Recapturing the glory of ‘College Hall’
View(s):The Royal College Main Hall, fondly known as the ‘College Hall’ to generations of Royalists was constructed between 1920 and 1922 and firmly established in 1923, becoming an icon of the college. The grand Victorian design has weathered many storms and stood tall against the winds of wear and tear. But time took its toll and both the exterior and interior were threatened.
The Royal College Group of ’95 volunteered to fix the fans in the hall and realised that the building needed a giant-scale restoration. The old boy fraternity stepped forward and took it upon themselves to restore this symbol of the school to its former glory. The Royal College Union in 2010 undertook this task joining forces with the Sri Lanka Army Engineers to make sure that every facet of restoration was meticulously done.
The school administration, distinguished old boys and many old boys groups all played their part. The newly restored hall has been beautifully redone to its original specifications yet with modern touches. The high roof, wood panelling, black and white portraits of the founders, wooden seats, regal entrances and stately panes are all as Royalists of old would remember. State of the art technology augments the modern voice.
All Royalists involved with this restoration project can be justly proud that the Royal ‘Crown Jewel’ has been preserved and presented as a gift to present-day Royalists. With the Collge crest placed high on the polished wood, the curtain in place, new chairs to seat 600, the beauty and grandeur of the hall is unmistakable.
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