Undergrad's Life Free in Ceylon

The interest of the primary school children would be similar in broad perspective to those in other countries, they would be keen on studies, sports, children's games etc. But in the secondary school more specialised interests would develop.

A keen cricket enthusiast might take over the game with all earnestness. The sound of the oak and the willow is very common in most colleges, during the first term, January till April. Class matches, inter-house matches, inter-school matches are popular and well attended.

Another would be talented in football (soccer). He would use his spare time for this game, whilst his friend would be a keen athlete. Along with these, there would be other pastimes as swimming, volley-ball (in some schools), badminton, tennis etc.

Not all would be keen to move along the playing field, hence a good many would concentrate on other interests as well. A few may be keen on drama; their talent would be a contribution for the dramatic club activity. Another would be a keen debator, hence would pour his experiences at the Literary union or as a member of the college debating team.

Thus it becomes a mode of specialised knowledge, each one taking a great interest in the activity for which he has the talent, and the desire to take part.

A great percentage of the students would move out of the college seeking employment. Some either through scholarships or those who can afford (though the education is free) remain and join the university life later.

This would be in the form of Medical College, Law College, the University of Ceylon, Arts and Science, or even to a University College like Aquinas University. But the entrance examinations for admission are highly competitive, and not very many would be able to enter, even if they reach a high standard.

The change from the young, quiet school days to the more vigorous undergraduate life is remarkable.

There is a complete change in the social and educational environment. Most would have changed over from the "home town" or "home school," moved to the capital city, Colombo, or even to Peradeniya (Arts faculty). Thereby changing the whole background of their student life.

With this sudden transformation an "undergrad" (popularly known by this term) would find himself in the midst of a new atmosphere, which represents a cross section of the society as a whole. The greatest common factor of interest would pool together, form friendly groups, societies and even underground movements!!

Yet the other interests would continue. Some would spend most of the time in the sports field. They would take part in inter-faculty or inter-university games. The most "notorious" being Law-Medical cricket encounter. They would emerge as the heroes of the playing field.

On the whole the life of an undergraduate is carefree, irresponsible type. Those in Peradeniya (till recently only Arts faculty) have the added advantage of being on the campus. Thus a high standard of student life is maintained over there.

The rest in Colombo live mostly in the University hostels, or close at hand. Hence their share of fun and frolic cannot be underestimated at all.

The university is a cultural oasis with divergent interests. But it is not far from reality to add that politics is the most popular game in the campus.

From the diehard conservative to the most progressive socialist, from the ardent nationalist to the religious fanatic, all these can be picked and labled among the student body.

Some are non-conventionalist, others non-conformists. There would be the "smooth" lot who set the fashion rolling, on the contrary there would be those who shave once a month and visit the hairdresser as an annual event!

With such differences, yet all as equal they act together. The "bloc" dances and the socials are the foundations for the campus romance. These reach maturity in the nearby, famous gardens. Galle Face. Vihara Maha Devi Park (in Colombo), Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (for Peradeniya).

The romantic terminology is interesting and apt.

Campus terms like "pillaring" denote the parallel of "necking" over here. Phrases like "Couple Road," "Lovers' Lane" have their obvious significance.

The traditions of the University are high. Equality to all whether it be students, lecturers, or the members of the fairer sex. On the whole the students have good relations with the lecturers, and with each other.

There is great understanding as well. But, the unpopular ones get their share of rotten eggs whenever the opportunity occurs.

The campus goes gay on the Convocation day. The surroundings take a dramatic change from the typical University atmosphere to a colourful, scenic, solemnity.

Traditional decorations in the form of pandals, tender leaves of the coconut palm, or other native flowers along with dances of historic significance, and the national dress take prime place. The theme is based on the cultural background of the age old civilisation.

The Convocation ceremony is held in the Senate buildings of the University (Peradeniya). This August assembly presided over by the Governor-General as the Ex-officio Chancellor, with the Minister of Education etc. present is certainly the most serious and respected gathering.

It is formal but solemn. It is picturesque but simple. For those who walk to the stage to be conferred with a degree, or a doctorate, it is a great day. Perhaps the most important in life.

The University is certainly the mill through which an inexperienced schoolboy is transformed, carved and moulded into a young man. After three years of all round experience (five with regard to doctors), he or she would have acquired tremendous experience of life before him. He would have faced many critical stages of his career, gathered information which would be of use to himself and to the society.

With great confidence and a sound education to his (or her) credit a young graduate steps out to the open world full of hope, anxiety and expectation.