‘Kandy Bash 2025’ Unite Alumni in music, memories and celebrations

By Sanath Weerasuriya

The spirit of Kandy will take over Colombo on Saturday, August 30, when the Kandy Schools Past Pupils Association (KSPPA) hosts the ‘Kandy Bash 2025’ at the Havelock Sports Club Grounds, bringing together past pupils of fourteen renowned Kandy schools for a memorable evening of music, nostalgia and fellowship.

What began in 2007 as a modest social gathering for Kandy’s alumni has since evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent annual reunion events, drawing thousands for an evening of camaraderie, school pride and spirited festivity.

This year’s edition promises to be bigger than ever, drawing past pupils from fourteen of Kandy’s most renowned boys’ and girls’ schools including Dharmaraja College, Mahamaya Girls’ College, Trinity College, Kingswood College, Girls’ High School, St. Sylvester’s College, St. Anthony’s College, Good Shepherd Convent, Vidyartha College, St. Anthony’s Girls’ College, Sri Sumangala College, Pushpadana Girls’ College, Hillwood College and Swarnamali Girls’ College. For many, it will be a chance to rekindle friendships, while for others, it will be an opportunity to build new bonds that transcend school rivalries.

The festivities will kick off at 3.00 pm and stretch well into the night, transforming the Havelock Grounds into a lively hub of entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun. Past pupils from fourteen of Kandy’s most renowned schools are expected to gather, transforming the grounds into a vibrant hub of music, laughter, and community.

The highlight of the evening will be live performances from the popular band Freeze, famed for their hit ‘Diasge Nangi’ and rising group M14, who will take the crowd on a nostalgic musical journey through classics of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, alongside contemporary favourites.

Families can look forward to interactive kids’ activities, fun games and a wide range of food and beverage stalls offering everything from traditional Sri Lankan flavours to modern treats. True to tradition, the Bash remains an inclusive and affordable event, with a nominal entry fee and free admission for children under 12, making it an ideal outing for the whole family.

While the ‘Kandy Bash’ is synonymous with fun, it carries a deeper mission. The KSPPA has emphasised that the event is not just about celebration, it also serves as a platform to foster unity, collaboration, and mutual support among Kandy’s alumni community. Funds raised from the event will go towards educational and leadership development programmes for current students, nurturing values of leadership, discipline, and personal growth.

The KSPPA has extended its gratitude to the organising committee, co-chaired by Asintha Wijeyatunga of Sri Sumangala College and Gayanee Amarasinghe of Swarnamali Girls’ College, as well as the sponsors and volunteers whose tireless efforts make the event possible year after year. As the countdown begins, the call goes out to all past pupils to come together for this wonderful celebration.