Prefect guild of an any school is a vital group for administration of the school. They stand like a bridge between school authorities and students. Since the first board of prefects were appointed in 1949, all the prefects have done a great deal of work towards the betterment of the school. It is also considered as a privilege to be elected as a prefect of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa. The first ever board of prefects were appointed by Rev. Bro. Hugh Farringdon. Initially they were only eight members in the prefect board. Rev. Bro. Director chose two prefects from each of four houses to form his first board of prefects. Mr. Dixon Mendis was very fortunate enough to be appointed as the first head prefect of the school. The first board of prefects have done a great job.
There is a separate group called junior prefects. All the senior prefects are from year 11 and above. Those prefects are chosen by the staff of the College including the principal. Well behavior in the school, excelled in other activities are the qualifications to be selected as a prefect. All the prefects oathe to be honor and to be loyal to their alma matter by raising hands in the presence of the school higherachy on the school Loyal Day.
After their election they are full of responsibilities. They have to behave as an good illustration to the school children. Any bad behavior of a prefect will directly disgrace the picture of their alma matter. Their main duty is to maintain a good discipline among school children and to assist the school authorities in making the school environment a student friendly one. Apart from those duties they also have to contribute their assistance to the main functions in the school calendar such as sports meet, prize giving etc. Specially in the annual big match they are doing a great work. They also have to attend the funerals of the people who have a close connection with the school. In the annual feast of St. Sebastian’s Church in Moratuwa, Prefects are helping a lot to parish authorities in keeping the pageant safe from the spectators.
The head prefect and the two deputy lead prefects are selected from year 12 students by the school administration and all the other posts in the board such as Secretary, Treasurer are appointed from a election hold among selected prefects. For the senior prefects there is a separate advisory committee consist of three teachers, Rev. Fr. Rector and Rev. Fr. Vice Rector. An one group of prefects are assigned in their duties for a period of one year starting from January.
Prefect Day is the biggest event organized by the senior prefects and is one of the colourful events in the College calendar. It is generally held once in a two years. They organized a quiz competition coincide with the annual big match to raise funds for the prefects board and also they organize a friendly match with our rival Prince of Wales College prefect board. Prefect board collect dry foods, clothes and exercise books to distribute among the children in remote villages. Those are the few projects carried out by the prefect board to bring honour to their alma matter.
When a prefect is left the school after his education he is well equipped with what he has gained from the experience as a senior prefect. During their period as prefects they gain lot of experience to improve their leadership qualities and learn how to tackle difficult situations that come in their life.