St. Thomas’ College Matale, the premier boys’ school in the Matale District, is
celebrating its 150th anniversary today. The formal celebration ceremony will be
held on Sunday, August 13th, at 10:00 AM on the school premises. The event will
be graced by His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Chief Guest,
and Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premajayanthe, the Minister of Education, will also be in
attendance.
Established in 1873 under the church, the school’s inaugural class included 75
boys and 12 girls. In 1876, Rev. Fr. Aloysius J. M. Marrer divided the school into
separate boys’ and girls’ schools. St. Thomas’ College became a governmentcontrolled
institution in 1962. Currently, the school accommodates over 2, 700
students, supported by more than 150 academic and non-academic staff
members under the leadership of Principal Dammika Hewawasam.
Throughout the years, the college has consistently produced top-ranking students
in GCE A/L examinations across various streams. St. Thomas’ College Matale has
also gained renown for its prowess in hockey, having clinched the all-island title
on multiple occasions.
Distinguished alumni currently serving in prominent positions, including Prime
Minister’s Secretary Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Chief of Defence Staff General
Shavendra Silva, and President of BASL Mr. Kaushalya Nawarathne, will also be
participating in the main event on Sunday. Beyond the main Old Boys Association
in Matale, St. Thomas’ College boasts Old Boys Association branches in Kandy,
Colombo, the UK, and Australia. The school warmly invites all former Thomians to
join in the main event, and further details can be obtained by contacting 066 222
2523.