Congratulations on your successful, continuous and sustained endeavor in assembling a community of Victoria College alumni in Canada and contributing towards the development of our alma mater for the last three decades.

Victoria College, Chulipuram, is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the Northern Province. Founded by Canagaratnam Muthaliyar in (1876) the 19th century, the college played a significant role in the development of education and Tamil intellectual life in Sri Lanka.

An Englishman Mr. Willoughby Small was appointed as principal in 1910 due to a combination of colonial policy, educational strategy, and prestige-building motives. At the time, Ceylon was under British colonial rule. Appointing a British as principal was seen as a way to align the institution with colonial educational standards and gain prestige. Schools with British principals were often viewed as more reputable and were more likely to receive government support and grants.

Mr. Small was a highly educated Irish graduate. His appointment was likely intended to raise the academic profile of the school, introducing structured curricula, examinations, and connections to other elite institutions. Having a British principal facilitated smooth collaboration with the colonial Department of Education, helping the school integrate into the national system more effectively. This helped with curriculum development, recognition of qualifications, and resource allocation.

By the early 1900s, Victoria College was expanding in both size and influence. Appointing someone like Mr. Small was a strategic move to transition the school from a strong local institution into one recognized on par with the best schools in the island.

The college adopted English as a medium of instruction early on, aligning with the British colonial education system. It provided students with access to British curricula, including Cambridge local examinations, which enabled them to pursue higher education abroad. It quickly became a center for English and Tamil education, preparing students for entrance into universities and civil service.

Canagaratnam Muthaliyar hereby demonstrated “adaptability” is the strength of human race for successful survival in any challenging environment. I am grateful for inheriting this trait from Chulipuram and from Victoria College.