I feel honoured and privileged to give this message to the Royal-Thomian Centenary Souvenir on this rare and unique occasion: this one hundredth anniversary of an unbroken series of cricket matches between Royal and S. Thomas'.

Royal-Thomian matches have developed certain features over this long stretch of time — features which have set the pattern for other 'Big' matches.   Whichever side won or lost, these matches have been characterised by a true spirit of sportsmanship. Rivalry has always been keen, but it has been friendly, with no bitterness. These matches have produced great cricketers and outstanding men, including three Prime Ministers and one President, imbued with the highest sense of patriotism and feelings of service to their fellow countrymen. And finally, these matches have become occasions for an increasing number of old Boys of both schools to meet, discuss and dream dreams of the past. I welcome the large number of old Boys of both schools who have come back from overseas for this occasion. It would be no id/e boast to soy that those first 22 players who met on Galle Face Green back in 1879 started something which has now developed into a national event.

As a Thomian who watched the Golden jubilee match as a schoolboy, and whose ancestors having been among the first batch of students who attended S. Thomas' in 1851 and probably watched the first Royal-Thomian match, I cannot help being overcome with a feeling of sentiment and a sense of history on this occasion. May this series of matches continue unbroken For another 100 years.

M. L. C. ILANGAKOON

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