Restored historic clock tower of St. Benedict’s College opened

The restored iconic 120-year-old clock tower of St Benedict’s College, Kotahena was ceremonially declared open on Thursday (11).

The soft opening of the restored clock tower was held as part of the College’s Founders Day celebrations. The presentation of the first Prof Nihal Amerasinghe Benedictine Teacher of the Year Award was also held on Thursday as part of Founders Day celebrations.

The clock tower is dedicated to the memory of Rev Bro Cassian of Jesus, FSC, who served St Benedict’s College – his Alma Mater – for a continuous period of 42 years (1870-1912). He was also architect and builder of this heritage building in the early 1900s.

The ceremony was graced by Very Rev Bro Armin Luistro FSC, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He was joined by Rohan De Silva, Chairman of McLarens Group of Companies and Vice Patron of the St Benedict’s College Old Boys’ Union. Mr De Silva is also the Chairman of the Clock Tower Renovation Project.

The building has been restored to its original beauty with added modern fixtures.

Rev Bro Rekey Laguda FSC, General Councillor, Rev Bro T Amalan, FSC, Auxiliary Visitor, Rev Bro Bertram Noel Perera, Provincial Visitor, Rev Bro Dr Pubudu Rajapaksha FSC, Director of St Benedict’s College and Rev Bro Pravin Vaz were present on the occasion.

Pix by Indika Handuwala