St. Xavier’s College chalks 165 years of excellence

The 165th anniversary of St. Xavier’s College, Nuwara Eliya, and the 77th anniversary of the Old Boys’ Association was celebrated last Saturday at the Queensbury Hotel, Nuwara Eliya, in the presence of Education and Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, a past student of the College. Principal Mathew Paulraj, Rev. Fr. Sivantha Rodrigo, Rev. Fr. Shermal Almeida and SLSBA Assistant Secretary General Addarage Lal were also present. The celebrations began following the Vespers service at St. Xavier’s Church, led by ChiefCelebrant Rev. Fr. Henry Wijeratne OSB, Rector of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz.

Deputy Minister Dr. Madhura Seneviratne highlighted the present Government’s commitment to foster equality and equity in education. He reflected on his childhood memories at the College and expressed his happiness at witnessing the event organized by the OBA. He assured that he would intervene in addressing the issues the College has encountered over the past years and pledged to contribute to restoring its former glory and prestige. He explained that the Government follows a bottom-to-top approach, fostering dynamic dialogue to find solutions to critical issues.

Acknowledging the challenges that St. Xavier’s College has faced in recent years, he expressed his satisfaction at seeing the institution’s revival under the current administration. “Education is the foundation of all other fields,” he stated, highlighting its role in shaping individuals from early childhood through adulthood.

Principal Mathew Paulraj expressed his gratitude to the educational authorities, staff and members of the OBA for the trust they had placed in him. He assured them of his commitment in preserving the Xaverian spirit and expressed his anticipation for continued support and cooperation from all stakeholders. He commended the current teachers for their dedication to both academics and sports, highlighting a 12 percent improvement in the GCE O/L Examination results compared to 2022, and achievements in all island drama, football and athletics. He pointed out that the College is yet to receive support from the authorities to improve its infrastructure facilities.

The post St. Xavier’s College chalks 165 years of excellence appeared first on DailyNews.