On 16^th May 1880, Col Henry Olcott (Rtd. US Army) arrived in SL at the Galle port to be welcomed by his good friend Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda. Olcott connected with Ven Thero (after the “Panadura Debate”). Ven. had his early education under Christian priests of Wesley College, Colombo 08. If not, he wouldn’t have got the skills for the debate. Olcott was a member of the Theosophical society & Theosophists of the day had assumed that Olcott long ago was Emperor Ashoka (Olcott archives).

Olcott (presumably) with the sincere intention of taking the SL next generations to fit global standards decided to establish the private Buddhist schools. Ananda College, Colombo tops the list. Christian Priest Leadbeater was appointed by Olcott as the first Principal. More than a century has passed & most institutes Olcott established were nationalized in 1962. It is said that those who nationalized later regretted. While many thousands educated in those schools have reached great heights globally, one may say that Olcott’s institutes have lost the focus Olcott wished. However, their attempts at present to uphold SL culture etc. should be praised.

The Kandyan welcome

President Ranil was the chief guest at the recent prize giving at Ananda. He was welcomed in a traditional way by a student dressed in the traditional Kandyan dress. Though not clear, it may be since the President is a direct descendent of Meedeniya Maha Adhikarama. Adhikarama was an official during the pre colonial era next to the king & it is said that the post holder even had powers to impose the death penalty (Ref SL history). It was reported that President was requested to speak in English but he opted Sinhala. Educated at Royal College, Colombo he may have been confused about hearing Anandians shouting “Royal” with a different Sinhala translation during the Cricket season. However, in Sinhala he requested the Anandians to go global referring to the “Aaju Thapara” song. Olcott may not have understood the word if he was in the audience but surely the message.

Olcott Mawatha

If he was here today, he would surely be concerned about; ecological civilizations, climate change & a mechanism to address it, & even limiting global temperature increase etc. When Ashoka made his empire, Great China was equally powerful. SL benefitted from both. When Olcott arrived in SL, Sri Lankans, Indians & the Chinese were sleeping. Things have changed. Indians & Chinese are awake marching forward with the Belt & Road & BRICS etc. Olcott may notice that most in SL are still sleeping. The message was delivered. (Views expressed are personal)