Hosts inter-school debating competition

The English Literary Association of Loyola College, Daluwakotuwa recently hosted an inter- school debating competition, by the title “PARABO”, ‘ready for anything’. The competition was held for the first time in both the Loyolian and the Negombo zonal history.

According to a release from the school the inter- school debating competition saw the participation of 10 guest schools including St. Joseph’s College, Maradana, Holy Family Convent, Wennappuwa, St. Jude’s College, Kurana, Gateway International, Negombo, St. Nicholas’ International, Katana, Sailan International, Seeduwa, St. Joseph’s College, Kadoluyana, St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya and Lyceum International, Wattala.

The aim of organizing this event, was to increase the fellowship, brotherhood and unity among the neighbouring schools.

With the fullest support of Rev. Fr. Sudath Gunathilake, the Rector of Loyola College and Rev. Fr. Clariyan Fernando, the patron of “PARABO” the day started off with a speech by a former Loyolian, Shanith Miranda, regarding the power of words enlightening students who were present. Thereafter debating sessions got underway with arguments proposing and opposing different ideas, opinionated young minds clashing in verbal battle. The selection of competing teams, topics and others were done by drawing lots and tosses throughout the tournament.

The dedicated judges of the day, from the initial round upto the semi-finals, were members of the IPZ and Negombo Toastmasters’ International Club, co-ordinated by the Club’s Area Director, Wazeer Mohamed, and for the Finals, a member from the same club and two Lectures of English, Teacher Educator Service, Negombo Zonal Office, Anne Peiris and Sureka Fernando.

Loyola College won the championship while St. Joseph’s College, Maradana being the first- runners up and St. Nicholas’ International College, Katana being the second runners-up. Rev. Fr. Samith Rangana, the Vice Rector of Loyola College awarded the winners at the Grand Finale.