FROM THE WARDEN, S. THOMAS' COLLEGE
I feel honoured and privileged to give this
message to the Royal-Thomian Centenary Souvenir on this rare and
unique occasion: this one hundredth anniversary of an unbroken
series of cricket matches between Royal and S. Thomas'.
Royal-Thomian matches have developed certain
features over this long stretch of time — features which have set
the pattern for other 'Big' matches. Whichever side won
or lost, these matches have been characterised by a true spirit of
sportsmanship. Rivalry has always been keen, but it has been
friendly, with no bitterness. These matches have produced great
cricketers and outstanding men, including three Prime Ministers and
one President, imbued with the highest sense of patriotism and
feelings of service to their fellow countrymen. And finally, these
matches have become occasions for an increasing number of old Boys
of both schools to meet, discuss and dream dreams of the past. I
welcome the large number of old Boys of both schools who have come
back from overseas for this occasion. It would be no id/e boast to
soy that those first 22 players who met on Galle Face Green back in
1879 started something which has now developed into a national
event.
As a Thomian who watched the Golden jubilee
match as a schoolboy, and whose ancestors having been among the
first batch of students who attended S. Thomas' in 1851 and probably
watched the first Royal-Thomian match, I cannot help being overcome
with a feeling of sentiment and a sense of history on this occasion.
May this series of matches continue unbroken For another 100 years.
M. L. C. ILANGAKOON
