Muruthana St Anthony’s College celebrates centennial
View(s):Centennial celebrations of St Anthony’s College, Muruthana, was held recently with Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo as chief guest.
The event was attended by Rev Fr Gemunu Dias, Director of Catholic Schools, Rev Fr John Linton Nihal Rev Fr Chrishan Jayashantha, Director of Education Negombo, distinguished guests, well-wishers, parents and school children.
The history of the school dates back to before 1923, when in 1905 a person named Elaris conducted a small school in a cadjan-thatched, wattle and daub hut on an estate belonging to philanthropist W Lasinduru. Later in 1910, under the guidance of French missionary priest Rev Fr J Royer, it was brought to the present location, where Mr S Perera was appointed first headmaster, and W Elaris worked as a paid teacher for the first time.
On June 13, 1923 it was well-established at the present building under the direction of Italian missionary priest Rev Fr J Tanter. Since then it has marched forward with many achievements producing useful citizens – priests, principals, lawyers, doctors etc.
In the 1970s it received international attention when scout master K L Bernard Perera was selected to represent the Sri Lankan scouts’ contingent that took the salute of Prime Minister Moraj Desai in India. A scouts team from Sweden paid a cordial visit to the school on October 18, 1976 as it had gained recognition. Now under the baton of newly-appointed principal Ms Udani Silva, it is heading for many such victories in future.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith addressing the centennial gathering said: “There are three main goals a school has to achieve: The first is imparting knowledge. The second is discipline training. Discipline especially to act according to your conscience. Discipline helps us keep away from uncivilised behaviour. A school’s objective is to train children to do the right thing.”
“The third is religion. Religion is most important. Religion raises us to a higher level from our human position.”
By K L Richard Walter Perera
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