Thurstan College’s Social Service Society launched a national harmony initiative called “The Fraternity Bridge” on July 30, delivering essential supplies and fostering connections with schools on Delft Island in Jaffna. The project, led by Principal Pramuditha Wickramasinghe, aimed to support 600 students across eight local schools by providing educational materials, dry rations, and medicines, with the broader goal of promoting understanding and friendship between Sinhalese and Tamil students.
The program’s significance was highlighted during the opening ceremony of a new building at Delft R.C. Ladies’ College. The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Fisheries and attended by senior officials including the Secretary of the Northern Provincial Ministry of Education, the Provincial Director of Education, the Zonal Director of Education, as well as local principals and teachers from Delft.
Looking ahead, Thurstan College plans to host 50 students from Delft in Colombo in 2027 for an educational and cultural exchange. This visit will include a cultural evening, city tours, and opportunities for students to share experiences and deepen mutual understanding, with the objective of strengthening long-term friendships and national unity.
The Minister of Fisheries praised the initiative as a valuable effort to bridge communities and promote coexistence among young people from different regions of Sri Lanka. The success of the project depended on contributions from the entire Thurstan College community, including academic and non-academic staff, the Prefects’ Guild, School Development Society, alumni, and parents. The Thurstan College Old Boys’ Union also played a key role in supporting the endeavor.
Coordination and logistical support involved several education officials from the Ministry of Education and provincial directorates, while transportation of goods to Delft was facilitated by the Sri Lanka Navy, which provided a boat. The Divisional Secretary of Delft arranged transport for the Thurstan College delegation, which included two deputy principals, the assistant principal responsible for co-curricular activities, the teacher overseeing the Social Service Society, additional teaching staff, and prefects including the Head Prefect.
Thurstan College, known for its long-standing commitment to community service, views programs like “The Fraternity Bridge” as vital steps toward building social cohesion. The initiative reflects the school’s enduring belief that true connections are forged through compassion and mutual respect, reinforcing its dedication to fostering national harmony and unity across diverse communities.