56th Annual Saints’ Quadrangular Tournament Set for November 8th & 9th

The much-anticipated 56th Annual Saints’ Quadrangular Tournament returns this year, bringing together four of Sri Lanka’s leading Catholic schools — St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 and St. Peter’s College, Colombo 4 — for a weekend of spirited competition, camaraderie and nostalgia. 

A Legacy That Began in 1963 

The origins of this historic tournament trace back to 1963, during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of St. Benedict’s College. An open invitation was extended to schools across the country for a cricket tournament, and coincidentally, only the three other premier Catholic institutions joined — St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, and St. Peter’s Colleges. 

The inaugural organizing committee comprised Basil Noyar (St. Benedict’s College), Tom Deen (St. Anthony’s College), Jimmy Vanderkoon (St. Joseph’s College), and Maurice Perera (St. Peter’s College). Their vision, together with the foresight of Old Antonian Late Ranjith Samarasekera, who was instrumental in encouraging the schools to make this an annual event, gave birth to what is now known as the Saints’ Quadrangular Tournament. 

Evolution of a Tradition 

What began as a two-day cricket encounter has evolved into a multi-sport carnival that continues to embody the true spirit of sportsmanship and fraternity. Over the past five decades, the Quadrangular has witnessed numerous national and international cricketers proudly don their school colours once again, rekindling memories of their schoolboy days. 

In 2002, the organizers introduced a 25-over Cricket Tournament for players aged 40 and above, allowing past cricketers to once again represent their beloved alma mater. Two years later, in 2004, Basketball was added to the lineup, enriching the event further given the strong basketball heritage of the four schools. 

Continuing its evolution, 7-a-side Rugby was introduced in 2014, transforming the Saints’ Quadrangular into a vibrant sports carnival that now features three major sports across four tournaments — Cricket, over 40 Cricket, Basketball, and Rugby. 

This Annual Tournament after its success as the longest running Old Boys Tournament, now is being played around the world with annual tournaments being held in United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 

Honouring Excellence 

Each sport at the Quadrangular carries its own prestigious silverware: 

• The Quadrangular Trophy – awarded to the winners of the two Cricket tournaments. 
• The Very Rev. Fr. Joe E. Wickramasinghe Trophy – presented to the Basketball  champions. 
• The Ranjith Samarasekera Challenge Trophy – awarded to the Overall winners of the tournament.  

A Celebration of Brotherhood 

The Quadrangular Weekend has become a hallmark event eagerly awaited by past pupils, players, and supporters of the four schools. It is not merely a tournament, but a celebration of brotherhood, sportsmanship and enduring friendships among the Saints’ fraternity. 

Each year, one of the four schools proudly hosts the event and this year the tournament will be hosted by the Old Joes Sports Club under the able leadership of Prithieraj De Silva and Viranga Malawana heading the organizing committee, ensuring that the spirit of the Quadrangular continues to thrive through shared heritage, healthy competition, and deep-rooted camaraderie. All events will be held at St. Josephs’ College and St. Peter’s College grounds on the 08th and 09th of November 2025. The Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony on 08th November will be Mr. Dinuk De Silva Wijeyerathne, Director of Sitrek and Virelio. He is distinguished old boy of St. Joseph’s College. We would be honoured to have as the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony on 09th November, yet another distinguished old boy of St. Joseph’s College, Mr. Kenneth De Zilwa. He is the Chief Executive Officer / MD of Lanka Rating Agency Ltd. and the former Chairman of LankaPay Ltd. 

This year (as was last year) we have invited the four sister schools namely, Good Shepherd Convent-Kandy, Good Shepherd Convent-Colombo 13, St. Bridget’s Convent-Colombo 07 and Holy Family Convent-Colombo 04 for a Six-a-side ladies’ Softball Cricket Tournament which will be played at St. Joseph’s Grounds on 09th November. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate the 56th edition of the Saints’ Quadrangular Tournament, we honour the pioneers who laid its foundation and the generations who have kept its flame alive. May this enduring tradition continue to strengthen bonds, inspire new friendships, and promote the timeless values of faith, unity, and fellowship through sport. 

The schedule of overall Championship Trophy given below: