St. Peter’s College will turn a new leaf in the rich annals of its sporting tradition when they declare open their new Pavilion at Bambalapitiya on February 1 with the blessings of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith the Archbishop of Colombo who will grace the occasion as chief guest.
Fr Trevor Martin, the Rector of St Peter’s College has been the main architect behind several developments at the school and the pavilion will be named in memory of former rector Fr Joe Wickramasinghe who served the Peterites with distinction from 1978 to 1994. “Fr Joe Wickremasinghe saw the necessity for students to reach great heights in studies, sports and discipline. The Peterites led the way in cricket, rugby, tennis, basketball, hockey, football and athletics and Fr. Joe played a big part in this,” said Fr Martin. Besides being the rector of one of the leading Catholic schools in the country, Fr. Joe also initially laid the base for everything through spiritual values with prayer being a central part of the students.
“This pavilion is one of the best tributes we can pay Fr. Joe Wickremasinghe,” declared Fr. Martin.
The construction of the pavilion took a lesser amount of time to build than planned and was completed within a period of eight months through the efforts of old boys, parents and well wishers at a cost of Rs. 185 million. Some of the funds poured in from Europe, the USA, Canada and the Middle East courtesy of fund-raising through old boys of the school.
The new building will not only cater to the present boys but will also provide accommodation and welfare to visiting sports teams from outstation schools.
It will also be complete with sleeping quarters, washrooms, gymnasium, conference room, manager’s room, office room, indoor nets, spectator accommodation and VIP boxers.
“What we had in mind was the comfort of every sportsman and spectator who visits St. Peter’s College for sports events especially when it comes to cricket and rugby,” said Fr. Martin.
A 400-metre track for athletes is also a feature connected to the commissioning of the new pavilion. St. Peter’s College also has basketball and tennis courts.
The school will open its sporting doors for any other school that is in need of a ground and facilities according to Fr. Martin. “We want other schools also to benefit from this whole concept. It is a very worthy cause and investment,” he said.
One of the spectator stands will be named in memory of the Peterite rugby legend and Sri Lanka player Archibald Pereira.
“There is no one who does not know Archibald Pereira and he was a household name and his services have to be appreciated,” said Fr. Martin.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando, a product of St. Joseph’s College will grace the occasion as guest of honour along with distinguished old boys and heads of other schools as well as Sri Lanka rugby officials. According to Fr. Martin the school has plans to internationalise the venue.