July 16, Colombo: Royal College, the premier educational institute for boys in Sri Lanka held its 175th Anniversary Special Assembly today at the Royal College Sports Complex with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the chief guest.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Ministers Dinesh Gunawardena and Bandula Gunawardena, Attorney General Mohan Peiris, Principle of the Royal Collage Upali Gunasekara and former secretary of Royal Collage OBA, Captain Ajith Peiris were other distinguished guests.

Post Master General M. K. B. Dissanayake issued a stamp designed by two students of the school with the First Day Cover to mark the occasion.

The Principle of the Royal College Upali Gunasekara presented a special memento to the President.

Later President Rajapaksa addressed over 8,000 students, their parents, the teachers and the members of the Old Boys' Association.

(Pictures by Sudath Silva)