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Trinity College, Kandy
Trinity College, Kandy
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Trinity College, Kandy is a private Anglican boys' school located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It offers both day and boarding facilities. It was founded in 1872 by British Anglican missionaries of the Church Missionary Society, modelled on British public school tradition.[2] Trinity offers primary and secondary education and is managed by the Anglican Church of Ceylon.[3][4]

Key Information

History

[edit]
Rev. J. Ireland Jones (1857-1860), founder of the Kandy Collegiate School
Rev. Richard Collins (1872-1878), founder of Trinity College

In 1857 the local Anglican community in Kandy urged the Church Mission Society (CMS) to establish a school for boys in the area.[5] On 16 October 1857 the Rev. John Ireland Jones arrived from England, establishing the Kandy Collegiate School.[6][7] The school operated for approximately six years.[7]

In 1872 the CMS sent out the Rev. Richard Collins, the principal of the CMS Syrian College of Travancore to re-open the collegiate school in Kandy.[8] On 18 January 1872, it was re-opened as the Trinity College and Collegiate School, with the Collins as principal[9][10] and by the end of that year there were 120 enrolled students.[7] The school library was opened in 1875. Early in 1877 the Collegiate School name was dropped and it simply became Trinity College.[7] Rev. Collins left in 1878[11] and Thomas Dunn became acting principal of the school. In 1879 the college was affiliated with the University of Calcutta.[12]

In 1880 the Rev. John G. Garrett was appointed as principal of the school and by the following year enrolments had increased to 238 students, with 30 boarders.[7] In 1885 Garrett had to resign due to ill health and was replaced by the Rev. Dr. E. Noel Hodges, formerly the principal of the Noble High School, Machilipatnam.[7] In 1889 Dr. Hodges was appointed as the Anglican Bishop of Travancore and Cochin and his post at Trinity was taken by Rev. Edward John Perry, who had been a master at Merchant Taylors' School.[7][13] On 2 April 1890, Perry was accidentally shot dead near Alutnuwara, whilst on a visit to the Vedda people in the area.[7][13][14] The Rev. J. W. Fall, who was the vice-principal, became the acting principal until the arrival of the Rev. Henry Percy Napier-Clavering, in June 1890.[7] At that time Trinity had 298 students, of whom sixty-three were boarders.[7]

In August 1900 Napier-Clavering resigned to return to England and attend to family matters.[7] He was replaced by Rev. Robert William Ryde, who had previously been the vice-principal at the school from 1895 to 1899 before becoming the principal at St. John's College, Jaffna.[7] Rev. Ryde held this post for a brief two years, leaving in 1902.[7] In 1902 the Rev. J. Carter became the temporary principal followed by a succession of temporary principals, including the Rev. Napier-Clavering[15] and the Rev. A. MacLulich.

On 5 November 1904, the Rev. Alexander Garden Fraser was appointed as the principal of the school.[7][16] During Fraser's tenure he transformed a provincial school into a nationally recognised institution.[9][17] His educational reforms included the introduction of Sinhalese and Tamil into the curriculum and increased its involvement in the local community.[18][19] He was responsible for a number of building projects, including the Asgiriya Stadium and the Trinity College Chapel. He served continuously as the principal for eighteen years until 1922, his service was only interrupted by two years when he served as an army chaplain with the British Expeditionary Force in France during World War I.

The school was headed from 1925 to 1935 by Canon John McLeod Campbell[20] (who later served as chaplain to the Royal Family). McLeod Campbell retired in 1935[21] and was replaced by Rev. Robert Stopford. Stopford was the last English-born principal of the school,[22] remaining in the position for five years. He later became Bishop of London. During his tenure, the college hall was gifted by a former student, A. H. T. De Soysa.[23][24] In 1940 the Church Missionary Society handed control of the school to an independent board of governors.

The board's first appointment was C. E. Simithraaratchy, the first old boy and Ceylonese-born principal, who ran the school from 1941 until 1951, including the Second World War years. His successor was Norman Sydney Walter, from 1952 to 1957. Walter returned to England and later became the headmaster of Loughborough Grammar School.[25] The responsibility for the school was then passed onto Cedric James Oorloff (formerly the principal of Wesley College, Colombo)[26] between 1957 and 1968.[27] In 1968 E. Lionel Fernando became the second former student to be appointed as the school's principal. His tenure ran for nine years, until 1977. At which time W. G. Wickremasinghe (the principal of Carey College, Colombo) was appointed as principal of the school.[28] He was followed by Lt. Col. Leonard M. De Alwis in 1988 who was responsible for the Pallekele Rugby Stadium.[29][30] He administered the school until 1998 and resigned to take on the role as the inaugural principal of Springfield College, Kandy.[31][32] De Alwis was succeeded by Warren Ranjithan Breckenridge. Breckenridge was a former student at Trinity and a professor of zoology at Peradeniya University, a post he held until 1998 when he was appointed the principal of Trinity.[33] Following Breckenridge's retirement the college in 2003 appointed Roderick Gilbert as the school's principal.[34] Gilbert, an Indian-born Englishman, who was previously the principal at the Hebron School in Ootacamund, India.[35] Brig. Udaya Aryaratne[36] was the principal from 2008 to 2015 and was succeeded by former vice principal Colin B. Ratnayake, as the acting principal until the appointment of Andrew Fowler-Watt in 2016.

Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB assumed the role of principal, succeeding Andrew Fowler-Watt, effective from 1 October 2020.[37]

World War I

[edit]
  • Top left: World War I memorial at Trinity College.
  • Top right: The plaque at the memorial.
  • Middle: MG 08 heavy machine gun.
  • Bottom: The ceremonial unveiling by the Governor in 1919.

Trinity College and two other English missionary schools, namely S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia and Kingswood College, Kandy, and the state school Royal College, Colombo, had students who served in the First World War. Among the Trinitians, Aelian Perera was awarded a commission with the Durham Light Infantry and J. W. S. Bartholomeusz received the Croix de Guerre of the first class for his valour.[38][39]

The World War I memorial of a German machine gun stands overlooking the quadrangle in front of the Alison house. The memorial is based on traditional Sri Lankan architecture and was unveiled on behalf of King George V on 16 October 1919 by Sir William Henry Manning, the Governor of Ceylon.[40] The memorial commemorates the service of 65 former students and staff from Trinity, including principal, Rev. A. G. Fraser, who fought in the First World War.

The Governor in his commendatory tribute stated:

To me, Trinity College has a record and a Roll of Honour of which it may be justly proud. I find that 65 masters, men and boys gave their services overseas during the war and of these 65, there were no fewer than 33 casualties – 13 killed, 18 wounded, and two taken prisoner by the Germans. Now that is 50% of the number that proceeded to the battlefront. It is a record, I repeat again of which Trinity College may well be proud of – a record, I am sure you will agree with me, which any battalion, any regiment, any unit of His Majesty's service would be proud of.

— William Henry Manning[40]

The centre of the memorial is a Maschinengewehr 08, which was captured from an enemy encampment. The machine gun was the first noteworthy war trophy gifted by the King to Ceylon. Trinity was the first school outside the United Kingdom to be so honoured.[40][41]

Principals

[edit]
As of 1 October 2020
Principals of Trinity College: 1860–present
Portrait Name Start End Notes
Kandy Collegiate School
John Ireland Jones, MA (Dubl) 1860 1872 Founder of the Kandy Collegiate School[a]
Trinity College, Kandy
Richard Collins, MA (Cantab) 1872 1878 First principal of Trinity College
John G. Garrett, MA (Dubl) 1880 1886
Edward Noel Hodges, MA (Oxon), DD 1886 1889 Bishop Emeritus of Travancore and Cochin
Edward John Perry, MA (Oxon) 1889 1890 [b][c]
Henry Percy Napier-Clavering, MA (Cantab) 1890 1900
Robert William Ryde, MA (Cantab) 1900 1902 [d]
Alexander Garden Fraser, MA (Oxon), CBE 1904 1924
John McLeod Campbell, MA (Oxon), MC, DD 1924 1935
Robert Stopford, MA (Oxon), DD, KCVO, CBE 1935 1941
C. E. Simithraaratchy, BSc (Cey.) 1941 1951 The first Ceylonese and the first alumnus to serve as principal
Norman Sydney Walter, MA (Oxon) 1951 1957
Cedric James Oorloff, BA (Lond), CCS 1957 1968
E. Lionel Fernando, BA (Cey.) 1968 1977
W. G. Wickremasinghe, MA (Oxon), DD 1978 1988 Former president of the Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya
Leonard M. De Alwis, MA (Hull) 1988 1998
Warren Ranjithan Breckenridge, BSc (Cey.), PhD (McGill) 1998 2003
Roderick Gilbert, B.Ed. (Lond) 2004 2008 [e]
W. Gamini Kumara Udaya Aryaratne, B.Tech. (CME, Pune) 2014 2015 [f][g]
Andrew Fowler-Watt, MA (Cantab) 2016 2020 [45]
Araliya Jayasundara OSB, MSc, MA (Pera), MPhil, SLPS 2020 present [37][h]

School song and hymn

[edit]

The school song, "The Best School of All", was adapted from a poem composed by Sir Henry Newbolt in 1889 as a song for Old Boys of Clifton College in Bristol - his alma mater. The tune of the school song was composed by Lawrence Arthur Adamson, headmaster of Wesley College, Melbourne in 1907.[46][47]

The words of the school hymn were composed by Walter Stanley Senior and is sung to the hymn tune, "Bishopgarth" composed by Arthur Sullivan for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Senior was the vice-principal at the college for ten years (1906–1916), he also deputised as acting principal for a short period in the absence of Alexander Fraser.[48][49]

College crest

[edit]
Coat of arms of Trinity College, Kandy
Notes
The Crest was designed in 1912 by the school's vice-principal, Rev. Lewis John Gaster, who was a qualified architect and draughtsman. It first appeared in the debut of the school's magazine, published in 1921.
Adopted
1922
Motto
Respice finem
(Latin for "Look to the end")
Symbolism
The lion: Poised atop the shield, symbolising strength and vigilance.
The three crowns: Representing the Holy Trinity, a core element of Christian doctrine.
The cross: Emphasising the college's Christian missionary roots.
Colours: Roaring red, glorious gold, and brilliant blue, each chosen for their historical and symbolic significance.
The scholastic scroll: A scroll of wisdom, underscoring the college's dedication to academic excellence.
Previous versions
The school crest has evolved twice since the inception in 1857.[50][51][52]

Origins and inspiration

[edit]

The crest's design draws inspiration from the crests of Clifton College, a boarding school influenced by Rugby School, and Trinity College, Cambridge.[51][52]

  • Lion: The Lankan lion atop the shield, holding a sword in its right paw, is derived from the Sinhalese flag.
  • Cross: Replacing the chevrons used in the Clifton College and Trinity College, Cambridge crests, the cross represents the college's Christian heritage.
  • Three crowns: Adapted from the coronets of University of Oxford, these signify the Holy Trinity and convey a sense of nobility, reflecting the influence of Trinity College, Cambridge.
  • Motto: Respice finem emphasises the importance not only of perseverance to the end but also of maintaining the highest standards and ideals throughout.

Awards

[edit]

Ryde Gold Medal

[edit]

The Ryde Gold Medal is awarded each year to the "best all-round boy" at Trinity.[53] The Ryde Gold Medal is the highest honour that the school can bestow. It is awarded on the result of a secret ballot conducted among the senior boys and the staff whose votes, together with that of the principal, each count as one. While this system makes deadlock possible, it is only on four occasions that the medal has not been awarded as a result of the three votes going to three different people.[53] The medal cannot be won more than once.[54]

The Ryde Gold Medal was first presented in 1908 to John Andrew, but he was not the first boy in the history of the school to be adjudged the best all-rounder. Historical records show that such a prize has been awarded as early as 1894.[53] The Ryde Gold Medal is named after R. W. Ryde, a former principal of Trinity (1900–1902).

Notable winners of the Ryde Gold Medal include Dr Jayantha Dhanapala (1956), the former Under Secretary-General of the UN and senior special advisor to presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Mahinda Rajapakse, former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar (1949), former vice-president and CIO of the World Bank; M.V. Muhsin (1962), first Ceylonese IGP and Ambassador Sir Richard Aluwihare (1915) and Sri Lankan Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara (1996).

Trinity Lion

[edit]

The Trinity Lion is the most prestigious award a sportsman can achieve at Trinity.[55] Rugby Lions were awarded in 1915, to A. Halangoda and R. Ondaatje. Since then there have been 129 Rugby Lionsmen (until 2004). Notable awardees of Trinity Lions include former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar; former Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa: Sri Lankan Cricketers Kumar Sangakkara, Ravi Ratnayeke, Olympic Silver Medalist Duncan White and former major general and Ambassador Niranjan A Ranasinghe. There has been one Triple Lion in Trinity's history which is Thushara Weerasooriya who achieved this feat in 1986 in Rugby, Cricket, and Athletics.[56]

Day and boarding houses

[edit]
Alison (left) and Napier (right) houses after WWI

Trinity College rose into prominence as a Boarding School since its inception in 1872. The boarding system got referred to as the "Backbone of college". Often, well to do parents from all around Ceylon, the British Empire, and the world sent their children to the Trinity boarding. Royal families in Uganda, Gold Coast (Ghana), Brunei and Maldives, to respectable communities in China and the Middle East, boarded their children at Trinity in the days of old.[57]

The senior school students are divided into five houses. Their names are derived from past principals and teachers of the college. There are three boarding houses, however, due to low numbers of boarders they collectively compete as the Central Boarding House.[58] The houses are led by House Captains, competing in all major games to win the inter-house competitions.

Central Boarding House

[edit]
Arms of Napier House
Napier House
  • Colours: Red and White
  • The first official Senior Boarding House was started in 1898 and constructed by Rev H. P. Napier-Clavering and later named after him as Napier House. The UNESCO declared Napier house as a conserved structure within the world heritage city of Kandy.
Alison House
  • Colours: Blue and White
  • On 7 June 1909, the foundation stone of Alison house was laid by Mrs Fraser. Alison house was designed by Norman S. Campbell and was constructed by Messrs. Walker, Sons & Co. Ltd. The opening ceremony of the Alison House took place on 17 December 1909 in the presence of Ernest Arthur Copleston D. D. Bishop of Colombo. The Governor, Sir Henry Edward McCallum, opened the Laboratories by unlocking the main door with a silver key handed to him by the principal, Rev. A. G. Fraser. The new dormitory got named after Alison Watson, the daughter of Mr William Watson of Newcastle, whom Fraser appointed as honorary secretary and treasurer of the Trinity College Extension Fund in Great Britain.[59]
Ryde House
  • Colours: Black and Yellow
  • Ryde House got opened as the 3rd boarding house of Trinity in 1911, during the tenure of Alexander Garden Fraser. Ryde house got named after Robert William Ryde - the sixth principal of Trinity College.

Houses of day scholars

[edit]
Garret House
  • Colours: Green
  • Established: 1910 (named after the third principal, Rev. John Garrett)
Lemuel House
  • Colours: Blue
  • Established: 1954 (named after C. N. Lemuel, a long-serving teacher at Trinity College)
Oorloff House
  • Colours: Maroon
  • Established : (named after the thirteenth principal, Cedric Oorloff)
Simithraaratchy House
  • Colours: Yellow
  • Established : (named after the eleventh principal, C. E. Simithraaratchy)

Junior boarding

[edit]

The junior boarding accommodates students from Grades 4 to 7. In the past, 5-year-olds got housed in the matron's dormitory from where they went to the Junior School Boarding Houses, named after former principals Collins, Hodges and Perry. Between the junior and senior houses, the boarders got housed in a dormitory referred to as Squealary, which got further divided into Junior, Senior and Super. And within these houses, they had separate sections named after three well-known British Public Schools, Eton, Harrow and Rugby. Currently, the boarding does not issue admission to students below fourth grade.[60]

Co-curricular activities

[edit]

School choir

[edit]

The Trinity College choir was established with the inception of the school in 1872, with Clement Edwards as the founding choirmaster.[61] In 1946, the annual performance of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols commenced, and it continues to be held during Advent.[62] On 1 February 2018, the choir performed in honour of the visit to Trinity College by Prince Edward, then the Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.[63][64] In addition to A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the choir stages another performance during Lent on Palm Sunday, titled The Cross and Triumph of Christ[61] as well as various other performances throughout the year.[65][66]

Extracurricular activities

[edit]

Sports

[edit]

Sports are a major part of Trinity's curriculum, history and culture, with cricket and rugby union being the most prominent.[67]

Sports facilities

[edit]

The school owns and manages the Asgiriya Stadium and the Trinity College Rugby Stadium, which are used for cricket and rugby respectively.[68][69][70] In addition, these venues host other sports as well.[71]

Cricket

[edit]

Trinity adopted cricket in 1893. The initial cricket fixtures featured teams consisting of both staff and students.[72]

Battle of the Blues

[edit]

The Battle of the Blues (Kandy), also referred to as the Trinity–Antonian Cricket Encounter, stands as the sixth oldest traditional school cricket match, commonly known as a Big Match, held annually in Sri Lanka. Dating back to March 1914, this encounter sees Trinity College and St. Anthony's College, engage in a three-day cricket contest.[i] The John Halangoda Memorial Trophy is awarded to the victor of the match, determined by either an outright win or, failing that, a first innings triumph.[73]

Following the conclusion of the three-day match[i], a limited-overs encounter is typically held a week later. This series was inaugurated in 1980 and the winning team is awarded the Sir Richard Aluwihare Trophy.[74]

As of 12 April 2025, the three-day encounter has been contested 106 times. Trinity leads the series with 23 wins, St. Anthony's has 11 wins and 72 matches have ended in draws. The limited-overs encounter has been contested 43 times, with Trinity leading the series with 21 wins, St. Anthony's securing 17 wins, one match ending in a tie and four matches producing no result.[75][76]

Mahela-Sanga Challenge Trophy

[edit]

The Mahela–Sanga Challenge Trophy is awarded to the winners of the annual inter-school cricket fixture between Trinity College and Nalanda College. Named after two prominent cricketers produced by the schools, Kumar Sangakkara of Trinity and Mahela Jayawardene of Nalanda, it was introduced in 2019. The Trinity–Nalanda cricket encounter has been an annual fixture since 1978.[77]

Rugby

[edit]

Trinity adopted rugby in 1906. On 11 August 1906, the first inter-school rugby match in the country was played between Trinity and Kingswood College, ending in a 6–6 draw.[78]

On 2 August 2025, Trinity College won the 2025 Dialog Schools Rugby League, securing the domestic inter-school rugby title with one game remaining.[79][80][81] This was Trinity's first title win since 1987.[82]

Bradby Shield Encounter

[edit]

The annual Bradby Shield Encounter is regarded as one of the premier sporting events in Sri Lanka. It is contested between Trinity College and Royal College on a home-and-away basis, with the winner determined by the aggregate score across both matches.[83][84][85]

Trinity College and Royal College were among the pioneer schools in British Ceylon to adopt rugby as a sport, in 1906 and 1916 respectively. The first rugby encounter between the two schools took place on 31 July 1920, with Trinity emerging victorious by 26–0.[86] In 1945, the outgoing principal of Royal College, E. L. Bradby, presented a shield, with the support of the then principal of Trinity College, C. E. Simithraaratchy, to be awarded annually in a two-legged rugby encounter. The inaugural Bradby Shield matches were held on 13 and 20 July 1945 and the encounter was won by Trinity with an aggregate score of 6–3.[86][87]

In 1971, only the first leg of the 27th encounter was held due to the 1971 JVP insurrection. Royal College was awarded the Shield based on the result of the first leg, which they won 22–3. The series was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in its history that it was completely halted.[88][89]

As of 6 September 2025, the Bradby Shield has been contested 79 times. Trinity leads the series with 40 wins, Royal has 37 and two encounters have ended in draws.[86][90][91]

Publications and the digital archive

[edit]

During the 3rd rendition of the Annual Fraser Memorial Oration on 12 February 2024, The Trinity Story 1872–2022, a book providing a narrative of the life and times of Trinity as envisioned by the founding fathers and spanning 150 years, was launched. The first copy was presented to the principal.

The Trinity Digital History website was also launched on the same date. This website serves as a comprehensive digital archive of Trinity's historical records spanning from 1872 onwards.[92]

Alumni

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Trinity College, Kandy is a private Anglican boys' day and located in , . Founded on 17 January 1872 by the Reverend Richard Collins as part of the Church Missionary Society's efforts to establish Christian education in the region, the institution was modeled after British public schools to foster academic, moral, and physical development among its students. With its motto Respice Finem ("Look to the End"), the school emphasizes , enrolling over 3,000 boys from kindergarten through the Advanced Level.
The college has earned a reputation as one of Sri Lanka's premier educational institutions, distinguished by its rigorous curriculum, strong emphasis on discipline and leadership, and outstanding performance in extracurricular activities, particularly in and , where it has secured multiple national titles including all three major cricket championships in a single season. Recent athletic achievements include setting national records in relay events and clinching overall championships in provincial meets. Under successive principals from the Anglican clergy, such as Alexander G. Fraser, the school expanded its influence, establishing teacher training initiatives and educating students from diverse nationalities. Its enduring legacy reflects a commitment to producing well-rounded individuals through a blend of intellectual pursuit, ethical grounding, and competitive spirit.

History

Founding and Missionary Origins (1872–1900)

Trinity College, Kandy, emerged from the missionary endeavors of the Church Missionary Society (CMS), an Anglican evangelical organization that commenced operations in Ceylon shortly after its cession to Britain in 1815, with initial missionaries arriving in 1817 to establish schools promoting Christian education and literacy. The direct antecedent was the Kandy Collegiate School, founded in 1857 by Rev. Ireland Jones under CMS auspices, which provided secondary education but closed in the late 1860s amid financial and enrollment challenges. Responding to persistent appeals from Sinhalese elites for a revived institution offering British-style education, the CMS appointed Rev. Richard Collins—previously principal of its Syrian College in and a graduate of —as principal to reopen the school on January 17, 1872, initially as the Trinity College and Collegiate School. Under Collins' leadership from 1872 to 1878, the college adopted a modeled on British schools, emphasizing classical languages, , and moral instruction infused with , with an initial teaching staff of four including headmaster Alfred Clerk and choirmaster Clement Edwards. The institution prioritized boarding for boys from diverse ethnic backgrounds, aiming to cultivate disciplined Christian gentlemen capable of in colonial , while conducting services in the local chapel. In 1876, it was formally renamed Trinity College, reflecting its Trinitarian Christian foundation, and by 1879 achieved affiliation with the , enabling students to sit for external matriculation exams. Following Collins' departure, Rev. J.G. Garrett served as principal from 1878 to 1883, succeeded by Rev. E.N. Hodges until 1888, during which periods the school expanded its infrastructure, including dormitories and playing fields, and reinforced its missionary ethos through compulsory chapel attendance and studies. These early leaders, all CMS appointees, navigated challenges such as limited funding and cultural resistance by integrating local customs with evangelical goals, gradually increasing enrollment to over 100 pupils by the 1890s and establishing a reputation for producing who excelled in and professions. By 1900, the college had solidified its role as a of CMS educational outreach in Ceylon, blending rigorous academics with unapologetic Christian formation.

Early 20th-Century Expansion and World War I Involvement

Under the principalship of Rev. R. W. Ryde from 1900 to 1902, Trinity College continued its development as a , building on prior growth in student numbers and facilities established in the late . Temporary leadership followed, including Rev. J. Carter in 1902 and Rev. H. P. Napier-Clavering, during which the school maintained operations amid administrative transitions. Rev. Alexander Garden Fraser assumed the principalship in 1904 and served until 1924, transforming the institution from a provincial entity into a nationally prominent through rigorous academic standards, character formation, and enhancements. His tenure emphasized adapted to colonial Ceylon, fostering enrollment expansion and the construction of key venues that supported extracurricular activities. Trinity College's involvement in World War I began in November 1914, when Principal Fraser led 29 former students and staff on a 90-mile route march from to to enlist in the British forces. A total of 65 Trinitians, including Fraser himself, served in the conflict; 13 lost their lives, 18 were wounded, and two were taken prisoner. Among the early volunteers were four students—Richard Aluwihare, Albert Halangoda, and two others—who departed for the front in September 1915. In recognition of their sacrifices, King George V gifted a captured German Maschinengewehr 08 to the college in 1919, which was unveiled on October 16 of that year by Ceylon's Governor, Sir William Manning, as a war memorial overlooking the central quadrangle. The monument, incorporating the gun seized from enemy lines, symbolizes the school's contribution to the Allied effort and remains a focal point of remembrance.

Mid-20th-Century Reforms and Post-Independence Adaptation (1900–1970)

Rev. Alexander Garden Fraser, serving as principal from to , implemented significant reforms that elevated Trinity College from a provincial to a nationally recognized . He emphasized , introducing competitive sports such as rugby and to foster discipline and teamwork, while expanding facilities and enrollment to attract students from across Ceylon. These changes, including the establishment of inter-school rivalries and a focus on character development over , laid the foundation for the school's enduring reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence. Under Rev. J. McLeod Campbell, principal from 1924 to 1935, the school continued to prioritize spiritual and moral education alongside academics, maintaining the amid growing calls for localization in colonial education. Campbell's tenure saw steady institutional growth, with enhancements to boarding facilities and adaptations to prepare students for entrance and . His leadership reinforced the school's commitment to producing leaders of integrity, as evidenced by contributions to Ceylon's administrative and sectors. In 1940, the Church Missionary Society transferred control of Trinity College to an independent Board of Governors, marking a pivotal shift toward local autonomy as Ceylon approached independence. The board's inaugural principal, C. E. Simithraaratchy, an old boy and the first Ceylonese-born head, served from 1941 to 1951, navigating the challenges of , including resource shortages and student mobilization efforts. This period saw the construction of the College Hall in 1940, funded by alumni, enhancing assembly and ceremonial capacities. Following Ceylon's independence in 1948, Trinity adapted to the new national context by increasing Sinhalese and Tamil enrollment while preserving its English-medium instruction and Anglican traditions amid the 1956 Sinhala Only policy. Under subsequent principals like Norman S. Walter, the school expanded day student intake, closing junior boarding in 1956 to accommodate rising demand from local families. These adaptations ensured the institution's relevance, producing graduates who contributed to Sri Lanka's post-colonial governance and economy without succumbing to full state .

Modern Era and Recent Infrastructure Developments (1970–Present)

In the period following Sri Lanka's independence, Trinity College experienced sustained enrollment growth, expanding from a mid-20th-century base to over 3,000 students by the early , reflecting increased demand for its rigorous Anglican model amid national educational expansions. The school's centenary celebrations in 1972 marked a milestone, highlighting its adaptation to post-colonial contexts while preserving traditions like character-building through sports and academics. Leadership transitioned through several principals, including figures like in the early 2000s, who emphasized continuity in ethos, followed by Andrew Fowler-Watt until 2020, and Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB from October 1, 2020, onward, under whom the institution integrated modern pedagogical opportunities while upholding historical values. The Trinity150 initiative, launched in anticipation of the 150th anniversary in 2022, drove significant infrastructure upgrades funded largely by alumni contributions, addressing aging facilities and enhancing capacity for a growing student body. Key projects included the renovation of historical buildings such as (a dormitory named after Alison Watson and originally constructed in the early ) and Napier House, restoration of the Quadrangle, and construction of a new Abeyratne facility. Additional developments encompassed a new sports hall at Asgiriya, a laboratory block, a commerce block, and a dining hall with kitchen complex to support boarding operations. A 100kWp project, sponsored by the Class of 1992, was also implemented to promote . Post-2022, the school's roadmap for 2023–2030 continued modernization efforts, with the commissioning of a new Building in January 2025 to bolster STEM facilities, alongside ongoing classroom upgrades and learning space improvements. These investments, totaling substantial sums from old boys' associations and philanthropists, have prioritized functional enhancements over expansion for expansion's sake, ensuring the campus supports both traditional boarding life and contemporary academic demands without compromising the institution's fiscal prudence.

Educational Philosophy and Academics

Core Curriculum and Academic Rigor

The core curriculum at Trinity College, Kandy, adheres to the Sri Lankan national education standards, focusing on preparation for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) examinations conducted by the . In the middle school (grades 6–9), students pursue seven foundational subjects: Vernacular language (Sinhala or Tamil), English as the link language, , , (encompassing , , and Civics), Religious Education, and Aesthetics (Art or Music). These subjects emphasize foundational , , scientific inquiry, and cultural awareness, with English serving as the primary to enhance global competitiveness. At the senior level, the curriculum divides into specialized streams for GCE A/L, including Physical Science (Combined Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Information and Communication Technology), Bio Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Technological Science (Science for Technology, Bio-systems Technology, Engineering Technology), Commerce (Accounting, Business Studies, Economics), and Arts (e.g., Media, Communication, Logic). Complementing the local program, the college offers international qualifications such as Cambridge or Edexcel Advanced Levels in subjects like Business Studies, which develop analytical skills in areas including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management. This dual-track approach allows flexibility, with A/L students typically dedicating eight terms to deepen subject expertise through intensive study. Academic rigor is embedded in the program's structure, featuring continuous evaluation via assignments, class tests, and term-end summative examinations that assess competency attainment across disciplines. The framework prioritizes addressing individual learning gaps through qualified instructors, fostering discipline and intellectual discipline in a boarding environment that minimizes distractions. This emphasis on structured progression and high expectations has established the college's reputation for maintaining elevated academic standards within Sri Lanka's Anglican school tradition.

Character Education and Christian Ethos

Trinity College, Kandy, established in 1872 by the Church Missionary Society, integrates Christian principles into its educational framework to foster moral and spiritual development alongside academic pursuits. The school's Anglican heritage emphasizes an environment where students grow in freedom, maturity, and self-reliance within a Christian context, promoting and mutual respect across multi-racial and multi-religious lines. This ethos is reflected in the commitment to nurturing timeless moral and spiritual values, aiming for holistic formation that contributes to a healthy democratic society. Central to the Christian ethos is the College Chapel, constructed in 1922, which serves as a spiritual focal point inspiring harmony, understanding, and community values among students. Regular chapel services and religious instruction instill core Christian doctrines, symbolized in the College Crest by the representing the Holy Trinity, alongside attributes like strength and vigilance embodied by the . The vision includes imparting values of charity, humility, and service, guided by Anglican founders' principles of respect and compassion. Character education manifests through positive discipline practices focused on social-emotional learning and restorative approaches, encouraging collaborative prevention of misconduct rather than punitive measures. These methods align with Christian teachings on and personal growth, prioritizing the development of and . The school's multi-cultural adaptation maintains this Christian foundation, as evidenced in initiatives like Social Services Week, which embody benevolent service rooted in over 150 years of . Discipline and moral education are enriched with , giving priority to building character that transcends .

Academic Achievements and Metrics

Trinity College Kandy demonstrates strong performance in Sri Lanka's national GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations, particularly in science streams, as measured by the Ministry of Education's School Performance Index (SPI), which evaluates schools based on values adjusted for pupil ability. In the 2019 GCE A/L examinations, the Bio Science stream recorded an SPI of 71, achieving 1st place island-wide, provincially, and in the among schools with 38 or more candidates. The Physical Science stream followed with an SPI of 59, securing 1st district rank, 2nd provincial, and 25th island-wide (73 candidates), while Commerce and Arts streams scored lower at 48 and 52 SPI respectively. Recent A/L results continue this trend of district-level excellence. In the 2023 GCE A/L examinations (held 2024), students achieved top grades including multiple A,A,A combinations with z-scores exceeding 2.0, such as 2.8917 for English medium Bio Science candidates, earning high district and island ranks. The 2024 examinations (results 2025) produced numerous district rankers across Biological, Physical Sciences, , and Commerce streams, with the school honoring top achievers for their contributions to overall academic success. At the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L), the school records consistent high achievers, with multiple students securing 9 'A' passes in the 2024/2025 examinations, recognized in a dedicated for exceptional performance. In international curricula, Trinity's International Advanced Level (IAL) candidates excelled in the May/June 2024 series, including A* grades in , , and Physics for students like Mohammed Umar Alak Bary, and A grades in , , and for others.
Examination YearKey MetricAchievement
2019 GCE A/L Bio SPI 711st Island Rank (38 candidates)
2023 GCE A/LZ-Score 2.8917Top District/Island Ranks
2024/2025 GCE O/L9 'A' PassesMultiple Students Honored
2024 IAL May/JuneA* in Math, Chem, PhysIndividual Top Performers

Leadership and Governance

Principals and Key Administrators

The principal of Trinity College, Kandy, holds responsibility for overall leadership, academic direction, and upholding the school's Anglican ethos. The role has evolved from in the founding era to include local lay educators and, more recently, a mix of clerical and secular figures. Rev. Richard Collins, M.A., served as the inaugural principal, reopening the institution on 17 January 1872 after its predecessor, the Kandy Collegiate School, had closed. Rev. John G. Garrett succeeded Collins around 1880, presiding over rapid expansion that saw enrollment rise to 238 students, including 30 boarders, by 1881. During the 1890s, under Rev. H. P. Napier-Clavering's tenure, emerged as a major sport, laying foundations for the school's athletic traditions. Rev. A. G. Fraser, principal by 1914, founded a teacher training college in , extending the school's influence in educator preparation. Rev. J. McLeod-Campbell followed Fraser as principal. Rev. R. W. Stopford led from 1935 to 1940, navigating pre-independence challenges. C. E. Simithraaratchy, the first alumnus and Sri Lankan-born principal, assumed office by 1941 and served through the period, including accepting the inaugural Bradby Shield from Royal College in 1945 to formalize the annual rugby rivalry. N. S. Walter succeeded Simithraaratchy, heading the school from 1952 to 1957 before returning to . Subsequent lay principals included C. J. Oorloff and Lionel Fernando in the mid- to late , followed by Rev. Dr. W. G. Wickremasinghe. In more recent decades, held the position as of 2019, succeeded by Andrew Fowler-Watt. The current principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, took office on 1 October 2020. Key administrators support in operations and academics. As of 2018, Ravi Amarasekara served as Head of Administration, overseeing daily management alongside roles like Manager Nirosha Gunawardane. The school's includes a Board of Governors, with figures such as Chairman Dushantha Lakshman in recent years, ensuring alignment with its foundational principles amid modern expansions.

Administrative Structure and Reforms

The Board of Governors serves as the primary of Trinity College, Kandy, responsible for strategic oversight, principal appointments, and major policy decisions, with representatives including those from the Old Boys' Association, tutorial staff, and the Parents-Teachers Association. acts as the , managing daily operations and academic , supported by a College Executive Council comprising senior administrators such as the Head of Administration and heads of key departments like . This structure aligns with the school's status as a private Anglican under the Church of Ceylon, emphasizing autonomy in curriculum and discipline while adhering to national educational regulations. A key administrative reform occurred in the mid-20th century when control transitioned from the Church Missionary Society to the Anglican Church of Ceylon around 1946, coinciding with post-World War II adaptations and preparations for Sri Lanka's independence in 1948; this shift localized governance, reducing direct British missionary influence and integrating more indigenous leadership. In January 2021, the Board ratified a new management framework, formalizing the College Executive Council to enhance operational efficiency, decision-making, and alignment with contemporary educational priorities such as infrastructure and student welfare. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to balance tradition with modernization, including periodic board reconstitutions to incorporate stakeholder input from alumni and parents.

Campus and Student Life

Facilities and Recent Expansions

Trinity College Kandy's encompasses historic boarding houses including Napier House and Alison House, built in 1910 and featuring a ground-floor dining hall, academic structures such as the Gaster Block, the constructed in a unique vernacular style, and sports facilities with access to for rugby and . The Trinity150 Infrastructure Initiative, initiated to mark the school's 150th anniversary in 2022, has driven major renovations and new constructions to update facilities while maintaining architectural heritage. Key restorations include Napier House, completed in July 2022, where the first floor was repurposed into multipurpose areas with classrooms, laboratories, and meeting rooms, alongside Quadrangle enhancements. New builds under the initiative comprise the Science Laboratory Complex, with foundations laid on June 13, 2023, incorporating three advanced laboratories, seven classrooms, and a resource room; a Commerce Block; Hall at Asgiriya; and a modern dining hall and kitchen complex. Renovations also extended to Alison House and the Abeyratne-Jeyaraj block, with landscape upgrades around Gaster and Abeyratne buildings completed in 2021 to improve green spaces. In February 2025, the college acquired the Kelvin Grove property adjacent to Drive to accommodate its expanding International Qualifications section, enhancing capacity for global curricula. The restoration, addressing murals and structural elements, reached completion in August 2025.

Boarding and Day Houses

Trinity College Kandy operates a house system modeled on those of British public schools such as Eton and Harrow, dividing students into competitive groups to promote rivalry in academics, sports, and character development through inter-house competitions. This structure fosters , , and camaraderie, with houses named primarily after former principals and overseen by house masters or parents. Boarding facilities accommodate a significant portion of the student body, emphasizing a structured "home away from home" environment that has been central to the school's identity since its founding. Senior boarding houses include Napier House, established in 1898 and named after Reverend H. P. Napier-Clavering, the third principal; Alison House, completed in 1910 and marking the formal inception of the ; and Ryde House, constructed in 1911 and honoring Reverend R. W. Ryde, the sixth principal. These houses provide dormitory-style living with recent renovations incorporating individual study areas, common rooms, and house parent supervision to support both full-time and limited weekly boarding options. The Junior Boarding House, dating to 1922, serves younger students and subdivides into Collins, Hodges, and Perry Houses, named after founder Richard Collins, Reverend E. N. Hodges, and Reverend E. J. Perry, respectively. Boarders follow a rigorous daily routine beginning at 5:30 a.m. with rising bell, dormitory inspections, classes, supervised study, and lights-out by 9:30 p.m., designed to instill habits of and self-reliance. Day scholars, comprising a smaller contingent historically, are grouped under Garret House, which integrates them into the competitive framework without residential facilities. This setup allows day boys to participate in house events while commuting, supported by organizations like the Day Scholars' Literary Union for extracurricular engagement. Inter-house competitions, including athletics and debates, reinforce the system's role in holistic student formation, with upgrades to boarding infrastructure funded by contributions in recent years.

Daily Routines and Traditions

Boarders at Trinity College, Kandy, follow a regimented daily designed to instill discipline, promote physical fitness, and support academic preparation. The routine commences with a rising bell at 5:30 a.m., followed by morning at 5:35 a.m. and cleaning at 5:45 a.m., after which students prepare for . An inspection and roll call occur at 6:00 a.m., requiring full , emphasizing and order. is served at 6:15 a.m., succeeded by a study period until 6:45 a.m., before begins at 7:20 a.m. Academic sessions conclude at 2:20 p.m., allowing time for lunch, after which students engage in sports or club activities from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., underscoring the school's commitment to holistic development through extracurricular involvement. Evening tea follows at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and a supervised study or preparation period from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Supper is provided at 9:15 p.m., with free time for showers until 9:45 p.m., and lights out enforced at 10:30 p.m. to ensure adequate rest. This structure applies to the approximately 800 boarders across junior, middle, and senior houses, fostering communal living and . Day students align with the core school hours, starting with a morning assembly or religious service at 7:25 a.m., which includes readings, announcements, and prayers reflective of the institution's Anglican foundations. Upper school assemblies occur on Mondays and Fridays in the College Hall, while gatherings are daily, reinforcing values of reverence and . The school day features eight academic periods until 2:20 p.m., integrating rigorous instruction with brief intervals. Embedded traditions enhance these routines, such as the mandatory inspections, which trace back to the school's British public school model established in , promoting hygiene and accountability. Weekly house-based activities during prep periods encourage peer mentorship and leadership, while the post-sports evening routine maintains a balance between exertion and recovery, a practice sustained over generations to build character and resilience. These elements collectively uphold the college's ethos of structured freedom within a disciplined framework.

Symbols and Traditions

College Crest and Its Symbolism

The crest of Trinity College, Kandy, features a heraldic with , surmounted by a golden Kandyan lion rampant, and the Latin motto Respice Finem inscribed on a below. This emblem encapsulates the institution's Christian heritage, national identity, and educational philosophy since its adoption in the early years of the school's founding in 1872. The three crowns on the shield, drawn from the armorial bearings of Oxford University, symbolize the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—underscoring the Anglican ethos established by the Church Missionary Society, which founded the college. The Kandyan lion above the shield represents the people of , evoking the island's historical monarchy and signifying strength, vigilance, and courage in the face of challenges. The motto Respice Finem, meaning "Look to the End," urges students and staff to prioritize enduring outcomes over immediate gains, fostering disciplined character formation aligned with the college's long-term vision of holistic development.

School Song, Hymn, and Ceremonial Practices

The school song of Trinity College, Kandy, titled "The Best School of All," was composed with lyrics by British poet Sir Henry Newbolt and first introduced in 1915. It evokes themes of nostalgia, loyalty, and the enduring spirit of the institution, beginning with the lines: "It's good to see the School we knew, / The land of youth and dream." The song is performed regularly at assemblies, sporting events, and gatherings, reinforcing communal identity among students and . The college hymn, authored by Rev. Walter Stanley Senior, serves as a spiritual counterpart, emphasizing guidance and moral growth amid the school's natural setting. Its opening stanza reads: "Where river, lake and mountain meet, / Our boyhood's home surrounding, / A path behold for youthful feet, / The path of life abounding." Sung during chapel services and commemorative occasions, the hymn underscores the Anglican foundations of the college while aligning with its ethos of holistic development. Ceremonial practices at Trinity College integrate with select local s, reflecting its historical context in . The annual Thanksgiving Service, held in the college , commemorates the institution's establishment in 1872; the 2025 event marked 153 years with hymns such as "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" and reflections on faith and excellence. Similarly, the —dedicated in 1935 and rededicated in August 2025 after restorations—hosts regular services blending Anglican rites with architectural nods to Kandyan styles. An additional is the Annual Pirith Ceremony and Almsgiving, involving Buddhist chanting (pirith) for blessings and merit-sharing, conducted since at least the early to foster interfaith in the school's diverse environment. These practices emphasize , , and cultural without supplanting the core Christian orientation.

Awards and Recognition

Internal Honors like Ryde Gold Medal and Trinity Lion

The Ryde Gold Medal, established in honor of former principal Rev. R. W. Ryde, is conferred annually upon the most outstanding all-round student at Trinity College, Kandy, for exceptional performance across academics, sports, leadership, and extracurricular service. This accolade represents the school's highest internal distinction, emphasizing holistic excellence rather than singular domain proficiency. Recipients, such as Abidh Jameel in 2023 for his dual eminence in studies and athletics, and Anuhas Kodithuwakku in 2024 for leadership and service, exemplify the medal's criteria of comprehensive achievement. The Trinity Lion constitutes the premier sports honor, awarded to athletes demonstrating superior skill, dedication, and impact, with origins tracing to rugby distinctions first granted in 1915. Bestowed through the annual Colours and Lions Awards ceremony, it celebrates sustained contributions in disciplines like rugby, , and , symbolizing the college's of resilience and competitive prowess. In 2023, select students received Lions for their roles in team successes, underscoring the award's focus on proven on-field excellence over mere participation. These honors, presented at dedicated events, reinforce internal recognition of merit-based accomplishments within the student body.

External Accolades in Academics and Sports

In academics, Trinity College Kandy students have consistently performed strongly in Sri Lanka's national G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations, with multiple district rank holders recorded in the 2024 results across various subject streams, reflecting high achievement in a competitive national assessment system. Similarly, in the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations of 2024-2025, select students attained outstanding results, earning recognition for top performances in key subjects. Beyond examinations, individual accolades include a student's national victory in the SLASSCOM Ingenuity in 2025, highlighting innovation in technology and computing fields. The school's principal received the Leader of the Year – in 2025, acknowledging in educational administration on a regional scale. In sports, Trinity has secured external honors in national and provincial competitions. The rugby team clinched the Cup Championship in Division I, Segment A of the Dialog Schools in 2025, marking the first such win in 38 years, alongside the Fan Moment of the Year award for a standout match. In athletics, the school team won the Central Province Overall Championship in 2025, accumulating 212 points to surpass regional rivals. The squad was crowned overall champions at the Sri Lanka Federation Novices Championship in 2025, demonstrating dominance in a national novice-level event. In hockey, the team finished as 2nd runner-up in the National Schools Games Tournament in 2025, a notable placement in an all-island competition. Additionally, the under-19 team placed third in the National Schools' Games in 2024, contributing to broader multisport recognition.

Extracurricular Activities

Co-curricular Clubs and Societies

Trinity College Kandy offers 50 co-curricular clubs and societies aimed at enhancing students' holistic development beyond academics, fostering skills in , public speaking, , and . These organizations span literary, , service-oriented, and interest-based groups, with participation encouraged across junior, middle, and senior levels to promote discipline and cultural awareness. Literary and debating societies form a core component, including the Trinity College Literary Association, which hosts annual inter-house tournaments in English and Sinhala, commencing in and culminating in finals that emphasize persuasive argumentation. The English debating team has secured victories such as the 16th K.M. de Lanerolle Debate in 2022 and represented at the World Schools Debating Championship in 2024, where participants like Ammar Zaffarullah and Thithira Jayakody competed internationally. Selected debaters, including Thesath Keppetiyagama and Sanchitha Wickrama, joined 's National Pool of Debaters for 2025. Performing arts clubs feature the College Choir, drama groups staging inter-house competitions in Tamil and musical productions like "The Sound of Theatre" in 2025, and events blending music and drama for cultural expression. Service and interest-based societies include the Interact Club, which organizes community service, club activities, and events like the FIBA-registered "Dribble '22" 3x3 basketball tournament in collaboration with ; the Culinary Club, qualifying for the All-Island Club Competition in 2025; the Automotive Society; for diplomatic simulations; and the Junior School Nature Club, conducting field trips to sites like Menikdena and Popham's for . Traditional societies such as and Cadetting instill values of preparedness and citizenship, while the Servers Guild supports chapel services, the Sinhala and Tamil Literary Unions promote language-specific cultural activities, and the College Printing Press handles student publications. The Club represented Central Province at inter-school competitions in 2025, highlighting practical skills in and . These clubs collectively emphasize , with active ones like Interact and MUN driving inter-school collaborations and national-level achievements.

Sports Programs

Trinity College Kandy maintains a comprehensive program designed to foster character formation, , development, and healthy among its students, with equitable access provided across various disciplines. The program encompasses rugby, , athletics, , football, hockey, , , , , and , enabling participation from junior to senior levels. Recognition for excellence includes Colours and Lion awards, conferred based on leadership, discipline, and performance rather than mere participation, excluding students with disciplinary issues. The school's facilities support these activities, including the for cricket and multi-sport events, and the Trinity College Rugby Stadium as the primary venue for rugby and football training and matches. Recent infrastructure enhancements, such as the state-of-the-art badminton court complex unveiled at Asgiriya in December 2024, underscore ongoing investments in training resources. Collaborative initiatives, like the 2025 partnership with Imperial Sports for advanced equipment and coaching, further bolster program quality. In 2025, Trinity's teams recorded significant achievements, including the unbeaten Dialog Schools Cup championship—the first since 1987—and the Central Province Overall Athletics title with 212 points. Additional successes encompassed overall victories in the Sri Lanka Weightlifting Federation Novices and strong showings in national and competitions. These outcomes reflect a structured approach integrating , competitive fixtures, and inter-house events to promote holistic development.

Cricket and Historic Rivalries

Trinity College, Kandy, has maintained a robust program since the early , producing competitive teams that regularly contend for national school titles. In the 2023/24 season, the first XI secured the One Day Championship with 11 victories in 12 matches and finished as runners-up in the Two-Day tournament, capturing 8 first-innings leads. The program has yielded international talents, including Ravi Ratnayeke, who captained Sri Lanka's ODI team, and wicketkeeper-batsman , known for his aggressive style in Test and limited-overs formats. The school's most storied cricket rivalry is the annual Hill Country Battle of the Blues against St. Anthony's College, Katugastota, which commenced in 1914 as a three-day encounter at . This fixture, the sixth-oldest inter-school series in , draws large crowds and symbolizes the competitive spirit between two of Kandy's oldest institutions. The trophy bears the name of John Halangoda, a prominent early-20th-century cricketer. By 2025, it reached its 106th edition, with both teams ranked among the nation's top school sides amid a decade-long win drought for recent victors. Complementing the traditional three-day match, Trinity and St. Anthony's contest a limited-overs encounter, with the 43rd edition held on April 11, 2025, at Asgiriya, underscoring the rivalry's dual format and enduring appeal. Trinity has also engaged in notable matches against , including high-scoring second-XI games, though these lack the same historical designation as a "big match" compared to the Antonian series. These rivalries foster intense local competition, contributing to Trinity's reputation for developing disciplined, high-performing cricketers.

Rugby and Major Competitions

Rugby was introduced at Trinity College, Kandy in 1906, making it one of the earliest schools in Sri Lanka to adopt the sport. The program's longevity is notable, with the team, nicknamed the Lions, competing continuously and fostering a tradition of physical conditioning and tactical play. Inter-house competitions began with a shield in 1920, emphasizing grassroots development. The Bradby Shield, contested annually in a two-legged series against since the inaugural match on July 31, 1920—which Trinity won 26–0—represents the school's premier rugby rivalry. As of 2024, Trinity holds a historical edge with 40 victories to Royal's 36 in 78 encounters. The team reclaimed the shield in 2024 after a decade-long absence, securing both legs with aggregate scores of 15–5 and subsequent triumphs. In the 79th series of 2025, Trinity won the second leg 8–3 at Royal's grounds but lost the aggregate, allowing Royal to retain the shield. In league play, Trinity achieved its most significant recent success by clinching the Dialog Schools title in 2025 as unbeaten champions, ending a 38-year since 1987; the decisive match was a 23–21 victory over Wesley College, . The team was subsequently honored as Cup Champions in Division I, Segment A at the 2025 awards. Historical league dominance includes unbeaten seasons, such as the 1967 campaign led by captain Ajith Abeyratne, which featured victories across all fixtures without a coach initially. The President's Trophy, a knockout tournament, saw Trinity reach the 2025 final after a 12-year absence, defeating 24–15 in the quarterfinals before falling 9–12 to , in the title match, earning runner-up honors. In sevens rugby, the under-20 side won the national title in 2019 after 42 years, prevailing at the Pallekele Rugby Stadium event on September 21–22. These competitions underscore Trinity's emphasis on endurance and forward packs, contributing to national player pipelines despite periodic lulls in silverware.

Publications and Archives

Key Publications

The Trinity College Magazine, a longstanding periodical chronicling school events, student contributions, and institutional developments, has been published periodically since at least 1917, with Volume I appearing that year and featuring early writings such as those by George Keyt on mythological themes. Editions continued through the decades, including the 1969 issue documenting academic and extracurricular achievements, serving as a primary archival source for the school's history. In the modern era, The Trinitian emerged as the school's biannual digital magazine, first launched in December 2021 as part of initiatives marking the 150th anniversary, with subsequent editions released in August 2022 and January 2023 to highlight contemporary student life, alumni updates, and institutional milestones. Accessible via the official website, it represents an evolution toward digital dissemination while maintaining traditions of student-led content and visual storytelling. Specialized publications include the Bradby Magazine, an annual rugby-focused edition tied to the historic Bradby Shield encounters, with the 2024 issue celebrating team performances and rivalries. For historical documentation, the 1922 book A History of Trinity College, Kandy by Valesca L. O. Reimann provides an early comprehensive account of the institution's founding and growth up to that point. More recently, The Trinity Story: 1872-2022, released in 2022, offers a narrative overview of 150 years of operations, emphasizing foundational visions and key events, with proceeds supporting school initiatives.

Digital and Historical Archives

Trinity College Kandy preserves its institutional history through physical archives and a dedicated museum, housing artifacts, documents, and photographs dating back to the school's founding in 1872. The archives include early 20th-century images, such as a 1922 view of Alison Dormitory and a 1924 photograph of the college entrance decorated for a principal's arrival. These collections extend to rare items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supporting exhibitions like "153 Years of Footprints," launched on January 21, 2025, which displayed preserved historical materials to highlight the school's legacy. The Archives & Museum facility, featured in guided tours as of October 2024, emphasizes tangible preservation of Trinitian heritage, including records of cultural and architectural elements like the vernacular chapel constructed in the early 20th century. Complementing physical holdings, the Milton Senanayake —established in 1875 via the Literary Association—serves an archival role by maintaining historical texts, periodicals, and association integral to the school's intellectual . This has evolved to include modern facilities while retaining foundational collections that document literary and scholarly activities from the colonial era onward. Digitally, the Trinity History Project, initiated on November 29, 2020, and formally launched on February 12, 2024, facilitates preservation and access through the Trinity Digital History platform. This initiative digitizes spanning 1872 to the present, encompassing photographs, prize lists (e.g., swimming ), and thematic albums such as those of the Sinhala Literary Union and Asgiriya Stadium. The project blends archival digitization with narrative elements to make 150+ years of history accessible online, enabling virtual exploration of early photographs from the 1800s and 1900s. Additionally, the bi-annual digital The Trinitian extends publication archives into electronic format, supporting broader dissemination of historical content.

Notable Alumni and Impact

Prominent Figures in Sports and Public Life

Trinity College, Kandy has produced prominent figures in cricket, including Ravi Ratnayeke, who captained the school's first XI and later served as vice-captain of the national team during its transitional phase in . Kumar Sangakkara, a Sri Lankan cricketing legend, achieved a double century for Trinity, contributing to the school's storied tradition alongside other centurions. Matheesha Pathirana, another former Trinity cricketer, has represented internationally as a fast bowler, symbolizing the ongoing legacy of the school's program in producing national talent. In rugby, alumni such as Dilip Kumar have been recognized as trailblazers, advancing the sport's development in Sri Lanka through leadership and innovation post-graduation from Trinity. The school's emphasis on rugby has also yielded figures like Gamini Weerasinghe, an outstanding player awarded a direct "Lion" honor in 1956 for his contributions to an unbeaten team. In public life, Lakshman Kadirgamar (1932–2005), a diplomat and lawyer, served as Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister from 2001 to 2004, earning acclaim for bolstering international relations amid internal conflicts before his assassination by LTTE terrorists. Jayantha Dhanapala (1938–2023), a career diplomat, held the position of UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs and served as Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, influencing global non-proliferation efforts. Military alumni include Denzil Kobbekaduwa, a lieutenant general killed in action in 1992, honored as a national hero for his role in counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE. Gamini Dissanayake, a politician and presidential candidate, advanced rural development initiatives before his 1994 assassination, reflecting the alumni's impact on governance.

Contributions to Sri Lankan Society

Alumni of Trinity College, Kandy, have notably influenced Sri Lankan and policy. Edward Lionel Senanayake, who received his at the college, served as Speaker of the from 1983 to 1988, Minister of Agriculture, and subsequently Minister of Health, shaping agricultural development and initiatives during his tenure. P. C. Imbulana, another alumnus, acted as Cabinet Minister for Labour and of Central from the onward, advancing labor reforms and provincial administration in post-independence . In international relations, , having completed his secondary schooling at Trinity where he distinguished himself academically and athletically, held the position of Foreign Minister from 2001 to 2004 and 2005, bolstering Sri Lanka's diplomatic efforts against separatist narratives and fostering global partnerships. Beyond politics, figures like engineer , a Sri Lankan-born alumnus, have driven infrastructural progress through innovative designs, including major projects in that integrate sustainable engineering, earning recognition from Sri Lankan institutions for elevating national architectural standards. These contributions underscore the college's role in producing leaders who addressed post-colonial challenges in , , and development.

Challenges and Criticisms

Admissions and Social Controversies

Admissions to Trinity College, Kandy, are highly selective and structured around grade-specific entrance examinations and eligibility criteria, with applications processed exclusively online via the college's official website. For entry into Grade 1 in January 2026, prospective students must submit applications through the designated portal, accompanied by a non-refundable of Rs. 3,000. Similar processes apply to Grades 4, 6, and 7 for January 2026 intake, emphasizing written assessments to evaluate academic . For Grade 12 GCE Advanced Level (2027 cohort), applicants require a minimum of six A's in the GCE Ordinary Level examinations, with preference given to those demonstrating exceptional achievements in sports or co-curricular activities. A notable admissions controversy arose in March 2016, when Trinity College admitted a six-year-old boy from Kuliyapitiya who had been denied enrollment at multiple schools due to unsubstantiated rumors that his father had died from HIV/AIDS-related causes. The case, which spanned two months and involved public outcry over discrimination against children based on parental health stigma, culminated in an agreement between the college and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Education to secure the boy's placement, highlighting broader societal biases against HIV-affected families in educational access. Social tensions have also surfaced in internal appointments, such as the 2006 over of a new college , which prompted disputes among parents and via e-mail chains questioning the process and candidate suitability within the Anglican institution's traditions. The college has proactively addressed broader social issues like —prevalent in Sri Lankan schools—through initiatives including a 2021 webinar by the Break the Chain Movement, focusing on its physical, mental, and legal ramifications to foster anti-bullying awareness among students.

Perceptions of Elitism and Sports Prioritization

Trinity College, Kandy, is frequently perceived as an elitist institution due to its origins as a colonial-era Anglican established in 1872, which catered initially to British expatriates and local elites, perpetuating a legacy of exclusivity through English-medium instruction, high boarding fees (approximately LKR 500,000 annually as of 2023 for full boarders), and a merit-based entrance that favors preparatory attendees from affluent families. This view is echoed in analyses of Sri Lanka's educational hierarchy, where Trinity ranks among the "elite private schools" alongside Royal College and S. Thomas' College, producing alumni dominant in , , and , such as former presidents and national team captains, which reinforces stereotypes of class-based networking over broad accessibility. Such perceptions of elitism have drawn commentary in Sri Lankan media, with debates in outlets like highlighting inter-school rivalries (e.g., between Trinitians and Thomians) centered on claims of institutional snobbery and resistance to post-independence equalization efforts under the Kannangara reforms of 1945, which aimed to democratize but left private schools like Trinity largely intact. Critics, including education reformers, argue this fosters a divide, as Trinity's student body remains disproportionately from urban, upper-middle-class Sinhalese and Burgher communities, with limited scholarships (fewer than 10% of admissions) failing to offset the socioeconomic barriers. On sports prioritization, the school's ethos explicitly integrates athletics as "a central place" in its educational model, with dedicated infrastructure like for rugby and extensive coaching for , leading to 12 national championships in rugby and consistent dominance in inter-school leagues as of 2025. This emphasis manifests in high-profile events, such as the annual Royal-Trinity (drawing over 10,000 spectators since 1924) and the Bradby Shield rugby series (contested since 1945), where team selection and training often eclipse routine academic schedules during peak seasons. Perceptions of over-prioritization arise from instances where sports achievements garner institutional awards like Colours and Lions (bestowed annually to over 100 athletes in 2024), while academic metrics, though strong (e.g., top rankings in A/L pass rates), receive comparatively less public fanfare. Rugby program critiques, including 2025 allegations of recruiting out-of-zone players to prioritize victories over local development, have fueled claims that competitive success trumps , potentially disadvantaging non-athletic students in . Nonetheless, school records affirm parallel academic excellence, with like scholars at underscoring no systemic neglect, though the cultural reverence for sports in Sri Lanka's elite schools amplifies these concerns.

References

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