Bishop’s College is celebrating a monumental milestone—150 years of excellence in education, faith, and service. Adding a special touch to the celebrations, the internationally acclaimed De Lanerolle Brothers, who are concluding their own 15-year anniversary, will perform in the final programme, Thanksgiving for All.
We spoke with Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle to explore their unique connection with Bishop’s College and their reflections on this historic occasion.
Q: Rohan, Is there any message you would like to share with the wider community of Bishop’s College, both locally and overseas?
First and foremost, my heartfelt congratulations to Bishop’s College on celebrating this milestone. BC as I call it has been very close to my heart as my mother, aunt and brother were all part of the school life ; Ishan though only being in the nursery! Later this was made stronger due to the STC - BC connection.
Q: Rohan, your connection with Bishop’s College seems to have started earlier than Ishan’s. Can you elaborate?
Yes and no. I’m the elder son of a Bishopian Ganjalee De Lanerolle (née Fernando), who was a terrific pianist and was placed 1st in the island twice and stopped playing active piano once Ishan was born. If not, guaranteed she would have been one of Sri Lanka’s concert pianists. However, unlike my brother, I didn’t attend the Bishop’s nursery. That said, my first official involvement came in 1992, when I had the privilege of being part of the cast in the joint production of South Pacific (The Musical) between Bishop’s College and S. Thomas’ College. It was a memorable experience where I still carry those memories and friendships that are still lasting where our own children now have made connections. I think that’s what music has done to our schools and families and I feel it’s about time BC has a production of another musical.
Q: Ishan, you’ve had three very special Bishopians in your life—your mother, Ganjalee, your wife, Shanaz, and your daughter, Khalia. What are your thoughts on Bishop’s College?
You also went to Bishop's nursery.
I’m definitely biased, but Bishopians are remarkable. One of the things I admire most is their strong sense of camaraderie. For example, my wife’s batch calls themselves the ‘BC Babes,’ and they’ve been meeting regularly at least once a month since leaving school. That kind of bond is rare and speaks volumes about the friendships forged at Bishop’s. Beyond this, Bishopians embody a perfect blend of qualities—they are simple yet sophisticated, kind and compassionate, and they know how to balance a life of service with joy and celebration. It’s a unique and inspiring mix.
Q:If you were asked to describe a Bishopian in one sentence, what would it be?
A Bishopian is someone who can seamlessly mingle with royalty and yet humbly assist the poorest of the poor.
Q: Ishan Tell us a little about Thanksgiving for All.
Thanksgiving for All is a brilliant concept by the principal, aimed at closing the week-long celebrations with a service of gratitude to God for 150 years of Bishop’s College. It beautifully reflects the school’s ethos of faith and thanksgiving.
We are truly honoured to be part of this special programme and look forward to collaborating with the choirs. Music has a profound way of bringing people together, and we hope to make this event unforgettable.
A shared milestone interestingly, the De Lanerolle Brothers are on the final lap of celebrating their own
15-year anniversary, a journey that has taken them across the globe and won them countless accolades. This shared milestone makes their presence at Bishop’s College’s sesquicentennial celebrations even more significant.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, 26th January, for Thanksgiving for All. It promises to be a night of music, faith, and gratitude, celebrating not just the legacy of Bishop’s College but also the enduring connections that make it extraordinary.
