The Royal College of Colombo (commonly known as Royal College or simply as Royal) was founded in January 1835 in Colombo. It is considered to be the leading Public School in Sri Lanka. The oldest public school in the country, it is a selective entry National School, as such it is funded by the central government as opposed to the provincial council providing both primary and secondary education. Royal College is often referred to as the Eton of Sri Lanka and it was selected as one of best innovative colleges in the world by Microsoft in 2009. Royal College has produced many distinguished alumni, including Presidents of two countries, a Sultan, and three Prime Ministers. Situated in a quiet residential suburb of Colombo known as the Cinnamon Gardens, it occupies an area of 34 acres (140,000 m) along the Rajakeeya Mawatha‎, boarded by Reid Avenue to the east; Thurstan Road to the west and to the south its former premises which houses the University of Colombo. The college is funded by the Ministry of Education, which appoints its Principal. The Principal is the head of the administration of the College and is assisted by a Vice Principal.