The Annual Inter-House Athletics Meet is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. It has been held annually since 1892. However, the first time the shield was awarded was in 1919, making the event over 100 years old. The Inter-House Athletics Meet or as it is better known, the Sports Meet, is the most prestigious Inter-House sports activity in the College.

The first recorded Sports Meet held in 1892 took place on the grounds at St. Sebastian Hill. In the early years, it was contested among 4 houses, namely Cinnamon Gardens, Bambalapitiya North, Bambalapitiya South and Colpetty. Later on in 1921, these houses were renamed after past headmasters and principals of the College. From then onwards it would be between Boake, Harward, Marsh and Hartley until a fifth house, Reed, was added to the Athletics Meet in 1970.

Some of the main events in the Sports Meet are the Road Race, the March Past and the Athletic events. The Road Race is a long-distance running event that happens through the streets of Colombo. The distance and route of the race vary according to each student’s age group. The houses of the first 3 runners win points which adds to the final score of each house.

The March Past is the event where the house leaders take the lead of their respective houses and present them to the crowd and dignified guests. The house with the best March Past is elected and is awarded points.

The Sports Meet has a very significant place in the sports calendar of the Royal College as it involves the participation of a great number of students and brings the majority of the school together to celebrate the true sporting spirit.