OTSC: 70 Years of Brotherhood

The Old Thomians’ Swimming Club (OTSC) began its 70^th Anniversary Celebrations on 28^th February 2026 with the lighting of the new sign board to commemorate 70 years of Brotherhood. The President, Veteran Dharshana Herat Gunaratne gave me the privilege to also light the sign board.

At the Royal Thomian, OTSC tent the Patron, Warden, Asanka Perera and Sub Warden, Dr. Mrs Radeeka Mendis cut the cake in the presence of President Dharshana and the committee. The OTSC tent at the Royal Thomian cricket encounter is the second oldest tent after the Mustangs Tent. For the past 20 years OTSC tent is located at the SLC Grand Stand Upper Floor and it is the most lively tent with a live band, DJ music and papare band.

The OTSC was founded in 1956 by Dr. R.L. Hayman and Mr. C.R. Wise (The first of 20 Presidents) with the approval of Warden, Canon R.S. de Saram. Its humble beginnings was in a small room previously the Scout Room. The main objectives were to allow Old Boys the use of the pool and encourage aquatic sports. It subsequently moved to De Saram Road and with donations constructed a simple old fashioned club house. Later in 1997 Warden, Neville de Alwis laid the foundation stone along with Lakshman Dias Bandaranayake, Justice Tissa Bandaranayake and Club President Sarath Colonne who with his committee completed the structure in the year 2000.

The OTSC now provides the state of the art facilities to its members. A walk around the club goes back in history with all achievements and awards well displayed. A homely atmosphere is promoted and maintained to face the future.. The horse shoe bar and first of its kind is unique where one could settle in comfort. The club is affiliated to the Life Saving Association of Sri Lanka, The National Amateur Aquatic Sports Union of Sri Lanka and the Colombo District Cricket Association.

In the year 2006 the club celebrated its Golden Jubilee Anniversary under the Presidency of Sunil Peiris and a Grand musical event “5 Star Explosion” with the ‘Gypsies’ band was held at the BMICH. An anniversary cake was also cut by Madam Shiranthi Rajapakse at the Thomian tent.

At the 55^th Anniversary in 2011 under the Presidency of N.L. Pereraa grand Sing-along was held in the club with the band ‘Pearl’ led by Jayantha de Silva. The same year the OTSC had a food stall at the Thomian fair.

Again at the 60^th anniversary in 2016 under the Presidency of Dulip Soysa a cake was cut at the Royal Thomian by, Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe. The ‘Gypsies’ again performed at the Dinner and Sing-Along at the BMICH banquet hall.

To name some of the pioneer Presidents of the Club are Late Dr. Vernie Abeynaike, Sarath Colonne, Ranjith Jayaneththi and Lalith Amarasekera, Sunil Peiris , N.L. Perera, and Dulip Soysa,  I had the privilege of serving under them and working in many other committees. The longstanding services of the Manager Late Cyrilton Sellahewa is recorded. The Club was well patronized on Saturdays and Sundays and ironically all the past presidents would sit around the horse shoe bar.

In the past two decades, regular musical events: Theme Nights, Sing-Alongs, Bring a dish lunches, Paan and Peduru Parties were held. Additionally Double Decker bus rides accompanying the STC cycle parades and trips to Kandy for Rugby matches, Kiddies’ and Christmas Carol Parties and lighting the Christmas tree, continue to be held. Some of the popular musicians who performed at the club were Late Sam the Man, Ronnie Lietch, Priyantha Fernando, Anil Bharathi, Paul Fernando and  Annesly Malawana, Sohan Weerasinha, Mariezelle Gunathilaka, Priya Peiris, Melroy Dharmaratna, Corrine de Almeida, Susil Fernando, Battison with Wild Flowers and popular band ‘Marians’ led by Nalin Perera.

Currently the club has week end programs such as TGIF, Special Saturday and Sunday lunches etc.

The OTSC has not failed in its Social Responsibilities and promptly responded to emergency situations such as floods, epidemics, COVID and functions for the less privileged children. The Committee also strongly supports the clean environment projects.

The OTSC continues to live up to its motto ‘Otium Cum Dignitate’ (Leisure with Dignity) and its members willingly do so and call it ‘Our Family Club’. And OTSC- The place where Thomians meet and YOU belong.