27th April 2024 12:33:12 Hours
St. Aloysius College, Galle inaugurated its Golden Lily Building, after undergoing a comprehensive restoration process by the Army troops on Friday (26 Apr 2024) in a ceremony headed by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, the Commander of the Army.
The arriving Army Chief, was warmly welcomed by Mr. Pubudu Sampath, the Principal of St. Aloysius College, Galle together with the Senior Officers and he was ushered to the main entrance by the Eastern Band of the school.
Shortly after, the National Cadet Corps presented a vibrant Guard of Honour for the Army Commander, followed by the Army Chief laying a floral tribute at the St. Aloysius War Heroes' Monument. Then after, he was ushered to the Golden Lily Building by the Western Cadet Band. Marking the inauguration, the Commander of the Army unveiled a plaque and inspected the facility along with the gathering.
The Golden Lily Building is a 4-story building which was in unusable condition for a long period. Responding to a request made by the Principal St. Aloysius College, Galle troops of 4 Engineer Services Regiment undertook the responsibility of the renovation of the building under the directions of the Commander of the Army, in honor of his father, Lieutenant Hettigoda Liyanage Sugathapala (Rtd), who was as an alumnus of the college. Major General T.J Kodithuwakku (Rtd) RWP RSP ndu, Major General K.M.S Kumara (Rtd) and Major General D.G. Hewage (Rtd) RSP Coordinated the project.
The newly-renovated facility comprises of a smart classroom, a home science laboratory, a sports unit, 02 Information Technology laboratories, 06 classrooms and an Eastern Music and Dancing room.
Commencing the day’s proceedings, gathering recited the college anthem and the Principal delivered the welcome remarks to the audience. Afterwards, the gathering witnessed a short documentary video of the school. At the same time, an exchange of mementoes took place symbolizing the goodwill between both parties and accordingly the Commander of Army received a copy of “The Aloysian Journal” (1943-1946) where his father’s name included.
During the same event, the Commander of the Army presented two commendation certificates for two school Cadets who excelled in both school and Cadet training. Warrant Officer 1 K.D Kalhara, a school Cadet of the college who presently holds the prestigious appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1 National Cadet Corps, Rantambe and Lance Corporal M.D.I.H Sadaruwan, another Cadet of the school who is a national level trained shooter accordingly received certificates from the Army Chief.
Various aesthetic events added glamour and colour to the significant ceremony and Secretary of the OBA delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the school. Before the culmination, Army Commander shared his views with the school teachers and student’s community.
Major General S.W.M Fernando WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Commander, Security Forces – West, Senior Officers and Retired Senior Officers, Other Ranks, School Teachers and Students were also present during the event.
