I must thank you, once again, for giving me the opportunity to write this article on what is a truly memorable experience in my calendar. This year we celebrate the 140th year of the Royal- Thomian cricket match. An occasion to be celebrated, not only because of its long history and shared values, but also as it brings together Sri Lankans from many walks of life and from all over the world, to celebrate students of two of the best schools in Sri Lanka.
The Royal-Thomian is always an exciting part of the year. It is a moment in time where the past, the present, and the future, all come together in the name of the ‘Battle of the Blues’. It is a time where we can reflect, celebrate, and renew our spirit of excitement for the future. As a Mustang, I must once again celebrate the camaraderie which we all bring to the game. Despite our differences, we unite from across the isle in the name of our shared history, traditions, and interests.
Over the past few years, it has also been worth mentioning to note how businesses have got involved in this celebration; sponsoring and promoting the event and their various businesses together in collaboration. This is a true sign of a growing and vibrant private sector, where companies are beginning to notice the value that can be created through this opportunity. The opportunities for such collaboration are endless, and I am sure that as different sectors and industries come together, we can use the various areas of expertise to take this event ever further.
As an alumnus of Royal College, I must take this opportunity to wish them the very best, but in the spirit of camaraderie, which this occasion celebrates, I must congratulate everyone on coming together to make this event what it is today. I look forward to another wonderful ‘Battle of the Blues’.
Ranil Wickramasinghe, MP
Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
