Image: Lighting the Ceremonial Lamp (1995-2000)

Before the formal establishment of JVC OSA Canada, efforts were already underway behind the scenes, both in Sri Lanka and among the growing Tamil diaspora in Canada. Former Principal Mr. K. Chandrapalan, who led Victoria College during a particularly challenging period, recognized the pressing need for sustained financial support to address resource shortages while introducing new academic initiatives. He proposed the idea of forming overseas Old Students’ Associations as a means to raise funds, invest them securely, and use the income to support the school’s critical needs. This vision was strongly endorsed and furthered by the late Mr.K.Arunasalam, former Principal and then-President of the Colombo Old Students’ Association, and the late Mr.S.K.Indirarasa, former Vice Principal of Victoria College. Their leadership and coordination with alumni abroad, particularly in Canada, laid the groundwork for what would soon become JVC OSA Canada.

In Canada, the initiative gained momentum through a series of informal gatherings at the residence of Mr. K. Sivasubramaniam, a senior alumnus and key organizer. These discussions culminated in the official formation of JVC OSA Canada at its inaugural meeting, held on February 12, 1995, at Applewood Heights Secondary School in Mississauga.

At this foundational gathering, the first executive committee (1995–2000) was nominated, with Mr.R.Balasubramaniam as President, Mr.K.Sivasubramaniam as Patron, Mr.K.Sivaarulrasa as Secretary, and Mr.V.Balachandran as Treasurer. Although Mr.K.Sivasubramaniam was initially considered for the presidency, he respectfully declined due to health reasons, choosing instead to serve as Patron and provide trusted guidance to the newly appointed leadership team. His mentorship proved instrumental in shaping the association’s early direction and long-term vision.

President R. Balasubramaniam set an ambitious tone, stressing the urgent needs of the college – from deteriorating buildings to lack of lab equipment and sports facilities – and proposed a fundraising target of C$15,000. The response was immediate: members at the inaugural meeting spontaneously contributed about C$5,000, enabling an initial remittance of Rs 200,000 (approximately C$3,630 in 1995) to the school. These funds were placed in a fixed deposit in Sri Lanka so that the interest could support the school’s immediate needs.

At the inaugural meeting, following a discussion regarding membership fees, the house unanimously decided on an annual fee of $15. The committee was also entrusted with the responsibility of drafting a constitution to be approved at a future special General Meeting. By the end of this term, the association had laid a strong foundation: it had a formal structure, a growing membership, and had made its first significant financial contribution to J/Victoria College.

Despite this early success, the late 1990s proved challenging. Owing to various reasons – including the diaspora’s dispersal and Sri Lanka’s civil conflict – the branch became less active in the late 1990s. Regular meetings waned after the initial enthusiasm. However, Patron K.Sivasubramaniam and key members kept the flame alive informally, staying in touch with the college’s principal and assessing needs. Their perseverance set the stage for a revival. By the end of the 1995–2000 period, JVC OSA Canada had established itself as a vital link between former students in Canada and their alma mater, priming the association for reactivation in the new decade.

Image: School Entrance in 2025