Naming of the Auditorium at the OBA Center of Maris Stella College
Naming of the Auditorium at the OBA Center of Maris Stella College in Honor of Mr. Ajith Weerasinghe
It is with great admiration and respect that we commemorate the renaming of the auditorium at the OBA Center of Maris Stella College in honor of Mr. Ajith Weerasinghe. Ajith has played a pivotal role in the establishment and success of this state-of-the-art center for the Old Boys of Maris Stella College.
Assuming the presidency during the 2007/08 term, Ajith inspired a collective vision to bring this ambitious endeavor to fruition. His remarkable leadership, coupled with his inspiring words and decisive actions, transformed this dream into a tangible reality within a year.
A significant part of this achievement was securing the best piece of land adjacent to the college. Faced with the challenge that the Old Boys Association (OBA) was not a legal entity at the time, Ajith took the initiative to register the OBA as a legal entity under the Company’s Act. This was a necessary step that would enable the association to purchase the land. Demonstrating his commitment, Ajith personally facilitated the acquisition of the property alongside the then General Secretary, Sudath Fernando.
With the property secured, the next hurdle was raising the substantial funds required for construction. Ajith's unwavering optimism led to the innovative idea of establishing a benefactor wall to garner support from the generous Maristonians. Through this initiative, an impressive Rs. 30 million was raised within just weeks and Ajith personally contributed a significant amount to kickstart the building process.
By 2010, as Ajith promised, this remarkable building was realized, serving as a testament to his dedication, vision, and leadership.
In recognition of Ajith Weerasinghe's instrumental role in realizing this dream, President Dammika Fernando proposed at the AGM in 2025 that the auditorium be renamed in his honor. The proposal was met with unanimous support from the Old Boys present, reflecting the deep gratitude and esteem held for Ajith's contributions.
The successful renaming ceremony held on March 29, 2025, was a fitting tribute to a dynamic individual whose commitment has left an indelible mark on the Maris Stella College community. We hope that the name of Ajith Weerasinghe will continue to inspire future generations of Old Boys and celebrate his legacy for years to come.
We successfully held the renaming ceremony on March 29, 2025, to honor Mr. Ajith Weerasinghe. The event was chaired by Sudath Fernando, one of the Vice Presidents, whose leadership was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Ayeshan Guruge, a dedicated committee member, served as the Deputy Chairman and played a significant role in coordinating the details and ensuring the ceremony's success.
Together, they exemplified teamwork and commitment, making the renaming a memorable and respectful tribute. The auditorium will now stand as a lasting reminder of Ajith’s extraordinary contributions to the Old Boys Maris Stella College.