21st Reunion Bash at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel on the 4th of March

February 2011

Gentlemen,

Can you imagine that it is now been 21 years since we all have departed our cherished Alma Mata by the sea. In essence the kids, who were born after we left college, are now done schooling and some of them are gone into fatherhood. We like to see your face and embrace you in person! Hence, we are planning to have a 21st Reunion Bash at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel on the 4th of March (Friday). This is an event for you and your wife/spouse/partner or girl friend….if you can afford it; bring them all at your own risk (No Children)JJJ. Mates, friends and machungs, we need to blow the bloody house down and meet up for a night of frolicking for another reason; we are all about to venture into our “Naughty Forties” this year, and I think this permits for a night of celebrations too.

Your batch mates have come up with a week’s worth of celebrations coinciding with the Royal/Thomian and the World Cup Cricket in Colombo to make this occasion a special one. There is a considerable number of your batch mates who are currently living abroad who will be attending this week of frolicking in MARCH so, please make every effort to at least be present at a couple of events if not all.

Please see below the Agenda:

March 4th, Friday : 21st Reunion Bash at Mt. Lavinia Hotel (Batch mate & Partner/s)
March 6th, Sunday : “Lunch” We say “Thank You” to our teachers of our era - Felicitation Lunch at 80 Club
March 9th, Wednesday : “Afternoon” The Boys of Class of 90’ will be taking part in the Cycle parade (old school style)
March 9th, Wednesday : “Night” It is our annual “STAG” – Adults Only (you are in for a time of your life courtesy - “Porno” Wanige)
March 10th through 12th : Time to attend the mother of all Big matches
March 13th, Sunday : “Brunch” Post Mortem Family event with kids (Place to be announced)

Esto Perpetua - STC - Class of '90     

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Legendary Thomian Grit has even "weather gods" on the run.... STC, "Big Club" Grounds, Mt. Lavinia - 25/09/2010

September 2010

It was clearly proven ONCE AGAIN that these Mt. Lavinia lads and their trademark "never say die" attitude to challenge any obstacle in their path was no match for even natural meteorological phenomena!!! Either their patron saint (Thomas) had ushered in the needful divine intervention or the mortal strength of the young & old Thora’s had done the trick; whichever, the thunderstorms & rains predicted and witnessed over the last several days just fizzled out in the face of the gutsy Thomian fraternity that  came in their numbers to take the field no matter what, and broke out into lovely sunshine lasting the whole day, ideally suited for the “Thomian Inter Collegiate Batch Cricket 6's” worked off here over the weekend!

Perhaps another record to go down the annals of their colourful history is that one solitary batch-group, the STC - Class of '90 was singularly responsible for the entire organization of this event for a 3rd successful year! In addition to the now familiar cricket-carnival atmosphere which has made this event a popular family outing, some new additions worked off beautifully to make 2010 their best year yet; the continuous live music of two popular bands to add to the usual papare & the pom poms and the all-day pass for kids to play to their hearts content, which included a train ride were some of these new attractions. The Class of ’90 wives too, not to be outdone by their husbands (or simply "joining them since they couldn’t beat them") ran their own stall, aptly named "Just Desserts" by the "Long Suffering Wives of the Class of '90" which was a sell-out, literally by the end of the games.

The three decades of Thomian past cricketing legends couldn't have asked for a better day to be back on their home-turf. Old boys of all 4 schools in the brotherhood (Guru, Banda, Prep & Mount) competed in friendly rivalry with other year-groups, vying for two separate honours this time; the "Grand Masters' Trophy" for veterans and the "Class of '90 Challenge Trophy". The former was won by the Class of '76 (NCG) led by Mahinda Halangode, with O/L Class of '75 receiving the runners-up "Suresh Eloka Fernando Trophy" (in memory of a dear departed Class of '90 member); whilst the latter was won by the Class of '97 led by Darshan Medonza with Class of 2001 winning the runners-up trophy. This last match was a nail-biter, 3 runs to win off the last ball in almost blinding light but Shashrika Pussegolla pulling off a sixer over the Lower School Block brought the 97'ers victory for the second time at a STC Inter Collegiate Batch Cricket 6's.

It was a nostalgic end to the day's festivities to witness this one-of-a-kind Thomian brotherhood together with their wives, families and wider Thomian community, in the backdrop of a shimmering twilight fading into the horizon over their beloved “school by the sea”, standing true together, evidently oblivious to all creed, colour, race or age differences which must be unique to this very special clan, staunchly echoing the words of their anthem in unison; united in the spirit of satisfaction that they had all done their little bit for their Alma Mater; to complete the last phase of the "Tuck Shop & Pavilion Renovation Project" commenced by the STC-Class of '90 to stand witness of that greater "Thomian calling" for generations to come after!

A special word of thanks was conveyed to all sponsors, well-wishers, batch-groups and everyone else who stood with them to make this event the success that it was!

Esto Perpetua - STC - Class of '90      

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The Inter Collegiate batch Cricket 6's IS BACK - Pls keep Saturday September 25th Free

August 2010

Following our tremendous success over the last 2 years, the Inter Batch Soft Ball Cricket Carnival is back by popular demand, to once again usher in a fantastic day's activities centered around this annual cricket fiesta with plenty of fun and revelry for the old boys and their families.

We take humble pride in informing you that the "Inter Collegiate inter-batch Cricket Sixes" we inaugurated 3 years ago has now become a much looked forward to event in the Thomian Calendar. Our 2010 edition will feature the usual fun & entertainment spun-around the cricket previously, ADDED WITH some extra "sugar & spice" this time around! So diary the date down now itself and don’t plan anything else; you wouldn’t want to miss it this time.

You should all be proud of the fact that your "rallying around the flag" through your invaluable participation and support was the foundation upon which our Class Group (of 1990) completed the first phase of the "Tuck Shop & Pavilion Renovation Project"; which Thomians Young still at college truly appreciate.

This year too, in order to allow for inlcusion of as many of the "Old Thora" fraternity as possible, we have once again arrived at a policy decision to encourage as many newcomers as possible. Therefore from the maximum of 36 teams possible, we will offer limited priority for registration to those Class Groups and Teams who have already taken part in one of the last 2 year's tourneys, who will be given time till  13th September  to confirm participation. Thereafter we will register you on a "first-to-pay" basis! The fee for each team will be Rs.10,000/- and you may register up to maximum 10 players in a team, for any 6 amongst them to play any given match. There will also be a match for boys and girls below 12 and dare we think it possible in our hallowed precincts - a match for "our ladies" as well!!! 

We have absolutely no doubt that everyone who came along last year had a really good time. We plan to once again out-do ourselves this year. The Papares, the dancing girls the food, the rides, the music and the tension of the games will be bigger and better. Bragging rights last year went to the young guns from  1997  with the not so young guns from 1989 were runners up.There are rumors of a few practice sessions already in progress with some trash-talking thrown in. Who will it be this year?

So tell your friends and everyone else about it, let's start building up the hype!

The organizing committee would also warmly welcome your assistance or contribution towards the project fund through sponsorships, banners, stalls or any other way you could think of. Please contact  Dinuk on 0777525484  of the Committee for details on sponsorships & stalls.

For Registrations please contact :-   

Vasantha - 0777 793632

Eraj         - 0712762919 

Esto Perpetua!

Organising Committee

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GALA THOMIAN FESTIVAL 2ND TIME AROUND … MT. LAVINIA ROCKS ON …!!!

July 2009

It was once again a fantastic display of steely determination, coupled with meticulous organizing and clinical execution that was witnessed at S. Thomas’ College “Big Club” grounds last Saturday the 11th of August as the Mt. Lavinia lads concluded their 2nd Annual “Inter-Collegiate Batch Sixes” cricket carnival.

The weather gods appeared to have learnt their lesson from last year, when they tried to keep the lads at bay with sheets of rain hitting them with cross-winds over the Indian Ocean (which could still not defy the traditional Thomian grit in any event), since this time around they over compensated with unlimited sunshine making it a beautiful day for Cricket; the simmering heat perhaps proving a tad too much for their newly inducted 17th Warden, the Rev. Dr. John C. Puddefoot, MA (Oxon), BD and his wife Susan, who officiated at the opening. The collective gathering of the Thomian fraternity, old boy batches from Mt. Lavinia, Guruthalawa, Kollupitya and Bandarawela took to the field and thoroughly enjoyed a full days cricket, with their families and friends, the cheer-leaders and merrymakers adding to the atmosphere of the occasion within the hallowed precincts of their beloved Alma Mater.

A unique feature of this tournament, of what has now become an “annual event” was that 24 old boy batch teams spanning four decades, ranging from the 70’s to the present, from all four affiliated schools were involved in playing 4 matches at any one time in this tournament which was worked off in a league format. Their gutsy will at friendly but competitive cricket was unparalleled, whilst the organisers ensured that the events rolled-on; and concluded successfully as scheduled. A relatively younger 1997 A/L batch emerged champions with the “not so old” 1989 A/L following as runners up, as they were last year.

The STC Class of ’90, a batch of staunch old boys who organised this event to raise funds to complete the Pavilion & Tuck Shop building, the first stage of which they had completed with the funds raised last year, had planned for every detail. So whilst cricket remained the focal point there was something for everyone to engage in, including bouncers & rides for the kids, fairground games, trade stalls, vintage cars, DJ music & papare bands with petite cheer leaders to keep everyone in “the mood”’. Massive discounts from several sponsors and even a free health check-up was provided for at this one-of-a-kind, amazing cricket carnival. It was yet another “Thomian first” extravaganza that very few but these lads from the “School by the Sea” know how to pull off in grand style - time after time! Thanking all their sponsors, the wider Thomian community and all well wishers of STC for their support, the organizing committee happily proclaimed that it was well worth all their time and effort, and that based on this success of the last two years, they planned to continue this as a recurring annual event on the Thomian calendar. Pictures of the event can be viewed at their official website - www.stcmlclassof1990.org or the OBA website at www.stcmloba.org.

Esto Perpetua!

Organising Committee

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thomian grit defies the odds yet again

September 9th 2008

It was yet another fantastic display of steely determination, coupled with meticulous organizing and clinical execution that was witnessed at S. Thomas’ College “Big Club” grounds last Saturday the 6^th, at their inaugural “Inter-Collegiate Batch Sixes” cricket carnival. 

An accumulation of weather gods simmering down with their unified wrath could not keep the collective strength of the Thomian fraternity, old boy batches from Mt. Lavinia, Guruthalawa, Kollupitya and Bandarawela from taking to the field and continuing with their tournament, at times in sheets of rain and minimum visibility; reminding the jolly onlookers of mythological deeds of the mighty Odysseus, classics which undoubtedly would have moulded these lads from very early ages within the hallowed precincts of their beloved Alma Mater. 

The STC Class of ’90, a batch of staunch old boys who organised this event to raise funds for renovating their Pavilion & Tuck Shop building had planned for every detail. So whilst cricket remained the focal point there was something for everyone to engage in, including bouncers, pony rides & party trains for the kids, fairground games, trade stalls, vintage cars and boat display, DJ music & request stall, papare bands with petite cheer leaders to keep everyone in “the mood”’, a free massage & foot-rub courtesy of their principle sponsor TIGO, even emission testing for vehicles and a free medical check-up were provided for at this one-of-a-kind, amazing cricket carnival. It was yet another “Thomian first” extravaganza that very few but these lads from the “School by the Sea” know how to pull off in grand style - time after time!

Another unique feature of this inaugural attempt was that 32 old boy batch teams spanning four decades, ranging from the 70’s to the present, from all four affiliated schools were involved in playing 4 matches at any one time in this tournament which was worked off in a league format. Their gutsy will to defy the odds was unparalleled, albeit perhaps only to an equally bold set of umpires who braved the weather together and ensured that the “game went on” and concluded successfully as scheduled. A relatively younger 2001 A/L batch emerged champions with the “not so old” 1989 A/L following as runners up. Nuwan Peiris of the winning team was adjudged Man of the Tournament.

Thanking all their sponsors, the wider Thomian community and all well wishers of STC for their support, the organizing committee happily proclaimed that it was well worth all their time and effort, and that based on this inaugural success; they planned to make this another recurring annual event on the Thomian calendar. Pictures of the event can be viewed at their official website - www.stcmlclassof1990.org or the OBA website at www.stcmloba.org.

Esto Perpetua!

Organising Committee

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September 3rd 2008

Just a few more days and the Old Thomians will be at it again! This time it’s a Cricket Carnival at the Big Club Grounds on Saturday the 6 th of September.

There are already 32 Old Boy Batch teams registered for the Soft Ball Sixes which will be played in a league format. Thomian class groups spanning 5 decades are playing each other for the honour of some serious bragging rights and to walk away with the Challenge trophies. Although the focus will be on 4 exciting matches playing simultaneously, there is a lot more activity for your family as well. Not to worry, the event’s organizing Class of 1990 has ensured everyone will be entertained in a Vibrant Carnival Mood.

There will be bouncers, party trains, games, face painting and pony rides, fairground games of skill, including a shooting gallery and a water dunk, antique cars, boats, and other fun stuff for children of all ages.

For you old boys and your better halves there is a promise of unbounded fun and frolic with DJ music and a request stall to bring back some nostalgia. Also Papare Bands with friendly Cheer leaders to lead your kaawadii dance. For the weary relaxing feet rub and massage courtesy the principle sponsors TIGO who have also lined up other fun stuff under their sleeve.

John Keels Elephant House and Perera & Sons will be there selling delicious short eats, breakfast and lunch along with the essential soft drinks, bites and ice. Good ole Karti, and the Acharu / Annasi Amme will also be there.

Laughs will conduct emission testing for your vehicle whilst Apolo will conduct free health checks on you. The event organizing committee will however not take responsibility for the quality and outcome of these reports as we are fairly sure we had no control on what you did before this event! However, we will be happy to have Kodak take your picture with you batch mates and / or your family.

Raffle tickets with some super prizes will be available for those who want to chance their luck. No matter if you don’t win as all proceeds from this day will go towards the renovation and restoration of the College Tuck-shop and Pavilion.

You too may want to be involved in this chapter of Thomian history and make a donation as an individual or a group in the register that will be eventually displayed in the restored pavilion. So bring your cheque book along.

In any case the Cricket Carnival promises to be fantastic fun for all so make sure you and your family are there! Saturday the 6 th of September from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Free Parking at the Small Club Grounds.

Our Media Sponsors Yes FM & MTV have ensured that Thomians Young & Old from Near and Far will gather in their numbers. Don’t miss it for the World.

Esto Perpetua

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SIX - A - SIDE CRICKET RULES

September 3rd, 2008

• Each team will consist of 06 players who are old Thomians
• 04 balls per over with 05 overs per side
• Each wide/no-ball = 4 runs and no extra ball. However, extra runs scored off a no-ball/ wide will be added to the runs
• Last ball of an innings wide/no-ball will have to be re-bowled plus 04 runs and any extra runs scored off such no-ball/ wide will be added to the runs.
• In case of a tie, a toss of the coin will decide the winner.
• The Keeper cannot be replaced during the match and the Keeper cannot bowl
• The tournament will commence at 8a.m. Teams will have to be present on time, if not, opposing team will get a walk over.
• If 02 teams have equal wins in a group, a toss of a coin will decide the winner. If more than 02 teams have equal wins in a group, the winner will be decided by drawing lots.
• The winner of each group will proceed to the quarter final.
• In case of bad weather or for any other reason whatsoever, the Organizing Committee has the absolute right to re-format the rules and the conduct of the tournament.

Organizing Committee

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INTER THOMIAN INTER BATCH SOFTBALL CRICKET SIXES CARNIVAL

COLOMBO August 15th, 2008

Old boy class groups from S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia, Guruthalawe, Bandarawela & Preparatory School Colpetty will compete in an Inter Batch/Collegiate Soft Ball Cricket Sixes encounter on Saturday the 6 th of September 2008 at the S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia (‘Big Club’) grounds, commencing at 8.30 a.m. The event is being organized by the Class of ’90 to raise funds to renovate the Pavilion and Tuck-Shop Buildings.

The event is rapidly gathering momentum in all social circles and promises to be yet another “Thora Festival” that only these Mt. Lavinia lads somehow seem to seal and deliver time and again! There is already a tremendous response from not just the Thomian fraternity but also from outside. The package for the Old Boys will most certainly include the traditional friendly rivalry, great deeds on the field, memories of the good old days when even the tolling of the bell at the end of recess yet allowed just a few more balls to be bowled, a six to be scored, a wicket to be taken or a match to be won!

Several batch/college teams have already registered but there is still room up to a maximum of 36 teams to make the “league” for the tournament, which will be worked off with 4 matches being played simultaneously. Those interested are urged to confirm their participation ASAP with Eraj on 0712762919 or Vasantha on 0777793632. The deadline for this unfortunately remains at 25 th of August.

For those not actually taking the field but rolling up to enjoy the atmosphere, the 6 th of September at Mt. Lavinia holds plenty of exciting things to do, with lots of fun & entertainment for the whole family, trade and other stalls, games of skill, antique cars, foot rubs, bouncers, pony rides, live DJ & papra bands, pom pom girls and the whole works! Remember that STC knows how to throw AND enjoy a GOOD PARTY!!! It will be one BIG fun-filled day, a fantastic Thomian Carnival of camaraderie and celebration. Ample parking space is available for those turning up at the “small club grounds”.

“Back to STC…happy land…happy land…”… hear the music beckoning you to come in your numbers to S. Thomas’ College on the 6 th of September, for yet another MASSIVE CELEBRATION… delivered in true THOMIAN style, panache and fashion … SEE YOU THERE!

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PRESS RELEASE

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REGISTERED CRICKET TEAMS - 32

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RENOVATION OF TUCK-SHOP & PAVILLION

STC Class 1990 has undertaken to renovate the Tuck-shop & Pavillion of S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.The total cost of the project is 5 Million Rupees, and our batch is committed to complete only the 1 st phase of 3, which will cost around 1.5 Million Rupees.

Murad Ismail (Riyad Ismail’s Brother) has already drawn up the plans and is currently working on finalizing the technical drawings and quantity survey.

PLEDGES AND PAYMENTS AS ON 18TH AUG 2008

PLEDGES AND PAYMENTS AS ON 01st SEP 2008

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BATCH GET TOGETHER

The batch get together for the batch mates of 1990 was a huge success. The event was held at the CR & FC Pavillion, Longdon Place, Colombo 07