A triple celebration for St. Benedict’s College today

11 May 2023 12:02 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Founder’s Day at St. Benedict’s College opens the restored Clock Tower Building and awarding of the first ever Professor Nihal Amerasinghe Benedictine Teacher of the Year Award

The Clock Tower Building of St. Benedict’s College

St. Benedict’s College, Colombo celebrates its Founder’s Day today (May 11), a media release by the college said.

The Founder’s Day events will also include the re-opening of the restored historic Clock Tower Building. The day’s celebrations will also be the occasion for the presentation of the first Professor Nihal Amerasinghe Benedictine Teacher of the Year Award.

The day’s proceedings commence with the Concelebrated Holy Mass at St. Lucia’s Cathedral and will be attended by the students, staff, Benedictine Priests, De La Salle Brothers, past pupils and parents.

Let’s Rise to Reignite a Legacy was the clarion call that went out to all Benedictines in December 2021, as work commenced to restore the 120-year-old iconic Clock Tower Building at St. Benedict’s College. This building holds within its pillars a memory for each Benedictine, who has walked through the portals of this Mother of all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Colombo.

The Project Team led from the front by the distinguished, loyal and dynamic Benedictine Rohan de Silva worked feverishly, looking into every little detail, to have the work completed on time for the Ceremonial Soft Opening of the Restored Building as a part of the Founder’s Day Celebrations.

The Chief Guests for the occasion are Very Rev. Bro. Armin Luistro, the Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He was one time the Secretary of Education of the Philippines and the First Asian to assume the position of Head of De La Salle Order Worldwide. He is joined by Mr. Rohan de Silva, Chairman of the McLarens Group of Companies. Rohan’s enormous personal commitment and contribution, singularly made this project a reality, amidst a very difficult period for the Construction Industry in Sri Lanka. The Restored Building is fittingly dedicated to the memory of Rev. Bro. Cassian of Jesus, who served St. Benedict’s College, his Alma Mater for a continuous period of 42 years from 1870 to 1912. He was the Architect and Builder of this heritage structure at the turn of the 19th Century.

The Teachers of St. Benedict’s College are the living legacy of 158 years, which has produced many distinguished Alumni from all walks of life nationally and internationally.

Teaching, though considered the Noblest of Professions often receives little recognition and limited rewards. In inaugurating this Award, distinguished Old Benedictine Professor Nihal Amerasinghe, presently at the Asian Institute of Management, Manila, Philippines has taken a tangible step in encouraging, motivating and recognising the Role of Teachers at St. Benedict’s College.

The building has been restored to its original beauty and elegance with added modern fixtures.
The building will provide spaces for the most up-to-date facilities for the students, keeping in step with the 21st Century Learning Initiative at St. Benedict’s College as spelt out in the Strategic Plan of the College.
The Technical Services for the Restoration Work were provided by Design Professionals and Chartered Architects. Among the many facilities that will become available for students in the coming weeks and months are a spacious well-equipped Staff Room, two Computer Laboratories with 50 Computers in each, a Digital and Physical Library, a Learning Centre with provision for group discussions and brainstorming, a Lounge and Archives for visitors to savour the Benedictine Spirit. There is also a large Gymnasium, which could be multifunctional as required. There are also spaces provided for Oriental Dancing, Medical Centre etc.

Looking into the future and to equip the students of St. Benedict’s College with skills like Problem Solving, Creativity, and Collaboration, space has been reserved to set up, what could probably be the First STEM CENTRE (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in Sri Lanka. The STEM approach will revolutionise the existing Teaching and Learning Model. An Award Winning STEM Practitioner Mr.Sunil Ranjith Dediwalage, an Old Benedictine domiciled in Melbourne, Australia is voluntarily leading the 21st Century Learning Initiative at St. Benedict’s College.

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Comments - 14

franklyn fernandez Thursday, 11 May 2023 12:01 PM

So many fond memories and Proud to have studied at such a prestigious school. Certainly the school helped me achieve what i have achieved in life today.

Dr Robert Rajan croos Thursday, 11 May 2023 01:07 PM

My memories of being in the class room, just next to the clock tower face is fondly remembered.

Tuan Mohammad Hazari Dole Thursday, 11 May 2023 03:34 PM

I’m proud to be a student of this prestigious college including running of the school bell school prefect and maybe the first Malay Rugby captain

Anthony Ranjan Rosario Thursday, 11 May 2023 09:48 PM

The clock tower building holds many fond memories of my school days at this wonderful school. My family has had a very long association with St. Benedict's for four generations. I studied in one of the ground floor class rooms. We used to attend retreats during Lent on the upper floor. Love my school so much. Long live St. Benedict's College. And a big thank you Mr Rohan de Silva and the Benedictine fraternity in Australia. God bless my beloved school.

Chandra Edirisinghe Thursday, 11 May 2023 10:24 PM

Congratulations Rohan for getting this done at a time the whole country is going through a severe crisis financially!' It's only your backing that made this a reality! You performed a miracle!!

Johannes Harold Alexander Friday, 12 May 2023 01:58 AM

I am delighted to to hear this news of another memorable opening, and I was aware of the restoration project. Let me personally thank Rohan De Silva for his untiring efforts and composite funding. I urge the students to use this facility sparingly. Johannes Harold Alexander (OB 65 78 batch)

Herman Perera Friday, 12 May 2023 12:39 PM

Living in Melbourne I was proud to read this article. Left college in 1969.

Female Saturday, 13 May 2023 05:29 AM

Only accessible for rich boys, not for poor bright intelligent girls.

S B Lokuge Saturday, 13 May 2023 09:37 AM

I am proud to be call myself an old Benedictine although I did not achieve much academically or in any other field. But I learned to be an honest, loyal and a god loving person at this prestigious institute, thanks to disciplinarians like Rev Bro Edward, Rev Bro Flavian, Bro Marcus and many other distinguish teaches. How successful this institute is shown by the loyal old boys like Mr Rohan De Silva.

European Saturday, 13 May 2023 10:55 AM

To Female: very true. But I don't think these old boys realise how lucky and priviliged they are. They probably think they deserve this, because their parents could afford the fees. In Europe everyone, also poor girls, can enter topuniversities, like Oxford, Sorbonne etc.

Louis Rex Arulappapillai Monday, 15 May 2023 06:03 PM

A heartfelt salute to my late father's Alma Mater! He's from Kotahena and lived down St.Lucia's street, hence being able to hear the morning school bell being rung yet at times late; when enquired by the discipline master, his excuse would be "Sir, my family lives in Kandana" which would give him an easy escape! He was a seminarian and served at the Bank of Ceylon for 35 years with merit! I am writing this post in my father's name who was born in 1946 as the third son of second generation immigrants from Tamil Nadu.

European Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:29 PM

Louis: I rest my case.

Dr Julian Motha Wednesday, 17 May 2023 02:45 AM

Wonderful to hear that the college is doing well and serving the nation. I was a student from 1958 until I entered Uni of Peradeniya in 1972. Thanks to Rev Bro Marcus, who supervised the A/L students and took a great effort to hire visiting staff like Mr Theodor and others. Also, Rev Bro Fabian modernised the college and Rev Bro Calixtus lifted the academic standard of the college. Long Live St Benedict's.

OLD BEN Wednesday, 06 December 2023 10:09 AM

A reply to FEMALE Please do not say things you do not know. Of course you sound ignorant not knowing this is a Boys school. If you only know the number of children who are sponsored by Old Boys you will be surprised. Please make a note that SBC is not for rich children. The international schools are there for the rich.

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A triple celebration for St. Benedict’s College today

Founder’s Day at St. Benedict’s College opens the restored Clock Tower Building and awarding of the first ever Professor Nihal Amerasinghe Benedictine Teacher of the Year Award

Comments - 14

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