Nalanda College is set to revive its famed ‘Nalanda Walk’ after a hiatus of 13 years, and to coincide with its centenary celebrations, on 20 July.
This was revealed during a press conference held at the school premises on Tuesday (17), by the three bodies organising the upcoming event – namely the Nalanda Old Boys Association, Nalanda Junior Old Boys Association and the Old Nalandians Sports Club, respectively.
Nalanda Centenary Project Chair Dimantha Mathew said that the forthcoming ‘Nalanda Walk’, will be the centrepiece of the school’s centenary celebrations, which is set to climax on 1 November.
According to him, the funds accrued from the event will be channelled towards the construction of the state-of-the-art ‘Nalanda Innovation Centre’, and the ‘Indoor Sports Complex’, twin projects estimated at a cost of Rs. 600 million.
The ‘Nalanda Walk’, is set to kick off near the Malalasekera Hall of the school and wind through Punchi Borella, Maradana, Deans Road, Eye Hospital Junction, Public Library, Tennis Association Tennis Courts, National Museum and conclude at Green Path.
Mathew stated that a grand musical show featuring the popular musical band ‘Wayo’ will commence soon after the ‘Nalanda Walk’ at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre.
Principal of Nalanda College U.D. Iran Champika de Silva airing his views on the occasion, commended the three old boys’ associations of his school for having organised the upcoming event, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Campbell Placed-based institution.
He remarked that the most significant aspect of the centenary celebration project is the construction of the Nalanda College Innovation Centre and its Indoor Sports Complex.
“Amidst these programs we have made arrangements to hold the ‘Nalanda Walk’ 2025,” he told reporters.
“The last ‘Nalanda Walk’ was held in 2012, so it’s been a long time coming I guess. I also invite all current students and old boys of this esteemed school to participate in this year’s ‘Walk’, as this is an opportunity for the entire Nalanda family to come together for a truly worthy cause.”
De Silva added that as an educational institution his school has already been at the forefront of a massive educational revolution in this country since 1925.
He stressed that their achievements in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Examinations, as well as in sports and other extracurricular activities, bear as shining examples of his school’s sterling service to the nation and hoped that the ‘Nalanda Walk’ will not be an exception.
The organisers also had invited five prominent old boys of the school to grace the press conference, as guests of honour.
They included Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Consultant Physician Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy Pradeep Nilanga Dela, National Film Corporation (NFC) Chairperson Dr. Senesh Bandara Dissanayake, and popular thespian Amila Karunanayake, respectively.
Each of the five invitees were presented with official t-shirts and caps to mark the ‘Nalanda Walk’, by the President of the Nalanda Junior Old Boys Association Heshan Padukka.
(JK)