The Royal College Union (RCU) is the Official Alumni Association of the Royal College Colombo. Founded in 1891 as a society for alumni of the college, it is the oldest such alumni society in Sri Lanka. The Royal College Union was set up to further the interests of the College and its past and present members, and to keep former pupils in touch with each other and with the school. Annually the RCU organizes many sporting events including the Royal-Thomian, the Bradby Shield Encounter, the Royal Thomian Regatta as well as national initiatives such as EDEX and carry out development projects for the college, as well as manage and maintain much of the school’s infurstutcure such as the Hostel, Royal College Sports Complex, the J.R. Jayawardene Sports Complex, RCU Skills Centre and the Swimming Pool.
The Union played its part in no small measure to make Royal College what it is today. Playing the multiple roles of past pupil, guardian, parent, friend and sibling, the RCU since its inception, has been nurturing Royal College to become the country’s premier institution in the primary and secondary education system. The dedication, devotion and commitment of the alumni abundantly reflect their love, affection and heart for ‘Mother Royal’. They consider it an opportunity to “repay” the debt they owe to their school, for making them what they are today. The Royal College Union, affectionately and commonly known as the RCU, perhaps stands distinguished among others, in the enormity of its contribution to the school, and strives to be exemplary amongst past pupil fraternities.