150th Anniversary Celebration of St. Thomas' College Matale

On the 13th of August 2023, a grand celebration was held at St. Thomas’ College Matale to commemorate its 150th anniversary. The event took place on the college premises and marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution. The Chief Guest for the occasion was the Honorable Ranil Wickramasinghe, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

St. Thomas’ College Matale, a renowned boys’ school in Matale, holds a rich legacy dating back to its establishment in 10th August 1873. Over the years, the college has maintained its reputation as a leading educational institution in the region, contributing to the academic and personal growth of countless students.

The celebration witnessed the participation of esteemed individuals, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Susil Premajayanthe. Notable alumni who have excelled in various fields were also in attendance, such as Mr. Anura Dissanyake, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Chief of Defense Staff General Shavendra Silva; and President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Mr. Kaushalya Nawarathna.

President of the Matale Old Thomians’ Association (MOTA) Colombo Branch, Prof. Chaminda Rathnayake presented the School master plan to President, which included designs for a proposed new auditorium and swimming pool complex. The architectural designs were skillfully crafted by Architects Mr. Anil Kumarage and Mr. Lakhman Seneveirathne. The President, pledged his support by allocating funds to acquire the adjoining land for the college’s expansion.

In a gesture of recognition, three distinguished old boys who had achieved excellence at the national level were honored with colors by the Matale Old Thomians’ Association (MOTA) Colombo. This acknowledgment reflects the college’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering achievements among its alumni.

The celebration brought together a diverse audience, including invitees, parents, teachers, and current students of the college. The festive atmosphere was filled with a sense of pride, nostalgia, and unity as attendees shared in the celebration of the institution’s rich history and promising future.

As a token of appreciation and to extend the festive spirit, the President declared the following Monday (14th) a holiday, allowing the college community to relish the milestone and continue cherishing the memories created during the event. The 150th anniversary celebration of St. Thomas’ College Matale not only honored its legacy but also paved the way for a bright and prosperous future.