Written into the Constitution
These are not promises — they are rights under clause 5.6 and the clauses it refers to. They belong to every subscribing member aged 18 or over whose subscription is up to date.
A vote on every decision
One member, one vote at the Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meeting — on the accounts, the budget, the plan for the year, elections and changes to the Constitution (clauses 5.6, 6.6).
Stand for office
Nominate candidates and stand for election to the Executive Committee, and be nominated for the five pillars (clauses 5.6, 7.7, 9.1).
See the books
Inspect the approved minutes and the audited annual accounts, and receive the accounts, auditors’ report and budget at least 14 days before every AGM (clauses 5.6, 11.3).
Put proposals forward
Submit proposals for General Meetings, and join with other members to call a Special General Meeting or propose an amendment to the Constitution (clauses 5.6, 6.3, 19.1).
Be kept informed
Receive every notice of the Association, the annual report and official communications, with your personal data protected under Policy 4 (clauses 5.6, 14).
Be heard fairly
A confidential complaints route, a fair process and a right of appeal if ever needed (clauses 16, 17).
Beyond the rights
Scholarships, bursaries and welfare
Members’ subscriptions and donations fund scholarships, bursaries, mentoring and career guidance for pupils, and welfare assistance for past students and teachers in genuine hardship, awarded by an unconflicted panel on published criteria (objects 3.3 b, f; Policy 7). A member in genuine hardship may also have their own subscription waived or reduced (clause 5.2).
A lifelong network
The members’ roll, batch networks, professional networking, volunteering and service among past students (object 3.3 d) — in Kataragama, across Sri Lanka and in the diaspora chapters the Committee recognises (Policy 8).
The annual reunion and events
Priority information about the annual reunion, the Battle of the Batches, batch gatherings and every event the Events pillar organises under the Association’s risk and safety policy (clause 8.9; Policy 9).
A say in the College’s future
Members decide how the Association supports the College — facilities, equipment, technology, sports, cultural and environmental projects approved by the Principal (objects 3.3 a, c) — and see the results reported every year.
Recognition and heritage
Your name on the members’ roll; the Association’s work to preserve the history, traditions, archives and good name of the College (object 3.3 e); and eligibility to be honoured by the Committee or invited to the Advisory Board (clauses 5.1 d, 7.11).
Accountability for every rupee
Every payment receipted, banked in the Association’s name, reconciled monthly, reported quarterly and audited annually by Internal Auditors the members elect (clauses 7.17, 10, 11). Members know exactly where their money goes.
What we intend to build
These programmes are proposed for the Association’s first two years. Each one must be approved by the Executive Committee with a budget under clause 10.1, and run under the policies in Schedule 2. Under the Constitution, Association funds may be used only for the College, its pupils, its past students and its teachers (Memorandum M3; clause 3.3) — so support for members’ children applies where the child is a pupil of the College, or through an approved welfare programme.
Education pillar — for pupils of the College
Annual scholarship scheme
Scholarships for O/L and A/L pupils, on published criteria, decided by an unconflicted awards panel (Policy 7).
Mentoring and career guidance
Past students in medicine, engineering, teaching, the forces, business and the trades guiding pupils, under the safeguarding policy (object 3.3 b; Policy 2).
English, IT and study support
Sponsored classes and a supervised study room, batch by batch (object 3.3 a).
Learning equipment
Library, computer and science equipment approved by the Principal and the education authorities (object 3.3 c).
Katharians’ prize
An annual award at the College prize-giving for a pupil who excels in studies, sport or service — children of members considered on the same published criteria as every pupil (Policy 7.2).
Welfare pillar — for those in genuine hardship
Bursaries for pupils in hardship
Exam fees, uniforms, books and stationery, paid through the Principal (object 3.3 f).
Members’ welfare fund
Help for members in genuine hardship — medical emergencies, funerals, disasters — within a fixed annual ceiling, decided by the awards panel (object 3.3 f).
Teachers’ welfare
Support for serving and retired teachers of the College in genuine hardship (object 3.3 f).
Subscription relief
A waiver or reduction of the annual subscription for members in genuine hardship (clause 5.2).
Blood-donor and emergency network
A voluntary register of members willing to help fellow Katharians in an emergency.
Fellowship — for all members
Professional directory and batch networks
An opt-in directory of members’ professions and a coordinator for every batch (object 3.3 d).
Reunion and batch events
The annual reunion, the Battle of the Batches and batch gatherings run by the Events pillar (clause 8.9; Policy 9).
Registered past student vs official member
| Registered on katharians.com (free) | Official member (LKR 1,000 / year) | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed in the alumni register and reunion records | ✓ | ✓ |
| Receives Association news and invitations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vote at General Meetings | – | ✓ |
| Nominate and stand for the Committee and the pillars | – | ✓ |
| Inspect minutes and audited accounts | – | ✓ |
| Submit proposals, call a Special General Meeting, propose amendments | – | ✓ |
| Name on the members’ roll; eligible for honours and the Advisory Board | – | ✓ |
| Welfare support for members in genuine hardship | – | ✓ |
Become an official member
Register online, pay LKR 1,000 to Bank of Ceylon, Kataragama, A/C 97108822 (account name Katharians) quoting your name and batch, and bring your School Leaving Certificate when asked. The Treasurer issues a receipt and your membership begins when the payment is confirmed (clauses 5.3, 5.4).
Register now How to pay Read the Constitution