Peterites win seventh Shakespeare Championship with King Lear!

St. Peter’s College, Colombo 04, emerged champions of the Boys’ category at the 51st All-Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition 2026, reclaiming the coveted Shakespeare Challenge Trophy with a compelling modern-style production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear at the Boys’ Finals held at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on 3rd October 2026.

The victory marked the end of a decade-long wait for the Peterites, who last won the prestigious championship in 2016. With this triumph, St. Peter’s secured the Shakespeare title for the seventh time, having first won the competition in 1983.

The Shakespeare Challenge Trophy, presented by the Ceylon Thespians, was awarded to St. Peter’s following their accomplished presentation of King Lear, directed by Mr.Kanishka Herat and Mr. Naresh Anthony. The production brought together a talented cast and crew who worked extensively and with dedication in preparation for the national-level competition.

The Peterite success was further highlighted by a number of individual honours. Mast. Saaj Samarawickrama was adjudged Best Actor , while Mast.Dineth Nanayakkara won the award for Best Comical Portrayal. It is note worthy that the best actor award was won by a Peterite at the competition after a 20 year gap. Also Mast. Kevin Ranawaka was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award.

The 51st All-Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition was organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo North, in collaboration with the Colombo YMCA, which has played an instrumental role in conducting this premier inter-school drama competition in Sri Lanka.

This year’s Boys’ Finals featured St. Peter’s College, Trinity College, Royal College and New St. Thomas Catholic International College, who competed for the coveted championship.

For St. Peter’s College, the 2026 victory represents a significant milestone in its long-standing Shakespearean drama tradition after making it to Finals last year as well, adding another memorable chapter to the College’s  rich history in drama.