Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage was felicitated by his alma mater, St. Sylvester's College in Kandy. The felicitation ceremony organized by the Old Boys Association was held at the College Auditorium on 09th October 2012.
On arrival, the Commander of the Navy was warmly received by the Principal and the Staff and was ushered into the felicitation venue by the school band. The school sea and army cadet platoons accorded him a Guard of Honour and the students lined up the street extending him warm greetings.
A large number of dignitaries including Bishop of Kandy, Rt. Rev. Dr. Viyaaney Fernando, Governor of the Central Province Hon. Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, DIG (Rtd) Nimal Lewke, Mayor of Kandy, Mr. Mahendra Ratwatte, Secretary of Central Province Ministry of Education, Mr. M.S. Premawansa, Divisional Secretary of Kandy, Mr. Gamini Senevirathna, Central Province Director of Education, Mr. Thilak Ekanayake, Principal, Mr. Ranil S. Meetiyagoda, Staff, students both past and present, and well-wishers were present to pay their tribute to Vice Admiral Colombage for being a distinguished past pupil who has made his alma mater proud through his bravery and the yeoman service rendered to the motherland.
Two prominent old boys of the college, the Governor of the Central Province and DIG (Rtd) Lewke, addressing the distinguished gathering, hailed the achievements of the Navy Commander in glowing terms. They said that the entire Central Province is today proud of Vice Admiral Colombage for being the first personality to have risen to the position of heading an armed service and earning fame as a decorated military personality and a scholar of international repute. His distinguished career is an example of what hard work and determination can achieve.
Commander of the Navy, expressing his gratitude for the colourful felicitation ceremony organized on his behalf, reminisced the memorable moments spent at his beloved alma mater which cherished him with love and care making his school days the most pleasurable occasion in his life and nurtured him towards a career path that enabled him to give his very best for a noble course with utmost confidence and unwavering commitment. He recalled how he strived hard to achieve success with the able guidance received from his dear teachers and the generous support given by his erstwhile school friends who stood by him at all times. He entreated the students to emulate his achievements to serve the country with distinction in their chosen fields. The Navy Commander also took the opportunity to confer badges on the college prefects and requested them to always lead by example instilling discipline and perseverance in their fellow students.
