On the 1st of September 2022, the past pupils, alumni and special guests of honor gathered together to celebrate 50 years of excellence of Royal Institute International School, in the prestigious auditorium at Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC).
The chief guest of the evening was our founder/chairman Mr. G.T. Bandara and the guests of honor were, Her excellency, Ms. Amanda Jewel, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in Sri Lanka, world famous cricketer, Mr. Muttiah Muralithiran and his wife Mrs. Madee Muralitharan. They were accompanied by the Academic Director of RI and RIC, Dr. Nirodha Bandra and the directors Mr. Chaminda Bandara and Mr. Nivantha Bandara.
Thanks to the tireless hours put in by the teachers, RIC staff, students, prefects and the non – academic staff, the day passed by; creating new memories and leaving behind a wistful atmosphere for those to come.
On this auspicious occasion, Royal Institute launched Royal Institute Smart Academy (RISA) an online school for Cambridge learners. This is an initiative to provide proper guidance to students studying the Cambridge curriculum for their Ordinary Level, Advanced Subsidiary Level and Advanced Level Examinations. Pre-recorded and live sessions are available, conducted by the teachers of Royal Institute using our own state-of-the-art technology to encourage a better learning experience and to share the concepts of RI in a global platform.
There was a panel discussion held to provide an overview about this revolutionary initiative in the current educational arena. The panel consisted of renowned figures representing different fields including Mr. Channa Manoharan, Chief Operating Officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Mrs. Manjula Kumarihamy, Chartered Architect, Interior Designer and visiting lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, Dr. Chulani Herath, Head, Department of Psychology, the Open University of Sri Lanka and Dr. Nirodha Bandara, Academic Director of Royal Institute International School, Royal Institute of Colombo and Royal Institute Smart Academy. This discussion was moderated by well-known media personnel, Ms. Savithri Rodrigo. This event was very insightful and stole the attention of the entire gathering. The valuable opinions of the panel will definitely be considered to improve the quality of Royal Institute Smart Academy.
The gathering was mesmerized by the heart touching performances of RI students. At the very outset, the dancing troop of Nugegoda branch showcased the traditions of agricultural society of Sri Lanka followed by a number of performances by the school choir.
Her excellency, Ms. Amanda Jewel, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia in Sri Lanka took her position on the stage to congratulate RI. She also highlighted on the excellent performances of RIC students who follow the Deakin programmes. In her speech, she appreciated the quality of higher education RIC provides to Sri Lankan students.
Dr. Hasuli Perera, an alumna of RI Nugegoda branch who holds a PhD in Human Resources and Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Monash shared her thoughts with the gathering on the remarkable occasion. She mainly spoke about the importance of balance; between academics and extra curricular activities, between the English Language and our mother tongue Sinhala and about the importance of a global outlook while instilling traditional values. She was truly enjoying the moment calling it a’ homecoming’ for herself. Her speech must have reassured the parents of RI that they have made the correct decision about the education of their children.
Another memorable event held was the felicitation of the backbone of RI. To appreciate the efforts of the teachers and the staff who played a significant role in contribution to the legacy of Royal Institute, a felicitation took place during the event.
The celebration was officially concluded with the delivering of the vote of thanks but for the past students and teachers, it was just the beginning of their reunion. The air was filled with excitement and everyone was enjoying the moment sharing the memories they had created together. Accordingly, the golden jubilee celebration of RI became a perpetual memory.
Exploring through its decades of success and decorating nostalgic memories with the shimmering aspects of new ones, Royal institute continues to grow from one strength to another with empathy and excellence. The 50th anniversary celebration of RI is a new beginning of a new era in the field of education.