32nd Annual Blue & Gold Ball(2015), Old Royalists’ Association in the United Kingdom

Old Royalists’ Association in the United Kingdom
32nd Annual Blue & Gold Ball

The most prestigious dance event amongst the Sri Lankans living in the United Kingdom, the Blue and Gold Ball (B&G Ball) organised by the Old Royalists’ Association in the United Kingdom, took the centre stage of the events within the Sri Lankan community and friends in London in the month of May’2015. The ball was held on the 30th of May at The Montcalm, London.

The B&G ball was patronised by the young and not so young gentlemen of that time tested, hallowed institution down the Reid Avenue and was well supported by friends and well-wishers from other brother and sister schools. The event started with a customary champagne reception with a three course meal with fine wine, providing the patrons a taste of true Royal style.

Following the Dinner amidst soft music provided by ‘Suresh and the Breeze’, the president of the Association, Mr Mohammed Hussain made a toast to the Queen and addressed the patrons. He thanked the patrons for their continuous support for the event and wished them a memorable night. He also pointed out that the funds generated from the event is invested in many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of Royal College, helping the college to maintain its standards and continue as the beacon of education in Sri Lanka.

The most looked forward to speech, the toast to the Royal College was delivered by non-other than that famous son of Royal, Mr Asitha Jayaweera. Asitha is well known for his excellence in Cricket, arguably the best cricketer of our generation produced by Royal. Asitha Captained Royal in 1970 and 1972 and was the head prefect of Royal College in his last year , during which he also captained Sri Lanka under nineteen team consisting of many future test players. Asitha at present is the representative of Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) in the United Kingdom.

Asitha started his speech by narrating how his mother did not leave the Principal’s office until she was assured that her son would be enrolled at the Royal Junior School. Asitha shared many light hearted moments in his school life reminiscing golden times of his youth spent at the best school he could possibly find anywhere in the world. He down played his well-known achievements as expected from this humble gentleman, but mentioned Royal’s contribution to Sri Lankan society and contributions of its sons in many spheres of life in far corners of the world, making a difference in their chosen professions and help shape a better world with the values and traditions passed on to them by Royal through books and men, not forgetting how to play the game on and off the field.

Following the speeches, Suresh and the Breeze took the centre stage and delivered some classic western music and well known Sri Lankan music including some rip-roaring Baila, keeping the audience on the dance floor until the early hours, so much so the Hotel was asked to kindly extend the closing time by half an hour.

With that yet another greatly successful B&G ball came to an end, with the lusty throats of Royalists singing their College song, followed by rest of the crowd joining them in singing British and Sri Lankan national anthems.

Floreat !

Photography by Praneeth Hettiarachchi


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