The annual Thomian Dance in Sydney was held in autumn at the Pioneer Ballroom Castle Grand on Saturday May 17 2008. Thomians, their families and friends gathered to celebrate the event in customary style. Thomians enjoy 157 years of history and this annual event gives them an opportunity to celebrate their traditions, swap stories and catch up with old mates. The fact that the annual Thomian dance is held in eight cities around the globe gives it authenticity and an international flavour.

The music was provided by the “Breakaway Band.” They kept the crowd on their feet despite the challenges posed by arthritic bones, beer-bellies and a range of heart conditions. It also afforded the young at heart an opportunity to flaunt their newly acquired skills from attendance at local dance classes. One, two, three; hang on: not right: lets start again! It was a delight to see them eventually  find their rhythm and dance the night away.  Others of the fairer sex had even shed the traditional saree for more revealing garb, enhancing their appearance and bridging the  gap between youth and maturity with originality.

Ashanthi, one of the most popular singer in Sri Lanka today, performed a number of English and Sinhala melodies to the delight of the audience.

The table decor by Sudharshini Duraisamy was colorful, subtle and efficient, giving guests plenty of opportunity to converse with ease across the table. The round tables of ten made it more comfortable for the guests and enabled Rohan Gamage’s youthful and energetic catering staff to serve the guests efficiently. The meal was well presented, flavorsome and wholesome. Thanks to the enthusiastic staff who served at the tables, it was warm and therefore enjoyable.

The traditional raffle had no less than 15 prizes on offer; plenty of opportunity to win a prize and if you did not win blame the planets in your horoscope. It was just not your night.

Ozlanka's media representative, Hiran Kulathilake did a magnificient job and we hope you enjoy the bumper special edition album that is now on line.

The committee had put in a tremendous amount of work in the lead up to the event to ensure that the event went off well. One of the highlights was the re-emergence of a very readable Dance Souvenir with plenty of quality articles on Thomian history. It gave Thomians a chance to reminisce with gratitude and visitors a chance to learn about Thomian history. The Warden’s message was interesting as it stressed the importance of the interest shown by the Thomian diaspora in their school.

The President struck a chord when he alluded to the ability of Old Thomians to still share in the great values and traditions of our youth. The man with two hats; Secretary and Souvenir Editor Niranjan Duraisamy had done a remarkable job and not for the first time or, the last.

In an era when global increases in the cost of goods and services are beginning to eat into family budgets, the community dollar is set to come under increasing pressure. To the committee’s credit they managed to package a good product and sell it at an affordable price. There was music, food and drink - the necessities, in plentiful supply throughout the evening. In addition the guest had numerous opportunities to meet and greet old friends and catch up on family news.

Young men and women of yesteryear were now talking about impending weddings (of their offspring), grandchildren and looming retirement. The highlight of the evening was the singing of the College song. A large group of Thomians was led by Duke ‘Ellington” Ramachandran in a lusty rendition of that now very famous melody.

It made a statement about Thomian past and a promise about Thomian future;

Est Perpetual – be thou forever

Click here to view the huge album