1

Vol : XI August 2022 (e-version)

RI Examinations

Royal Institute is proud and happy

that the examinations were conducted
during the hard times when the entire
island was closed with the declaration
of curfew. Examinations were conducted
continuously under the leadership of the
Head of Examinations with maximum
security, and the fullest cooperation of
the invigilators, students and parents
at a time that the British Council too
withdrew from conducting the above
examinations. It is noteworthy that
despite all uncertainties, the reported
attendance of RI candidates at
Cambridge OL, AL and Edexcel IAS
examinations held at the Royal Institute
of Colombo was 100%.

Royal Institute greatly appreciates

the generous support extended by
numerous parties for the smooth
conducting of the exams.
page 04
continued on page 2

We are located in... page 03 Events

191, Havelock Road, Colombo 5. Academics

+94 77 770 1557
+94 11 259 2747, +94 11 259 2748

Junior and Senior School - Nugegoda :

No.10, Chapel Road, Nugegoda.
+94 11 282 3082, +94 11 281 7397
+94 77 144 8282 page 05 page 09 page 11
Nursery - Nugegoda :
No.223, Stanley Tilakaratne Mawatha, Proud RI Alumni
Nugegoda.
Celebrations Competitions RI Nursery Kids in
+94 77 788 8313, +94 11 315 8159 Colours Flying High Action

No.11, Apeksha Hospital Road,

Maharagama
+94 77 511 8282, +94 11 284 0666

Girls’ School
No.163, Maya Avenue, Colombo 6.
page 13 page 17
+94 77 252 8282, +94 11 255 2268
Sports Talent Corner
Hansagiri Junction, Yakkala Road, Gampaha.
+94 77 235 2030, +94 33 222 2828

WEB: www.royalinstitute.org
E-MAIL: info@royalinstitute.org

www.fb.com/RoyalInstituteInternational/ www.instagram.com/royalinstituteintlschool/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwGInigcdt8qKAcEDq-tYQ
www.linkedin.com/in/royal-institute-international-school/
Heartiest congratulations to Dr. Nirodha Bandara

It was once said that, “Success is no accident. It is hard

work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and
most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to
do”, and one such person who rightfully embodies this
sentiment is Dr. Nirodha Bandara, Academic Director
of Royal Institute International School and Royal
Institute of Colombo (RIC), as well as Treasurer of The
International Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL).

Dr. Bandara has dedicated herself to hard work and

perseverance, setting a worthy example of constant
striving for excellence in whatever one does. She is
certainly an inspiration to all, and a true successful
story. So, it is with great pride and respect that we see
her recently appointed as Treasurer of The International
Schools of Sri Lanka (TISSL) for the term 2022/2024,
where she is sure to continue contributing at large
towards the development of the education sector of
the country.

Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to her as she

undertakes this new role!

continuation of the cover page article

 Academics 3

RI Prize Giving 2022

“Acknowledge all of your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great.” - Kara Goucher

Royal Institute International School takes great pride in celebrating the achievements of its golden students and
honouring them for the hardships and challenges they face. It is the fruit of years of hard work that have been
culminated, making this day significant and memorable for the students to cherish.

The annual prize giving of Royal Institute International School was held on the 21st of July 2022 at the prestigious
RIC auditorium. After two long years of waiting, Royal Institute was finally able to host this event despite the hurdles
in their way.

The event began with the welcoming of the honourable Chief Guest Dr. Kishani A. Udugampola-Ratnayake, who is
an associate at Federal Reserve Bank, USA and was a former student of RI, Chairman, Mr. GT Bandara, Academic
Director, Dr. Nirodha Bandara, principals and vice principals of all branches and other dignitaries. They were
graciously led to the auditorium by the Western Band of the school and were followed by the Teachers’ Parade. Then,
the distinguished guests lit the traditional oil lamp, officially commencing the grand event.

Coordinating Principal, Ms. Iranthi Gunawardena, presented the Principal's Report, highlighting all the achievements
of the past few years. Dr. Kishani Udugampola also took her position on the stage not only to congratulate the award
winners but also to encourage them to step forward in the correct path. Being a person who is ready to continue her
studies until the end of her life, the salient point of her speech was the idea that “education is from womb to tomb”.

The most awaited moment, of course, was the distribution of the prizes. The air was full of joy and pride with everyone
congratulating each other warm-heartedly. Parents and teachers were sharing warm, proud and happy moments
when they saw a familiar face on stage. Children were happily showing off their certificates to their loved ones and
friends who were trying to record the significant moment digitally. The most unforgettable sight indeed was the smile
on the faces of the prize winners as they heard the rendering applause whilst getting up on stage.

The school does not only value the academic achievements but also extra -curricular activities since they believe
that the experiences you gather outside the confinement of your textbooks are equally valuable which is why Special
Prizes were also awarded for achievements in sports.The most remarkable segment was the awarding of prizes for
outstanding OL/AS/AL results in both the curriculums. The audience must have not needed any other evidences to
realise the great, unmatchable role the school has played in designing a brighter future for all those students who
filled the air with pride.

Finally, the Felicitation

of Staff was a cherished
moment, in which
the teachers were
recognised for their
unwavering loyalty and
dedication as it is their
hard work and efforts
that have molded
these learners into the
virtuous and talented
students they are today.
With the singing of the
National Anthem, the
event came to an end.
It was truly a day of
notable achievement
and an inspiration
to many more in the
future.
4 Events

RI Open Day – Unlock Your Potential

The Open Day at Royal Institute International School themed “Unlock your Potential” was held recently with the
participation of over 300 students, teachers, and parents. The guest speakers of the Open Day were Dr. Devangi
Perera (Alumna – Royal Institute, Nugegoda) and Ms. Himashi Botheju (Alumna – Royal Institute, Maharagama), who
shared their valuable insights and experiences with the audience.

The event emphasized tips and guidance to students and parents on stepping up to AL’s and the importance
of career guidance in empowering students and parents to assess their interests and abilities and explore different
career options.

Taking the legacy of learning and education a step further

Unveiling the excellence of the journey of Royal Institute International School (RI) and Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC)
over the past 50 years, a series of episodes was featured on Ada Derana 24/7 bestowing glory and honour on our
alma mater. Learners and parents testified of the contribution RI has made in their success stories, creating a vivid
and vibrant picture of the holistic education offered at RI. The testimonials bear witness to the legacy established by
RI in the education sector of Sri Lanka; the institution is continuing to blossom and flourish while retaining the joy of
the learners through authentic and holistic learning experiences that empower them to dream and fly high. In the
final episode of the series Mr. G T Bandara – Chairman and Dr. Nirodha Bandara – Academic Director of RI and
RIC unfolded the legacy and growth of the institution in the Sri Lankan educational landscape. Viewers witnessed a
visionary father and his zestful daughter reveal the story of passion behind RI and RIC.
 5

Celebrations

Eid-Ul-Fitr
The month of Ramadan is like a rare flower that blossoms once a year And just as you begin to smell the fragrance,
it disappears for another year - Rabiya Muslimah

Ramadan, the holiest and most awaited month by Muslims worldwide, is a period of self-control, compassion, and
gratitude. A month in which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking, from sunrise to sunset, to commemorate the
plight of those less fortunate. After hours of fasting, families gather together to break their fasts, with a meal called
Iftar, derived from the Arabic word, meaning ‘the breaking of the fast’.

The pandemic left many of us in anticipation, and finally, the Royal Institute Girls’ School was able to host an Iftar
celebration, with the presence of teachers, pupils, and support staff. The event, which took place on the 19th of April in
the Royal Institute of Colombo, was graced by the Chairman of Royal Institute; Mr. G. T. Bandara, Academic Director;
Dr. Nirodha Bandara, Principal of the Girls’ School; Mrs. Shazeena Nilam, and Guest Speaker; Ms. Aamina Sayyid.

Through the vision of the Islamic Society of the Girls’ School, this event came together in strings of laughter and
spilled cups of Faluda. It was one where faith coexisted in the likes of all of us. Mattered not the religion we
represented, or the clothes we chose to wear; the room was dotted with colour, pearly smiles, and delicious food.

Unique voices took the stage and made it their own in a series of Qaseedhas and resonating Qirat recitations. The
words of Aamina Sayyid gripped us by our shoulders and shook us awake, reminding us of God, and of the Hereafter.
The voice of the youth rang through the room, and the melody of the Adhaan brought silence and beauty with it as
everyone broke their fast as one.

Parallel to this, in order to evoke the pillar of Zakah, a charity

program was also initiated by the nursery and primary students
of the school. Generous contributions of dry rations were
distributed among 20 most-needed families around Colombo.

The joy, laughter, and smiles that were shared in every corner of the
room were truly heartwarming and unforgettable. The success of this
Iftar only created eagerness in looking forward to yet another exciting
Iftar celebration, in the many years to come.
 Vesak
6
Vesak, or in ancient Sanskrit, vaisakha, is a significant Buddhist festival in honour of the birth, enlightenment
and passing away of the Gautama Buddha. Keeping in line with the traditions, ubiquitous Buddhists,
typically celebrate this auspicious day by cladding in white, visiting the local temple, observing the 8
precepts and offering ‘pooja’ or ‘dana’ to the Sangha. Families and friends rejoice by illuminating their
homes with beautiful Vesak lanterns, lights and pandols.  
 
While it is a time for celebration, it is also a time for reflection,
so amidst the dark shadows of rupture that have inflicted upon
our nation, let the many-hued pandols and lanterns of this
meritorious day, restore hope and happiness in the once
hale-and-hearty people. 
 
We, as the students of Royal Institute International School,
stand united and pray that the teachings of the Buddha bring
peace and prosperity to all mankind. 

Sil Programme

‘Sila’ in Buddhism is one of the three types of learning required of those who seek enlightenment. It is moral conduct
which makes one’s body and mind fit for concentration.

The main focus of a Poya Day Sil program is to practice and develop generosity, morality and meditation, and gain
physical and mental relaxation during the day.

The Vesak Sil program of Royal Institute was held recently, providing students the opportunity to observe the eight
precepts, explore the characteristics of self and correct them according to the Buddhist teachings.

Many students enthusiastically and devotedly participated in the program. Dressed in white, they practiced meditation,
listened to dhamma sermons and engaged in dhamma discussions. It was a day for the students to gain merit, detach
from the worldly pleasures and have a better understanding of dhamma.
Mother's Day
7
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
- Cardinand Mermillod -

Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month of May in order to express respect, honour
and love towards mothers for their contribution to the society. It is celebrated with special emphasis on every
motherly figure around the world.

A mother is the first teacher and the first friend of her children. She is devoted to her children throughout her life. A
mother’s love for her children is unconditional. She ensures their safety in every possible way, and guides them on
the right path of life.

A bond of a mother and her child is very special that it is cherished forever, and it is never possible for anyone to
measure or repay her sacrifices and love. One day is certainly not enough to celebrate motherhood. So, as children,
let us pledge to make every day special for our mothers and fill their days with love and joy.

World Environment Day 2022

To mark the importance of Mother Nature, ‘World Environment Day’ is celebrated each year on June 5th to spread
awareness regarding the protection and nurturing of the environment to make Earth a better place to live. Reminiscing
on the history behind this day, World Environment Day was declared in 1972 by the UN General Assembly at the time
of Stockholm Conference, and the day was first celebrated in the year 1974.

There is a need for consistent efforts by the entirety of mankind to save the planet.
Even a small amount of effort from every individual could make a huge difference to
save Mother Nature.

In order to celebrate this special day,

RI Nugegoda engaged in various
activities within the premises of the
school, learning to live in harmony
with nature.
 Celebrating our fathers!
8
The first superhero in all our lives is none other than our father. It is with his gentle hand that we rise up when
we aren’t strong enough. He provides us with our necessities, provides security for us, encourages us with
gentle yet strong words, and works very hard for our wellbeing. Father’s Day is very special as we all warm
our hearts to pay gratitude to our earliest and best mentors, our fathers.

Your father is the best role model you can look up to. It is your duty to elevate his name above when he
becomes fragile. His care is your success, your success is his care.

Royal Institute would like to wish all dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day!

Poson Poya Day

Poson Poya Day is an important event in the Sri Lankan calendar. On this poya day, we commemorate the arrival
of Buddhism in Sri Lanka with the arrival of Mahinda Thero to Mihintale who converted King Devanampiyatissa to
Buddhism. Poson Poya Day is celebrated with grandeur and fervour by Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Dansal, Bakthi Gee
and sil programmes are several other religious activities organised to embellish this blissful occasion. In celebration
of Poson poya day, students of Royal Institute, Nugegoda engaged in chanting Sath Budu Vandana, paying homage
to the Seven Blessed Enlightened Buddhas. We hope the blessings of the Buddha and the Triple Gem would bless our
nation and its people!

Furthermore, the Press Club of RI organised a creativity competition focusing on the historical and cultural elements of
this religious festival. The class teachers of each respective branch were asked to collect the articles and disseminate
the best to the club under the categories of a drawing/ painting, a poem or a presentation/ e-card. The competition
concluded with a great succession that resonated with the zeal of the students in sharing their creative content.
 Competitions 9

Young Environmentalists’ Challenge 2022

The Young Environmentalists’ Challenge (YEC), true to its name, is a tri-round event that aims at giving students the
opportunity to devise and engineer a solution for an environmental issue at hand. It is an annual international event
and was held this year with participants not only from Sri Lanka, but also from Malaysia and Vietnam.

Teams from three prestigious schools in Sri Lanka, including Royal Institute, were selected to compete and put their green
thumb to the next level. The members of the RI Nugegoda team, ‘Team Pink Nose Nation’ with Dini Kathriarachchi,
Hasna Zaman, Aneetta Desmond, and Senesh Dayarathna rose to the challenge under the guidance and support of
their teacher-in-charge Mr. Tharuka Senarathne, along with Ms Srisivai Ganesharajah and Ms Kamalini Yogendra,
who assembled this crew and encouraged them throughout.

‘Team Pink Nose Nation’ emerged second in the round and progressed to the third and final international round of
the competition. The final round saw Team Pink Nose Nation’s project expand to a more global level - from human-
elephant conflicts to human-wildlife conflicts. The team received an honourable mention by the adjudicators from
Deakin University for the very creative presentation and communication skills.

Evidently, the Young Environmentalists’ Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore the world
and expand their boundaries while adding some fun into the mix, making it once in a lifetime experience for each
participant.

The team extend their gratitude to Deakin University for providing them with the amazing opportunity and the teacher-
in-charge, Mr Tharuka, for all his support throughout.

Colours Flying High

Fathmath Dheema Ali

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fathmath Dheema Ali, who

won 6 Medals at the South Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship. The
championship was held in Maldives from 9th to 11th May 2022. Representing
Royal Institute International Girls' School, Fathmath exalted the name of RI.

Congratulations! We are proud of you!

Cadet Division Junior Division

Team Matches - Bronze Medal Team Matches - Bronze Medal
Double Matches - Bronze Medal Double Matches - Bronze Medal
Single Matches - Silver Medal Single Matches - Bronze Medal

Royal Institute wishes you all the best in your future endeavors.
10 Congratulations Dewvin Yaneth Mallawarachchi!

Dewvin Yaneth Mallawarachchi from Royal Institute International School,

Gampaha branch won 3 Medals (2 Silver and 1 Bronze) in the 46th National
Age Group Aquatic Swimming Championships 2022.

He competed in the Under-13 boys age group and earned his silver medals
in the 200m Butterfly and 200m Freestyle events, and his bronze medal in the
100m Freestyle event.

We are also happy to mention that Royal Institute International School was
ranked in the 23rd position out of 78 schools in the 46th National Age Group
Aquatic Championship 2022, and Dewvin secured the 7th place overall in the
Under-13 age group.

We would like to congratulate Dewvin Mallawarachchi for his achievements

and wish him all the best for all his future endeavours!

Nethila – the Teenage Entrepreneur

It all started with the then ten-year-old Nethila’s explanatory talk-shows on his
YouTube channel “Cinnamon Chat with Nethila” where he interviewed top
professionals and young entrepreneurs.

The Times of India, the third-largest newspaper in India by circulation and

the largest selling English-language daily in the world, recently published an
interview with Nethila, on the economic crisis in Sri Lanka. World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO) too, in its WIPO Asia- Pacific Newsletter of 20th
June published an article on Nethila.

Nethila, encourages fellow youngsters to contribute to find solutions to the

prevailing economic downturn and inspires people locally and internationally
through his skills.

Royal Institute wholeheartedly wishes Nethila, strength and courage to pursue

his passion, conquer his future and serve the world.

Dini Nathyaa Kathriarachchi – Gold Award Winner at Singapore Math Global

Finals 2022
Dini Nathyaa Kathriarachchi is an exceptionally talented student currently
studying in AL Maths Stream at RI Nugegoda. She took part in the Singapore
Global Math Finals in March 2022.

Singapore Math Global Competition is a new international Singapore

Mathematics exam for grades 1 to 12 that has been created by top Singapore
Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers. This year, 1241 students from 15
countries participated in the Global Finals including countries such as, China,
India, USA, Canada and New Zealand. Showcasing her talents, Dini was able
to bring home the Gold Award in her category.

Dini is not new to winning awards in the international arena. She took part in
the International Junior Math Olympiad (IJMO) held in 2020. Based on Dini’s
performance in the Sri Lankan Mathematics Competition (SLMC) in 2019, in
which she won a Gold Medal in her category, she was invited to compete in
IJMO 2020. She succeeded in achieving a Bronze Medal in her category.

Dear Dini, your alma mater is so proud of you and wishes you the best in all your future endeavours!
 Proud RI Alumni 11

Arosheny Puvanenthirarajah
Royal Institute brings to you the ninth episode of RI Alumni Talk Series
with prominent alumnus Arosheny Puvanenthirarajah.

A proud student at Royal Institute International School, Havelock Town,

Arosheny Puvanenthirarajah has been chosen for a 97% scholarship
from the prestigious Princeton University, United States to study
Molecular Biology on Pre-Medicine track! According to Times Higher
Education (THE), Princeton University holds the 7th rank across the
world. She concluded her studies in the field of science at RI. Arosheny
has not only been an acclaimed academic but was also actively
engaged in extra-curricular activities. She was also one of the three
student representatives in the Career Guidance Unit. During her time
at school, she demonstrated her leadership skills in numerous aspects,
bringing to the surface the holistic educational experiences learners
enjoy at Royal Institute:

• Deputy Head Prefect – RI Havelock Town Branch

• Deputy Vice President - Chemistry Club
• Secretary - Interact Club
• Head of Volunteer Services Wing - RI Model United Nations Club
• President (Past) and initiator in Sri Lanka - Optimist International
• Runner-up at 'Meet a chemistry academic' competition conducted by the University of Manchester
• Runner-up at Spring of wisdom challenge competition conducted by Deakin University
• Founder of Guerdon Foundation - Youth-led non-profit organization to help the homeless in Sri Lanka

Ms. Puvanenthiraraja has brought glory and fame to RI. As she begins her humble journey, Royal Institute family would
like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to her!

RI Nursery Kids in Action

12
 Sports 13

Sports Day - Gampaha Branch

RI Gampaha branch held their Sports Day on the 7th of June 2022.
The event took place at the school grounds and students took part in
the event with great zeal and enthusiasm.

A football match was held with players from all houses; namely Sheffield,
Kent, Harrow, and Winchester taking part. After a truly spirited match,
Team Kent victoriously achieved the Boys' Championship with Team
Harrow ending the tournament as the 1st Runner - up.

Netball tournament - Girls' School

Four teams fought for
one Championship
and Team Sheffield
achieved their goal!
Netball Tournament
of Royal Institute
International Girls'
School was filled with
hopes, team spirit and
FUN
 Inter-house cricket tournament – Maharagama
14 The inter-house cricket tournament of Royal Institute Maharagama was held on the 2nd of June at S.D.S.
Jayasinghe grounds Dehiwala.

The title of the “Under-15 Champions” went to the Harrow team. After giving an undeniably good fight to the
Harrow house, the Under-15 team Sheffield managed to become the Runner-up.

After a very close battle in the Over-15 finals between Winchester and Sheffield, the championship trophy
went to Sheffield.

The event was brought to an end after the awarding of the trophies by the Principal and Vice Principal, along
with the vote of thanks given by the Head Prefect of the Maharagama branch, Chamoda Suraweera.
International Schools Under - 16 Netball Tournament 2022
The International Schools Under - 16 Netball Tournament 2022, organized by the Colombo International
15
School – Colombo 07, was held on 25th June 2022 at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University
Indoor Stadium, Ratmalana.

At the end of the first-round matches, Royal Institute had taken the lead in Group A. Under quarter-finals, RI team
competed with Lyceum International School, Ratnapura (LISR) and team defeated the LISR team by 04 scores to 02.
With this great victory, RI was able to qualify for the semi-finals.

After a tense competition with Lyceum International School, Wattala (LISW), RI Team was defeated at the semi-finals of
the tournament. Furthermore, at the consolation finals, RI Team played with Lyceum International School, Nugegoda
(LISN) and won the fourth place having a score of 04 to 08.

The following team players made an outstanding contribution to make the tournament more competitive.

1. Binuthi Chamathka (Captain) - RI Maharagama

2. Binudi Premathilaka (Vice Captain) - RI Maharagama
3. Nathali Dimasha - RI Maharagama
4. Nethuki Liyansa - RI Maharagama
5. Sanuthi Siyathra - RI Maharagama
6. Nominya Dulanitha - RI Maharagama
7. Yasasi Athukorala - RI Maharagama
8. Maleesha Dinudini - RI Maharagama
9. Aaishah Shafraz - RI Havelock Town
10. Angel Shannon - RI Havelock Town
11. Saliha Fahim - RI Havelock Town
12. Dulani Chamathka - RI Girls' School

Finally, we wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our very own Ms. Thishala Algama (Head Coach), Ms. Sajeewa
Samarakoon (Mistress in Charge) and the Royal Institute Sports Department for supporting RI Netball team to achieve
these victories.
 The Sri Lanka National Karate Championship 2021
16 Royal Institute International School always excels in its process of developing integral and outstanding
personalities in co-curricular activities as well as in extra-curricular activities marking school flagship at higher
levels.

The Sri Lanka National Karate Championship 2021 organized by the Sri Lanka Karate Do Federation was
held on 3rd of July 2022 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo 13. Thirteen athletes representing
our school participated in this competition and won three silver and three bronze medals, adorning the Royal
Institute name with a total of six silver and bronze medals. All these athletes participated in Kata event under
Junior National level category.

Names of the medal winning athletes are as follows:

Mushtaq Malik – Silver (Under 10 age category) - RI Havelock Town
Saveen Imanga – Silver (Under 13 age category) - RI Nugegoda
Mahira Mariam – Silver (Under 12 age category) - RI Girls’ School
Bhagya Leelarathne – Bronze (Under 11 age category) - RI Nugegoda
Sanuli Nethara – Bronze (Under 11 age category) - RI Nugegoda
Methushela Andria – Bronze (Under 10 age category) - RI Maharagama

We hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Seetha Wijewardena (the coach of the team), Mrs. Chamari
Sarathchandra (Mistress In Charge) and the Sports Department of our School, who helped and prepared our
athletes to glorify the school’s name at the national level.
 Talent Corner 17

Namo Buddhaya After Every Storm Lost in the Woods

There be fools,
greedy or cunning,
and, some, simply arrogant
But, some not
These fools listen to others,
or just listen to themselves
which is never,
a good deed, always
Being a hunter, too, is being
a fool,
killing animals is never always
good,
for it's removing,
an innocent's life
Never hurt a being,
living nor dead,
always keep in mind,
even if you're not breathing,
not to hurt or kill
Be good, not bad
this day reminds us that
May you have a blessed and
prosperous,
Poson poya day
Namo Buddhaya!
When skies are grey and clouds are there, Lost in the woods,
When life’s not just and is unfair, didn’t know what to do
All alone; no food,
When storms are coming and wind blows fast, clueless where to go
When you start thinking this storm may last,
As I was gazing at the moon,
When lightning strikes and it begins to rain, in the starry sky,
When you feel lonely, when you feel pain, I imagined a witch on her broom,
flying past by
When thunder booms loud up in the sky,
When there’s a situation you can’t rectify, I gulped, I screamt
but all in vain
When raindrops splatter on your window sill, I shivered, I dreamt
When they resemble your tears that spill, that I wasn’t in so much pain
When it is dark and the way is blurred, Then, there was a sound
When your inner screams are not heard, so I looked behind,
But there was no one to be found
When your head’s a mess with thoughts behind, Which gave me quite a surprise
When those problems cloud your mind,
The wind huffed with all its might
When you feel there’s a void in you, and the trees began to chatter
When you don’t know just what to do, It really gave me a fright
as my heart started to shatter
Always remember that storms like these,
Won’t last forever and will soon cease, I felt someone shaking me,
thought it was a bear
Just don’t lost hope and don’t let go, But I finally realised
After every storm, comes a rainbow. I had a terrible nightmare!

Sneha Madena Imara Idrees Nafha Usri

Grade 7 - Cambridge Grade 11B - National Grade 8A - Cambridge
RI Gampaha RI Maharagama RI Havelock Town

Little Friends
I have little friends, unseen or seen Debrah Pabasari
Roaming amongst the earths evergreen. Grade - 12SSC
‘pitter patter’ one would go, RI Nugegoda
Some are quiet or as white as snow.

One lurks above the pastel-coloured skies

One even dwells within the soul of thy eyes.
Such ancient beings of tranquil, lurking in even sorrows
They lie in the sapphire oceans, perhaps in the tommorows.

I hear them whisper secrets, such curious secrets they hold!

Tales of long ago, old literacy yet to be told.
If you ever look carefully, you might even hear a whisper,
Tis as quick as light and yet as bright as silver.

The stars hum the forgotten songs,

Lulling thee to sleep all along.
My little friends are watching you too,
Amongst the diamond stars, whispering their comfort to you. Vinuka Induwara
Hush! Can you hear? They speak to you to, Grade 2A - Cambridge
My dearest little friends, hello to you too. RI Nugegoda
18
Bubble
My dream grows bigger The dream grew I found my nature disastrous
Too much for my bubble to hold Way larger than me But natural disasters are something
I ask myself the world seemed only nature can make
‘Who’ll hold me next time I fall’ so much smaller to me
Ignoring the answer - Day to night I wonder
I don’t wanna know I decided that day Is Night to day longer?
Something I regretted today Should I just scuttle back
I climb over carefully Forgetting my past and present to where you said I belonged
Please don’t burst I walk carefully towards my envisioned that dangerous bubble
Coz if I return future it dwells unforgiving
It’ll mean I had nowhere else to go immortalizing a lie into something true
The nervous feeling like the moon on a bright sunny day.
I venture out The fear dwelling
To somewhere I don’t know The insecurities living It lies in someplace
I only follow It all feels home to me where we are used as bait
to where my dream goes to someone, who sees us as their prey
But to me that home is nothing
I feel it; take it Don’t go looking for it,
Step by step This stranger who possesses me it’ll suck you into an unbreakable hold
Breath by breath Is pulling me forward
Is mixing up my true emotions Rabiah Naleem
The cageless boundaries So, I become numb with only Grade 9B (Sci)
Of where my mind decides to go expectations RI Girls’ School

Aaliya Zainab Dilsowdi Kisholini Raneskumar

Grade 8B - Cambridge Grade 7 - Cambridge
RI Havelock Town RI Havelock Town

Rochelle Wimalanayake Shaveen Akmeemana

Grade 9 - Cambridge Grade 8B - National
RI Gampaha RI Nugegoda
 19

Viraine Stephon Fox

Grade 7 - Cambridge
RI Maharagama
Joanne Sheraiah
Grade 10 Sci
RI Girls’ School

Ashfa Ismail Farha Farhan Devanya Ranasinghe

Grade 7 - National Grade 7 - Cambridge Garde 6 - National
RI Girls' School RI Havelock Town RI Girls' School

Dulen Fernando Minpa Saundari

Grade 7A - National Grade 7 B - National
RI Nugegoda RI Gampaha
20 The Editorial Board

Dr. Nirodha Bandara

Academic Director
Ms. Bhagya Weliwita
Head of Press Club

Editors
Ms. Ravindy Siriwardena
Ms. Shammi Fernando

Head Representatives
Ms. Dhananja Karunasinghe - RI Nugegoda
Ms. Ummehani Hamza - RI Girls’ School
Ms. Ravindy Siriwardena - RI Gampaha
Ms. Thilini Peiris - RI Havelock Town
Ms. Yuwini Rajapakse -RI Maharagama

Committee Members
Ms. Sandali Siriwardena
Mr. Suresh Rathnayake (Sports)
Ms. Natasha Abeygunawardene
Ms. Chemalie Fernando
Ms Binosha Gayathri

Photo Credits, Layout & Design

Mr. Chamika Viduranga

School re-opens for students on 5th September 2022.