Re-establishing Secular Values at Royal College

Royal College, Colombo is the ‘school where our fathers learnt the way before us.’ May it also be the school where our sons learn the way after us.

When the Colombo Academy was established in 1835, the country was under the British Empire. Despite the school’s earliest principals being Anglican priests, the Colombo Academy which later became Royal College, was kept strictly secular throughout its long existence. That was until very recently! During the 450 years under European rulers, the earliest schools started by the missionaries were clearly of religious denominations. As time went by every other religious entity followed suit to counter the initial Catholic/Christian influence.

Colonel Henry Steel Olcott and Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala started a chain of Buddhist schools such as Ananda, Nalanda, Mahinda, Dharmaraja, Maliyadeva, etc. Hindus sent their offspring to Hindu schools and Muslims too followed a similar practice. But Royal College considered to be the epitome of public schools to date, and often referred to as one of the best and lasting gifts by the British Empire, continued to remain secular, watching silently as communal riots flared up at predictable intervals, sometimes continuing for decades devouring countless lives and properties. Royal College was silently teaching a unique lesson to a divided nation as to why every school should be made secular fostering lasting friendships, mutual understanding, practicing tolerance and empathy across the board. Royal College remained secular for over 150 years. Then it gradually started transforming into a Buddhist school about three decades ago. At first unnoticeably but gradually giving up all pretences of its secularity.

Current Context

The gradual erosion of secular values and transformation of Royal College into an ultra-Buddhist institution may be summarised with the following observations: ▪ There is a large Buddha statue in the office of the school Principal. This appears to have been installed during the late 1980s. ▪ The former Little Theatre has been transformed, into an elaborate Buddhist shrine room with a golden canopy believed to be costing over Rs. 2.5 million. ▪ It is believed that every Sinhala medium classroom has at least one Buddha statue. ▪ There are many Buddha statues installed strategically at outdoor locations.

There is a recent practice of providing breakfast and lunch to the five Bhikkhu teachers at the school on each school day. These meals are provided with a minimum donation of rupees 1000 per monk. The sponsorship of this practice is assigned to classes who participate on a rostered basis throughout the year. ▪ A Pirith ceremony is held annually in the school. The related cost was believed to be approximately 1 million rupees in 2022. ▪ In 2022 a Perahera (a procession) was included with the Pirith ceremony celebrations in which an elephant participated. ▪ The Primary School organises a Sil Programme on each Poya day. (The previous Principal tactfully took steps to move these events to neighbouring temples with school providing transport support). ▪ There is a big Bo tree close to the entrance to Navarangahala at the junior school. It is imponderable that the prestigious and cherished values of Royal College have been permitted to be compromised by the intrusion of the above-mentioned activities and symbolism during the last three decades.

The Buddhist shrine room with the golden canopy

Why restore secular values?

A school system with secular values benefits a community with diverse religions such as Sri Lanka, by promoting equality, religious freedom, cultural understanding, and inclusivity. It helps create a positive and harmonious learning environment that prepares students to thrive in a pluralistic society while complying with legal and ethical standards. Royal College can lead the way here, as it had done in the past. The student community and the wider society will derive the following benefits:

▪ Equal Treatment: Secular values ensure that all students, regardless of their religious background, are treated equally and with respect. This fosters a sense of fairness and inclusivity, reducing the potential for discrimination or bias based on religion. ▪ Religious Freedom: A secular school system upholds the principle of religious freedom. It allows students to practice their religion or belief systems privately and without interference, while also ensuring that no specific religion is favoured or imposed. ▪ Cultural Understanding: By not promoting any particular religion, secular schools create an environment where students are encouraged to learn about and respect the beliefs and cultures of their peers. This promotes tolerance and understanding among students of different backgrounds.

▪ Reduced Conflict: Secular values help prevent conflicts that can arise in schools when religious practices or symbols are given special treatment. It minimizes the potential for disagreements or misunderstandings related to religion.

▪ Focus on Education: With a secular approach, schools can prioritise education without being entangled in religious matters. This allows educators to focus on academic excellence, critical thinking, and the development of essential skills rather than religious teachings.

▪ Inclusivity: A secular school system is more likely to be welcoming to students of all faiths or no faith at all. This inclusivity can create a harmonious and diverse learning environment where students can feel comfortable expressing their beliefs or asking questions.

▪ Preparation for a Pluralistic Society: In many diverse societies, individuals will interact with people of various religious backgrounds throughout their lives. A secular school system prepares students for this reality by teaching them how to coexist respectfully in a pluralistic society.

▪ Community Cohesion: By maintaining a secular stance, schools can avoid divisions within the community that can occur when one religion is given prominence. This can lead to a more cohesive and united community.

▪ Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected world, secular schools emphasize critical thinking, open-mindedness, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. This prepares students to engage with global issues and diverse societies effectively.

What role can the principal play?

The school principal of Royal College serves as a key figure in fostering an environment that respects all beliefs and ensures equal treatment for students of diverse religious backgrounds. His commitment to secularism and their ability to lead by example are essential in the successful reestablishment and promotion of secular practices in the school. The principal can contribute by: • Providing clear leadership and vision for the school’s commitment to secularism and religious neutrality. They should set the tone for an inclusive and respectful learning environment. • Leading the policy review and if necessary, the development of school policies that align with secular principles. This includes policies related to curriculum, student behaviour, religious observances, and accommodation of diverse beliefs.

• Maintaining open and transparent communication with all members of the school community, keeping them informed about the steps being taken to promote secularism and inclusivity. • Enforcing secular practices consistently throughout the school. This includes ensuring that religious symbols or practices do not receive preferential treatment and that religious neutrality is maintained in school activities.

What role can Old Royalists play?

By actively engaging with the school and its community, former students can leverage their influence and experiences to promote secular practices and create a more inclusive and neutral educational environment for current and future generations of students. The old Royalists can: • Initiate open and constructive dialogues with the school’s administration, teachers, and current students. They can share their experiences and concerns regarding the importance of secularism and religious neutrality in education. • Use social media, alumni newsletters, and other platforms to raise awareness about the benefits of a secular education and the importance of maintaining neutrality at Royal College. • Showcase the success and positive impact of a secular education by sharing stories of alumni who have gone on to achieve great things in various fields. • Organize or fund workshops and seminars on the importance of secularism and religious tolerance. Invite experts to speak to current students and staff about the benefits of a secular education system.

Conclusion

Re-establishing secular values at Royal College that has shifted towards a strong religious leaning is a complex and sensitive process. It requires careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment for all students and staff. However, the time is right to embark on that journey. Let us offer the rich legacy of secularism to the future generations at Royal College.

Today you can Help!

Please forward this to Royalists past and present.

Let us help our school!

This document has been drafted by ‘Secular Royal’ Focus Group. (A small team of well-meaning old boys of Royal College, Colombo who are scattered around the globe.) September 2023.