Going beyond our commitment to facilitating educational opportunities to students, the Riaz Ismail Scholarship Fund stepped into a new chapter in youth development through improving sports facilities at the Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy, Sri Lanka. On 04th August 2026, The Riaz Ismail Memorial Gymnasium was officially opened to support the physical development, supplement the sports aspirations of the school’s young athletes, and to provide a dedicated space to strengthen their physical fitness and sporting abilities.
The ceremonial opening commenced with a warm welcome from the students of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College. Adorned with colourful garlands of flowers, the guests, including the founder of the organization, Mr. Zainudeen Gaddafi Ismail and the Guest of Honour Mrs. Shahina Zahir were received to the accompaniment of the school’s Cadet Band and escorted by traditional Udarata dancers, adding a distinct cultural touch to the occasion.
The official proceedings began with the hoisting of the National Flag and the school flags, symbolising the commencement of a new chapter for the school’s sporting community. Accompanied by the Eastern Cadet Band, Mr. Gaddafi Ismail ceremonially unveiled the plaque of the Riaz Ismail Memorial Gymnasium, formally marking the opening of the facility. The unveiling was followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, officially opening the doors of the new gymnasium to the students and school community.
Upon a stage adorned with flowers, the Grand Opening of the Riaz Ismail Memorial Gymnasium began with an electrifying display of colourful lights and the lighting of the oil lamp by the distinguished guests. The opening began with a dancing troupe accompanied by a traditional song sung by the students of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy. The students also serenaded the audience with a perfect singing performance of Hotel California and a beautifully rhythmic traditional dance dressed in red, white, and silver displaying their diverse artistic talents to the spectators.
Following the formal opening, Mr. Gaddafi Ismail and the distinguished guests proceeded to inspect the newly established gymnasium, taking a closer look at the facilities and equipment available to support the students’ physical training and sporting activities. The visit also provided an opportunity to witness first-hand the space that will serve as a dedicated environment for the school’s young athletes to train, build their capabilities, and pursue sporting excellence.
The newly established gymnasium is expected to serve as an important resource for the students of Sri Sumangala College, enabling them to enhance their strength, endurance, and overall physical fitness. Through this initiative, the Riaz Ismail Scholarship Fund continues to expand its impact beyond the classroom by recognising that holistic development of young people requires opportunities to learn, grow and excel both academically and athletically.
Ceremonial Opening of the Riaz Ismail Memorial Gymnasium
Monday, 4th August 2024
Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy
Programme Agenda
9.30 a.m. – Arrival of Invited Guests
9.45 a.m. – Arrival of the Chief Guest, Mr. Zainudeen Gadaffi Ismail and Guest of Honors
9.50 a.m. – Escorting the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour with Udarata dancing
9.55 a.m. – Lifting the Flags
10.00 a.m. – Escorting the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour with Eastern Cadet Band
10.10 a.m. – Unveiling of the Riyaz Ismail Memorial Gymnasium plaque by Mr. Gadaffi
Ismail and Milan Rathnathilaka Building Plaque by Mr. Sampath Senavirathna
Representative of Batch 2003 for Mr. Milan Rathnathilaka
10.15 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting and Inspection of the Gymnasium
10.30 a.m. – Welcome Adress by the principal – Sinhala
10.30 a.m. – Address by Mr. Palitha Sri Lal President Old boys Association- Sinhala
Dance item
10.40 a.m - A speech By an Official from Zonal Education office
10.55 a.m. – Address by the Chief Guest – Mr. Gadaffi Ismail
Dance Item
11.10 a.m. – Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation
11.20 a.m. – Vote of Thanks- Mr. D.K.Abeywardena -The Secretary Summa Rugby
Integration
11.25 a.m. – Group Photograph
11.30 a.m. – Fellowship and Refreshments