden), on Monday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in Precious Blood Church, 1737 Lawrence Ave. E. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Daily Bread Food Bank would be greatly appreciated. Please address your donations, in memory of Leon Joachim, to the Daily Bread Food Bank at 191 New Toronto Street, Toronto, ON MSV 2E7.

Published in the Toronto Star on Aug. 2, 2014

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Peterite Grounds

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St. Peter’s College ground gets full overhul and is reopened

Posted on 02 August 2014 by admin

 

SPC GROUNDS FBThe Peterite grounds that had been part of the College’s proud boast since the 1930s had been in need of refurbishment for some years now and last year Fr. Travis Gabriel, the then Rector, took a decision to have the grounds refurbished and the turf wicket re-laid.

The Cricket Foundation took the burden of repairing and re-laying the turf wicket while a specially appointed Grounds Development Committee headed by a loyal and well known Peterite Sportsman, Mr. Ronnie Gunaratne was in charge of the Ground refurbishment.

Their labours came to fruition today (1st August 2014), with the present Rector, Fr. Trevor Martin declaring open the refurbished grounds at a solemn ceremony in the presence of the Priest community, distinguished Old Boys, tutorial staff and students.

The ceremony began with Fr. Rector being welcomed with oriental dancers. The western band then struck up to accompany the Air Cadet wing of St. Peter’s who marched with the College flag which was handed over to Fr. Rector. The National flag along with the College Flag and the Papal flag were then hoisted by Fr. Trevor Martin, Rector, Fr. Sharm Dassanayake, Sports Coordinator and Mr. Romeish de Mel, President of the Old Boys’ Union, respectively after which the National Anthem was sung to the accompaniment of the College Western Band.

Prayers were led by the Rector and the Vice-Rector which was followed by the welcome address by the Sports Secretary of St. Peter’s College, Mr. Troy Bartlet.

Fr. Rector in his address thanked all those who helped to make the opening of the grounds a reality, including the Grounds Development Committee, the Cricket Foundation, the Sports Board of the School, the Air Force, the ground staff and the Old Boys’ Union, et al. Special mention was made of Fr. Travis Gabriel the former rector who took the initiative to commence the redevelopment work. He also made it known to the students present that having the best facilities meant that best results were also expected and urged the students to strive towards reaching the top in whatever sports they undertake. A commemorative plaque was then unveiled in the pavilion to record this important milestone in the history of the school.

Mr. Ronnie Gunaratne, the Chairman of the Ground Development Committee, also spoke.

The ground was blessed and formally declared open by Fr. Rector, to the resounding applause of all present and the ceremony came to a close with four Peterite athletes doing a lap round the ground and the singing of the College anthem by all present.

Algi Wijewickrema

Hony. General Secretary – SPC – OBU    1st August 2014


Peterite flock on greener pastures Peterite Grounds

Reinvented ground and venue re-commissioned with a telling message St. Peter’s College fulfilled a long-felt need to rediscover their turf, one of the City’s most sought after sporting addresses in the schools arena that became a reality on Friday.Refurbished under the guidance of Air Force engineers, the revamped venue has new cricket pitches, a redone rugby and football playing surface, space for a 400-metre track and an enclosed basketball court to add to tennis and badminton courts, a swimming pool and gymnasium.The project was initially envisaged by the school’s former rector Fr Travis Gabriel and spearheaded by ex-cricketer and rugby captain Ronnie Gunaratne, the ground development committee chairman.But incumbent rector of St. Peter’s College Fr Trevor Martin warned that all the fanfare and investment will count for little without achievements to brag about as he reminded the school’s sportsmen that he will settle for nothing short of the best.“We have invested heavily (in sports) and go by performance, not by participation. You have an obligation to make the most of the facilities available to be champions in all sports”, said Fr Martin, a former junior opening batsman who played for St. Benedict’s College.Among the prominent college sports personalities present to herald the re-commissioning of the ground was Sri Lanka youth rugby star and next year’s captain Kevin Dixon who teamed up with cricketers, football players, martial artists and several other sportsmen at a ceremony spiced by Kandyan dancers.A polished trio of senior boy scouts hoisted the Sri Lanka, Vatican and College flags before the ceremony began.The new-look venue will be re-christened with a ceremonial T20 match between the old and present cricketers of the school on August 16.St. Peter’s College indulges in all sports existent in the country with cricket and rugby being their flagship sports while tennis has hit an unexpected all-time high and football on the rise with recent all-island achievements swelling the school’s trophy cabinet.Several top shelf cricketers among them Roy Dias, said to be the country’s most elegant batsman, played on the ground as did rugby legend Archibald Pereira and later Sri Lanka exponents Angelo Wickremaratne, Frank Hubert, the Patternot brothers Hamish and Rodney, Jeffery Yu, Jeffery de Jong and Jeyer Rodriguesz among many other celebrated products.Six members of the current Sri Lanka rugby team, Sandun Herath, Dhanuskha Ranjan, Sharo Fernando, Shenal Dias, Soyura Anthony and Lee Keegal graduated at St. Peter’s.The ground, once a muddy marshland, was initially acquired by the founder rector of St. Peter’s College, French missionary Fr. Maurice Lecog in 1930 eight years after the establishment of the school which now has a student population of 4000 representing all cultures and classes in the country. St. Peter’s College is one of the few schools where studies, sports, martial arts, cadetting and discipline go hand in hand keeping afloat a founding tradition that is still the envy of many schools in the country. –

Courtesy: NATION NEWSPAPER

See more at: http://www.nation.lk/edition/sport-online/item/31999-peterite-flock-on-greener-pastures.html#sthash.oKDnzOnG.dpuf

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