St. Peter’s College which has produced several sportsmen who went on to represent Sri Lanka on the international scene opened a new chapter in the annals of the institution with the commissioning of the newly built Fr. Joe Wickramasinghe Pavilion and Grandstand at their ground in Bambalapitiya on Friday under the patronage of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith the archbishop of Colombo.
Several distinguished old boys, students, parents, well wishers and other invitees were present on the occasion to cherish the historic day that would not have been possible without the college rector and architect of the whole project Fr. Trevor Martin.
Among those present was former All Ceylon cricketer the wicket-keeper batsman Dr. HIK Fernando who is still a household name and who very rarely comes into the public limelight. He also served the military hospital.
“I must congratulate Fr. Trevor Martin on an excellent job done for building a pavilion of this kind. It is named very appropriately in memory of Fr. Joe Wickremasinghe (former college rector) who did a superb job for 17 years,” said Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
Built at a cost of Rs.185 million the grandstand and pavilion is complete with sleeping quarters for visiting teams, washrooms, a gymnasium, conference room, manager’s room, office room, indoor cricket nets, spectator accommodation and VIP boxers.
One of the stands has been named in memory of Sri Lanka rugby legend Archibald Pereira.
Funds for the complex were also raised in America, Canada, the UK, Europe and the Middle East through old boys.
President of the Old Boys Association UK branch Themiya de Mel was also present.