Millennium March

The 30^th of October was, to many, just another Saturday, but for about 14,000 past and present Royalists it was the day that they united as one, under the flag of their alma mater and walked to show what true Royal spirit is!

The Millennium March was yet another project undertaken by the old boys union in its endeavor in finding the necessary funds for four major projects, viz

The sports complex

The new hostel

IT centre

Vocational training centre

The fund raising began after a series of meetings conducted by the project committee with past pupils of the college like Hon Minister C V Gooneratna and Mr Ranjan Madugalla who lectured to student leaders and students.

All students were encouraged to sell a ticket worth Rs 500/= and were rewarded handsomely, for their efficiency in doing so.

The walk commenced at 4.00 pm under clear skies, with the Royal flag carried by the stewards leading the way, and a beautifully decorated float followed with the wonderful music played by the Royal College Cadet Band. Thereafter, the Principal and prominent past Royalists followed by the Junior Band and students of Years 1 to 13.

Thereafter, Prefects Council and Stewards Corp with all the members of clubs, societies and sportsmen walking behind them. Last but not least, we had the parents and old boys showing their solidarity to this worthy cause.

It was around 6.45 p.m. when the procession came to a halt in the College grounds amidst a tremendous cheer from all those present.

A musical show followed with a leading D.J outfit mixing a few songs, and then, live performers in the calibre of Corrine and Ronnie Leach taking over. The proceedings of a very successful day came to an end around 9.30 pm, everyone returning home with a lot of pride in the fact that they were true Royalists.

Nevertheless, one must not forget the project committee which worked tirelessly in making this dream a reality and a great success. Special mention must made of Mr P. Dissanayaka, the father of the walk, who was the driving force in making the Millennium March a true Royal March!

By: Sanjaka Wirasinghe

Millennium March Photographs