Richmond College, Galle
6°3′10.37″N 80°12′17.01″E / 6.0528806°N 80.2047250°E
| Richmond College | |
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| File:Richmond Badge new.BMP.jpg Crest of Richmond College | |
| Location | |
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| Information | |
| Type | Government Public School |
| Motto | Nisi Dominus Frustra Latin - ( No amount of human effort will bring success, without the blessings of God) |
| Established | 1876 |
| Founder | Rev. George Bough |
| Principal | Mr E.M.S Ekanayake M.Sc. |
| Grades | Primary to G.C.E. (A/L) |
| Gender | Boys |
| Age | 6 to 19 |
| Colour(s) | Maroon, Light Blue, Sapphire |
| Website | www.richmondcollege.lk |
Richmond College is a primary and secondary school in Galle, Sri Lanka. The school was established in 1814 by Christian missionaries. Richmond College is now a well established institution with a reputation as one of the best schools in Sri Lanka. Approaching the end of its second century as a school, it has produced many prominent citizens, including two in the highest political positions, namely the current President, and a former Prime Minister.
History
The history of Richmond College is in a special way connected with the pioneer Wesleyan Missionaries who landed in Ceylon on the 29th of June 1814. The sailing ship in which they came could not make port at Galle owing to a monsoon gale. They eventually landed at Weligama Bay. Of the party, "the Rev. Benjamin Clough remained in Galle and opened the first Wesleyan School in all Asia in the up-stair house of Mr. E. R. Gunaratne in Dickson Road, Galle." this was the precursor to current Richmond College.
In 1857 the Rev, Joseph Rippon, who was then stationed in Galle, with daring foresight persuaded the Mission to purchase 17 acres of land at Kumbalwella, two miles to the north of Galle Fort. This block consisted of five contiguous allotments of a land called Mount Seymour or Seymour Hill. The original owner of this land was, Doctor Robert Sillery M.D., It is not known how this place got the aristocratic name of Seymour, but under Sillery it became known as “Dostara-kanda” or “Doctor's Hill”. After the Mission purchased it the missionaries started living there and the people began calling it “Padilikanda” or the “Hill of the Padres”.
Rev. Rippon probably had his theological training at Richmond College in Surrey. This institution which is situated on the banks of the Thames is famous for the grandeur of the scenery round about. Rev. Rippon either out of love for his old College or because of the scenic splendour of the local counterpart renamed this place Richmond Hill.
Wesleyan Mission did not go in for what is called "higher education" till long after the jubilee in 1864. It devoted all its powers to elementary teaching, the preaching of the Gospel, translating the scriptures and in building up congregations. The time came, however, for the establishment of High Schools and Colleges, and the Mission started several superior institutions for the imparting of higher education in few large cities.
In 1864 the Rev. George Baugh succeeded Rev. Rippon. Almost from the beginning he pursued the idea of establishing a "superior" English School on Richmond Hill. Rev. George Baugh's reasons were mainly that the standard of English of the local Theological students was not satisfactory and that the energies of the missionaries and local ministers were going to waste because the children of the Church were attending non-Methodist English Schools in Colombo. For these reasons he and his fellow-workers made frequent representations to the Foreign Missions Committee of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in England about the necessity for such a school.
Wesleyan missionary Rev. George Baugh is credited with changing the name of the school that was existing from 'Boys' Anglo-Vernacular School' to Galle High School which was later renamed in 1882 as Richmond College as it was sited on Richmond Hill, which began its existence on 1 May 1876. Rev. Samuel Langdon was its first principal. He is also credited with having a proper school organized. The School began with a staff of 8 and with 104 pupils on the roll.
Latin, Mathematics, Science, Arts and Religion were included in the curriculum, and children were trained to sit for British public examinations. A prize giving was held in its very first year, and a library with 500 books was opened in 1878.
From these facts, it is evident that from the beginning, Richmond College was conducted as a comprehensive educational institution. The school which was known by different names since 1814 was named "The Galle High School" in 1876, and six years later in 1882 was renamed "Richmond College".
The first College magazine was published in 1887. It was only the second occasion that a school in Ceylon had produced a magazine. The same year, the English Literary Union was formed and cricket was started in the school. In 1894, under the principal ship of Rev. Hartley, the Old Boys' Association was formed. Another important occurrence during that year was the establishment of the College Cadet Corps.
Rev. James Horne Darrell assumed duties as principal in 1896. The school experienced both physical expansion as well as qualitative growth. During his period, Richmond rose to be recognized as one of the best schools in the island. At the local Cambridge Examinations of 1905, Richmond earned top position among assisted schools and second place among all schools in Ceylon[citation needed]. The same year, the Mahinda - Richmond Match was played for the first time, with the two principals, Rev. Darrell of Richmond and Mr. F. L. Woodward of Mahinda, officiating as umpires.Rev. W. J. T. Small became principal following the death of Rev. Darrell.
Commerce was introduced as a subject in 1912. This was also the year in which Football was started at Richmond. In 1915, the 2nd Galle (Richmond) Scouts Group was established. Scouting at Richmond College enjoyed remarkable success from the beginning. The first two King's Scouts in the island were produced by Richmond. In 1916, Ceylon 's first Cub Pack was started at Richmond College.
A notable event during Rev. Small's period was the formation of the National Association at Richmond in 1915. It was in effect a forum within the school for the emerging nationalist movement.
In 1922, Rev. Alec Sneath took over the principalship of Richmond College. He was responsible for many measures which brought refinement and qualitative development to the school.
In 1926, a well equipped library was established in a new building. The Science Society was started the same year. In 1931, the Sinhala Literary Union came into being.
In 1940, the last of the missionary principals left, leaving the school in the hands of local graduates.
Mr. E. R. de Silva, an old boy(alumni) of the school, had the distinction of becoming the first Ceylonese principal of Richmond College. This was a period which saw major changes in the educational structure of Ceylon. The Free Education Scheme which was devised by Mr. C. W. W. Kannangara, an illustrious old boy of Richmond College, was being implemented, and the school had to be geared to suit the changes.
In 1962, Richmond College, which was owned by the Methodist Mission, was nationalized. Mr. D. G. Welikala, the first head of Richmond College under state management, was also its first Buddhist principal. With the take over, the Methodist Vernacular School on Richmond Hill was amalgamated with Richmond.
During this period, considerable expansion and change had to take place to cater to the new situation. Richmond College faced the challenge of transition so successfully that the then Minister of Education commended Richmond on several occasions, describing it as a model institution among nationalized schools[citation needed].
Richmond College was one of the first schools in the island to start the teaching of Agriculture as a subject. In 1969, it became the first school in the country to start an Agricultural stream for the Advanced Level.
In 1976, Richmond College celebrated its centenary. In terms of the provisions of the White Paper on Education, Richmond College was named as a National School in 1986.
Incumbent Principal of Richmond College
The incumbent Principal is Mr. E.M.S Ekanayake a former Deputy Director of Education, North western province. He is a university graduate, and obtained his MSc at Malaya University in Malaysia. He has done further studies in USA, Japan and National institute of Education of Malaysia. Mr Ekanayake has 24 years experience in the field of education.
Past principals
- Rev. Samuel Langdon (1876–1879)
- Rev. Samuel Hill (1879–1882)
- Rev. Samuel R Wilkin (1882–1888)
- Rev. Arthur Triggs (1888–1893)
- Rev. Horatius Hartley (1893–1896)
- Rev. James Horne Darrell (1896–1906)
- Rev. W J T Small (1906–1922)
- Rev. Alec A Sneath (1922–1939)
- Rev. John Dalby (1939–1940)
- Mr. E R De Silva (1940–1957)
- Mr. A S Wirasinghe (1957–1961)
- Mr. Claude Ivor de Silva (1961)
- Mr. D G Welikala (1962–1971)
- Mr. J Munasinghe (1971–1973)
- Mr. S Kariyawasam (1973–1977)
- Mr. N P G Amarakeerthi (1978–1979)
- Mr. B Suriarachchi (1979–1986)
- Mr. S Illaperuma (1986–1994)
- Mr. W N R P Daniyas (1995–2007)
- Mr. E M S Ekanayake (2007–present)
Games
Badminton
Baseball
Chess
Table Tennis
Cricket
Football
Hockey
Rugby
Swimming
Clubs & Societies
Western Choir
Media Unit
Scouting
Cadets
Traffic Unit
Saint Jones First Aid Unit
Adventure Club
Cubs Scouting
Photographic Society
Do you know circle
Newspaper and Magazine club
Environmental Pioneer Brigade
It is one of the first pioneer brigades in Sri Lanka which was established under Central Environmental Authority. It carried out research projects and many progarmmes which were appreciated by the society. Richmond environmental pioneer brigade produced first silver medalists and first gold medalists in the whole country. Mr. Cecil Surasena (then Master -in- charge) was awarded the Environmental award from Sri Lanka Association for advancement of science -SLAAS).
Science Society
Commerce Society
Art Society
United Nations Study Circle
Buddhist Society
Islamic Society
College Anthem (English)
Play up boys of Richmond all as one unite
Battle ever for the right and with all your might
Never mind a knock or two never fear the fight
Get upon your feet again for Richmond’s honour bright
Chorus
Richmond, for ever boys, let the air resound,
Richmond to the fore boys, let the cry go around
Dear to us is Richmond’s honour, we will never say die
All for Richmond, none for self, shall be ever our cry
Richmond expects that you will ever play the game
In the field or in the hall honour Richmond’s name
Richmond stands for manliness and for honour bright
Be a man and honour Richmond by upholding right
Richmond’s dear memory cherish when you men become
In the greater field of life strive to overcome
Fight against all wrong and evil and you shall not fail
Remembering Richmond’s motto you will ever prevail
Lyrics by Mr J.V Mendis
Download College Anthem (Singhala)
Download College Anthem (English)
Notable alumni (old boys)
Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers and Prominent Legislators
- His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa - The current President of Sri Lanka
- Hon. Dr Wijeyananda Dahanayake - Former Prime Minister of Ceylon
- Hon. Dr C. W. W. Kannangara - Former Minister of Education and "Father of Free Education" in Sri Lanka
- Hon. Sir D Henry Kotalawala - former Legislative Council Member
- Hon. ? Wickremanayake - former Legislative Council Member
- Hon. Chamal Rajapaksa - The current Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Former Minister of Aviation & Shipping
- Hon. Montague Jayawickrema - Former Minister of Transport
- Hon. Sir Cyril de Zoysa - former Senator
- Hon. Premalal Kumarasiri aka K. P. de Silva - former MP
- Hon. D.M Rajapaksa - State Councilor, Parliamentarian
- Hon. D. A. Rajapaksa - Former Parliamentarian [Father of the current President of Sri Lanka]
- Hon. P. H. William de Silva - Former Minister of Fisheries
- Hon. Dr. W. A. de Silva - Former Minister of Health
- Hon. D. D. Gunesekera - former Minister of Cooperatives
- Hon. P. de S. Kularatne - former MP
- Hon. Kithsiri Abeywickrama - former MP
- Hon. Sumanadasa Abeywickrama - Former MP for Akmeemana
- Hon. Vasudeva Nanayakkara - Parliamentarian and Minister
- Hon. Hemakumara Nanayakkara -Former Minister of Agriculture
- Hon. M.W.H. De Silva - Former Minster of Justice
- Hon. Amarasiri Dodangoda - Former Minster of Justice & Legal Reform
- Hon. V.T.Nanayakkara - Former Parliamentarian
- Hon. George Rajapaksha - Former Minister of Fisheries
- Hon. Lakshman Rajapaksha - Former Parliamentarian
- Hon. Norman Widyaratna - Deputy Speaker of Parliament
- Hon. Mr. Sanjaya - Deputy Speaker of Parliament
- Hon. Ananda Abeywickrama- Former Parliamentarian
- Hon. Ramesh Pathirana- Parliamentarian
Prominent Jurists
- Hon. Justice Percy Collin Thome - Former Chief Justice
- Hon. Justice G. P. S. de Silva - Former Chief Justice (1991)
- Hon. Justice M. W. H. de Silva KC - Former Supreme Court Judge, Solicitor General
- Hon. Justice Jagath Balapatabendi - Former Supreme Court Judge
- Hon. Justice D. S. C. Lekamwasam - Judge of the Appeal Court
Prominent Educationists
- Prof. A. S. Dissanaike - Emeritus professor of Parasitology, University of Colombo and former Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Colombo
- Prof. D. M. de Z. Wickramasinghe - former Professor of Oriental Languages, London School of Oriental Studies and an ephigraphist
- C. W. W. Kannangara - Former minister of Education & "Father of Free Education" in Sri Lanka
- Ediriweera Sarachchandra - playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist and social commentator, Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Ambassador to France.
- Prof. E.F.C. Ludowyk - Professor of English, University of Peradeniya, who made yeoman contributions to modern English theatre in Sri Lanka
- Prof. P.V.J Jayasekera - Professor of History, University of Peradeniya, Darrell Medal (1954)
- H. A. I. Goonetilleke (Ian Goonetilleke) - Bibliographer and Librarian, University of Peradeniya, Darrell Medal (1941)
- Dr. Gamini Haththotuwegama - Professor, Universities of University of Peradeniya & University of Kelaniya, "Father" of Street Drama, writer, film critic
- P de S. Kularatne - Former Principal of Ananda College
- L. H. Mettananda - Former Principal of Ananda College
- Prof. George Dissanaike - Formerly Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Physics, University of Peradeniya, and Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences
- Mr. Albert Dias Jayasinha - former Headmaster at Mahinda College when Mr. Woodward was the Principal of Mahinda.
- Mr. S. Thomas de Silva - former Principal St. Thomas' College, Matara and founder of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda
- Prof. Nimal De Silva- Dean faculty of Architecture,University of Moratuwa
Prominent Civil Servants
- Mr. Cyril L. Wickramasinghe - the first Ceylonese Government Agent and former Land Commissioner
- Mr. V.L. Weerasinghe - Former Civil Servant and former Commissioner of Elections
- Mr. Wilbert Dias Jayasinha - former Ceylon Civil Servant
- Mr. Walter Elvin Shedden-Goonawardhane - former Assistant Conservator of Forests and later headed the Timber Corporation
- Mr. J. L. N. de Silva aka Mr. Nanadasiri Jasentuliyana - Deputy Ditrctor-General & Director Office for Outer Space Affairs, United Nations
- Mr. Austin Fernando - former Secretary Minister of Defence
- Mr. Gamini S. Senerath - Addl. Secretary to HE the President and Chief of Staff
- Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam - a Career Diplomat
- AVM Ravindra 'Ravi' Aruthavanathan - Asst. Secretary, Ministry of Defence
Prominent Musicians and Dramatists
- Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra - playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist and social commentator
- Prof. E.F.C. Ludowyk - Professor of English, University of Peradeniya, who made yeoman contributions to modern English theatre in Sri Lanka
- Dr. Gamini Haththotuwegama - "Father" of Street Drama, writer, film critic
- Mr. Hubert E. Weerasuriya - a former Archaeological Commissioner wrote "This Other Lanka"
- Mr. H. C. N. de Lanerolle - playwright of "Well Mudliyar" and "The Senator"
- Dr. Lionel Edirisinghe - musician of repute
- Mr. Saranaguptha Amarasinghe - The lyricist of the Sinhalese School Song of Richmond "Pembara Richmond"
Prominent Sportsmen and sports administrators
- Champaka Ramanayake - Former Sri Lankan cricketer and current bowling coach of Sri Lankan Cricket team
- Athula Russell - National Chess Champion
- Chamila Gamage - Former Sri Lankan cricketer
- Suranga Lakmal - Sri Lankan fast bowler