Dear Fellow Old Thomians,
I, Udaya Gunaratne joined College in 1976 and left in 1988. With Fellow Old Thomians my first project was Stars of Lanka (musical show) in 1989 at BMICH. Thereafter I have been able to contribute the following to our Alma Mater with your support:
The following projects were chaired by me:
01. The 150th Anniversary Thomian Parade which was held to fund the construction of the OBA Secretariat and the Museum.
02. The Star Parade Musical Show which was held at BMICH to fund the Language Resource Centre to translate Sinhala and Tamil text books to English.
03. I also supported in reintroducing the bi-lingual English medium stream to College.
In my tenure of office as OBA Hon. Secretary (3 years) the Ex-co and Fellow Thomians were able to deliver the following towards the welfare of our Alma Mater:
01. Initiation of the new Commerce Block.
02. The Lower School roof was refurbished with the Walk Funds.
03.The OBA Secretariat building was renovated and colour-washed.
04. White boards were provided for the entire College while 20 flat-screen computers also were handed over to College.
05. The Garden Party and exhibitions for the OBA weekend were reintroduced with the assistance of the Warden and the Sub Warden.
06. The Old Boy Magazine was continued to be published and the e-mail address data base was compiled.
07. An audio-visual system was provided for the College Hall.
The 125th Year OBA Celebrations was held and it was launched on January 22nd 2011. I also was the co-Chairman of the Committee. Following are some of the major functions connected to it:
01. Gala Thomian Dinner.
02. Thomian Fair of 2011.
03. Sing Along.
04. Music through the Ages.
05. All past Wardens among the living as well as Past Sub Wardens and Past Hon. OBA Secretaries were recognized for their services, with plaques being presented to them at the 125th AGM.
06. Teachers with long years of service and Old Boys who were currently serving on the staff were presented with Gold Coins.
I was able to contribute the following as PTA Hon. Secretary:
01. A Student-support Unit was established on behalf of students with learning difficulties.
02. A Motor Rally was held and so was the PTA Dance.
03. The new Lower School toilets project was funded by the Rally Round the College Flag Concert.
04. The inaugural Newsletter was published.
My vision and Mission is to promote IT to College students in collaboration with an international university.
I believe that you would view the above in a justified perspective.
ESTO PERPETUA!
Udaya Gunaratne
