Sylvestrians achieve ‘Success through dedication’

St. Sylvester’s College Kandy celebrates its diamond jubilee this week.

During the height of the 2nd World war when St. Anthony’s College moved out to Katugastota, a catholic school in Kandy town became a prime demand. Owing to the foresight of the hierarchy of the Sylvestro – Benedictine congregation, the then Bishop Bernard Regno O.S.B. and Abbot Weerasinghe, founded St. Sylvester’s College on November 1, 1940. Rev. Fr. Robert M. Perera O.S.B., was its livewire and the very first principal. In the heart of the Kandy town the newly inaugurated school came to the lime light with only 250 students and a 12 member tutorial staff. During the past 75 years, the College progressed achieving creditable merits in all aspects to reach the standard of a leading educational institution in Sri Lanka.

There were shortcomings not only with buildings and streamlining but the school also had neither a library nor laboratory facilities. The courage, determination & vision of Fr. Robert Perera, laid down an unshakable foundation to our Alma mater.

Since the inception up to date, the college progressed under the stewardship of 10 principals namely late Rev. Fr. D. Robert M. Perera O.S.B., late Mr. D.J.N. Senevirathne, late Mr. K.S.Gunarathne, late Mr. W.B. Gopallawa, late Mr. A. Karunarathne, late Mr. Bertie Nilegoda, Mr. Ashoka B. Herath, late Mr. G.W. Abeysinghe, late Mr. Bandula Gunawardana and Mr. T. Ranil S. Meetiyagoda with over 3000 students and an expanded teacher’s guild of 155 from grade 01 up to grade 13.

Initially, Sylvestrians made a name in the field of boxing by winning the Stubbs Shield award, and the Kandy 39th Boy Scouts troop made memorable achievements from the start and won the Island Merit Flag in 1950. The guidance of Fr. Dom George, scouters B.M. Gayes, N.H. Shalwyn, and K.S. Gunaratna remain evergreen. The Gymnastics Club founded in 2002 has contributed immensely to bring a series of provincial victories to the College in later years.

The OBU remains unique with outstanding Sylvestrians among whom are leading professionals and champions.

As a part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the inter school “Vester scout mini jamboree” was held from 24th to 28th in Kandy this month.

The Bishop of Kandy Rt. Rev. Viyani Fernando OSB, former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army General Cyril Ranatunge and Prof. Sarath Abayakone Vice Chancellor of the Peradeniya University, were among the distinguished old Sylvesterians with us at this Sylvesterian Diamond Jubilee adding glamour to this historic occasion.

Let us share our gratitude with the present teachers, parents and pupils while saluting all those who were affiliated to uphold the Alma mater’s crest “Fortiter in re” (success through dedication).

During the past 75 years, the College progressed achieving creditable merits in all aspects to reach the standard of a leading educational institute in Sri Lanka.