Wesley College Colombo launches its Sesquicentennial Celebrations

Kumar de Silva

Jeremy Brohier

Farveez Maharoof

Wesley College, Colombo was founded on the 2 March 1874 at Dam Street, Pettah, under the guidance of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, by Rev. D.H. Pereira who went on to serve as Wesley’s first Vice-Principal. 

The honoured calling of entering the annals of history as Wesley’s first Principal was sounded upon Rev. Samuel R. Wilkin. Decades later in 1907, due in large part to Wesley’s fast-growing student population, the school was relocated to its current address at Karlsruhe Gardens under the Principalship of Rev. Henry Highfield.

Over the years Wesley has gone on to produce many notable individuals who have made their mark both nationally as well as in the global arena. In addition, the 28th and 29th of June are of special significance to the Methodist fraternity as 28 June is the birthday of Rev. John Wesley, and the 29th of June marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first Methodist missionaries in Sri Lanka. 

With this in mind, and as a countdown to its 150th anniversary in 2024, Wesley College launched its Sesquicentennial Celebrations in celebration of 150 Years of Excellence.

Addressing the gathering at the launch was the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka President Rev. Ebenezer Joseph and the Wesley College Principal Avanka Fernando. 

Among those paying tribute to their alma mater were five distinguished old boys; Metropolitan Technologies Ltd. Group Managing Director Ivor Maharoof, Media Personality, PR Consultant, and Corporate Etiquette Trainer Kumar de Silva, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Science Dean and Senior Professor, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Research Solar Edu-Training Project Director and Sports Advisory Board Chairman Prof. Sudath Kalingamudali, Global Unites President and Founder Dr. Prashan De Visser and former national cricketer, freelance broadcaster and Footsteps Preschool Director Farveez Maharoof.

Central to the organisation and execution of the celebrations is the Sesquicentennial Committee, consisting of distinguished old boys, presidents of societies, staff members, and students. The Committee will be headed by the Principal Avanka Fernando, with Chryshan Rodrigo serving as Secretary, and V. Kamalesh serving as its Treasurer. 

The Committee plans to introduce various events and initiatives over the next two years to achieve its objectives which are the renovation, refurbishment, and upgrading of current structures and classrooms, the refurbishment and upgrading of the pavilion, and the digital transformation of the school with educational enhancements through the widespread introduction of modern technology. 

Career guidance initiatives for students and social service initiatives including students are currently ongoing.

The Committee hopes to raise further funds through the sale of memorabilia, alumni contributions, batch contributions, corporate goodwill, and individual contributions. There will also be a coffee table book titled ‘The Wesley College Chronicle’, edited by Lanka Plastic Industries Ltd. General Manager, old boy and OBU Past President Jeremy Brohier. 

Heading the project to support 150 schools by the 150th year celebrations is SOS Children’s Village National Director, old boy and OBU Vice-President Divakar Ratnadurai. The fundraising project will be handled by Sterling Navigation Agencies  Ltd. Managing Director, old boy and OBU Past President Richie Sappideen, while the Memorabilia Project is handled by Pearlrich Shoe Mart Proprietor, old boy and incumbent OBU President Fowzil Nawaz.

Some key fundraising initiatives that the Wesley fraternity should look out for are the Double Blue Walk to be held in 2023 and in 2024, and the Double Blue Ball to be held in 2024. A gala black-tie dinner and a mega event combining music and the performing arts will conclude the celebrations in 2024.