School by the Sea – Pax Thomiana
Dr Lalith Mendis
STC Nursery of Statesmen, clergy, worthy citizenry
Sanctuary of decency decorum sense & sensibility
Teaching student polity to abdicate pride & prejudice
All races nurtured making Sri Lanka Land of Promise
School by the Sea founded in mid 19th century
To train men for blessed life in Anglican ministry
Founder, Bishop Chapman unparalleled visionary
With the heart & spirit of a pioneering missionary
In her heyday when Britannia ruled the ocean waves
In Imperialistic zeal she would wave the godly rules
Ministers of the SPG bringing the Light to Sri Lanka
Remodeled Eton & a Heritage of God in Mt Lavinia
Chapel of Transfiguration keeps a watchful keen eye
Over the Assembly in the Quadrangle morals held high
School Hall on the right & the Class block on her left
Old laboratory with the Rifle Green are yet well kept
Patriotic in the best sense, given to Lanka best of skill
Thru war & unrest the Pax Thomiana holds us tranquil
Across the nations of the globe holding one’s own will
We began together in one cradle – learning life’s drill
Merit to the fore, training in class & field so excellent
Four Prime Ministers groomed for many a predicament
Legendary Thomian grit snatching victory from defeat
Stick together as brothers born for adversity, no retreat
Ante apud ad adversus circum circa citra cis Latin says
Dead language killed ancient Thomians, now me it slays
Esto Perpetua – Be Thou Forever, Sovereign Almighty
Not to us but to Him Wise King Eternal let all glory be
Blue the black & blue to rally- young & old, near & far
With blue & gold cricket fixture, nationally none on par
Gathering President to opposition leader rifts healing
In these oppressing times bonhomie good will creating
Christianity the standard bearer others too given space
Three languages flourish punching racism in the face
Excellent command of the Queen’s English we cherish
While mother tongue with erudition teachers establish
Best of Shakespeare, Dickens, Daffodils by Wordsworth
Teachers who were institutions at STC gave it true worth
Chapman, Wood Stone not hay but Buck De Saram House
Wardens’ Name & Houses, sparkle & camaraderie arouse
Esto Perpetua though Governments may wax & wane
Young & old, staunch & true ideals of STC yet remain
Anvil that has worn many a hammer of changing tide
God first, Values of cherished heritage, strong in stride
Esto perpetua.
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