THIS IS ABOUT A NATIONAL HERITAGE BUILDING. NON THOMIANS PL SIGN THIS PETITION TOO.  >>>

The iconic Dining Hall of S. Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia, has stood as a testament to the rich history and tradition of one of Sri Lanka's most renowned educational institutions for over a century. Its architectural elegance and historical significance have made it a cherished part of our national cultural heritage.

The Warden Stone Legacy: A Century of History

The Dining Hall is not merely a utility building; it is a cornerstone of the school’s identity. Over a hundred years ago, it was conceived by Warden Stone as part of the original triumvirate of buildings that defined the College’s move to Mount Lavinia. Alongside the Chapel and the Big School, the Dining Hall was designed to be the heart of the community — a space where generations of Thomians have gathered to share more than just meals, but the very spirit of the school. To demolish it is to dismantle the foundational vision of our forefathers.

The Legal Reality: A Violation of the Law

Beyond its sentimental and historical value, the Dining Hall is legally protected. Under the Antiquities (Amendment) Act, No. 24 of 1998, any structure in Sri Lanka that has existed for 100 years or more is legally defined as an "antiquity."

 * Mandatory Protection: According to Section 2 of the Act, such antiquities are part of the national heritage.

 * Criminal Offense: Section 21 explicitly prohibits the demolition, alteration, or restoration of any antiquity.

The Dining Hall represents the soul of this school. The rush towards modernization, while important, should not come at the expense of losing irreplaceable historical architecture or palpably breaking the laws of our land in letter and spirit.

Our Proposal:

Replacing the Dining Hall would mean erasing a significant chapter of our local heritage. Instead of demolition — or alteration of any sort — of the Dining Hall, we propose using an alternative site, perhaps demolishing a newer building on the College campus, for any new construction project. 

Our Call to Action

We call upon the administration of S. Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia, and the concerned authorities to reconsider the decision to demolish the Dining Hall. We urge them to:

 * Respect the Antiquities Ordinance and the legacy of Warden Stone.

 * Explore alternative solutions that showcase our shared history rather than erase it.

* Stop taking refuge in the ‘Plans are Already  Made’ mantra which only ensures we merely pays lip service to preserving the College heritage, and that we set a bad example to the future student generation.

 * Please join us in preserving this pivotal piece of Sri Lankan cultural heritage. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and help save the S. Thomas’ College Dining Hall for future generations.