Few lines have captured the essence of Trinity College’s identity as powerfully as this one. Spoken by Justice Janak De Silva during his address at the College’s 2025 Prize Giving, it wasn’t just a remark — it was a challenge. A reminder. A call to self-reflection for every Trinitian, past and present.
Beyond the Name
It’s easy to call yourself a Trinitian. The name carries prestige, pride, and tradition. It opens doors and evokes respect. But as Justice De Silva pointed out, there’s a deeper truth — one that transcends reputation or association.
Being a Trinitian by name is about belonging to the school.
Being a Trinitian by make is about becoming what the school stands for.
The distinction is subtle yet profound. One is inherited; the other is earned — through choices, actions, and the values we carry into the world.
The Trinity Ideal
For generations, Trinity has sought to form not just scholars or sportsmen, but men of character — people defined by humility, courage, and service. It’s about living the ideals of respect, discipline, and compassion, not merely reciting them at assemblies or events.
Justice De Silva’s words resonate because they echo this timeless pursuit: that education is not an ornament, but a responsibility. It’s about translating privilege into purpose.
“By Make” — A Living Standard
To be a Trinitian by make means:
- Standing for truth even when it’s unpopular.
- Showing leadership not through authority, but through example.
- Carrying the Trinity spirit — of grace, grit, and generosity — beyond the Hill.
- Recognising that legacy isn’t what you inherit, but what you build for those who follow.
In a world often driven by image over substance, Justice De Silva’s message cuts through the noise. It asks: Do you live the Trinity values, or do you simply wear them like a badge?
A Timely Reminder
As Trinity continues to evolve, expanding its reach and modernising its vision, these words remind us what truly anchors the institution — not infrastructure or accolades, but character. The “make” of a Trinitian is seen not within the walls of the College, but in how its men live, lead, and serve in the wider world.
Whether you’re a student walking through the gates each morning or an Old Boy leading in your profession, this distinction matters. The school’s legacy lives not in buildings, but in the conduct of its sons.
Justice De Silva’s challenge is both humbling and inspiring — a mirror held up to every Trinitian: Are you one by name, or by make?
Read the full address here: Chief Guest Justice Janak De Silva’s Prize Giving Address – Trinity College Kandy
