The Dornhorst Memorial Prize has been awarded to Ruchika Jayasinghe for the year 2026
Dornhorst Prize
The Dornhorst Memorial Prize, awarded for general merit, has been awarded to Ruchika Jayasinghe for the year 2026. The Prize is named in honour of the late Mr. Frederick Dornhorst — a distinguished Ceylonese Barrister and King’s Advocate — remembered as one of Royal College’s most illustrious sons. All Royalists owe a debt of gratitude to this eminent figure whose legacy continues to inspire generations. The prize is awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in academics, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, discipline, leadership and mainly popularity within college.
Ruchika Navodya Jayasinghe served as the Captain of the Royal College Senior Sinhala Debating Team in 2025, having previously held the position of Vice Captain in 2024. A dedicated member of the Senior Sinhala Debating Team since 2022, he played a pivotal role in one of the most successful years in the team’s history. Under his leadership in 2025, Royal College reached 14 All-Island Inter School Sinhala Debating Tournament finals, securing 12 championship titles. Throughout his debating career, he has represented Royal College in more than 30 All-Island Inter-School Debating Tournament finals, including prestigious competitions such as The Debater with AAT Sri Lanka, organized by Sirasa TV in collaboration with AAT Sri Lanka.
In addition to his debating achievements, Ruchika has represented Royal College in over 15 All-Island Inter School Oratory Competition finals, demonstrating his excellence in public speaking. He also made significant contributions to student leadership, serving as the Secretary of the Royal College Sinhala Oratory and Debating Society and the Royal College Sinhala Drama Society in 2025. Prior to this, he served as the Assistant Secretary of the Royal College Sinhala Oratory and Debating Society.
Beyond academics and debating, Ruchika has been actively involved in sports and student leadership. He served as the Athletics Captain of Boake House in 2026 and fulfilled responsibilities as both a Junior Steward and a Senior Steward of Royal College.