Old Thomians gear up for 2nd Annual Guru Cricket Bash

At the height of the Second World War, 700 students at the prestigious S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, were suddenly displaced when the State ordered the closure of schools in Colombo. A blessing then came in the form of a 45-acre farm belonging to the de Saram family, hidden away in the frosty hills of Nuwara Eliya. Helmed by Oxford educationist Dr. R.L. Hayman, the College branched out from the coast to the central highlands.

The history of S. Thomas’ College Gurutalawa (STCG) began here, in 1942, when it was declared open for students to continue their education during the war. 81 years later, the college has fostered numerous extracurricular activities that have bound several generations of its alumni in brotherhood.

The annual Guru Cricket Bash is a testament to the college’s tight-knit fraternity united in its shared love of cricket. 

Launched in 2022, the event was conceptualised by the old boys of the class of 1984, also known as ‘The Prodigies’. The group also formed the STCG Brotherhood in 2021 and has been initiating reunions among the college’s old boys ever since. The first ‘Prodigy’ event of great magnitude, the Guru Cricket Bash, is a six-a-side cricket tournament where alumni of STCG compete for the Patrick Gunawardene Championship Trophy, fondly named after a beloved headmaster.

The teams are formed by Old Thomians, based on their classes/batches. There are 18 registered teams who will be competing for the championship trophy this year. The Guru Cricket Bash will take place at the 5 Field Engineering Regiment Army Camp in Mattegoda, Polgasowita on 22 July. The organisers expect a considerable number of attendees. There will be a variety of entertainment activities and segments planned, including DJ music, papare bands, live bands, and dance crews. Additionally, PUB 84, a dedicated pub offering entertainment, will be open throughout the event. Morning snacks and lunch will be provided for all visitors. Furthermore, there will be vendors offering coffee, tea, ice cream, and snacks available for purchase at the grounds.

The event is open to all STCG old Thomians and their families. It will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. on 22 July.