'Country before self' is the motto that is the driving factor behind every action taken by students, teachers, past pupils and administrators at D.S. Senanayake College. The embodiment of this is seen in the passion and vision given to all activities undertaken by the school.
In its 43rd year, the school has achieved great heights of success in every field. It is a state run education institute founded in 1967 by R.I.T. Alles - a pioneer in education who needs no introduction. The values and beliefs inculcated in the children from early days has resulted in the college turning out young men who have gone on to achieve great things in the business, medical, legal, sports and arts fields - both locally and internationally. The college is also a multi ethnic, and multi religious school promoting values and respect to everyone equally. In today's turbulent world this is a very important factor that must be ingrained in the future generation. An inspiring force to whom much of this credit is due, is the Principal, Dr Asoka Senani Hewage. A strict disciplinarian, Dr. Hewage is a forward planner who has a strong sense of social responsibility.
To this end, he has initiated many projects with the help of the Old Boys' Association and Development Committee. These projects include the recent vesting of a school building for the Kudagampaha School in Tissamaharama, the carbon neutral project for the Primary School children, the state-of-the-art computer laboratory, swimming pool and gymnasium.
The Kudagampaha School building was a social responsibility project that received much praise, and set a high standard of conduct for other schools in the island. The funds for the project were entirely from the Development Society and the Old Boys' Association. The Kudagampaha School is a remote school that was facing many hardships. Despite several requests and petitions that a school building be constructed, the authorities did not have sufficient funds to allocate for such a purpose. When Dr Asoka Hewage took the initiative to set matters right, the project was speedily embraced by all and the villagers themselves helped in the construction of the building.
The Carbon Neutralising project was initiated as Dr Hewage strongly believes in creating a pollution free, healthy environment for the education of today's children. Further, education is not simply restricted to books, and part of this project is creating a play area and garden for the children to physically get involved. Today's child must be taught to love and protect their environment. Encouraging a greener environment and promoting cleanliness outside the house as well will ensure a safer future for our children. The primary school children regularly clean and maintain the vegetable and fruit gardens initiated under the Carbon Neutralising project.
Under the guidance of Principal Dr. Asoka Hewage, many more projects for the development of the school and the society have been planned for the future. Promotion of extracurricular activities has also been of vital interest to Dr Hewage. Every student, from their young days is encouraged to participate in some form of extracurricular activity. This helps a child to grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. An all round education given with love and care as well as strict discipline is the standard set at D.S.Senanayake College.
The primary section of the school has been categorised as a MODEL PRIMARY by the Ministry of Education for the high standard of discipline, the infrastructure, the pollution free environment and the motherly care approach maintained at the school which is essential for the children.
The primary school Principal Mrs.Nishanthi Amarasuriya who possesses an abundant supply of skills in school administration and child psychology has brought fame to the school as one of the best primary in the island. It is an example that other schools too must attempt to follow says the secretary to the school Development committee Mr.Anil karunaratne. - Shanika Perera
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