ANANDAYA
2015 March 2015 ueÈka Publication of Old Boys' Association of Ananda College OLCOTT ORATION - THE IDEAL OF ANANDA myself too. One thing is clear. Ananda was never "A summary of the Oration which was destined to be a mere school. delivered by Sanjiva Senanayake on 22nd November 2014 at the Kularatne Hall. The three individuals most identified with the Please see the full text on movement that led to the formation of Ananda http://www.anandacollege.net/" were born within 10 years of each other. Ven Mohottiwatte (aka Migettuwatte) Gunananda of wish to thank the OBA and the College for the Amarapura Nikaya was born in 1823; Ven honouring me with an invitation to deliver the Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala of the Siyam Nikaya in Olcott Oration. The oldest building still standing I 1827 and Col. Henry Steel Olcott in 1832. on this site, Olcott Hall, is exactly 100 years old. My connections with Ananda College also go back The substance of the Debate at Panadura on almost a century. My grandfather was Principal 26th and 28th August 1873 created quite a stir for 25 years starting on 1st January 1918. My and a totally unexpected resonance in far-off grandmother taught at Ananda for 4 years America. Col. Olcott, who had by then co-founded between being Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya and the first Principal of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya. My the Theosophical Society with Madam Helena mother, my brothers and I were students here. So Blavatsky was impressed and started a long were many of my relatives. correspondence with several prominent Buddhist monks in Ceylon, during which he learned more about the state of Buddhism in Ceylon What was the vision our founders had in mind In his diary Olcott says – when Ananda was established? What sort of men and decided to come over and help. Olcott and “ ..... this visit of ours was the beginning of the were they? What were the challenges they faced? Blavatsky arrived in Galle in May 1880. Olcott second and permanent stage of the Buddhist How did they succeed against immense odds? In committed himself to the cause of Buddhism and revival begun by Migettuwatte, a movement researching the history of the College I learnt a Buddhist education in Sri Lanka in particular, for destined to gather the whole juvenile Sinhalese lot about Ananda, about the profound influence it 27 years, until his death on 17th February 1907. population into Buddhist schools under our had on the history of our country, about the heroic He made around 30 visits to Ceylon, his last being general supervision ...” individuals who made it all happen and about 3 months before his death. (Contd. to Page 4...) OBA Felicitates newly appointed Ministers
Distinguished Old Anandians Hon. Minister Dr. Rajitha Senarathna, Hon. Minister Deshamanya Karu Jayasuriya, Hon. Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara, Hon. Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and Hon. Deputy Minister Ajith Perera who were appointed as Ministers/ Deputy Minister recently were felicitated by the ACOBA at a ceremony held on 2nd February at College. 1 ANANDAYA ksy`vj" fkdìhj" fkdkej;S bÈßhg''' foaYmd,k" ffjoH" bxðfkare" .KldêldÍ" iudch úiska wm fmd 2 wk| uõ fijK ,o wk| fu;a ysñ i| j¾;udkh oekqj;a lrKq jia wk| msx ìfuys fm%!v b;sydih úúO me;slv Tiafia fidhd hEug wdkkaoh i`.rdj woyia lrhs' fï ta jEhfï tla mshjrls' th ÈhqKq l 3 ANANDAYA Contd. from Page 1... In late 1890 the Buddhist English School became population in 1917 was around 400. The school OLCOTT ORATION... eligible for grants from the government but these had levied fees from the beginning and received were insufficient to meet all the expenses of government grants but adequate funding had The establishment of schools teaching a modern maintaining the school. In 1894 the BTS leased been a perennial problem. curriculum in English had clearly been agreed 4 acres of mainly coconut land in Maradana and prior to Olcott’s arrival. Mainly for this purpose, the school with 300 pupils was moved there from The country was now in ferment with talk of the Buddhist Theosophical Society (BTS) Pettah in August 1895. The name was changed independence in the air. The politically astute Dr. was established the following month. Among to Ananda College and a new chapter began. The W.A. de Silva, Manager of the College, sensed other goals were establishing ‘a centre for the land was later purchased using a loan granted by that Ananda needed a grander vision if it was to strengthening of Universal Brotherhood without the BTS. The quality of the premises and teaching make a real contribution by producing enough distinction of race, religion, sex, caste or colour’ resulted in higher government grants being leaders. In his own words he “decided to take a and ‘to encourage the study of comparative awarded. Some Indian and British teachers were new and bold step to make the College take its religions, philosophy and science’. I am sorry to also employed. place with other Secondary Schools, to give it a say that the BTS today bears no resemblance new life and vigour.” The bold step that he took whatsoever to its noble origins. From the beginning of the 20th century a new was to appoint 24 year old P. De S. Kularatne, who crop of Buddhist leaders, mostly educated in was just finishing his studies at the University of Initially, the BTS set up Sunday schools given the missionary schools and abroad, gradually got London as Principal on 1st January 1918. There limited resources available - the first in Galle and more actively involved in national issues. Ananda was great synergy between the pragmatic De several others in various parts of Colombo. A few College naturally became a centre of their activity. Silva and the imaginative Kularatne and Ananda’s rich businessmen came forward to support the One of the biggest meetings of the temperance fortunes soared. new movement and in May 1885 the BTS bought movement was held at Ananda College. This was Nos. 60 and 61, Maliban Street as well as 29 and a controversial issue since government revenue Kularatne’s vision for Ananda was not merely to 30, Beira Street (now Olcott Mawatha) for Rs. relied quite heavily on licensing income. cope with externally imposed circumstances, 6,000! With these acquisitions it was decided to but to actively influence them for the benefit of establish a full-time school and a meeting was During the 30 years leading up to 1917 Ananda the masses. In that sense, Ananda was now to rd called on 23 October 1886 for Ven Sri Sumangala had excellent Principals such as A.E. Buultjens, be not just a school, but an engine of change and Gunananda to speak about setting up such a from a respected burgher family in Matara. He and a nursery of competent men who could school at 61, Maliban Street, Pettah with Charles had won the coveted government scholarship empathize with the masses. Ananda would Leadbeater, an English theosophist, as Principal. from St. Thomas’ College and gone on to graduate have to grow significantly and have a social and Probably to encourage people to attend, the from Cambridge University. He was followed by cultural dimension. It would also have to become notice stated that ‘No collection will be made D. B. Jayatilaka who became one of the most a role model for similar institutions throughout on this occasion: “ME PRASTHAAVEDI KISIMA prominent and respected national figures of his the country. For all this Ananda needed money, SAMMAADAMAK KARANU NOLABE”. time. An American Theosophist named Fritz Kunz infrastructure and teachers and there was no became Principal in April 1914 and reorganized time to waste. Kularatne realized that underlying The Buddhist English School was established with and revitalized Ananda. In his very first year he all this was the need to attract students. The key st 37 students and 3 teachers on 1 November 1886, constructed the Olcott Hall which became the to that was excellent academic results. which is the official birthday of Ananda College. venue for many meetings of national significance. Olcott was not in the country having returned to In 1916, after the riots, Kunz added a state-of- At the end of his first year he convinced his India after making another fund raising cart-tour. the-art science laboratory with a generous teachers to contribute a portion of their salaries to The initial intention of the Buddhist leadership donation from Mrs. Selestina Dias of Panadura, create a scholarship. W.A de Silva matched it with was to create a generation of young Buddhists the founder of Visakha Vidyalaya. It had electricity his own funds and two students were selected with patriotic sentiments and modern skills to and piped gas and incorporated an elevated through an open examination. They both gained play a bigger role in national affairs. The more demonstration theatre that could accommodate first class honours in the Cambridge Junior fundamental goal was to redeem the self-esteem 100 people. It was also “equipped with a modern examination in 1919. 45 students passed as of the majority and help them stand up for their projecting lantern” and a hand-operated lift to against 18 the previous year. As results improved rights that had been long denied. move supplies to the upper floor. The student (Contd. to Page 5...) 4 Contd. from Page 4... OLCOTT ORATION... at senior level too, Buddhists took notice and Ananda was able to charge more reasonable fees from the eager parents. Despite objections from conservatives, English classes for Buddhist monks commenced in 1919 and they in turn taught Pali and Sanskrit to the students. Kularatne and G.P. Malalasekera were instrumental in getting Pali included in 1922 as a subject for the Cambridge examinations. Sinhala and Tamil language classes were made part of the curriculum since the College had a significant Ananda had some excellent, experienced teachers there in 1919. National figures of various number of Tamil teachers and several Tamil on the staff in 1918 such as V.T.S Sivagurunathan, persuasions made public speeches at Ananda students, some on scholarships. In 1922 the C.V. Ranawake, J.N Jinendradasa (later Principal and so did charismatic figures of the Indian Tamil students staged their first play in aid of the of Nalanda) and T.B Jayah (later the saviour of independence movement such as Mahatma Tamil section of the library under the patronage of Zahira College, Colombo as Principal for 27 years). Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru Sir Ponnambalam and Lady Ramanathan. The rapidly expanding needs were filled with the and Sarojini Naidu. The teachers who had best scholars Kularatne could find - Sinhalese, worked with Kularatne and became Principals Subjects like Ceylon History, Pali and Sanskrit Tamils, Burghers, Indians and Europeans and of later, like L.H. Mettananda, S.A. Wijayatilake, were introduced. Workshop technology and all religions. In fact, the majority of them were E.A. Perusinghe, M.W. Karunananda and G.W. handicrafts were options and social service initially non-Buddhist. Rajapaksa continued to preserve the progressive through the Ananda Paropakara Samitiya was character of Ananda and enhance its image and actively encouraged. A College Council consisting impact. of teachers and senior students was tasked Ananda was always a haven for progressive with managing some aspects of school life as national activities. The Ceylon National Congress Let us all reflect on what we were, what we are an experiment in self-rule. Senior Prefects were held meetings at Olcott Hall and the All Ceylon and what we should become! considered to be as important as teachers. Buddhist Congress held its inaugural meeting ;=kajk msgqfjka wdkkao úoHd,fha jev lghq;= .ek .=re by, mka;s j,g bx.%Sis b.ekajQ ërfialr wk| uõfijk ,o''' u`vq,a,g m%Yxid fldg fufia lSfha h' — uy;dh' tn÷u jQ wd¾' weia' .=Kj¾Ok" wo mka;s ldurh n,d hEfï§ mka;shlg ;sfiard rdcm;srK" ,ekfrda,a" ùruka;%S mka;s ldurhla mdid .sfhah' fï w;r tla mdvula lshjk .=rejrfhl=f.a ta lshukg wd§ b;d olaI u`vq,af,lska wk| uy úÿy, mka;shl .=rejrfhl= z,eïia fghd,aia lka ÿksñ' miqj f.dia ta uy;d ,jd ;j jrla fYdaNs; úh' wõ fYaialaia msh¾Z kï fmd;l mdvula ta mdvï fldgi lsheùñ' ud tx.,ka;fha mka;shg lshjkq weiS th wi,g f.dia isg fï rgg wdjdhska miq bx.%Sis jpk wdkkaoh ms ;jo fudfydÜáj;af;a .=Kdkkao ysñ my< fkdjQfha kï mdkÿrd uydjdohla ke;' mdkÿrd uydjdoh fkdù kï l¾k,a ´,afldÜ;=udg fuys tkakg lreKla ke;' ´,afldÜ;=ud kdfha kï mruú{dkd¾: iñ;shj;a" wdkkao uyd úoHd,hj;a ke;' wdkkao uyd úoHd,h my< ùfï uQ, fya;=j fudfydÜáj;af;a .=Kdkkao ysñmdKka nj 1900 § wdkkaoh wu;l l< hq;= fkdfõ˜' 5 ANANDAYA wk| úÿìfï kshuqjka'' m%;sM,j,ska by, ia:dkhl isákjd' w'fmd'i ^Wiia fm<&" ^id'fm<& we;=¿ m%;sM,j, by< wLKav j¾Okhla we;snj jd¾Isl m%;sM, úYaf,aIKfha§ y`ÿkd.; yelshs' fuh wLKavh bÈßhg f.k hdug wjYH bf.kqï-b.ejkaùï ;jÿrg;a l%ufõoh ixj¾Okh lsÍug wjYH miqìu ilia lsÍu yd th l 6 YsIHfhka' ta wkqj isiqka we;=<;a lsÍu yd iu.dój l 7 ANANDAYA È.; m;< ls;= f.di we;s uydfrda.H Yd,dfõ uq,a mqgqj fydnjk wdÈ wdkka§h uyd fjoeÿrdfKda wdkkaoh hkq il< úO lafIa;%hkays m%uqLhka" kshuqjka ìysl< Wodr úoHdia:dkhla nj iuia; f,dalhu okakd lreKls' tod fuod;=r fi!LH lafIa;%hg úfYaIfhkau ffjoH lafIa;%hg wdkkao ud;dj úiska odhdo l< úYsIag.Kfha ffjoHjreka ixLHdj w;s uy;ah' ta wh w;=ßka ffjoH úoHdfõ ÈhqKqj iy Wkak;sh fjkqfjka úúOdldr kj fidhd.ekSï l< iqúfYaI mqoa.,hka fukau fi!LH lafIa;%fha mßmd,lhka w;ro fmruqK .;a wkNsnjkSh fiajd ld,hlg Tn;=udf.a Ôú;fha l=vd wjÈh ms 8 ,efnkj YsIH;ajhla jeä≥ÿr wOHdmkh Tõ' wmsg frda.Skag m%;sldr lrkj fiau ta lÓldpd¾hjßhla f,i lghq;= l Taking academic staff to great heights Obituaries Varunajeewa Premadasa, Immediate Past Secretary of the ‘99 Group passed away in December. Asoka Perera, Past Joint Secretary of ACOBA (1997-1999) passed away in December. Ranjith Abeysinghe, Past Vice President of OASC & Immediate Past President of OA Hostellers' Guild passed away in January. On 23rd September 93 Group hosted a group of teachers from grades 1 – 5 on a journey in a A340 K. K. Kularatne, member of ACOBA & OASC aircraft to coincide with the International Teachers Day. The flight UL 157 was co-chartered for the and main photographer of the College for journey to Mattala Mahinda Rajapakshe International Airport. The staff were then taken on a tour to the many years passed away in March. Hambantota Port followed by a fun filled, team building day at a star class hotel in Hambantota. 9 Affiliated Group Activities SOA Senior Old Anandians SOA continued with their policy of assisting deserving and the new Executive Committee for 2014/2015 activity of the SOA brought in the anticipated results. students, awarded 7 scholarships effective from was appointed as follow: President - Upatissa 108th Olcott Day commemoration ceremony September, covering all the subject streams of A/L Nikapitiya, Vice Presidents – Upali Sirisena and N.G. organized by the SOA and the College Authorities classes. These scholarships were funded mostly Punchihewa, Immediate Past President - J.F Ranjith was held on 16th February in a much larger scale by initial capital donated by Senior Old Anandians Perera, Jt. Secretaries Colin Thabrew and Buddhika and in a colourful manner with Ambassador of the and their family members to establish memorial Gunawardane, Treasurer - Nanda Hettiarachchi, Asst Russian Federation in Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest. scholarships. In January 2015 another scholarship Treasurer - Athula Walisinghe, Committee Members As traditionally done SOA was closely involved in was awarded to an A/L student who is visually - Tilak Wijesinghe, Col. Parakrama Molligoda and arrangements regarding this ceremony and met the handicapped. The second cultural fellowship tour of Das Miriyagalla (Past Presidents), Upali Madanayake, expenses needed for the event. It is noteworthy that the SOA was conducted as a 3 day tour in October Wijeratne Warakagoda, Sarath Manchanayaka, the young Anandians were involved in delivering for members and their spouses. This covered visits M/Gen. Nanda Silva, Mr. Gamini Wimalasuriya, commemorative speeches in all three languages to important archeological and cultural religions Sumedha Amarasinghe, Ananda. P. Maddumage, and other interesting presentations. President sites such as "Rajagala Tenna" in Ampara and Premasiri Kongahage, Hony. Auditor Tilak Ediriwira. of the OBA Lalith Senanayaka at the invitation many other ancient religious sites providing wealth Benefit show of the play ''Kondoskiriyawa'' was of the Organising Committee delivered a highly of information and exposure to members of the staged at YMBA Borrella on 24th October where our informative and well-presented commemorative tour party. The 24th AGM of the Group was held Committee Member Wijeratne Warakagoda acted speech on behalf of Old Anandians. an 30th November followed by a fellowship lunch a main role in the play. This first ever fund raising 82 GROUP 84 GROUP rfÜ meje;s oeä kshx ;;a;ajh yuqfõ mSvdjg Our Group celebrated its 30th Anniversary in another overseas Old Anandian Affiliated Group. m;a je,sTh lsßbínkajej f.dú mjq,a 150 October. President of the Group, Col. Saman Saddharma Keerthi Sri Thripitakacharya Most lg;a" fjfyr;ekak isxy, mjq,a mosxÑ Jayawickrama and team organised a series of Venerable Diviyagaha Yassasi Thero was invited lsÍfï .ïudkfha .¾NkS ujqjreka isák mjq,a events that included staging the dramas Magul for a valuable Dharma sermon on 18th October, 20 lg;a" yd lsßbínkajej Y%S m%KS;drdu Prasthawa and Ekata Mata Hina of eminent play which was broadcasted by the Bauddhist úydria:dkh fj;g;a" úh,s wdydr øjH fnod writer, novelist, poet, literacy critic and social Channel. Funds were raised to donate medicine oSfï jev igykla" tu m%foaYh Ndr hqO yuqod commentator, Dr. Ediriweera Sarthchandra’s at for the Children’s Ward at Maharagama Cancer wd{dm;s" wm fidhqre" ì%f.aäh¾ foaúkao Kularatne Hall on 17th October. The Group gave Hospital on 22nd October which was preceded by fmf¾rdf.a uq,sl;ajfhka" 2014 iema;eïn¾ monetary support by granting few scholarships a Buddha Poojawa and a Dhamma sermon. ui 28 jk bre osk je,sTh m%foaYfha oS and handed over 10 computers donated by isÿlsÍu' frda.S ;;a;ajh ksid fyda jfhdajDoaO Ndjh ksid fyda wmyiq;djhkg m;a" wm fk;a 85 GROUP mE¥ .=re uEKSjreka yd mshjreka fj; f.dia Tjqkf.a iqj ÿla úuid n,ñka lghq;= lsÍfï" The 85 Group organised a Musical Show “Sonduru .=re nqyquka" jev igyka fm,la 2014 jir Atheethaya“ was performed by popular artist T.M. ;=, l%shd;aul lrk ,oS' wm idudðlhskaf.a Jayaratne on 11th October at the Kularatne Hall. jir 50 imsÍfï wjika W;aijh f,iska .=re The event was organised primarily to raise funds fo.=re Wmydr jkaokd Wf<,lao" fidhqre for the refurbishment of a Grade 11 Science iqNdisxik Wf<,lao" wdkkaofha WoEikla Laboratory at College. The event was performed m%;sks¾udk lrñka w;S; wdj¾ck ieureï to a sell-out crowd which included many W;aijhlao" rKúre iaurK Wf<,lao" rfÜ distinguished personalities. The Annual Medical lS¾;sOr oSma;su;a wdos wdkkaoShhka mdi,a Camp for College Hosteller’s and minor staff was mßY%hg wdrdOkh lrjd" 2014 foieïn¾ ui organised by our Group for the 14th consecutive 21 bre osk wNsudkj;a W;aij ixfhdackhla time. It was carried out successfully on the 29th meje;aùu' ´iafÜ%,shdfõ m¾;a kqjr of November at the College Hostel. The Group fjfik wm fidhqrkaf.a iyh we;sj, ish¨ received the full backing of the Medical Guild who wxfÕdamdxÕhkaf.ka iukaú; re' ,CI 177 supported with all the professional assistance lg wdikak jákdlula we;s kùk we|ka 44 required for the event. Through this event we la" fld 10 90 GROUP 93 GROUP The donation of spectacles for patients at the P. The “Career Guidance Workshop 2014” was P Jayasinghe Memorial Medical Camp held last organized for the 9th consecutive year on 18th year was successfully completed as part of our October 2014 at the College auditorium. More CSR campaign on 15th February at Kurundugaha than 600 school leavers participated from all Hethekma, St. Theresa Primary School. Members over the country. Professionals from various Sudesh Paranaliyanage, Manjula Paranaliyanage industries shared their life experiences and views and Jagath Priyantha sponsored the spectacles. with participants. Admission, lunch, refreshment Past President Asiri Abeysiri organised the event. and course materials were given free of charge Our "Peduru Partiya" was held on 28th February. to participants. An event called Anada Mithu Aloka De Seram and his team organised the event. Abhinandana that was held on 24th January at Photos are on https://www.facebook.com/groups/ the Centenary Building, the group felicitated ananda90group/. Cloth Donation Ceremony for members Harsha Purasingha (Founder/CEO the non-academic staff of Ananda College will be – Micro Image), Kingsly Rathnayake (Director President Dr. Erandika Gunawardeana, Secretary held in April. The event will be organised under General MBC Network), Dr. Jayamal Ariarathna Deepthi Somaweera, Treasurer Chamara the Chairmanship of Vice President Priyanha (Cancer Surgeon), Biddhika Jayarathna (Artist) Divithuragam, Chief Organiser Aloka De Seram Herath and under the patronage of Halindra and Dushmantha Mahabaduge (Educationist) and the newly elected Committee coordinated Jayasinghe of Hydamony Group. A special who have excelled in their respective careers. an Ashirwada Bodhi Puja on 2nd January at the dinning event organized by the past Hostellers of 90 Group for the current hostellers and staff Kuppiyawatta Temple. Members and their families 97 GROUP participated. The event was organised under of Ananda College hostel will be held in May as an annual event under the Chairmanship of the Chairmanship of Immediate Past President wdkkaohg kjl isiqka f,i we;=,;ajk Nuvan Ananda. This Year it is planned to have a Duleepa Vithanage. Our Group donated an orejkag wdkkaofha isß;a" b;sydi DJ evening after the Hostel Dinner. The special artificial limb to Lt. Col. Anura Priyantha Liyanage, f;dr;=re ,nd§fï wruqKska wkkaohhs event which was organised for the first time last a member of our Group who was injury during Tnhs rghs jHdhdmD;sh wrUk ,§' ta year based on a concept of ACOBA Vice President the final stages of the humanitarian operation. hgf;a 2014 j¾Ifha m 98 GROUP “Dhana Paramee” for the 3rd consecutive year. "SwarANANDA" Musical evening was the main fundraising event organized for 2014. Music for the evening was provided by the troupe led by Vajira from the “Ranwala Balakaaya”, while artists Dayan Witharana, Rohan Shantha Bulegoda, Amal Perera, Mario Ananda, Isuru Jayaratne and Ishaq Baig sang well-known sinhala songs. There was also a dance item by the Ranwala Balakaya in the form of a traditional ‘Sau Paliya’ dance. “Help with sixes” Cricket Carnival was organized to facilitate members and their families to meet and interact with each other. Under the Thalassemia kids’ projects, Committee Members visited the Thalassemia ward at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital with funds and gifts for the patients, who were mostly children between the ages 3 to 16. We were able to sponsor blood tests for around 100 patients who were in urgent needed of medical tests. We also arranged lunch & desserts, for the entire ward. A blood donation campaign was organized for the 3rd consecutive year at the Centenary Building. It had a high turnout. Over a 100 pints of blood were collected. A free Eye Care & Hearing Aid Camp was arranged for all donors. Following a Under the leadership of Harshan Senadhira request from the Main OBA, we donated funds to renovate the fencing around the Primary Entrance to and the assistance of the Executive Committee the swimming pool complex. The Group donated a state of the art multimedia projector and screen for and members, we initiated new projects during the multimedia room and thus fulfilled another important requirement at Ananda. We were also able to the year and continued successful projects of actively participate and financially assist the event “Sonduru Sugayum” organized by the Main OBA. previous years. 25 scholarships were funded Our AGM and Annual Get-together were held at Sanora Hall, Thalawathugoda. The year ended with the under the OABA Scholarship Programme – election of a new committee for 2015/16 under the stewardship of Nirodha Kodikara. 11 ANANDAYA 99 GROUP At the AGM held in February 2014 Asanka Deshapriya, Isuru Ponnamperuma & Isuru Fernando were appointed President, Secretary & Treasurer respectively. Highlights of the main activities undertaken by our Group during the year were, actively participating at the “Anada Mithusara” in March 2014, organizing a motor rally called “Maroons 99 Brotherhood” in April, coordinating activities of Poson Bakthigeetha of Ananda College Primary Section in June, organizing a Cricket Carnival for members and their families in July, the Annual Blood Donation camp in September at the Blood Bank, visit to Eliya Divulvewa, Eppawala in Thalawa Divisional Secretariat in September to carry out a feasibility study for a water purification project, the media launch for “Sandakadapahana“ and extending our support for the College Geography Club in October, donating a state of the art Public Announcing System to the College Primary Section in November, the “Sandakadapahana” Musical concert to raise funds for the Water Purification Project to Eliya Duvulwewa which was by far the biggest project carried out by our Group to date in November, the annual Mal Poojawa to evoke merit to batch mates of ours who have passed away with the participation of their families and the Annual Get-together & AGM at Ape Gama Battaramulla in February. Shaminda Samaraweera, Minidu Abeysekara & Chamil Perera were appointed President, Secretary & Treasurer respectively for 2015/2016. Old Anandians of Gampaha Old Anandians of Gampaha Annual Get-together Minister Karu Jayasuriya. It was one of biggest Chaththa Ranasinghe (President), Waruna was held on 21st February at Green Garden event of Gampaha Old Anandians for the year. Chandana (Secretary), Thusitha Ranasinghe Reception Hall. President of ACOBA Lalith Old Anandians of Gampaha was established in (Treasurer), Rohitha Weerasinghe (Dep.President Senanayake and members of the Management 1998 and has more than 250 life memberships 1), Jayantha Jayakodiarachchi Dep.President 2), Committee Jayantha Wickermasinghe & Sujeewa from Gampaha region. It contributes to various Chamara Amarasinghe (Dep.Secretary), Chathura Rathmahal graced the occasion. Chief Guest school events and Main OBA events yearly. Weerasinghe (Dep. Treasurer) & Kasun Malitha was Old Anandian from Gampaha, Honorable Incumbent office bearers of the Group are Hettiarachchi (Chief Organiser). OASC Old Anandians’ Sports Club Ananda wins schools' English debating competition OASC has 12 Committee Meetings during the fellowship evening. Members and families of he Vijitha Weerasinghe Challenge Shield year. A joint Organizing Committee was formed to OASC participated. A special recognition should for debating, hosted by Royal College, organise the Big Match with Nalanda College OBA be given to Priyantha Udayartne for coordinating Twere worked off in January and February, under the Chairmanship of Nishantha Ranatunga, the event on behalf OASC. The Annual Dinner with the participation of 23 teams. After six a long standing member who served in the Big Dance (Maroons Ball) was held at the ‘Waters preliminary rounds of debate, Ladies' College th Match Committee for many years. The rest of the Edge’ Battaramulla on 29 August. This event (A, B & C), S. Thomas' College (A & B), Methodist members from Ananda were Upali Dharmadasa, was graced by many Old Anandians with spouses. College, Holy Family Convent and Ananda Lal Hewagama, Manjula Wijemanne, Chaminda Two popular bands in the industry “Misty” and College broke through to the quarter-finals. Rajapaksa, Jayasiri Ittapana, Lalith Pelige and “Glory” provided the music and entertainment. Samiru Muthugama. Main sponsors of the Big Dinner Dance Committee was headed by Ananda College (A) was the only team to Match were Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, Sri Sithendra Senaratne and ably assisted by proceed from the bottom half of the table, Lanka Telecom and Mobitel. The substantial profit Ravinesh Senaratne, Sampath Perera, Nimantha defeating Ladies' (C). In the first semi-final, made from the 85th Battle of the Maroons was Hewagama and Birendra Katugampola. The Ananda College registered a comfortable 7-0 distributed between the two schools. The Annual OASC greatly acknowledges the assistance and victory over Methodist College. OASC Fellowship Weekend Outing was held guidance given by the Principal, Deputy Principals on 19th and 20th July at the “Ananthaya” Hotel and the Prefect of Games in carrying out activities At the Grand Final, S. Thomas' College proposed in Marawila. More than 60 members and their of the club and to all affiliated sports wings during the motion 'THW not prosecute governments families including Past Presidents Col. Prakrama the year 2014/2015. The support rendered by the for war crimes in combating terrorism in their Molligoda, Ranjith Pandithage, Padmakeerthi membership at large and the executive committee own territory'. Ananda College was represented Hemachandra and Manju Fernanado attended is much appreciated. A special thanks to the by Tharuka Perera, Minul Muhandiramge and the event. The organizing Committee was sub-committees of the Big Match, Fellowship Dinusha Pathirana. headed by Late Ranjith Abeysinghe, and his weekend outing, and dance committee for team comprising Padmakeerthi Hemachandra, their team work and untiring efforts. All events The panel of judges comprised Rhadeena M.G. Mendis and Manjula Wijemanne. The Olcott organized by OASC went off without a snag and De Alwis (Chair), Shanil Wijesinghe, Nishadi Cricket Tournament was hosted by Maliyadeva proved to be a tremendous success with a great Wickramasinghe, Michael Mendis and Sajith College, Kurunegala and matches were played at participation of members and their families. The Bandara. At the end of a heated debate, the Welagedera Stadium from 12th to 14th September. OASC would take this opportunity to extend our panel split 4-1, awarding the shield to Ananda The social and fellowship dinner was held on sincere appreciation and gratitude to all our College. Ananda College has been at the the 13th September. World Cup winning captain sponsors and well-wishers for their support and forefront of the debating scene of late, having made it to consecutive finals last year. Arjuna Ranatunga was the Chief Guest at the contribution during the year 2014/15. 12 SPORTS AT ANANDA 86th ‘Battle of the Maroons’ ends in a draw he Big Match which was worked of at the Sammu Ashan scored 78 runs in 60 deliveries SSC on 7th & 8th March ended in a draw. with 6 boundaries and 5 sixes. Sammu Ashan Man of the Match Best batsman TNalanda won the toss and elected to field. and Nisal Francisco made 152 runs for 3rd wicket. Sammu Ashan Nisal Fransisco Ananda declared on a score of 245 runs for 9, Ananda College Ananda College with skipper Sammu Ashan scoring 114 runs Ananda: 245/9 decl. in 51.3 overs (Sammu off 120 deliveries with 17 boundaries and a six. Ashan 114, Nisal Francisco 53, Nipun Chamika Nisal Francisco scored 53 runs off 83 balls with 24, Dilanka Sandaken 13, Ayantha De Silva 5/32, 8 boundaries. Sammu Ashan and Nisal Francisco Malik Pieris 2/34) and 268/4 in 48.2 overs (Nisal made 105 runs for the 3rd wicket. Ayantha De Francisco 112, Sammu Ashan 78, Shenal Koarale Silva of Nalanda took 5 wickets for 32 runs. 32, Lakkhana Jayasekara 30) Nalanda: 239 Nalanda were bowled out for 239, with Raveen (112/3 o/n) in 84.2 overs (Raveen Dassanayake Dassanayake scoring 53 and Kavindu Bandara 53, Kavindu Bandara 50, Malinga Amarasinghe scoring 50. Ananda scored 268 runs for 4 wickets 29, Dilan Suraweera 24, Senura Perera 23, Best bowler Best Fielder in their 2nd inning. Nisal Francisco scored 112 Lakshitha Rasanjaana 18, Aroshana Kumara 13, Ayantha De Silva Sahan Arachchige runs off 111 balls with 17 boundaries and a six. Dilanka Sandaken 4/45, Kavihshka Anjula 4/88) Nalanda College Ananda College 13 ANANDAYA 2014 was a successful one for Ananda Cricket and Sahan Arachchige got selected to the final squad of Bangladesh’s Under 19 tour to Sri Lanka. Ananda overall. 1st XI team was positioned 3rd in the became the ‘Champions’ of “Murali Harmony Cup 2014” beating Richmond at the finals and St. Peter’s Division 1 table whilst securing 03 outright at the semi-finals. Incidentally Richmond and St. Peter’s were the Best Team and runner-up Best Team victories. Two players namely Shammu Ashan respectively in the Division 1 league tournament in 2014. The Under 17 team did well in the preliminary round matches and became 2nd in the table. However lost the quarterfinals after a very close contest. Most remarkable achievement for Ananda Junior Cricket was having won the under 15 division I & II championships. Ananda have won a junior cricket championship after a long gap of 11 years. Incidentally it was the first time ever that Ananda have won divisions I & II championships in the same year under same age category. OASC along with Cricket wing have felicitated the players, coaches and MIC of the both teams and awards presented to the best performers and followed with a dinner banquet. Principal of Ananda College Mr. Kithsiri Liyanagamage Former Test Cricket Captain Arjuna Ranatunga, President of Cricket Wing Saliya Senanayake, Founder member of the Foundation of Goodwill Kushil Gunasekera Cricket were amongst the dignitaries at the event. Ananda Junior teams performed well during • Under 12 team won their all league matches while under 14 lost only 1 match (played 2014. Following are some of the significance concurrently with 1st XV matches) against Mahanama, Nalanda, St. Benedict’s and St John’s. achieved by Ananda Junior teams. • KIK Cola Mini Rugby Carnival Round 01 – under 12 A, B, and C teams remained unbeaten winning all their matches against Royal, Wesley, Zahira, DS Senanayake, Science and Lumbini. • KIK Cola Mini Rugby Carnival Round 02 – under 12 A & B won all their matches and C team had a draw against Royal and rest won. • KIK Cola Mini Rugby Carnival Round 04 – under 12 A Team remained unbeaten winning all their matches against Lumbini, Zahira and DS Senanayake. Under 12 B and C Teams won 2 matches and lost one each in their groups. • Runners-up in All Islands under 13 Tournament, beating St. Anthony’s, Wesley and Pilyandala Rugby Central, Dharmaraja and St. John’s. Lost to Trinity in the finals. The Junior players did remarkably well during Also following achievements by the Ananda at the Colombo North Zonal tournament in 2014 the year 2014, becoming the Under 15 All • Under 15 team positioned in 3rd place Island ‘A’ Division champions. Hemsara Maneth was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the • Under 17 team became the Champions tournament whilst Yeshan Sahasra was adjudged • Yeshan Sahasra was the Most Valuable Player of under 17 tournament the Best Offensive Player of the Tournament. • Vinu Weeramanthri was the Best Offensive Player of under 17 tournament • Under 19 team positioned in the 3rd place Old Anandians’ Basketball wing represented following tournaments during 2014 and achieved following. • St.Eugens Trophy – Became the plate runner-up • Mutuwal Tournament – Became the plate runner-up Basket Ball Ananda Athletics team participated in various meets during 2014 namely in Circuit, District, provincial, Junior Nationals, John Tarbets and Relay carnival and National and some International meets. Following are the few key achievements. Became runners up in the Borella circuit meet • Jith Silva, set a new game record in u 17 long jump at the Western Provincial meet, with a distance of 6.83 meters • Arosh Kariyawasam, set a new game record in u 19, 100 m at the National Schools Festival, with a timing of 10.69 seconds. (Arosh in the National pool at the 6th place) • At the Junior Nationals Ananda secured one first place, two second places, one third place Athletics • At the Asian junior championship meet in Taipei, Arosh Kariyawasam, became 4th place at 100m 14 Very positive approached by the Senior and Junior badminton teams this year too. Ananda have emerged Championships in age groups of Under 15 and 19 at the National Schools Championships in 2014. Badminton This is year too Ananda excelled in this sport and became overall All Island Inter- Schools Champions with following aged group’s achievements. • All island inter-school under 10 ‘B’ Division Champions • All island inter-school under 10 ‘C’ Division Runner-up • All island inter-school under 12 ‘D’ and ‘E’ Champions • All island inter-school under 14 ‘D’ Division champions • All island inter-school under 16 ‘B’ and ‘C’ runner-up • All island inter-school under 18 ‘C’ Champs & ‘D’ Runner-up Apart from above achievement, Ananda became the runners-up in the Western province National schools Table Tennis championship in the under 15 and under 19 age categories. • Under 19 Hockey team emerged Bowl runners up at the “Seetha Devi Invitational Hockey Tournament” • College under 19 reached semifinals in Colombo Schools under 19 Hockey Tournament • Under 15 hockey team reached up to semi-finals in All Island Sri Lanka Schools • College under 19 captain – Nadun Rambukpotha was selected to represent Sri Lanka Schools Hockey under 19 team for both Junior National and Senior National Hockey Tournament Our rowing team performed will in the year 2014 with following Achievements. • Winners of Vanlangen berg pairs 2014 • Senior Nationals – Cox four bronze, Double scull bronze and Cox less pair broze • Junior Nationals – U 18 Double scull Gold, Cox four silver and Cox less pair Silver Rowing • Under 16 and Under 14 were overall champions winning several Gold and Silver ware Ananda performed particularly well at the junior player’s skills. Present clay-based courts are unusable for almost half of the year due to rainfall. Hence a level during 2014, which generally used to be project is underway to convert the courts in to a hard surface. Ananda excelled in the Inter schools tennis dominated by Royal & St. Thomas in the past. tournament 2014 and have achieved the following: Ananda Tennis wing along with OASC have taken • Under 15 championship initiative to develop the infrastructure for tennis at Ananda. As the first step, flood-lights were • Under 17 championship fitted and commissioned at the courts as lighting Junior level performance as per below: is one of the critical requirements for developing Carlton Inter School –Junior Inter School Tennis ‘B’ Div. Inter School Tennis ‘C’ Div. Tournament 2014 Tournament 2014 Tournament 2014 Under 07 Runner up Under 7 champions Under 07 champions Under 08 champions Under 10 champions Under 08 champions Under 10 champions Under 12 Runner up under 10 Runner up Under 12 Runner up Under 15 Runner up Under 12 Champions Tennis Overall champions Overall Runners-up Overall champions 15 ACHIEVEMENTS Thilak Karunaratne, Immediate Past President of Regulatory Affairs. Wijayawardhane is an Chandika Hathurusingha, former Sri Lanka Test – ACOBA, was re-appointed as Chairman of the Attorney-at-Law with an LL.B (Hon.) degree from and ODI cricketer, was appointed Head Coach Securities and Exchanges Commission of Sri the University of Colombo and has been with the by the Bangladesh Cricket Board for a 2 – year Lanka. He is a Chartered Chemist and also the CSE for over 20 years. period in May 2014. Managing Director of Multiform Chemicals (Pvt) Ltd. Yuwanjana Wanasundera Wijayathilake, Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, B.A. (Econ) Solicitor General, was sworn in as the 28th (Sp) (SJP); M.A.Econ (Colombo); M.Sc.Econ. Isuru Samarasinghe, Past President – ACOBA Attorney General of Sri Lanka. Completing 34 of Rural Dev. (Saga, Japan); Ph.D. Econ. of and Managing Director – Unitrades Ltd was years of service in legal profession, he has also Rural Dev. (Kagoshima , Japan) was appointed elected President of the Sri Lanka – Russia served as Deputy Solicitor General and Additional Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Solicitor General. Jayewardenepura. Commerce for 2014/2015 at its 11th Annual General Meeting on in October, at the Russian Nanda Muruttettuwegama assumed duties as Nawarathne Bandara, was appointed Centre Colombo. the Chairman of SLBC. He is a Attorney At Law. President's Counsel. Hiran Karunaratne, Director – Regency Teas Yasantha Kodagoda, Additional Solicitor M.C. Wickramasekare, was appointed General (Pvt) Ltd will serve the Sri Lanka – Russia General, was appointed a President’s Counsel. Manager, Ceylon Electricity Board Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for 2014/2015 committee as its Prasanna Premarathna, was appointed Upali Marasinghe, was appointed Secretary to Immediate Past President. Chairman Regional Development Bank the Ministry of Education Renuke Wijayawardhane, was appointed Chief Dr. Nilanga Samarasinghe was appointed Maj. General L.W.C.B.B. Rajaguru, was Operating Officer of Colombo Stock Exchange. Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs appointed Director of National Cadet Corps He was formerly the Assistant General Manager Control Board with effect 6th February. Mass Media & Communication-Sub Committee Shashika Ranasinghe Dinith Chintaka Karunaratne Gajaba Ariyadasa Roshan Thotahewa Sujeewa Ruwan Fernando Theja Perera Thilina Pathirana Nipun Warusawithana Bimal Wijayasinghe Yasas Randunu Ariyaratne Kamantha Marambage Shashika Jayathilake (Chair of Sub-Committee) (Sec. of Sub-Committee) Absent : Absent : Ratna Upatissa Marasinghe, Nikapitiya S.P.K. Algama Januka Nanayakkara Viraj Gunaratne Anuja Gunarathne Minidu Abeysekera Graphics & Layout Photgraphy by Manjula Makolage - 0776019296 / 0715331744 / [email protected] 16