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Message from The Principal
of Rahula College, Matara.

It is a privilege for me to extend my blessings on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Col.
Henry Steele Olcott Memorial Sports Foundation. It is a significant landmark in the Buddhist
history of Sri Lanka, that Col. Henry Steele Olcott arrived at Vijayananda Pirivena, Weliwatte,
Galle on 17th May 1980 and took five precepts from Ven. Akmeemana Dhammarama thero.

Though a Christian by birth, he had been touched in his soul, hearing the famous speech
made by Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda thero at Panadurawadaya and as a result he had
been convinced to arrive at Sri Lanka. He is well renowned as a great character in Sri Lanka,
with his utmost dedication that gives life breath to a nation that had fallen asleep, passively.
As no one can forget his immeasurable service to uplift the dignity of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
His commitment in declaration of the Vesak full moon day, a holiday and bestowing the
Buddhist flag to the nation are among his worthy services to our motherland. Realizing that
the small children’s education be based on Buddhist education, he established the
Theosophical Society in Sri Lanka on 08th June 1880 which resulted in the commencement of
a host of Buddhist schools all over the Island empowering a renaissance in Buddhist
education and we should appreciate the generous contribution made by the Col. Henry
Steele Olcott Memorial Sports Foundation, established later by the above said cluster of
Buddhist schools.

As the Principal of Rahula College, I would like to extend my heartiest blessings on the 25th
Anniversary of the Foundation and I wish it may posses all the capabilities to widen its
services the Buddhist children of Sri Lanka. Finally, I should pay my sincere homage to the
officials of the Foundation in the past as well as at present, for their endless efforts in
enhancing its services.

Sudath Samarawickrama

The Principal
Rahula College, Matara.