NEWSTEAD WALK 2026
Marking an unparalleled name in the Sri Lankan education sector, Negombo Newstead Girls’ College—widely recognized as the first girls’ school in both the country and the Asian region, bringing immense fame and honor to the city of Negombo—successfully held its anniversary walk titled “NEWSTEAD WALK 2026” this morning (12/09/2026) with great splendor, as the final event of its 210th-anniversary celebration program series.
The Ceremonial Commencement of the Anniversary Walk
Following an invitation by the current Principal and President of the Past Pupils’ Association of Negombo Newstead Girls’ College, Mrs. H.A.S.P. Senaratne, religious observances were conducted with the participation of Reverend Nadira Fernando. After hoisting the national flag, singing the national and school anthems, and paying tribute to Reverend Robert Newstead, considered the founder of Newstead College, the anniversary walk commenced at around 8:00 AM near the Negombo “Esplanade Grounds” (Fort Grounds) with the participation of the principal, teachers, students, past pupils, and well-wishers of the college.
Participation and Attractive Features
Nearly 5,000 participants—including the principal, teachers, student girls, past pupils, friends of the school, and well-wishers—joined the anniversary walk, as stated to the media by Attorney-at-Law Mrs. Champika Alahakoon, the Chief Organizer of the walk and representative of the Past Pupils’ Association.
Led by equestrians, the walk featured an attractive motor rally consisting of classic, valuable, and modernized eye-catching cars alongside high-value, world-renowned luxury automobile brands, accompanied by Eastern and Western brass bands. Additionally, several beautifully decorated double-decker buses were included in the procession.
Negombo’s Sky Colorful with Newstead Flags
Starting from the Negombo Fort Grounds premises, the anniversary walk proceeded along the Colombo-Puttalam main road via Telwatta Junction to Koppara Junction, moved along Main Street, passed St. Mary’s Church in Negombo, and successfully concluded upon arriving at the Newstead Girls’ College premises. Adding a unique sense of pride and elegance to the occasion, a helicopter flew low across the sky, waving the Newstead Girls’ College flag at several points as the walk progressed through the streets of Negombo. This magnificent sight undoubtedly instilled a deep sense of courage and pride among the students, past pupils, and everyone participating in the walk.
A Melodious Musical Experience for the Finale
Concluding the 210th-anniversary program series of Negombo Newstead Girls’ College, a musical concert titled “THE NEWSTEAD PULSE FROM WALK TO WAVE”, featuring popular vocalists, was organized to be held on the school grounds this evening.
Report and Photographs by Thushara Rohan Fernando.
