Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Trinity College, Kandy
View on Wikipedia
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]

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]
|
|
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]
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]- 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]- ^ Rev. Jones was the principal of Kandy Collegiate School, the predecessor of Trinity College.
- ^ Rev. Perry was the first qualified teacher to serve as principal.
- ^ In 1890, Perry was accidentally shot by a pupil.
- ^ Between 1900 and 1904, Trinity College had six principals – one permanent and five acting.
- ^ Gilbert's and his wife's visas were cancelled by the Sri Lankan Government in 2008, seven months prior to their expiry, compelling Gilbert to resign and leave the country.[42]
- ^ Brig. Aryaratne's actual rank in the Sri Lankan Army was a Colonel and he only served as a temporary Brigadier. His tenure was marked by a plethora of court cases, some alleging that he could not substantiate some of the qualifications he had claimed.[43]
- ^ His tenure ended in May 2015 through court intervention and Colin Ratnayake replaced him as acting principal pending the appointment of a new principal.[44]
- ^ Sri Lanka Principal Service (SLPS)
- ^ a b A two-day encounter from 1914 to 2024, extending to three days from 2025 onwards.
- Sources
- "Centenary Number, Trinity College, Kandy, 1872–1972" (PDF). noolaham.net. 17 March 1972. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 August 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- "The Trinity Story 1872–2022". history.trinitycollege.lk. 12 February 2024. Archived from the original on 13 May 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
References
[edit]- ^ "Branding Property Usage Guidelines For Public Reference – Tri-tone College colour pallette". Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem. Trinity College. 29 July 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
- ^ Dharmadāsa, Kē En Ō (1992). Language, Religion, and Ethnic Assertiveness: The Growth of Sinhalese Nationalism in Sri Lanka. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0-472-10288-4.
- ^ "History of 'The Bradby Shield'". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 8 June 2008. Archived from the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Roberts, Adam (2012). Democracy, Sovereignty and Terror: Lakshman Kadirgamar on the Foundations of International Order. I.B.Tauris. p. 15. ISBN 978-1848853072. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Stock, Eugene (1899). The History of the Church Missionary Society: Its Environment, Its Men and Its Work, Volume 2. Church Mission Society. p. 284.
- ^ Meulder, Wallace R. (1962). Schools for a New Nation: The Development and Administration of the Educational System of Ceylon. K. V. G. De Silva & Sons. p. 18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Balding, Rev J. W. (1922). One Hundred Years in Ceylon. Madras: Church Mission Society. pp. 76–84.
- ^ "History". Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ a b Miranda, Sujitha (18 August 2013). "Trinity, Kandy has been looking to the end since its beginning". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 27 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
- ^ The Ecclesiastical Gazette. Vol. 34. Oxford University: Church of England. 11 July 1871. p. 6.
- ^ The Church Missionary Review. Vol. 51. Church Missionary Society. 1900. p. 948.
- ^ Bandyopadhyay, Pramathanath, ed. (1957). Hundred Years of the University of Calcutta: a History of the University issued in Commemoration of the Centenary Celebrations, Volume 1. University of Calcutta.
- ^ a b List of Inscriptions on Tombstones and Monuments in Ceylon. Mocavo. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
- ^ The Church Missionary Review. Vol. 41. Church Missionary Society. 1890. p. 420.
- ^ The Church Missionary Review. Vol. 54. Church Missionary Society. 1903. p. 876.
- ^ "A.G. Fraser Papers". Bodleian Library. 22 December 2011. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
- ^ Symonds, Richard (October 2006). "Fraser, Alexander Garden (1873–1962)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/63453. Retrieved 13 November 2014. (Subscription, Wikipedia Library access or UK public library membership required.)
- ^ Anderson, Gerald H., ed. (1999). Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions. Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing. p. 223. ISBN 9780802846808.
- ^ Sadanandan, Renuka (7 September 2008). "The Spirit of a School". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
- ^ Stanley, Brian (2009). The World Missionary Conference, Edinburgh, 1910. Wm. B Eerdmans Publishing. p. 6. ISBN 9780802863607.
- ^ Journal of Education. Vol. 66. Oxford University Press. October 1934.
- ^ Pilimatalavuva, Ananda (12 August 2004). "Whither Trinity College in new century?". Daily News. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ Ratwatte, Kanchana (18 July 2010). "In Appreciation Of Trinity". The Sunday Leader. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2014.
- ^ Albert Hildebrand Theodore De Soysa – 130th birth anniversary of one of Trinity's great benefactors (Official Website) Archived 29 May 2024 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved 3 April 2019
- ^ Ferguson, Alistair Mackenzie (1968). Ferguson's Ceylon Directory. Vol. 110–112. Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited. p. 255.
- ^ Medis, Frederick, ed. (1995). The Church of Ceylon: A History, 1945-1995. Diocese of Colombo. p. xx.
- ^ Amerasekera, Dr. Nihal D. (4 January 2014). "Cedric James Oorloff – A tribute to a great educationist of the 20th Century". The Island. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ Jayaratne, Bandulla (4 June 2014). "Appreciation – Wickremasinghe". The Sunday Times.
- ^ Ratnayake, Ranjit (2010). "A salute from one old Trinitian to another". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- ^ De Joodt, Ken (2006). "Hemaka Amarasuriya – an amiable Sports Celebrity". Daily News. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- ^ "Quality education with a warm touch". The Sunday Times. 2003. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Ratwatte, Charitha (29 January 2013). "Perched On Their Pinnacles Of Triumph". Colombo Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2014.
- ^ Abeyesekera, Ranjan (13 September 2009). "Breck did justly, loved mercy and walking". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ De Alwis, Sharm (18 December 2003). "Trinity gets new Principal". Daily News. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- ^ "UK 2012 Reunion Report". Hebron School. 2012. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- ^ Marikar, Hafiz (2012). "Trinity Principal a great performer". Daily News. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- ^ a b Rt. Rev. Canagasabey, Dhiloraj (24 August 2020). "Appointment of Principal". Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem. Trinity College. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "World War I: The Great War centenary". Daily FT. 5 August 2014. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
- ^ "Battle of the Somme and the Trinitians at the frontlines". The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
- ^ a b c Ratnayake, Parinda (10 October 2018). "A King's gift – the captured German machine gun". trinitycollege.lk. Archived from the original on 11 July 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "The German Machine Gun completes 100 years at Trinity". trinitycollege.lk. 16 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 July 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "Trinity College Board of Governors slams Govt. over move against Principal". The Island. Archived from the original on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ Kannangara, Nirmala (25 February 2013). "Principals Sans Principles". The Sunday Leader. Archived from the original on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ Fernando, Lahiru (18 May 2015). "Enjoining Order on ex-Principal of Trinity College extended". Newsfirst. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- ^ "Announcement from the Principal". 1 January 2020. Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
- ^ Roberts, Adam, ed. (2012). Democracy, Sovereignty and Terror: Lakshman Kadirgamar on the Foundations of International Order. I.B.Tauris. p. 15. ISBN 9781848853072.
- ^ Ladduwahetty, Ravi (25 October 2011). "Play up! Play up! And play the game!". The Island. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ Gunawardena, Charles A. (2005). Encyclopedia of Sri Lanka. Sterling Publishers. p. 329. ISBN 9781932705485.
- ^ Schokman, Derrick (22 February 2003). "W. S. Senior and "The Call of Lanka"". Daily News. Archived from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "The crest of Trinity College Kandy". Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem. Trinity College. 25 June 2024. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ a b Dahanayake, Yashwanth (2 April 2017). "History of the Trinity College Crest". Trinity College Kandy Worldwide Website. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ a b Jirasinghe, Ramya Chamalie; Akbarally, Alefiya (2008). Trinity. Trinity College Kandy Old Boys' Association, Colombo Branch. ISBN 978-955-1939-00-7.
- ^ a b c Marikar, Hafiz (13 February 2014). "Trinity College Prize Giving Today". Daily News. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Past winners of the Best All-Round-Boy of Trinity College (pre-Ryde Gold Medal era) and Past winners of the Ryde Gold Medal". Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem. 17 March 2016.
- ^ Caffoor, Inshaf (16 December 2014). "Kaneel Seneviratna – Trinity's first Double Lion of the 21st Century". ThePapare.com. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ de Joodt, Ken (16 September 2006). "'Thusha' Weerasooriya - Trinity's Triple Lion". Daily News. Archived from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "Boarding System | Trinity College Kandy Official Website". Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Jayasundara, Upananda (3 March 2014). "Simitharachchi House – Athletic Champions of Trinity". Daily News. Archived from the original on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
- ^ "A walk through the history of the Alison House | Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem". Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "The Boarding Houses of Trinity | Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem". Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem. 24 November 2020. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Trinity College choir performs Easter programme". The Sunday Times. 21 March 2010. Archived from the original on 9 November 2021. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Dissanayake, Uthsara (26 November 2019). "Trinity College Carol Service – The Story". Trinity College Kandy. Archived from the original on 17 March 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Trinity College Kandy". Trinity College Kandy. 2 February 2018. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Royal visitors for Anglican Trinity College in Kandy, Sri Lanka". Anglican Communion News Service. 2 February 2018. Archived from the original on 20 June 2025. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Choir Report 2016". Trinity College Kandy. 1 March 2017. Archived from the original on 15 October 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Premawardana, Namali (28 December 2014). "A rare and beautiful evening at the Trinity College chapel". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 6 July 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Trinity College Kandy, Sri Lanka – Sports". Trinity College Kandy. 2 May 2024. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Senhas, Chaniru; Pathiraja, Nimuthu; Anandakumar, Rehan (26 April 2023). "From a hill to a cricket ground – The Asgiriya stadium". Trinity College Kandy. Archived from the original on 28 June 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Gardner, Alan (14 December 2014). "The ground which gave cricket Kumar Sangakkara". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 19 November 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Ratnayake, Ranjit (25 July 2010). "A salute from one old Trinitian to another". The Sunday Times. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Netball and football at Pallekele today". Daily FT. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 4 December 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Alahakoon, Victor (11 March 1998). "Sri Lanka: Poignant memories of the Trinity-Antonian series". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Laphir, Afzal (20 April 2023). "Trinity–Antonian Encounters – A Statistical Analysis". Quadrangle. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Laphir, Afzal (28 April 2023). "The Trinity–Antonian Limited Overs Series In Numbers". Quadrangle. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Three Thrilling Days of excitement comes to an end". ThePapare. 25 April 2025. Archived from the original on 18 May 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Sanjeewa, Kanishka; SurfEdge (11 April 2025). "Trinity edge past St. Anthony's on DLS to clinch the 43rd Limited Overs Encounter". ThePapare. Archived from the original on 24 June 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Mahela-Sanga Challenge Trophy on Jan 20-21". Daily News. 17 January 2020. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Ranasinghe, Lohit (5 June 2018). "We kick off a historical journey of Lanka's school rugby through the ages". Quadrangle. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Jameel, Abidh (2 August 2025). "Trinity crowned Dialog Schools Rugby League Champions with a week to go". ThePapare. Archived from the original on 2 August 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "Champs after four decades!!!". Print Edition - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. 3 August 2025. Archived from the original on 3 August 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "A 38 Year Drought Ends – Trinity College crowned Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 Champions". ThePapare. 10 August 2025. Archived from the original on 11 August 2025. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Silva, Sujith (1 June 2018). "Invincible '87". Quadrangle. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Stoney, Emma (25 April 2012). "A Passion for Rugby in an Unexpected Place". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ "The Bradby Shield – Sri Lanka schools' coveted Rugby encounter". Asia Rugby. 31 July 2020. Archived from the original on 15 October 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Hafiz, Marikar (30 May 2019). "The beginnings of Bradby". Daily News. Archived from the original on 13 December 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ a b c Perera, S. S. (June 1994). Royal vs Trinity – 50 Years of Bradby Shield 1945–1994. Bradby Shield Encounter Organising Committee.
- ^ "Back in the mane game". Quadrangle. 18 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 April 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Ranatunga, Janek (12 June 2021). "The 1971 Bradby – "The Shocker at the Rugger"". Sunday Observer. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Marikar, Hafiz (7 November 2020). "Bradby Shield: a no-go". Daily News. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ Behind the Shield – the history, the heroes, the hearts of 75 years 1945–2019. Bradby Shield Encounter Organising Committee. June 2019.
- ^ Perera, Nilhan (6 September 2025). "Royal College reclaim the Bradby Shield despite losing the 2nd Leg". ThePapare. Archived from the original on 6 September 2025. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ Pathiraja, Nimuthu (12 February 2024). "Fraser-Memorial Oration 2024 brightened with groundbreaking Trinity History Project". Trinity College. Archived from the original on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
Further reading
[edit]- Fraser, A. G. (1908). Extension of Trinity College, Kandy, Ceylon. Aberdeen University Press.
- Reimann, Valesco L. O. (1922). A History of Trinity College, Kandy. Diocesan Press.
- Campbell, J. McLeod (1926). A Sinhalese Chapel for Trinity College, Kandy. Trinity College Printers'Club.
- Campbell, John MacLeod (1928). Trinity College, Kandy.
- Medis, Frederick (1995). The Church of Ceylon: A History, 1945-1995. Diocese of Colombo. ISBN 978-955-9411-00-0.
- Jirasinghe, Ramya Chamalie; Akbarally, Alefiya (2008). Trinity. Trinity College Kandy Old Boys' Association, Colombo Branch. ISBN 978-955-1939-00-7.
External links
[edit]Trinity College, Kandy
View on GrokipediaTrinity College, Kandy is a private Anglican boys' day and boarding school located in Kandy, Sri Lanka.[1] 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.[2][3] With its motto Respice Finem ("Look to the End"), the school emphasizes holistic education, enrolling over 3,000 boys from kindergarten through the Advanced Level.[4] 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 rugby union and cricket, where it has secured multiple national titles including all three major cricket championships in a single season.[5] Recent athletic achievements include setting national records in relay events and clinching overall championships in provincial meets.[6][7] 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.[8] Its enduring legacy reflects a commitment to producing well-rounded individuals through a blend of intellectual pursuit, ethical grounding, and competitive spirit.[9]
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 Travancore and a graduate of St. John's College, Cambridge—as principal to reopen the school on January 17, 1872, initially as the Trinity College and Collegiate School.[2][10][3] Under Collins' leadership from 1872 to 1878, the college adopted a curriculum modeled on elite British public schools, emphasizing classical languages, mathematics, and moral instruction infused with Anglican doctrine, 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 leadership in colonial society, 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 University of Madras, enabling students to sit for external matriculation exams.[4][5][11] 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 Bible 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 alumni who excelled in civil service and professions. By 1900, the college had solidified its role as a cornerstone of CMS educational outreach in Ceylon, blending rigorous academics with unapologetic Christian formation.[12][13]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 boarding school, building on prior growth in student numbers and facilities established in the late 19th century.[12] Temporary leadership followed, including Rev. J. Carter in 1902 and Rev. H. P. Napier-Clavering, during which the school maintained operations amid administrative transitions.[13] Rev. Alexander Garden Fraser assumed the principalship in 1904 and served until 1924, transforming the institution from a provincial entity into a nationally prominent school through rigorous academic standards, character formation, and infrastructure enhancements.[14][15] His tenure emphasized liberal education adapted to colonial Ceylon, fostering enrollment expansion and the construction of key venues that supported extracurricular activities.[16][13] 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 Kandy to Colombo to enlist in the British forces.[17] A total of 65 Trinitians, including Fraser himself, served in the conflict; 13 lost their lives, 18 were wounded, and two were taken prisoner.[18] Among the early volunteers were four students—Richard Aluwihare, Albert Halangoda, and two others—who departed for the front in September 1915.[19] In recognition of their sacrifices, King George V gifted a captured German Maschinengewehr 08 machine gun 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.[20][21] 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.[18]Mid-20th-Century Reforms and Post-Independence Adaptation (1900–1970)
Rev. Alexander Garden Fraser, serving as principal from 1904 to 1924, implemented significant reforms that elevated Trinity College from a provincial institution to a nationally recognized school. He emphasized holistic education, introducing competitive sports such as rugby and boxing 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 rote learning, laid the foundation for the school's enduring reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence.[12][15] Under Rev. J. McLeod Campbell, principal from 1924 to 1935, the school continued to prioritize spiritual and moral education alongside academics, maintaining the Anglican ethos amid growing calls for localization in colonial education. Campbell's tenure saw steady institutional growth, with enhancements to boarding facilities and curriculum adaptations to prepare students for university entrance and public service. His leadership reinforced the school's commitment to producing leaders of integrity, as evidenced by alumni contributions to Ceylon's administrative and professional sectors.[22] 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 World War II, 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.[13][23] 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 nationalization.[12][13]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 21st century, reflecting increased demand for its rigorous Anglican education model amid national educational expansions.[4] 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.[24] Leadership transitioned through several principals, including figures like Rod Gilbert 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.[23][25] 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 Alison House (a dormitory named after Alison Watson and originally constructed in the early 20th century) and Napier House, restoration of the Quadrangle, and construction of a new Abeyratne facility.[26][27] Additional developments encompassed a new sports hall at Asgiriya, a science laboratory block, a commerce block, and a dining hall with kitchen complex to support boarding operations.[27] A 100kWp solar power project, sponsored by the Class of 1992, was also implemented to promote sustainability.[28] Post-2022, the school's roadmap for 2023–2030 continued modernization efforts, with the commissioning of a new Science Education Building in January 2025 to bolster STEM facilities, alongside ongoing classroom upgrades and learning space improvements.[29] 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.[30]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 Department of Examinations. In the middle school (grades 6–9), students pursue seven foundational subjects: Vernacular language (Sinhala or Tamil), English as the link language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies (encompassing History, Geography, and Civics), Religious Education, and Aesthetics (Art or Music).[31] These subjects emphasize foundational literacy, numeracy, scientific inquiry, and cultural awareness, with English serving as the primary medium of instruction to enhance global competitiveness.[32] 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).[33] 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.[34] This dual-track approach allows flexibility, with A/L students typically dedicating eight terms to deepen subject expertise through intensive study.[33] 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.[35] The framework prioritizes addressing individual learning gaps through qualified instructors, fostering discipline and intellectual discipline in a boarding environment that minimizes distractions.[36] 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.[32]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.[37] The school's Anglican heritage emphasizes an environment where students grow in freedom, maturity, and self-reliance within a Christian context, promoting unity in diversity and mutual respect across multi-racial and multi-religious lines.[37] This ethos is reflected in the commitment to nurturing timeless moral and spiritual values, aiming for holistic personality formation that contributes to a healthy democratic society.[37] 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.[38] Regular chapel services and religious instruction instill core Christian doctrines, symbolized in the College Crest by the three crowns representing the Holy Trinity, alongside attributes like strength and vigilance embodied by the lion.[39] The vision includes imparting values of charity, humility, and service, guided by Anglican founders' principles of respect and compassion.[40][41] Character education manifests through positive discipline practices focused on social-emotional learning and restorative approaches, encouraging collaborative prevention of misconduct rather than punitive measures.[42] These methods align with Christian teachings on forgiveness and personal growth, prioritizing the development of ethical decision-making and empathy.[42] 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 Christian tradition. Discipline and moral education are enriched with Christian values, giving priority to building character that transcends academic achievement.[13]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 stanine 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 Kandy district 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.[43] 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, Arts, and Commerce streams, with the school honoring top achievers for their contributions to overall academic success.[44][45][46] 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 ceremony for exceptional performance. In international curricula, Trinity's International Advanced Level (IAL) candidates excelled in the May/June 2024 series, including A* grades in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics for students like Mohammed Umar Alak Bary, and A grades in Accounting, Business, and Economics for others.[47][48]| Examination Year | Key Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 GCE A/L Bio Science | SPI 71 | 1st Island Rank (38 candidates)[43] |
| 2023 GCE A/L | Z-Score 2.8917 | Top District/Island Ranks[44] |
| 2024/2025 GCE O/L | 9 'A' Passes | Multiple Students Honored[47] |
| 2024 IAL May/June | A* in Math, Chem, Phys | Individual Top Performers[48] |




















