Nalanda cadets felicitate Lt Col. (Rtd.) A.M.W. Dhananjaya
Nalanda’s cadet platoons of 1977 and 1978, that won the Herman Loos’ Cup for their alma mater have organized a ceremony to felicitate Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) A.M.W. Dhananjaya and to commemorate the 35th anniversary of winning the Herman Loos’ Cup – at the SSC on the 15th of December 2012.
Nalandians were the winners of the Herman Loos’ Cup on 8 occasions within a period of 11 years in the late 1920s and 1930s. Since then, Nalanda did not have the chance of winning this Cup till 1977.
A young master, 2nd Lieutenant Dhananjaya was invited to join the staff of Nalanda in the mid 1970s. He was determined to win this Cup which is awarded to the best senior cadet platoon in the island, and the De Zoysa Cup awarded to the best all island junior cadet platoon. With the able guidance and coaching and mentoring of Lt. Dhananjaya, Nalanda’s cadets won the Herman Loos’ Cup twice in 1977 and 1978 and also the The De Zoysa Cup in 1978. These platoons were led by the Sgt. Sarath Kumara K.D. (Herman Loos’ – 1977), Sgt. Gunawardena W.A. (Herman Loos’ – 1978) and Sgt. Pathirage P.P (1978 – De Zoysa Cup).
In 1979 Lt. Dhananjaya had to leave left Nalanda to offer his services to the Army and since then, Nalanda has unfortunately not been able to repeat these feats of winning the Herman Loos’ Cup.
Incidentally Nalanda’s Cadet Sergeants of 1977, 1978 and 1979 Sarath Kumara K.D., Gunawardena W.A. and Rajakaruna L.W. respectively were also selected to represent the Cadets from Sri Lanka at the Republic Day of India along with three Cadet Sergeants from Ananda College.
The colourful felicitation ceremony organised in honour of their master in charge, on 15th December, will surely provide a golden opportunity for these cadeting stalwarts of yesteryear to rekindle their fond memories and revive their great bond of friendship.
 1977 Nalanda College Senior Cadet Platoon |
 1978 Nalanda College Senior Cadet Platoon |
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