The 70th Bradby shield encounter between Royal College, Colombo and Trinity College, Kandy is to be held on the 9th and 23rd of May 2015. Along with the action packed thriller of a game expected, the Royal College Union is to organize the “Bradby Fiesta” carnival to be held on the 23rd of May at eh Bloomfield grounds.
A media conference was organized in this regard and among the guests at the head table were Principal Royal College, Mr. Upali Gunasekara, Secretary RCU, Mr. Chandana Aluthgama, Bradby Fiesta Chairman, Mr. Rizan Nazeer, Deputy Chairman Bradby Fiesta, Mr. Gayanatha Weerakone, Secretary Bradby Fiesta, Mr. Nipuna Yatawara, Head of retail banking and wealth management (HSBC), Mr. Nilantha Bastian and General Manager Market and Business Intelligence Analysis – SLT, Mr. Prashantha Robertson.
Welcoming the gathering of sponsors and media, Mr. Rizan Nazeer touched on last year’s success and popularity stating that “the Trinitians refused to leave and the Principal of Trinity College had to call the railway department and delay the train back to Kandy”. “This year too we look to have popular attraction like Bathiya and Santhush and Sunil Perera of the Gypsies to entertain the crowd present” he added commenting on the plans for this year.
The Bradby fiesta was initially organized last year by the RCU to accommodate the students and fans who couldn’t be at the match due to the lack of space at the grounds to view the Bradby and to bring back the 90’s trend of Carnivals which are seldom found today. The Bradby fiesta like last year will be held just across the Royal College Sports Complex on the 2nd leg of the legendary clash at the Bloomfield Grounds commencing at 11 am.
The Princinpal of Royal College, Mr. Upali Gunesekara said “it is important for students to be a part of co-curricular education and this is all a part of it”. “After last year’s major success it is evident that this year too this Bradby fiesta which has created a brand for itself will be a successful one” he added.
Representing the principal sponsor, HSBC, the Head of retail banking and wealth management (HSBC), Mr. Nilantha Bastian said “it is our honor and privilege to sponsor such an event and we look forward to continuing our partnership in years to come”. Speaking further he said “HSBC credit card holder will be allowed free entrance and that they are to enjoy other special benefits curtsey the HSBC bank.
All in all this year’s Bradby fiesta may not seem to be equal as last year but, better. With all the meticulous planning already complete Royalists, Trinitians and outsiders are sure to have a very good time with the 70th clash of the titans in Rugby in the background.
