St. Benedict’s College celebrates 150th anniversary

St. Benedict's College, the oldest Catholic institution in the archdiocese of Colombo, last week celebrated 150 years (1865-2015) of existence in Sri Lanka commencing with Holy Mass concelebrated at St. Lucia's Cathedral. 

The college held a special assembly at the St Benedict's College quadrangle where President Maithripala Sirisena was present as the Chief Guest. 

A first-day cover was issued by the Sri Lanka Postal Department to mark the 150th anniversary of St. Benedict's College while a commemorative stamp was presented to President Sirisena

The President also planted a Na Tree within the college premises to commemorate the anniversary. 

– Pix by Lasantha Kumara

​

​I get greatest happiness by solving children’s problems – President

I am giving priority for invitations for ceremonies and programs of schools as I earn a greatest happiness by talking to children and finding solutions to their problems, said President Maithripala Sirisena.

Though I happily recall incidents of my school life with hardships experience by walking miles and miles, I am not ready to allow future generations of children to suffer such hardships, he added.

Therefore, my endeavor is to ensure that similar facilities and opportunities are given to every child in town as well as in village for better education, he stated.

President Sirisena made these remarks at 150th anniversary celebration of St. Benedict College, Kotahena last week. The President who arrived there was ceremonially received and escorted by the students of the college.

The President said he would create an education system in which the children can win their future through knowledge, ability and skills.

He pointed out the skill development education is as important as the knowledge-based education. He pointed out that every country in the world that proceeded towards development has implemented such educational policies.

A first day cover and a stamp issued for 150th anniversary celebration were presented to the President at this occasion.

The President also planted a Na sapling in the college premises to mark the 150th anniversary of the college.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, former Archbishop of Colombo Oswald Gomez, Ministers Mr. Ravi Karunanayake and John Amarathunga and Principal of St. Benedict College Mr. Janaka Fonseka were among those participated at this ceremony.