OLD ROYALISTS GET TOGETHER

DATE: 03rd February 2000

VENUE: Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Dubai

The gathering was called to order with the 'School of Our Fathers' being sung. Attendance was at 41. The following were the main items discussed:

Mobilisation of members -
The current list was 85 strong and Namal(G)emphasised that more Old Boys were still not listed. Each one present was requested to bring at least one new Old Boy for the next gathering.

Proposal of RCU Life Membership -
Rameez outlined the drive in Colombo to make as many Old Royalists as possible, Life Members, thereby raising much needed funds for the school. He also explained the benefits of becoming a Life Member. A few Membership forms were distributed and the members were requested to contact any coordinator to obtain forms. The cost is Rs1000.00(Dhs 50.00) and RCUAE members can complete the forms and hand over to a coordinator to be sent to Colombo.


Proposal For Annual Contributions -
Chanaka/Ranjith explained the proposal of Dhs.100/- as a voluntary contribution. The gathering agreed it to be considered as a voluntary contribution towards College development.

Likely RCU Projects for Sponsorship -
Namal/Roshan read out letters received from Colombo on Projects that are available for sponsorship. Considering the costs the general consensus was to support the swimming pool project (costing Rs 800,000/-) or furnish the hostel (costing Rs 500,000/-). After a long deliberation, it was decided to commit for the swimming pool project, as it's a whole project rather than a part of a larger project.
The first contribution towards the project was a generous one from Asoka. Well done Asoka, and thanks for a Right Royal start. Let's hope more would follow as a gratitude to Royal !

Raba Gunasekera's 'Kataya' Project -
Asoka explained that Raba is writing a book on Kataya, and requested the RCUAE members to pass on any interesting episodes relating to our late Vice Principal, to him. His Web page is linked to the RCUAE Web Site.

Royal Thomian Criceket Match -
Nurendra/Heshan outlined their plans for the match. The date was fixed as 10th March, and the venue was announced as the Dubai Exiles Grounds. Lasantha agreed to be in charge of gifts to be raffled. A family get together was also announced. Details to be posted soon.

Events for April / May -
Various events were suggested and was agreed to decide on specifics after the Royal-Thomian match and get together.

E-Group Communication Demo -
Reza provided a presentation on Internet communication grouping used by RCUAE and which is moderated by him. Gathering was taken through some of the options and all RCUAE members were requested to update their respective profiles online.


Formal sessions ended and fellowship followed with lots of food to eat and much to drink.
Special thanks to Asoka for the superb arrangements.