College History
Maris Stella College Old Boys Association Australia (MSC OBA Australia) is an esteemed organisation founded to unite the alumni of Maris Stella College Negombo, Sri Lanka, who now reside in Australia. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024, we reflect on our rich history and the significant contributions we have made to both our alma mater and the Australian community.
Maris Stella College Negombo, established in its current location in 1922, has long been a cornerstone of education in Sri Lanka, shaping generations of boys into men who have gone on to serve not only their country but also the wider world with distinction. Our association is proud to represent those Maristonians who now call Australia home, continuing the legacy of excellence, service, and camaraderie fostered by the college.
Our journey began in 1998/99 when a group of old boys came together with the shared vision of forming a supportive and vibrant community. The inaugural General Meeting of the Maris Stella College Old Boys Association Australia (MSCOBAA Inc.) was held on 10 July 1999, where Mr. Kosala Jayasinghe, a distinguished old boy, was elected as the first President. Mr. Vinitius Perera was appointed Secretary. From these humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving association, connecting old Maristonians across Australia and ensuring that our bonds with each other and our alma mater remain strong.
Over the past 25 years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to bring our community together, honour our shared heritage, and support Maris Stella College in Sri Lanka. Our annual dinner dance has become a highly anticipated event, with over 300 members and guests attending each year to reconnect, celebrate, and create new memories. This event has also featured renowned Sri Lankan artists, adding a special touch to our celebrations and allowing us to showcase our cultural pride.
In addition to social events, we have provided financial support and services to our beloved alma mater, contributing to its ongoing success and development. We have also taken great pride in offering assistance to Maris students who have migrated to Australia, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether through mentorship, networking opportunities, or direct support, we have strived to help these students adjust to life in a new country while remaining connected to their roots.
Our association has also fostered a strong sense of sportsmanship and friendly competition. We have organised various sports events, including cricket, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, allowing members to engage in healthy competition while strengthening bonds within the community. Additionally, we have proudly represented Maris Stella College in inter-school associations, participating in friendly cricket and soccer matches that further enhance our reputation in Australia.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, MSC OBA Australia looks to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. We are committed to continuing our tradition of service, support, and unity, ensuring that the values instilled in us by Maris Stella College continue to flourish in Australia. We remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant community for old boys and their families, while also giving back to our alma mater, helping it shape the lives of future generations.
Maris Stella College Negombo, established in its current location in 1922, has long been a cornerstone of education in Sri Lanka, shaping generations of boys into men who have gone on to serve not only their country but also the wider world with distinction. Our association is proud to represent those Maristonians who now call Australia home, continuing the legacy of excellence, service, and camaraderie fostered by the college.
Our journey began in 1998/99 when a group of old boys came together with the shared vision of forming a supportive and vibrant community. The inaugural General Meeting of the Maris Stella College Old Boys Association Australia (MSCOBAA Inc.) was held on 10 July 1999, where Mr. Kosala Jayasinghe, a distinguished old boy, was elected as the first President. Mr. Vinitius Perera was appointed Secretary. From these humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving association, connecting old Maristonians across Australia and ensuring that our bonds with each other and our alma mater remain strong.
Over the past 25 years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to bring our community together, honour our shared heritage, and support Maris Stella College in Sri Lanka. Our annual dinner dance has become a highly anticipated event, with over 300 members and guests attending each year to reconnect, celebrate, and create new memories. This event has also featured renowned Sri Lankan artists, adding a special touch to our celebrations and allowing us to showcase our cultural pride.
In addition to social events, we have provided financial support and services to our beloved alma mater, contributing to its ongoing success and development. We have also taken great pride in offering assistance to Maris students who have migrated to Australia, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether through mentorship, networking opportunities, or direct support, we have strived to help these students adjust to life in a new country while remaining connected to their roots.
Our association has also fostered a strong sense of sportsmanship and friendly competition. We have organised various sports events, including cricket, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, allowing members to engage in healthy competition while strengthening bonds within the community. Additionally, we have proudly represented Maris Stella College in inter-school associations, participating in friendly cricket and soccer matches that further enhance our reputation in Australia.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, MSC OBA Australia looks to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. We are committed to continuing our tradition of service, support, and unity, ensuring that the values instilled in us by Maris Stella College continue to flourish in Australia. We remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant community for old boys and their families, while also giving back to our alma mater, helping it shape the lives of future generations.
Association History
Maris Stella College Old Boys Association Australia (MSC OBA Australia) is an esteemed organisation founded to unite the alumni of Maris Stella College Negombo, Sri Lanka, who now reside in Australia. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2024, we reflect on our rich history and the significant contributions we have made to both our alma mater and the Australian community.
Maris Stella College Negombo, established in its current location in 1922, has long been a cornerstone of education in Sri Lanka, shaping generations of boys into men who have gone on to serve not only their country but also the wider world with distinction. Our association is proud to represent those Maristonians who now call Australia home, continuing the legacy of excellence, service, and camaraderie fostered by the college.
Our journey began in 1998/99 when a group of old boys came together with the shared vision of forming a supportive and vibrant community. The inaugural General Meeting of the Maris Stella College Old Boys Association Australia (MSCOBAA Inc.) was held on 10 July 1999, where Mr. Kosala Jayasinghe, a distinguished old boy, was elected as the first President. Mr. Vinitius Perera was appointed Secretary. From these humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving association, connecting old Maristonians across Australia and ensuring that our bonds with each other and our alma mater remain strong.
Over the past 25 years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to bring our community together, honour our shared heritage, and support Maris Stella College in Sri Lanka. Our annual dinner dance has become a highly anticipated event, with over 300 members and guests attending each year to reconnect, celebrate, and create new memories. This event has also featured renowned Sri Lankan artists, adding a special touch to our celebrations and allowing us to showcase our cultural pride.
In addition to social events, we have provided financial support and services to our beloved alma mater, contributing to its ongoing success and development. We have also taken great pride in offering assistance to Maris students who have migrated to Australia, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether through mentorship, networking opportunities, or direct support, we have strived to help these students adjust to life in a new country while remaining connected to their roots.
Our association has also fostered a strong sense of sportsmanship and friendly competition. We have organised various sports events, including cricket, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, allowing members to engage in healthy competition while strengthening bonds within the community. Additionally, we have proudly represented Maris Stella College in inter-school associations, participating in friendly cricket and soccer matches that further enhance our reputation in Australia.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, MSC OBA Australia looks to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. We are committed to continuing our tradition of service, support, and unity, ensuring that the values instilled in us by Maris Stella College continue to flourish in Australia. We remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant community for old boys and their families, while also giving back to our alma mater, helping it shape the lives of future generations.
Maris Stella College Negombo, established in its current location in 1922, has long been a cornerstone of education in Sri Lanka, shaping generations of boys into men who have gone on to serve not only their country but also the wider world with distinction. Our association is proud to represent those Maristonians who now call Australia home, continuing the legacy of excellence, service, and camaraderie fostered by the college.
Our journey began in 1998/99 when a group of old boys came together with the shared vision of forming a supportive and vibrant community. The inaugural General Meeting of the Maris Stella College Old Boys Association Australia (MSCOBAA Inc.) was held on 10 July 1999, where Mr. Kosala Jayasinghe, a distinguished old boy, was elected as the first President. Mr. Vinitius Perera was appointed Secretary. From these humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving association, connecting old Maristonians across Australia and ensuring that our bonds with each other and our alma mater remain strong.
Over the past 25 years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to bring our community together, honour our shared heritage, and support Maris Stella College in Sri Lanka. Our annual dinner dance has become a highly anticipated event, with over 300 members and guests attending each year to reconnect, celebrate, and create new memories. This event has also featured renowned Sri Lankan artists, adding a special touch to our celebrations and allowing us to showcase our cultural pride.
In addition to social events, we have provided financial support and services to our beloved alma mater, contributing to its ongoing success and development. We have also taken great pride in offering assistance to Maris students who have migrated to Australia, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether through mentorship, networking opportunities, or direct support, we have strived to help these students adjust to life in a new country while remaining connected to their roots.
Our association has also fostered a strong sense of sportsmanship and friendly competition. We have organised various sports events, including cricket, volleyball, and soccer tournaments, allowing members to engage in healthy competition while strengthening bonds within the community. Additionally, we have proudly represented Maris Stella College in inter-school associations, participating in friendly cricket and soccer matches that further enhance our reputation in Australia.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, MSC OBA Australia looks to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. We are committed to continuing our tradition of service, support, and unity, ensuring that the values instilled in us by Maris Stella College continue to flourish in Australia. We remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant community for old boys and their families, while also giving back to our alma mater, helping it shape the lives of future generations.
Brother Principal Message
The 3 bodies of water in Israel, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River & the Dead Sea are all connected. Both Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River are filled with fish, but the Dead Sea is without any fish or plant. It is 8.6 times saltier than any ocean in the world. Why is it? The water flows from Sea of Galilee to the Jordan River & finally from there to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea gives water to no one. All the water that it receives gets trapped and the only way the water escapes is through evaporation, leaving all the chemicals and salt in the Dead Sea. Our major purpose in life is to develop God-given talents & to share it with the society, similar to the child who gave 5 fish to Jesus to feed 5000. Both Martha & Mary the two sisters, the friends of Jesus opened their home in hospitality to others. We may be rich by way of wealth, money, knowledge or any other capability. Are we willing to be like Sea of Galilee or Dead Sea? As you move from 'Active mode' to 'Relax mode' at 25th ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE 2024, let's get into our minds & hearts the generous thought of SHARING OUR TALENTS with the rest of the crowd for our own good & the betterment of the humankind & thereby, finding our own "Harmonic C" in life.
President Message
A Message from Mr. Dulshan Mahanayake
(PRESIDENT, MARIS STELLA COLLEGE OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA)
Dear Fellow Old Boys and Esteemed Members of Our College Community,
As we come together to celebrate the 25th anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and unity that has been the foundation of our association since its inception.
Over the past quarter-century, our organization has grown from a small gathering of like-minded individuals into a vibrant community that spans generations. We have witnessed the accomplishments of our members in various fields, and it is heartening to see how the values and lessons instilled in us during our school days continue to guide our lives. Our collective achievements are a reflection of the strong foundation laid by our alma mater, and it is our duty to continue this legacy for future generations.
The journey of our association has been marked by numerous events, projects, and initiatives that have strengthened our bonds and enriched our community. From supporting our school through various fundraising efforts to mentoring the next generation of students, our association has played a vital role in maintaining the connection between past and present.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of this organization. Whether you have served on the committee, participated in events, contributed as a sponsor or simply stayed connected, your involvement has been crucial in making our association what it is today. Looking ahead, let us continue to build on the strong foundation we have established. Let us strive to create more opportunities for our members to connect, contribute, and grow.
Together, we can ensure that our association remains a vibrant and supportive community for many years to come.
On behalf of the entire committee, I wish you all a joyous celebration of our 25th anniversary. May we continue to cherish the bonds we share and work together to uphold the values that unite us.
Thank you, and here's to the next 25 years of success and friendship!
As we come together to celebrate the 25th anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and unity that has been the foundation of our association since its inception.
Over the past quarter-century, our organization has grown from a small gathering of like-minded individuals into a vibrant community that spans generations. We have witnessed the accomplishments of our members in various fields, and it is heartening to see how the values and lessons instilled in us during our school days continue to guide our lives. Our collective achievements are a reflection of the strong foundation laid by our alma mater, and it is our duty to continue this legacy for future generations.
The journey of our association has been marked by numerous events, projects, and initiatives that have strengthened our bonds and enriched our community. From supporting our school through various fundraising efforts to mentoring the next generation of students, our association has played a vital role in maintaining the connection between past and present.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of this organization. Whether you have served on the committee, participated in events, contributed as a sponsor or simply stayed connected, your involvement has been crucial in making our association what it is today. Looking ahead, let us continue to build on the strong foundation we have established. Let us strive to create more opportunities for our members to connect, contribute, and grow.
Together, we can ensure that our association remains a vibrant and supportive community for many years to come.
On behalf of the entire committee, I wish you all a joyous celebration of our 25th anniversary. May we continue to cherish the bonds we share and work together to uphold the values that unite us.
Thank you, and here's to the next 25 years of success and friendship!
Past Presidents
