Voices disappointment over series of rugby-related slanderous articles published
The Principal of Royal College, Colombo, Mr. Thilak Wattuhewa, has expressed deep disappointment over a series of recent articles published by Daily FT that accused the school of mismanagement and disciplinary failures, particularly with regard to its rugby team. In an official response to the publication, the principal categorically denied the allegations and highlighted the lack of journalistic ethics in publishing unverified claims without seeking comment from the institution.
In his response, the principal emphasized the importance of balancing both academic excellence and sporting achievement, a hallmark of Royal College’s rich legacy. Mr. Wattuhewa reiterated that the school has always been committed to producing well-rounded individuals who excel not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities such as sports. “Royal College has consistently upheld a balance between intellectual and athletic pursuits, producing leaders in both areas,” he stated.
A Strong Stand Against Unverified Claims
Mr. Wattuhewa went on to criticize the articles for presenting a one-sided narrative and urged media outlets to uphold basic principles of journalism, including verifying accusations before publishing. “It is deeply disturbing that such articles were published without any prior inquiry or response from the administration. These claims are unfounded, and no attempt was made to seek my comments before they were made public,” he expressed.
The principal categorically denied the claims of misconduct related to the Royal College rugby team and described the media portrayal as unjust and misleading. He emphasized that his administration has taken a strong stance on transparency and discipline, ensuring that any legitimate complaints are thoroughly investigated. However, he firmly rejected the notion that his administration should be held responsible for any incidents that took place prior to his tenure.
Discipline and Integrity at the Core
Addressing the broader concerns raised about discipline at Royal College, Mr. Wattuhewa affirmed that his administration remains committed to upholding the school’s values of integrity and discipline. “Since taking office, I have ensured that any misconduct is dealt with swiftly and fairly. Investigations are conducted with due process, and appropriate actions are taken where necessary. However, my administration will not be held responsible for incidents preceding my tenure,” he added.
The principal reassured the public that Royal College’s commitment to transparency and high standards in both academics and sports remains unchanged, despite the unfounded rumors circulating in the media. He emphasized that the school would continue to address any legitimate concerns, but anonymous accusations aimed at tarnishing the institution’s reputation will not be entertained.
Moving Forward with Purpose
In closing, Mr. Wattuhewa reaffirmed his commitment to steering Royal College toward a brighter future, focusing on nurturing future leaders built on the values of progress, discipline, and academic excellence. He urged the public to disregard baseless accusations and focus on the school’s continued contributions to Sri Lankan society.
“I remain deeply committed to preserving the standards that have made Royal College the unparalleled institution it is today. Our focus must remain on the future, nurturing the next generation of Royalists with a foundation of progress and integrity,” he concluded.
The principal’s strong rebuttal highlights the growing need for ethical journalism and accurate reporting, calling for accountability from media outlets that fail to follow basic principles of fairness and verification.
