Thomian swimming enters exciting chapter

Old Thomians Swimming Club (OTSC) have elected what they call a ‘dynamic new Committee’ to lead them into an exciting chapter. 

The Committee was elected at the 68th Annual General Meeting of OTSC that officials said marked a ‘proud and historic milestone’.

Heading the Committee is Darshana Herat-Gunaratne who was elected as president with Jaminda Mendis as his secretary.

The OTSC was founded in 1956 by CR Wise who was the acting Warden of S. Thomas’ College under the guidance of the Warden the Rev. Canon RS de Saram from where it began its journey from humble roots when it had limited space near the Scout Room and grew steadily and eventually to its present home at De Saram Road.

The OTSC’s initial concept was to provide past students with access to swimming facilities and promote aquatic sports before it evolved into its present status of pride and passion according to its membership.

Through unwavering commitment and generosity of its members OTSC acquired its own land in 1975 under the presidency of WA Wijesinha and established what is being called a charming, old-world clubhouse and according to the club the defining milestone came in the year 2000 when under the leadership of its president Sarath Colonne and his committee the clubhouse was completed setting the stage for what it is today.

According to its membership, OTSC stands tall as a premier club offering state-of-the-art facilities to members while preserving a rich heritage. 

One of its members said that a walk around the club is a nostalgic journey celebrating decades of achievements, honours and unforgettable memories.

Some members call it a club like no other that continues to be a place where friendships flourish and evenings are savoured in comfort and style.

OTSC is affiliated with the Life Saving Association of Sri Lanka, the National Amateur Aquatic Sports Union of Sri Lanka and the Colombo District Cricket Association.

Office-bearers:

• President: Darshana Herat-Gunaratne
• Vice Presidents: NL Perera, Dulip Soysa
• Secretary: Jaminda Mendis
• Asst. Secretary: Susantha Caldera 
• Treasurer: Ranil de Saram
• Club captain: Sachitha Jayatilake 
• Swimming and water polo captain: Hasith Senanayake 
• Life-saving captain: Mahiru Abeywickrema 
• Bar Secretary: Angelo Jesudasan
• Pool and clubhouse secretary: Vishan Abeygunawardena 
• Social Secretary: Manjula Wijewickrema 
• Cricket secretary: Ruvindu Liyanage 
• Committee Members: Yogen Wilson, Vivek Jayasuriya, Dhanusha Soysa, Nimantha de Silva, Rumesh Fonseka, Nayanesh Jeerasinghe