Sunday, March 21, 2010 saw yet another vibrant and colourful event in the Aquinas University College annual calendar being conducted in such grand celebration and festivity.
The day's events started with a Holy Mass of thanksgiving and praise concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Placidus De Silva, Rector and the Vice Rectors, Rev. Frs. S.K. Weliwita, Anton Saman Hettiarchchi, Raymond Samarakoon and Saman Maximus with Rev. Fr.Tissa Balasuriya O.M.I., an illustrious past Rector being present to grace the occasion.
The Chief Guest Mr. Mohan Peiris, the Attorney General of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Guest of Honour Mrs. Theresa Perera, the Legal Draughtsman, two very prominent and distinguished alumni of the Aquinas University College were welcomed by Rev. Fr. Rector and his senior staff to a well represented large gathering of Professors, Deans, academic and administrative staff, past and present students, parents and religious dignitaries including Rev. Sisters, Priests and Ven. Monks to a brief yet colourful felicitation ceremony immediately after the singing of the National and College anthems and hoisting of flags.
Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera, National Director of the Catholic Schools , Rev. Fr.Ranjith Madurawela , the General Manager of Catholic Schools and Rev. Fr. Crispin Leo , the immediate past Rector who has done a yeomen service to elevate Aquinas to a Degree Awarding Institute (University College) with U.G.C. approval too graced the occasion in a fitting manner.
In his welcome address Rev. Fr. Rector highlighted the vision and the mission of the forefathers, the founding Fathers , their commitment and dedication towards the tertiary level education of the youth of our country and the role being played by the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka to perpetuate this noble cause despite several constraints and limitations. However, he thanked the authorities for having duly recognized and acknowledged such untiring efforts by elevating Aquinas to a University College level in the year 2005.
Mr. Mohan Peiris in his most inspiring and vivacious address recalled his fond memories at Aquinas as a student of Law in early 70s. He paid fitting tribute to his alma mater appreciating the noble value systems and discipline, fair play, integrity and civic consciousness which the Fathers imparted to the thousands of students who hold responsible positions both in Sri Lanka and overseas over the last 5 decades.
Rev. Fr. Rector having launched the Aquinas Prospectus and Directory of Services 2010, made fitting awards of felicitation to the 2 distinguished guests in recognition of their dedicated contribution to the country as alumni who have done proud to Aquinas.
The fun and frolic of the day then started to the tune and beat of drums and bands, music and cheer, war cries of each faculties being loud and clear in the air, making it double sure that Aquinas girls and boys, both young and not so young are equal to the task with any other in their exuberance, joyous display of talents and skills, dedication and commitment to a task undertaken- all going to prove beyond doubt the validity of our theme "AQUINAS YOUTH FOR NATION BUILDING"
Students numbering thousands along with their teachers, lecturers, administrative staff, laity and clergy, nuns and priests - age being no barrier-" took to the streets" in a very orderly and peaceful manner depicting their colourful and meaningful banners and posters, floats and flags giving the Borella, Maradana, Ward Place neighborhood an example of co-existence in unity and solidarity - unity in diversity - in a multi cultural and multi religious pluralistic society building up bridges of harmony and peace to realize a "Better Tomorrow" for the youth of our country.
It was not all - the near 4 km Walk in scorching hot and unkind Sun did not deter the "never say die" spirit of the thousands of youth who still carried within them tons of energy and strength back to the campus which awaited them with a host of fun-filled series of activities including the culmination ceremony of week long talent search, sports ad games, singing, dancing contests and even a final contest for Aquinas Princess and Prince!!
There were guests artistes of national and international fame and popularity such as Rukantha and Nelum Adhikari to grace the occasion adding to the air of festivity and fun and frolic. Fr. Saman Maximus, a talented musician himself was the live wire behind it all making the day so musically satisfying and pleasing.
The raffle draw was the most awaited event of the afternoon which carried very valuable prizes to the lucky winners! Fr. Shanthi Weliwita had spared no pains to motivate and guide the students to help fund raising through this project notwithstanding the hard times!
What was very gratifying and encouraging was the enthusiasm and eagerness of the present students to show their sports skills in a competitive set up despite heavy academic schedules. Fr. Anton Saman explored these hidden talents of the boys and girls in such disciplined and orderly manner making it an exercise in self- assertion, part of responsible citizenship for the future leaders whom Aquinas continues to create through both academic and extra curricular activities aimed at Nation Building.
Yes, towards the end of the evening we saw tired but happy faces of all those who played a part in it- Aquinas Walk-2010. Surely it was an event to remember.
Fr. Raymond Samarakoon, the priest behind the logistics operation was surely a happy man having harnessed all resources within and outside the campus to see a beautiful day concluded with precise timing.
There were food galore, delicious, sumptuous and tempting the taste buds.
Police assistance for security and orderliness was commendable. St. Johan Ambulance and CMC gave valuable helping hand.
Congratulations all round- students you made it happen-now live the theme day in and day out -"Aquinas Youth For Nation Building" Future is yours.
Our Vision - "To transcend traditional taboos of caste, creed and race and provide an intellectual and social environment to prepare disciplined, socially conscious and morally committed intellectuals and professionals to be catalysts of a better world."
Our Mission - "To provide the necessary man-power kills and enlightened leadership so as to bring about a better world in which people can live in harmony and peace with the sense of fulfillment and happiness"
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