10th January 2026, a night where history, harmony, and purpose converged, Wesley College bore witness to a concert that resonated far beyond music. Double Blue Resonance was not merely a choral performance; it was a celebration of Wesley’s rich musical heritage and the opening chapter of the Main Hall Development Project, organised by the Old Boys’ Union (OBU).

The Wesley College Main Hall itself stands as a monument to tradition. In 1902, Rev. Henry Highfield, with the help of the Methodist Church, purchased the land at Karlsruhe Gardens with the vision of building a place where future gentlemen could learn and grow together under God. The foundation stone was laid in 1905 by Alexander Murray Ashmore, and the hall was officially opened in 1907. Decades later, speaking at the Wesley College Prize Giving in 1979, former President J.R. Jayewardene reflected on the hall’s craftsmanship:
“When you look down this Hall as I did when I came in, I was struck by the woodwork, the woodwork in the balcony, the woodwork over the doors, the beautiful trellis work, the tinted windows, and above all, the woodwork in the roof… I would like the boys to preserve these old buildings and architecture and this woodwork.”

In 2025, that call to preserve and uplift Wesley’s heritage found new expression. Two young OBU members, Divajana Rathnadurai and Yoshuwa Shalom, sought a meaningful way to give back to their alma mater. As OBU President Divakar Rathnadurai affirmed, “The boys of Wesley always want to give back.” Their aim was to upgrade the Main Hall’s sound system—an essential facility supporting the school’s academic, cultural, and extracurricular life.

At the same time, Choral Director Priyanthi Senevirathne Van Dort envisioned a concert that would allow the Wesley College Choir to truly showcase its depth, versatility, and discipline. These two visions merged to create Double Blue Resonance—the first event of the Main Hall Development Project, where choristers used their voices to raise funds for the very hall they performed in.
“Our main goal was to give the choristers an event where they can show everyone what the Wesley College Choir is made of,” said Co-Chairmen Divajana Rathnadurai and Yoshuwa Shalom.
Preparations began in late August and early September, as the choir worked tirelessly under the careful guidance and support of Priyanthi and Pahan Mendis. The event was coordinated by old boy Ranil Thilakaratna and compered by respected former choir members Nabeel Barry and Akindu Athauda, lending the evening both structure and familiarity. 

The concert opened with Anima Christi, a 14th-century Latin prayer, setting a reverent and contemplative tone. It was as if the angels of the Lord sang from among the choristers themselves, blending voices in a moment that felt both divine and deeply human. Emotional ballads followed—performed with such depth that they evoked nostalgia for memories never lived.

The programme then surged with energy as upbeat, punchy numbers filled the hall. Pop and disco classics by the Bee Gees and The Beatles sent rhythm vibrating through the audience, shaking the walls of the historic hall and testing the audience’s restraint to remain seated. Haunting solos showcased the raw talent of individual Wesleyites, while carefully arranged segments highlighted the skill of juniors, seniors, and the overwhelming power of their combined voices.

Guest performances by Angelo Gamage, Hemal Kuruvitaarachchi, and The Neighbours Band added further colour and excitement to the programme.
The night concluded with an electrifying medley led by the guest artistes, culminating in a thunderous chant— “Zam Zam Zaké, Zam Zam Zé, Ishuba, Ishuba, Ooh Ah Ey!” —a cry that seemed to split the skies and shake the very foundations of the hall.

The Guest of Honour was Haig Karunarathne, the legendary former choir director with the longest tenure in Wesley College history. He praised the concert for granting students greater energy and freedom of expression, commended the direction of Priyanthi, and fondly recalled Ballads, a choral event held during his tenure, encouraging its revival and stirring nostalgia among alumni.

The Principal of Wesley College, Avanka Fernando, emphasised that the proceeds of the performance would go towards upgrading the sound system, calling it “an essential facility that supports our academic, cultural, and extracurricular events.”

Manager Rev. Perry Brohier echoed this sentiment, stating, “At Wesley College, we strongly believe in nurturing not only academic excellence, but also artistic expression.”

President of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, Rev. Kingsley Weerasinghe, reflected on the deeper meaning of the evening: “Music has a unique way of uplifting the soul, strengthening fellowship, and drawing us closer to God, and tonight’s presentation is a beautiful expression of those sacred gifts.”

The talented choral director of the Wesley College Choir, Priyanthi, expressed her pride and gratitude: “Working with these young boys has been a meaningful experience, and watching their progress, recognising, nurturing their talents, and seeing them perform on stage has filled me with overwhelming emotion. Being part of the musical journey of the Wesley College Choir has been a gift that I will cherish forever. I am so proud of each of them and excited to see all that they will achieve in the future.”  

Choir leader Seth Jayawardana summed up the spirit of the night best: “Tonight’s performance was more than just music—it was a celebration of unity, discipline, and passion. As choir leader, I am deeply proud of how our choristers came together to achieve harmony that resonated far beyond the stage.”

Double Blue Resonance was not just a concert. It was a dialogue between past and present, a celebration of talent, and a promise to preserve and uplift a space that has echoed with Wesleyites’ voices for over a century. In raising their voices, the choristers ensured that the hall itself would continue to resonate for generations to come.

By Nathan Alex Thilakaratna, Vice-President, Media Unit of Wesley College