A Legacy of Excellence: The History of Prince of Wales College Cadets
Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most esteemed educational institutions. Renowned for its rich tradition of cadetting, the college is set to celebrate two significant milestones: its 150th anniversary and the 125th anniversary of its cadet platoon. This article delves into the remarkable history of the cadets from 1966 to 1986, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and the enduring legacy they have left behind.
Celebrating a Century of Cadetting
The cadet platoon at Prince of Wales College (PWC) has been a cornerstone of the institution’s identity. In 1979, the college celebrated the 75th anniversary of its cadet platoon with a grand ceremony on the college grounds. This event was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales, students, and the people of Moratuwa, making it one of the most memorable occasions in the college’s history. Looking ahead, PWC will mark the 125th anniversary of its cadetting in 2029, a rare achievement among Sri Lankan schools.
The cadets have always embodied passion, discipline, and commitment. Their accomplishments have inspired generations of students to uphold the values and standards of the college. Being selected for the cadet platoon was a prestigious honor, as only a few students could qualify due to the rigorous selection process. This competitive environment fostered a culture of excellence and leadership.
Leadership and Training
Under the guidance of Principal M. E. C. Fernando from 1977 to 1986, PWC achieved remarkable success in both academics and sports. Capt. Raj Fernando, along with Master-in-Charge officers such as Gilbert Fernando, P. Jayasekara, and Kalvin Perera, played a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of the cadet platoon. The Platoon Sergeant was responsible for leading intensive training sessions, which were essential for qualifying at the selection camp.
The cadets were part of the 3rd Battalion, previously under the 1st Battalion, which mainly included schools from the Western Province. PWC was consistently at the forefront of the Hermann Loos battle, a competition that tested the strength and spirit of cadets across the region.
Honoring War Heroes
PWC takes great pride in remembering its heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Among them are:
- Lieutenant Colonel Srimal Mendis (1982) – SL Army
- Admiral Clancy Fernando (1992) – Commander of the SL Navy
- Lieutenant Sumith Serasundara (1985) – SL Army (1983 Platoon)
- Group Captain Fizal Cazeer (1990) – SL Air Force
- Lieutenant Colonel Susantha Punchihewa (2000) – SL Army (1983 Platoon)
Their service continues to inspire all Cambrians, reminding them of the values of courage and dedication.
The 1983 Cadet Team
The 1983 cadet squad is remembered for its outstanding performance at the annual Hermann Loos competition in Diyathalawa. They won the Sports Trophy, securing their place in PWC history. Key members included:
- Uditha Costa – CSM, 3rd Battalion
- Srinath Fernando – Sergeant
- Susantha Punchihewa – L/Sergeant
- Thilak de Silva – Corporal
- Mahinda Weerasooriya – Corporal
- Lasantha Fernando – L/Corporal
- Bandula Fernando – L/Corporal
Many of these cadets went on to achieve senior ranks in the Sri Lanka Army, bringing honor to both the College and the nation.
Legendary Cambrian Cadets (1966-1986)
During this era, numerous cadets rose to prominence in sports, academics, and national service. Some notable figures include:
- Air Vice Marshal Shriyan Samararathna – J/Lance Sergeant (1967/68). Head Prefect (1971/72), Cricket Captain 1st XI (1971/72), Athletic Captain (1971), Manager, Sri Lanka National Cricket Team (2007/09).
- Lieutenant Colonel Srimal Mendis – RSM, 1st Battalion (1974), Sergeant (1973).
- Thilak Jayawardana – RSM, 1st Battalion (1975), Sergeant (1974), Head Prefect (1975/76).
- Eng. Hema Gunawardena – RQMS, 1st Battalion (1975), L/Sergeant (1974), Athlete. Academics: BSc Engineering / MSc Engineering – University of Surrey, UK.
- Pemlal Fernando – CSM, 1st Battalion (1976), Sergeant (1975). Cricket Captain 1st XI (1976/77), led PWC to victory in the Big Match against St Seb’s. Island-wide best bowler (1976). Scored 1,000 runs, Runner-up best all-rounder (1977). Coach Level II – Cricket Australia. National Coach – Thailand. First Class Cricket Coach – Bangladesh Premier League & Sri Lanka. Head Coach – PWC (Present).
- Lieutenant Manjula Fernando – CSM, 3rd Battalion (1978), Sergeant (1976).
- Rohitha de Mel – Sergeant (1977).
- Group Captain Fizal Cazeer – CQMS, 3rd Battalion (1977), J/Sergeant (1975).
- Eng. Air Commodore Ajith Abeyasekara – Sergeant (1978), Athletic Captain (1978). Academic: Civil Engineering – University of Moratuwa.
- Major Uraj de Silva – CSM, 3rd Battalion (1980), Sergeant (1979), Cricketer/1st XI, Athletic Captain (1979).
- Sampath de Silva – J/Sergeant (1976), Head Prefect (1980), Rugger Captain-1st XV (1980), Athletic Captain (1980), Cricketer/1st XI.
- WO II Devaka Pieris – Corporal (1980), J/Sergeant (1977).
- Commodore Sudharman de Silva – J/Sergeant (1979), Cricketer – W/Captain 1st XI (1983).
- Commander Chandana Meegahapola – Senior Cadet.
- Jagath Mahasen – Sergeant (1980), Head Prefect (1981), Soccer Captain (1980).
- Lieutenant Colonel Modestus Fernando – Senior Cadet, Rugger; Deputy Commissioner General of Rehabilitation. Academics: MBA (HRM) – University of Colombo.
- Geethaka Warnakula – RQMS, 3rd Battalion (1981), Corporal (1980), Rugger Captain (1980).
- Captain Gethsri Peris – RQMS, 3rd Battalion (1982), Sergeant (1981), Rugger.
- Major Janaka Malpahana – L/Sergeant (1981), Rugger Captain (1981), Athlete.
- Athula Mendis – CQMS, 3rd Battalion (1982), L/Sergeant (1981), Athlete, Rugger W/Captain (1982).
- Major General Arunashantha Liyanage – L/Corporal (1981).
- Dampriya Gunathilaka – Sergeant (1982), Leader – Cadet and Eastern Band.
- Uditha Costa – CSM, 3rd Battalion (1983), Sergeant (up to the Independence Camp 1983), First President Scout, Athlete. Academic: MBA (General) – University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
- Srinath Fernando – Sergeant (1983), brought the Sports Trophy (1983). L/Sergeant – Independence Camp (1983).
- Lieutenant Colonel Susantha Punchihewa – RQMS, 3rd Battalion (1984), L/Sergeant (1983), Deputy Head Prefect (1984), Athlete, Rugger.
- Brigadier Mahinda Weerasooriya – Sergeant – NCO Camp (1984), Corporal (1983).
- Thilak de Silva – L/Sergeant – NCO Camp (1984), Corporal (1983), Athlete, Cricketer/1st XI.
- Amarasiri Wijayasinghe – Sergeant (1984).
- Major General Rasika Fernando – Deputy Chief of Staff (2020), SL Army. Senior Cadet, Head Prefect (1983/84), Athlete, Rugger.
- Major General Gamini Sirisena – Senior Cadet, Cricketer/1st XI.
- Major General Suneetha Dunuwila – CSM, 3rd Battalion (1986), Sergeant (1985), Rugger.
- Major Thakshila Gamage – Sergeant (1986), brought the Leadership Trophy and Drama Trophy (1986). Athlete, Rugger.
- Major Channa Waduge – Senior Cadet, Rugger.
A Legacy of Courage and Leadership
Cadets at Prince of Wales College have always demonstrated remarkable versatility and courage. Whether as soldiers, professionals, or leaders, they bring honor to the College. With the strength to face challenges and the wisdom to make decisive choices, they stand as true reflections of the College spirit. Their passion and confidence continue to be shaped by the prestige and discipline instilled through College cadetting.
