“I am pleased to send this message of greetings to the Centenary Celebrations of the 1st Galle Mahinda Scout Group and the Galle District Scout Movement, marked by the Scout Jamboree - FiGaMaSc Centen – O – Ree.

Mahinda College, Galle, has the record of being the first school in the Southern Province to commence scouting in 1914, two years after scouting was introduced to the country in 1912, and within five years of the Scout Movement being founded by Lord Robert Baden – Powel in Dorset, England.

In the past century the Mahinda Scouts have made a tremendous contribution to the growth of Scouting in Sri Lanka, especially its wide acceptance in the Southern Province.

The 1st Galle Mahinda Scouts have displayed a great interest in taking the valuable message of scouting to society. Its members have excelled in acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for scouting, and also participating in many social welfare services carried out by scouts throughout the country.

In strengthening the Scout Movement of the country the 1st Galle Mahinda Scouts and Galle District Scout Movement have demonstrated their commitment to national unity, rejecting differences of race, religion or caste and working towards brotherhood in a movement that helps build good leaders in society.

As the Chief Scout of Sri Lanka, I wish the Centen – O – Ree International Scout Jamboree all success, and assure my fullest support to the worthy endeavors of the 1st Galle Mahinda Scout Group and the Galle District Scout Movement”. (KH)