A Legend Defends

Royal College – A Legacy That Endures and Evolves

         (By Lorenz Pereira)

I write in response to the public criticisms raised by a few disgruntled Royalists that appears to portray a very narrow, self-indulgent, perspective of perceived malfunctions within our beloved Alma Mater. I owe it to my school to present another view for the consideration of all Royalists. Remaining silent is certainly not the debt we repay. In my continued involvement, over an extensive period with a very wide cross-section of Royalists, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, I am thoroughly convinced of the Pride and Passion a majority of Royalists have for their school.

A Heritage of Inclusivity

Royal was never deemed an “elite” school simply because it catered to a specific Colombo 7 demographic; its true prestige stems from a unique heritage of catering to students from all walks of life. We should be profoundly proud that the name "Royal" is revered in every corner of the country. This is due to an intake that embraces talent from rural areas, far beyond the confines of inner Colombo. It is precisely within this diverse tapestry—and not among the "one-eyed blinkers" of some "Royal Bashers"—that the emerging “New Spirit of Royal” is flourishing. We should all be thrilled with this phenomenon.

Understanding Modern Choices & Curriculum Shifts

We must address the reality of why some students, including children of Old Boys, may seek education elsewhere. It is a fallacy to suggest they leave because Royal is "inferior." The transition is often driven by specific academic requirements that a government institution, bound by national policy, cannot bypass: In reality, a handful of such students out of a school population of nearly 9000 students depart each year – a measly migration, not worth considering.

• Medium of Instruction: Many parents today, particularly mothers, prioritize a total English-medium education from the primary years. While Royal offers Sinhala and Tamil mediums in the primary and transitions to bilingual education from Grade 6, we do not—and cannot—offer a 100% English-medium stream from the start.

• Curriculum Pathways: As a government school, Royal follows the national syllabus. Families aiming for the London or Cambridge systems naturally move toward international schools to meet those specific criteria. This is a choice of "system," not a judgment on "stature."

• The Language Mandate: Concerns regarding the allocation of time for languages like German must be viewed through the lens of Ministry mandates. The College prepares its timetable according to national educational requirements; these are institutional obligations, not internal failings. Relatively speaking, the offer of German, in whatever form, is a tremendous bonus to the students today. WE didn’t have the privilege of being offered any second spoken language.

Royal remains the bedrock of Sri Lankan education, even as families navigate an increasingly globalized academic landscape.

Resilience in Action

Royal College continues to reign supreme in academics, sports, leadership, and national service. Few schools anywhere in the world can claim association with sporting traditions as historic as the Royal–Thomian and the Bradby Shield. These are not merely sporting matches; they are living heritage events that grow in stature each year. Patriotic and Proud Royalists travel from all over the world to attend these monumental sporting fixtures and, importantly, to renew friendships of glorious bygone days at Royal.

No thought of a Royal in decay, and never will be.

Yes, change is happening. But change is not decline. Every major institution worldwide is adapting to shifting demographics and evolving parental expectations. Royal cannot—and should not—remain frozen in a cloistered era. Change or Perish.

Constructive Engagement over Public Alarm

Concerns regarding infrastructure or financial transparency should be addressed through proper governance channels. Isolated operational challenges—whether desks or administrative processes—do not define our character. They represent issues to be solved, not narratives to be weaponized. They come under the jurisdiction of the MOE and remain the proper and only legitimate body for addressing these issues, -not the general public, or self-appointed “saviours”.

If stakeholders believe a professional consultant review would add independent value, let it be proposed formally and if accepted by the MOE, would be a worthwhile investment and eliminate existing biases and prejudices. It would need to be externally funded, possibly by the OBAs and other Royalists. A structured, transparent approach strengthens institutions; public speculation only weakens them.

Let us remember:

• Demand for Royal remains at an all-time high.

• Its alumni network is among the most influential globally.

• Prestige is not peeling paint. Prestige is people. It is character. It is resilience.

The question is not whether we are proud to be Royalists. We are. The real question is whether we contribute positively to its future. If you are concerned, be constructive. If you see gaps, help fill them. Royal College does not need gloom-makers operating from ivory towers; it needs engaged Royalists willing to invest solutions.

Royal has weathered political shifts and social transformation. It will continue to do so.

Royal reigned. Royal reigns. Royal will continue to reign.

Let us ensure that our words build, not erode. For the sake of the school we love—let us choose pride, perspective, practicality and progress.

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Eustace Lorenz Pereira (born 4 July 1939) is a Sri Lankan former first-class cricketer.

The son of E. O. E. Pereira, he was born at Colombo in July 1939. Pereira was educated at Royal College in Colombo, where he played for the college cricket team. He is a coloursman in 4 sports and captained 2. The award for the most outstanding sportsman at the Colour's Night is in his name.

After school he travelled to England to study at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. While studying at Cambridge, he played first-class cricket for Cambridge University Cricket Club in 1962 and 1963, making one appearance against the Free Foresters in 1962 and Nottinghamshire in 1962. He scored 11 runs in these matches, with a highest score of 8 not out.

After graduating from Cambridge he returned to Sri Lanka, before emigrating to Australia where he worked for and Town and Country Planning Board in Victoria, eventually becoming a senior city planner in Melbourne. Amongst his achievements was the introduction of the retractable roof on the Rod Laver Arena.

Mr. Lorenz Pereira is a Decorated and widely respected Royalist