Opinion

Tribute To My Alma Mater- Kingswood College, Kandy

Published

3 years ago

2023/05/14

The 132nd Anniversary of the founding of the famous boys’ school in the hill capital, Kingswood College, Kandy by Mr. Louis Edmund Blaze’ fell on 04th May 2023. At the time the school was established, it was known as the Boys’ High School. All past and present students should be proud of the vast strides made by Kingswood during this period of over one and a quarter century from its very modest beginnings in Pavillion Street.

Mr. Blaze’, after obtaining his matriculation was recruited as a teacher in Trinity College, Kandy, his alma mater. However, after teaching for some time he left for Calcutta to read for his degree. After obtaining his degree he secured teaching appointments in Calcutta and Lahore, where he saw a great difference in the normal teacher-student relationship, which was much more friendly than what he was used to in Ceylon. On his return to Ceylon in January 1881, after his teaching stint in Calcutta and Lahore, Mr. Blaze’ dreamed of establishing a school of his own, a school to be different from what he had been used to as a student and a teacher, and to run it his own way.

Five months after his return to Ceylon, his desire to start his own school was fulfilled when the Boys’ High School was established in a small building in Pavilion Street, Kandy with 11 pupils on the roll. Mr. Blaze’ wanted his school to be one in which the friendliest relations would prevail between teachers and pupils after he had learnt of the cordial relationship in the English Public schools system which he came to know during his stay in Lahore.

He also wanted his students to be really educated in the right atmosphere and not to be trained to merely pass examinations. He encouraged a sense of obligation, duty and loyalty among the students. A testimony to this loyalty and manliness imbibed into his students by Mr. Blaze’ was the largest number of volunteers from Ceylon for service overseas during the First World War being old boys of Kingswood College.

In July 1884, Mr. Blaze’ handed over the management of the school to the Methodist Mission. In 1897, the school was registered by the Government as a Grant-aid school. There had been a rapid growth of the school during this period and therefore, this made it necessary to shift the school to a larger premises in Brownrigg Street which was done by the end of 1897. It was in 1898 that the Boys’ High School took the name of Kingswood College.

Mr. Blaze’ had learnt the game and the rules of rugby football when he was teaching in India, and it did not take long for him to introduce the game to his students. In 1893 Kingswood became the first school to start rugby football and later Trinity, Royal and other schools too took to the game. The first rugby football match between two schools in Ceylon was between Kingswood and Trinity at Bogambara grounds on August 11, 1906, and quite appropriately it ended in a six-all draw. While the Kingswood team was captained by HS Perera, the skipper of the Trinity team was PW Van Langenberg.

In sports, Kingswood assisted St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota to play the first football match between two schools , St. Anthony’s being the first school to introduce soccer to school. The Kingswood- Dharmarajah big match is the oldest big match in Kandy. Kingswood College had the distinction of producing the second schoolboy cricketer of the year in 1958 when Maurice Fernando, captain of cricket was chosen fro this award.

In 2005, a student of Kingswood, Ransilu Ranasinghe brought credit to his school and country when he won a Gold Medal for weightlifting at the Junior Commonwealth Games held in Australia, which was the first time that a sportsman from Sri Lanka had won a Gold Medal at an international competition of this nature.

Kingswood was one of the first schools to start cadetting. As in the case of rugger, Kingswood gave up cadetting after some time. A few years ago, cadetting was reintroduced and in 2004 Kingswood fared very well annexing the Herman Loos Trophy at the annual Diyatalawa camp.

In the early 1950s, a road safety program was begun where the senior students controlled the vehicular and pedestrian traffic on The Kandy-Peradeniya Road in front of the school. This experiment proved to be a tremendous success that later some of the other schools followed suit including leading girls’ schools. The first leader of the Road Safety Squad was successful in gaining selection to the Police Department on the basis of the experience he had gained in forming the squad and taking an active part in it.

Kingswood established traditions which none of the other schools in Sri Lanka had. Mr. Blaze’ established the tradition of reciting a prologue at the annual prize giving of the school. The prologue was written in verse describing the important events that had taken place that year in the school, country, and the world. Mr. Blaze’ himself wrote the prologue during his lifetime, and thereafter it was one of the old boys who did it, but maintaining anonymity. It is with a sense of pride that all Kingswoodians, past and present, would vouch that the prize giving has been held annually without a break. The then Governor-General, Lord Soulbury graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the prize giving in the Diamond Jubilee year of Kingswood in 1951, which in fact was the last prize giving that Mr. Blaze’ attended.

The other tradition Mr. Blaze’ established was addressing the students as Gentlemen of Kingswood, which set a standard for each Kingswoodian to live up to. Mr. OL Gibbon, Principal from 1929 to 1937, had stated as follows in respect of this tradition, ” Kingswood College has a tradition that its students are Gentlemen of Kingswood regardless of religious or social background, they form a brotherhood, loyal to the highest ideals and keen to serve their families, their social circle and the nation.”

It was in the year 1925 that Kingswood moved to Randles Hill on Peradeniya Road, the location the school presently occupies. Kingswood was able to move into these premises through a very generous donation given by Sir John Randles, who was a Member of Parliament and a distinguished Methodist in England. This enabled to purchase the land and construction of the buildings. They included two for the upper and lower schools and two dormitories for the hostelers.

Kingswood had the distinction of being the first school a lady teacher on the staff when Mr. Blaze’ appointed the first lady to teach in Standard One and Two. At the beginning this appointment of a lady was criticized by those who were averse to change. But when it proved successful, other boys’ schools too followed suit.

I still remember that we had lady teachers from Baby Class to Standard four and they were the persons who really moulded the Gentlemen of Kingswood. The old boys who had been in Kingswood in the 1940s and 1950s would recollect with gratitude those gracious ladies, Miss Jacob (Baby Class), Miss Clements (Lower Kindergarten), Miss Thorpe (Upper Kindergarten), Miss Elias (Standard Two), Miss Lekamge and Miss Abrahams (Standards Three and Four) who taught with dedication, kindness and care as a service rather than a job. Their work did not end in the classroom; they inculcated good manners and habits like walking on the right hand side of the road where there are no pavements. Today one finds many walking on the wrong side of the road.

In addition to Mr. Blaze’ Kingswood had been served by some of the finest educationists in the land who continued the traditions introduced by him and some did even more. Messrs. OL Gibbon, MA Utting, PH Nonis and Kenneth M de Lanerolle were some of these stalwarts who contributed immensely towards the uplift of the students of Kingswood and the maintenance of its traditions.

Lest I forget, mention should be made of the other teachers who had taught at Kingswood with dedication and helped to mould the students into gentlemen before they ventured out into the world. We will never get teachers of the calibre of Messrs. CH Lutersz, DEA Shockman, BA Thambapillai, CV Abeyratne, AP Samarajiwa, JO Mendis, Winston Hoole, Sydney Perera, Anton Blacker and Leonidas James. And of course, Mrs. Arieth Perera and Miss Joyce Da Silva.

The dedication of the teachers during the time we were in school was such that the teachers who were good in sports coached the college teams free of charge. Whilst we had Messrs. Thambapillai, Hoole, Roy Abeysekera, RAV Dharmasena and Blacker in charge of cricket, Messrs. James and Sathananthan coached the athletes. Mr. James also coached the hockey team. He was so good in hockey that he was selected as the captain of the Kandy District team in the first Hockey Nationals held in Colombo.

Mr. Blaze’, with the knowledge of the English public schools that he had gained whilst teaching in Lahore, established the Houses in the school named after four of the most prestigious public schools in England, namely Eton, Harrow, Rugby and Winchester which are continued to this day. It is a credit to the school that the conducting of the affairs of the Houses are left entirely in the hands of the student captains and vice-captains.

The motto of Kingswood College “Fide Et Virtute” and the school song which begins “Hill throned where nature is gracious and kind” are two things that Kingswoodians past and present, cannot easily forget. The boys who pass through the portals of Kingswood College cherish the memory of the unforgettable time spent in school and the traditions and discipline inculcated in them during that time. The spirit of Kingswood is such that all those who have had their education at Kingswood express their appreciation by the sign “Kingswood for ever” (KFE).

HM NISSANKA WARAKAULLE

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Opinion

From the Lecture Hall to the Global Market: How Sri Lankan students are mastering the “Gig Economy”

Published

1 day ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

Image : Courtesy South China Morning Post

Have you ever wondered how a university student, between heavy textbooks and late-night study sessions, manages to earn a professional income in US dollars? It sounds like a dream, but for thousands of Sri Lankans, it’s becoming a daily reality through online freelancing.

A recent study published in the Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies has pulled back the curtain on this digital revolution. By interviewing 21 successful student freelancers across Sri Lanka, researchers have mapped out exactly what it takes to turn a laptop and an internet connection into a thriving career.

The Rise of the “Earn-as-you-learn” Era

In Sri Lanka, the number of online freelancers has exploded from about 20,000 in 2016 to over 150,000 today. While our traditional education system often focuses on preparing students for 9-to-5 office jobs , these students are diving into the “Gig Economy” a digital marketplace where they sell specific skills, like graphic design or programming, to clients all over the world.

The Secret Sauce for Success

So, what makes some students succeed while others struggle? The research found that it isn’t just about being good at coding or design. Success comes down to six “Core Pillars”:

· A Growth Mindset: The digital world moves fast. Successful students don’t just learn one skill; they are constantly updating themselves to ensure they don’t become “outdated”

· The Balancing Act:

How do they handle exams and clients? They don’t use a magic wand; they use strict time management. Many work late into the night (from 6 p.m. to midnight) to accommodate international time zones.

· The Power of “Hello”:

Since most clients are in the USA or UK, strong English and clear communication are vital. It’s about more than just talking; it’s about negotiating prices and building trust.

· Proactive Problem Solving:

Successful freelancers don’t wait for things to go wrong. They update their clients regularly and fix issues before they become headaches.

Why This Matters for Sri Lanka

Right now, our universities don’t always teach “how to be a freelancer”. This study suggests that if we integrate freelancing modules and mentorship into our degree programs, we could significantly reduce graduate unemployment. It’s a way for students to gain financial independence and bring much-needed foreign currency into our economy while still in school.

You Can Do It Too

If you’re a student (or the parent of one), the message is clear: the global market is open for business. You don’t need to wait for graduation to start your career. With a bit of flexibility, a willingness to keep learning, and a proactive attitude, you can transition from a learner to an earner.

The Research Team Behind the Study

This groundbreaking research was conducted by a dedicated team from the Department of Business Management at the SLIIT Business School (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology). The authors of the study include:

· Lihini Niranjana Dasanayaka

· Thuvindu Bimsara Madanayake

· Kalana Gimantha Jayasekara

· Thilina Dinidu Illepperuma

· Ruwanthika Chandrasiri

· Gayan Bandara

by Ruwanthika Chandrasiri

Opinion

Is India a ‘swing state’? A response

Published

1 day ago

2026/02/6

Thilina Walpola

In an article titled “India shaping-up as model ‘swing state” (The Island 29.01.2026) Lynn Ockersz says, “Besides, this columnist would go so far as to describe India as a principal ‘Swing State.’ To clarify the latter concept in its essentials, it could be stated that the typical ‘Swing State’ wields considerable influence and power regionally and globally. Besides they are thriving democracies and occupy a strategic geographical location which enhances their appeal for other states of the region and enables them to relate to the latter with a degree of equableness. Their strategic location makes it possible for ‘Swing States’ to even mediate in resolving conflicts among states”.

A ‘swing state’, as in elections, should be able to decisively influence the final outcome. In the context in which India is recognised as a ‘swing state’ the final outcome should first be regional and then, if possible, extend to the rest of the world. And the desirable outcome must entail regional peace, cordial relations and economic stability which would constitute the most vital needs for any part of today’s world. Military power should not feature in the equation, for more often than not, such power is used to brow beat into submission the weak and the poor.

India no doubt is growing fast to be a global economic power and militarily also it is way ahead of the region. Its democracy, in the sense that democracies are measured in today’s world, also may be as the columnist says “thriving”. However, periodical elections, however fair they could be, should not be the sole criterion to judge democracy. If democracy cannot solve the problem of inequality it may lose its credibility as a mode of good governance. As a means of finding who rules, the system may be satisfactory but the other vital components of democracy, such as equitable wealth distribution, if lacking, the system may not serve its purpose.

Inequality in India is among the highest globally, with the top 1% owning nearly 40% of national wealth and the top 10% holding roughly 65% of total wealth and 58% of income. While the economy grows, the bottom 50% receives only 15% of the income. This disparity, driven by wealth concentration and low female labour participation, persists across class, caste, and gender. The income gap between the top 10% and the bottom 50% remained stable, with no significant reduction in inequality over the last decade.

India ranks very low in gender parity (127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023). Female labour force participation is very low, at 15.7% (though government data suggests 41.7% by including agriculture and unpaid work). Women earn significantly less than men, working 53 hours per week compared to 43 for men. Inequality is intensified by existing social divides based on caste, religion, region, and gender. Access to healthcare is limited for many, with 63 million people pushed into poverty annually due to costs. Approximately 74% of India’s population could not afford a healthy diet in 2023. Roughly 64% of the total Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India comes from the bottom 50% of the population, whereas only 4% comes from the top 10% (Global Inequality Report 2024).

This sad state may not be the fault of democracy but the economic system of all so called democratic countries. The other three countries, Indonesia, South Africa and South Korea, that the columnist has named as suitable to be ‘swing states’ are no better. Neoliberalism and democracy are increasingly viewed by critics as an “evil nexus” or a destructive pairing, where the logic of the free market—privatisation, deregulation, and austerity—subverts the principles of democratic self-governance and social equality.

However, my main argument concerns the more important qualities that a country must possess to qualify as a ‘swing state’; the capacity to lead from the front in campaigning for peace and cordiality in the region. In this regard India fails miserably. The past with regards to good neighbourliness, where mighty India is concerned, tells a sad story. How it tried to solve the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka may be etched in the minds of those who lived in that era. The “parippu-drop” followed by gun-boat diplomacy saved the LTTE enabling it to continue with its murderous terrorism aimed at dividing the country. It was India who provided the initial “infra-structure” for training of terrorists who waged a thirty year war in Sri Lanka, committing brutal genocide against the Sinhalese and Muslims and not sparing the Tamils as well. India did not lift a finger to stop the bloodletting. Then it rammed the 13^th A down our throats as a solution to the problem but did not keep to its terms and conditions which required it to disarm the LTTE. 13^th A hangs over our head like the Sword of Damocles and India doesn’t fail to remind us about it from time to time. And we are burdened with the white elephant of provincial councils. Moreover, evidently India continues to interfere in our internal affairs, apparently colluding with the US, it may have had a hand in the regime change in Sri Lanka in 2022 (Shamindra Ferdinando, The Island, 04.02.2026). Another matter that appears to be perniciously secretive is that the Indian government doesn’t want the Sri Lankan government to reveal to its people the contents of the defence agreement it has entered into with the latter, as if people didn’t matter !

Now that tiny Sri Lanka is weakened and pliable after suffering multiple crises, India comes to its aid at the slightest mishap, very much like the hero who comes to the rescue of the damsel in distress, seemingly competing with other suitors. It doesn’t want the damsel to fall into the arms of China, given its geopolitical beauty.

Take the case of the other neighbours of India, does it have the capacity to swing, for instance, Pakistan into at least a position of less animosity. And what about its eastern neighbour, Bangladesh? They can’t even play cricket. Relations between India and Bangladesh, are currently under severe strain as of early 2026, driven by the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been given asylum in India to the chagrin of Bangladesh. Tensions are high due to attacks on diplomats, stalled visa services, water disputes, and alleged interference. The unresolved sharing of the Teesta River and other transboundary rivers remains a major contention, with Bangladesh accusing India of managing these to its detriment. Concerns exist in New Delhi regarding Bangladesh strengthening ties with other nations like Pakistan, seen as a shift away from Indian influence (Altaf Moti, 2026).

Coming back to the conflict with its western neighbour Pakistan, since the 1947 partition, both countries have claimed Kashmir, a region inhabited by a majority Muslim population but initially ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, leading to wars in 1947, 1965, and 1999. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups in Kashmir, a claim Pakistan denies, which has frequently led to military escalations, such as the 2019 Pulwama incident and 2025 strikes. The Indus Waters Treaty is under strain, with potential for conflict over control of water resources. Both nations are nuclear-armed, raising international concerns about regional stability. Recent tensions included increased cross-border firing, drone warfare, and suspected militant attacks in Kashmir, leading to retaliatory missile strikes. The conflict remains a major geopolitical issue, with tensions frequently escalating due to nationalist sentiment and a lack of diplomatic progress (Britanica, 2026).

Another matter of relevance is that India-Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are defined by a complex, triangular, and competitive dynamic. Following the 2021 Taliban takeover, India has adopted a pragmatic, security-focused approach, delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Iran to circumvent Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan-Afghanistan ties have deteriorated over border disputes, prompting Kabul to seek warmer relations with India as a counterweight to Islamabad. Without formally recognising the Taliban, India has re-established a technical mission in Kabul to secure its interests, monitor anti-India groups, and maintain developmental influence, which directly challenges Pakistan’s historical influence in the region. Is such manoeuvring of regional relations a virtue of a ‘swing state’!

Paradoxically, India is developing a special friendship with the murderous regime of Netanyahu in Israel focussing on defence and anti-terrorism. Indian prime minister is planning to visit Israel towards the end of this month which would obviously boost the image and credibility of a ruler who has committed genocide of the Palestinians. The barb no doubt is intended to prick Pakistan. Could such a country bring peace to the region, which it must if it is to qualify as a ‘swing state’.

India seems to have good relations with its northern neighbour, little Nepal, though minor but persistent issues remain. Disputes, notably regarding the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh area, have caused tensions. Nepal has, from time to time, requested, a revision of the 1950 Treaty, viewing it as unbalanced. Growing influence of other foreign powers (particularly China) in Nepal poses a strategic challenge for India.

The other northern neighbour, the giant, is a different kettle of fish. India has fought several wars with China and there are frequent border skirmishes. The rivalry between these two giants is second only to that between the US and China. The war for markets, influence and hegemony between these countries may one day tear the world apart.

India seems to be having border disputes with most of its neighbours. Fortunately, we have no common border with it but there is Katchatheevu, on which they have recently made a claim.

India being the big brother must take the initiative to resolve the disputes it has with its neighbours and work towards lasting peace in the region. The inability to do so reflects, more than the external factor, the internal depravity that plagues its politics. One has only to listen to its political leaders during election times to gauge the depth of racism they descend to in order to swing the votes. This phenomenon is more evident in their own ‘swing states’. This racism cannot be confined to its borders, it has to cross the borders and be projected to the neighbourhood, if the politicians are to appear to be truly patriotic. Thus, the border disputes and acrimony continue.

If peace, cordiality and economic stability are the desirable goals for the region – one cannot think of anything more important than these – India may not be the ‘swing state’ that could give leadership to the struggle that would finally bring these qualities to the region.

by N. A. de S. Amaratunga

Opinion

Sovereignty without Governance is a hollow shield

Published

2 days ago

2026/02/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Globalisation exposes weakness and failed governance; and invites intervention – A message to all inept governments everywhere

The government of Burkina Faso has shattered the illusion of party politics, dissolving every political party in the nation. Its justification is blunt: parties divide the people, fracture sovereignty, and allow corrupt elites to hijack the sacred powers that belong to the citizenry.

This is not an aberration. It is the recurring disease of fragile states. Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, Sri Lanka—their governments collapse under the weight of incompetence, leaving their people abandoned and their sovereignty hollow. These failed states do not merely fail themselves; they burden the world. Their chaos spills across borders, draining the strength of nations that still stand.

Globalisation does not forgive weakness. It exposes it. And as global opinion hardens, a new world order is taking shape—one that no longer tolerates decay. The moment of rupture came when US President Donald Trump seized Nicolás Maduro from his Venezuelan hideout and dragged him to face justice in America.

Predictably, the chorus of populists cried “oil!” They shouted about imperialism while ignoring the rot of Maduro’s failed government and his collapse in legitimacy. But the truth is unavoidable: if Venezuela had been competently governed, Trump would never have had the opening to topple its leadership. Weakness invited conquest. Failure opened the door.

Singapore offers the perfect counterexample. It is perhaps the best-governed nation on earth, and for that reason it is untouchable. Strong governance is the only true shield of sovereignty. Without it, sovereignty is a brittle shell, a flag waving over ruins.

Trump’s precedent will echo across continents. China, Russia, India—regional powers are watching, calculating, preparing. The message is unmistakable: Sovereignty is conditional. It is not guaranteed by history or by law. It is guaranteed only by strength, by competence, by the will to govern effectively.

This is the revolutionary truth: nations that fail to govern themselves will be governed by others. The age of excuses is over. The age of accountability has begun. Weak governments will fall. Strong governments will endure. And the people, sovereign and indivisible, will demand leaders who can protect their destiny—or see them replaced by those who can.

By Brigadier (Rtd) Ranjan de Silva
rpcdesilva@gmail.com