It gives me great pleasure to write this message for the RCOBAWA. Despite the relatively small number of members, RCOBA in Western Australia has been a vibrant group which has done many memorable activities from the time of its inception. I congratulate the current and past Presidents and the Committees of the association for a great job done.
I left Royal College in 1977 after my GCE Advanced Level examination. Even though it has been many years since I left school, the education I received and the values that were inculcated in me in the school, have helped me immensely to achieve the successful goals I have achieved in my life.
It is always a pleasure to reminisce on the ‘good old school days’ and to realise that we were a part of traditions and values that date back to 1835. The school has evolved significantly from its inception. Evolution is part of life. The school has embraced many aspects of the Sri Lankan culture over the years.
Meeting a fellow Royalist in social, professional or sports spheres is always a pleasure. It is a bond that we all cherish with pride. We can relate to each other like a member of a large family. Many old Royalists have excelled in professional, political leadership and entrepreneurial pursuits in Sri Lanka and many parts of the world.
What we have learned in school; be it in education, social etiquette, or sports, has got us to where we are today. We have been fortunate to have a well-rounded education at Royal College in Colombo. University education and other occupational skills are secondary to a good foundation from the school. It is important that as Royalists we always think of the service to the community we can do, with what we have learned, and with the careers we have built. We need to show humility, compassion, integrity, and exemplary conduct in our social interactions to make our alma mater proud.
Interaction and camaraderie between the old Royalists in Western Australia are mutually beneficial and enjoyable. We should try to get more members involved in the activities of the RCOBAWA. I believe that the user friendly interactive website planned for the association would be an asset to RCOBAWA.
I wish the RCOBAWA every success and hope that Royal College in Colombo, Sri Lanka will prosper well in the centuries to come.
Prof Prasad Kumarasinghe
Consultant Dermatologist
Western Dermatology and University of Western Australia
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