‘Joes United’ completes installation of new main gates at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo

The old boys of the batches of 2002 and 2004 of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo came together in the spirit of ‘Joes United’ to fund and carry out the installation of the school’s new main gates to replace the old gates which were over 50 years old. 

The project came to fruition as a result of the professional and methodical manner in which many Old Boys from the two batches contributed to the installation process. The new gates were ceremonially opened on 27 April 2017. 

Prior to initiating the project the two batches united in the name ‘Joes United’ and requested for the College Rector’s consent and agreement which was received. Following the consent of Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, ‘Joes United’ presented their proposal to the College OBU seeking their permission. Upon receiving consent from all stakeholders, the team proceeded to decide on a design which captured the theme of the original gates and was in line with the current ambiance of the school.

“The spirit of generosity and loyalty of Old Boys of the college has always been noteworthy. The two batches of year 2002 and 2004 coming together as one to fulfill a requirement of their alma mater is a silent tribute to the genuine desire of Old Joes to support their school and ensure that generations of young boys will reap the same extraordinary benefits that they themselves received,” commented Rev. Fr. Gabriel.

Started in 1896, St. Joseph’s is one of the country’s pioneering Catholic schools which has been developed over the years to be one of the most reputed boys’ schools in Sri Lanka. Numerous achievements and milestones in the fields of education, sports, extra-curricular activities alongside well-recognised discipline has made the college one of the most sought after seats of education. 

The college also has the privilege of having produced generations of impressive and influential Old Boys who have been contributing to the welfare of the college and its students in numerous ways. 

“Generally, each batch of Old Boys practises a tradition of carrying out their respective work for the school separately and this has been the norm for generations. After we identified this particular requirement we decided to renounce this custom to unite in our efforts to help our school. I believe that this was the first time that two batches came together to fulfill a common requirement,” said Batch President 2002 Dilshan Gammampila. 

Once the project received consent from all parties numerous resource personnel from the 2002 and 2004 batches came forward to assist in the building and installation of the two gates offering their expertise and professional help. 

“It was wonderful to see the spirit of togetherness that our ‘Joes United’ team brought forth in each and every one of us. Our combined efforts resulted in making this gesture a well-orchestrated one as well as an effort that brought everyone’s skills and contribution to achieve a common goal,” stated Batch President 2004 Clive Morris.