Richmond College Galle emerge champions in Tokyo Cement All Island Schools Quiz

Wednesday, 22 April 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Winning team receiving prize money Richmond College, Galle, emerged the champions in Sri Lanka’s most prestigious inter-school quiz competition – the Tokyo Cement All Island Schools Quiz (Season 2). 32 schools and eight rounds of competition culminated in one final battle of wits between Richmond College (Galle) and Royal College (Colombo). In keeping with its brand pledge to innovate and lead the field, the Tokyo Cement All Island Schools Quiz offered the largest cash prizes in the history of local school competitions. Richmond College edged out their competitors to take home the grand prize of Rs. 1 million and six HP laptops for each of the participants.

Royal College, as the runners-up, were awarded Rs. 500,000 and six Sony digital cameras. Each of the 16 schools that exited during the first round of competition received Rs. 100,000 each. The eight schools to exit during the second round received Rs. 125,000 each while the four schools to leave the competition during the third round received Rs. 150,000 each. The two losing semi-finalists received cash prizes worth Rs. 250, 000 each. In total, the Tokyo Cement All Island Schools Quiz awarded prizes worth Rs. 5.2 million. The Tokyo Cement All Island Schools Quiz brought together school children from ethnically diverse backgrounds, to promote knowledge acquisition, and inspire thousands to strive for academic recognition. Noting the success of season two, Tokyo Cement Director Marketing Billy Walpola said, “This quiz competition reflects Tokyo Cement’s commitment to nation building via a substantial investment in the younger generation; the quiz not only represents an academic challenge, but also an effort to foster well rounded future leaders capable of making a lasting and positive contribution to society.” The points tally (115 vs. 110) showcased how closely the final battle was waged. Captain of the winning team, Hasitha Abeynayake, acknowledged the hard work and immense support that resulted in their triumph and could not contain the joy and credit that his team was able to bring a school from the south, while Royal College team captain Dileeka Ranasinghe congratulated the victors and thanked the team’s supporters. Tokyo Cement sent out invitations to all schools across Sri Lanka, out of which 632 came forward with their champions, including those from the north and east. Of these 632 schools at the District level, only 32 teams qualified for national level competitions.