THE EMOTIONAL DAY

The Independence day, 4^th of February of every year is an unforgettable and emotional day for St.Sylvesters’ Band. It is the last day of the band Sergeant and senior rankers of the year. It is litarally the last day of their school life.On completion of Independence Day parade the band returns back to the college via Kandy Clock Tower, ‘Dalada Street’ and ‘Yatinuwara Street’.

One last salute to second mother...

When the Sergeant turns the band from ‘Dalada Street' to ‘Yatinuwara Street’ at the bend in front of Kandy White House, his second mother comes to his sight from the corner of the ‘Yatinuwara Street’. The next steps recall all the lovely memories and sacrifices of past years.

Once he is getting closer step by step,he realizes that he is about to end his golden era of life. ‘Forever’. These are the last steps he marches with the 'Diamond Mace'. The feeling is mutual for all the Rankers and members of the same age, who have worked together with blood,sweat and tears throughout the years to keep their college flag flying at the first place of the Island.

Because it is not about just music, to win an all island title they have to go through a serious number of physical and educational military examinations,evaluations and exercises which require extremely motivated dedicated, corageous and sustainable team with ultimate talent, unity and discipline.

Turning towards the college...

The Independence Day Ceremony of 1979 was held in front of St.Pauls Church, Kandy. The fourth Indian Prime Minister Hon. Morarji Ranchhodji Desai from Janatha Party graced the occasion as the chief guest. St.Sylvesters' Band was selected as the official band for the occasion and Mr Gamini Hewamathese was the band leader. Unfortunately his father passed away on 01^st February 1979. Therefore Sergeant Major Mahinda Ambanpola (Now Retired Major General Mahinda Ambanpola Usp) who was supposed to be the next band leader had to take his responsibilities on 04th of February 1979.

Indian Prime Minister Hon. Morarji Ranchhodji Desai

Since then it became a tradition of St.Sylvesters’ Band and recently it has become a tradition of almost all the bands in Sri Lanka. St.Sylvesters’ Band Leader is the ‘One and Only’ one who can do mace drills using ‘Diamond Mace’. Others cannot even touch it except the ‘Sergeant to be’ who bears all the responsibilities of it. But he cannot do drills until he is crowned. Even former sergeants do not take the mace back since the day they left their positions. These traditions and courtesies are sacred and very well protected in St.Sylvesters’ culture. Therefore it is a unique opportunity of someone’s life that will never have extensions.

In 1990's St.Sylvesters' Band used to play “Kawadada Aye Enne” song of Mr Shirley Y Jayantha which was a heart touching song for these last steps.

The old band members get together from all the corners of the island on this day to witness this memorable occasion. St.Sylvesters’ community gathers either sides of the streets to bid farewell for their heroes with fire crackers. The 'Diamond Mace' flies in the sky under very loud cheers for the last time.

The flying diamond...

After returning back to college, the Sergeant and the Senior Rankers hand over their responsibilities and instruments to their next generation through a secret series of traditions which is unique to St.Sylvesters’ community. Once the “Royal Army Crown” is handed over, a new band leader is crowned. Finally after playing the ‘National Anthem’ and the ‘College Anthem’ the old ones end the golden era of their lives. 'Forever'