The Hostellers Tour and Grade 06 Scholars’ Orientation for the students who entered through the scholarship exam has been a project carried out annually by the Prefects’ Council of Royal College in the recent past. The purpose of the project is to introduce and equip new scholars with skills required to adapt and raise awareness of their whereabouts in Colombo within the scope of providing knowledge coupled with entertainment. The main target of this initiative is to provide them with the necessary guidance, inspiration and encouragement to pursue their occupation at Royal College with self-confidence, self-assurance and passion despite the newly embraced unacquainted environment and diverse lifestyle. For the year 2020, the Prefects’ Council organized this event to be held on the 31st of January and the 1st and 2nd February.

Day 01- 31st January 

Grade 06 Scholar Orientation was held on the 31st of January, where the scholars were taken on a guided tour around the school, educating them on the important and historic landmarks within the school. A session was further conducted by the Senior Prefects in order to educate the boys about the vast history of the Royal College. 

The 3-day Hostellers’ Tour commenced with the Royalists Spirit Elevation program at the Interactive whiteboard room. Then the Prefects’ Council of Royal College conducted a session to educate the new hostellers about their opportunities in engaging in clubs and sports within college so that they would become successful Royalists once they left the school with the experience they would have gained by participating in  extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

The first day of the Hostellers Tour ended with giving the youngsters a peep into Day 02, instilling a sense of excitement within their minds about the day to come.

Day 02 – 1st February 

Day 02 commenced with a visit to the Gangarama temple where the Hostellers were taken with the motive of receiving blessings and to take on a tour around the temple exhibiting the old culture of Sri Lanka. Then boys were taken around the harbour and received a guided tour of a Naval ship. Having lunch on the ship, the next stop was the Planetarium where again the boys were given with an interesting presentation about the planets and stars around the earth, enhancing their knowledge.

The first half of the day finished by taking the boys to the Independence Square and Arcade Independence Square, one of the most eye-catching landmarks at Colombo.

Coming back to school, the boys were given time to rest. In the evening the hostellers were taken to the Light House Gallery with the motive of the prefects conducting an Etiquette program for the hostellers to get accustomed with fine dining as well as a dinner later in the evening. The Principal of Royal College, Deputy Principals, Senior Games Master and the Senior Master of Clubs and Societies attended the session.

Day 02 ended on high note, with music, dancing and singing with our fellow brothers, giving our newest brother much to smile about and enjoy.

Day 03 – 2nd February 

The third and the final day of the tour commenced with entertaining the boys with a movie at the Royal College Skills Center. Soon after, a Talent Show involving the hostellers only, took place at the premises. Slowly coming to the end of the tour, the boys had lunch and participated group activities which were conducted amongst the hostellers to improve their teamwork capabilities and leadership qualities. Even after 2 and half tiring days, the Prefects as well as the hostellers wanted to play a game of cricket which took place at the Main Grounds to enhance the bond between the Hostellers and the Prefects.

To conclude this tour on a high note, a campfire was arranged by Royal College scouts and Senior Prefects where the hostellers performed dramas and sang during the session. 

All in all, the Hostellers Tour and Grade 06 Scholars’ Orientation 2020 was a success to begin the year 2020 for Senior Prefects and a grand welcome to these dynamic and talented boys joining the Royal College family. It is important to acknowledge the support given by the Archives Committee, the Scouts of Royal College, the Tamil Karnatic Music Society, the Tamil Hindu Students Union, the Tamil Dramatic Society, the Buddhist Brotherhood, the Astronomy Club, the Non-Addict Movement, the Interact Club, the Red Cross Society, the General Knowledge Club, the Chemistry Club, the Media Unit, the Advanced English Skills Improvement Unit, the Philatelic Club and the English Literally Association of Royal College.