News
President’s College embarks on largest development initiative in its 47-year history
President’s College, Rajagiriya would embark on the largest development initiative in its 47-year history with the construction of a fully-fledged multi-purpose sports complex and auditorium, Principal Bhagya Rupasinghe announced on Monday (04).
Speaking at a special media briefing at the school, Rupasinghe said the ceremonial inauguration of the project will take place on August 9, with fundraising efforts officially kicking off the same evening through a gala dance event titled Priya Sambhashanaya, at the Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla.
The Rs. 350 million project, to be completed over three years through private investment, will feature a modern three-storey auditorium with a 3,800 square foot ground floor, equipped with a rest area, changing rooms, toilets, and other key amenities. It is scheduled to be unveiled in time for the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The new development will also include dedicated playing fields for cricket, rugby, and football, and will be constructed in different phases. Renowned architect and old boy Channa Wijepala has been tasked with the design.
“This is more than just a building project—it’s a legacy. We studied under tough conditions and limited resources. Our aim is to ensure that future generations do not face the same hardships,” said Chanaka Jayatilaka, President of the Friends of President’s College Association, which is jointly spearheading the initiative with the Old Boys’ Association.
Principal Rupasinghe said the idea was presented soon after she assumed duties and was shaped into a close collaboration with both associations. “The school’s steady progress in sports, particularly in cricket and rugby, makes this project both timely and necessary,” she added.
Project Manager Duminda Kularatne echoed the sentiment, noting that the facility would help further elevate the performance and development of student athletes.
The initiative marks a transformative chapter for the institution, first established on February 4, 1978, by the then President J.R. Jayewardene at the Torrington, and later relocated to its present premises in Rajagiriya.
Several key figures involved in the initiative, including Menaka Jayawardena, Asanka Sanjeewa Perera, Varuna Nimesh Liyanage, and other alumni, were also present at the media briefing.
By Chaminda Silva ✍️
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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