Pushpadana GS stands tall in its uniqueness
View(s):Situated in the midst of hills in a panoramic setting in the Hill Capital of Sri Lanka, Pushpadana Girls’ College stands tall showing its uniqueness as a well reputed school in the Island.
The Main Building
It was initiated on July 2, 1942 as an institution which taught English for Buddhist girls in the Hill Country, by “Sri Pushpadana Samithiya” and was first housed, down Trincomalee Street, Kandy. The first principal was Mrs. C.D. Wijethilake and the staff consisted of 6 teachers. The journey started by the Pushpadana Girls’ College has never been comfortable, but one full of great challenges. During the past years, the college has passed many great milestones. From time to time many principals had rendered their devoted services to uplift the school to its current position.
Pushpadana was observed as a government school, during the era of Mrs. W.M.M. De Silva, (1943-1953). Mrs. G.D.S. Kularatne assumed duties in 1953 and during her period, Pushpadana rose to a certain extent by starting G.C.E. A/L classes. At that time the staff consisted of 11 teachers and the number of students was around 400. The college moved to its present premises in 1953.
College Cadet Corps
During the period of Mrs H. S. Jayasinghe(1959-1961) the school experienced its qualitative growth by preparing the students for the university entrance examination. Historical records reveal the success story.
Mrs. Subadra Siriwardana was the Acting principal in 1961. With the intention of motivating the students, the first Prize Giving was held on November 1, 1961. Mrs. Vishaka Gunathilake was the principal until 1963. To her goes the honour of creating the school motto which express the path for Pushpadanians to follow, “Knowledge Shines Through Character”. Mrs. Rathwaththe Ganasekaram followed Mrs. Vishaka Gunathilake and she worked until 1965. By that time the student population had increased to around 1800.
Mrs. Hema de Seram was the principal from 1965 to 1980. During her tenure at office, A/L subject streams expanded, various co-curricular activities including the Western and the Eastern band, also the most famous game at Pushpadana, Hockey were added. Due
Western Band
to lack of space to cater the increasing demand of the society, the Primary Section was removed and since 1975 Pushpana Girls’ College has been functioning as a Secondary School.
Mrs.G.K. Alahakoon was the principal at Pushpadana for nearly twenty three years. During this period, Pushpadana rose to be recognised as one of the best schools in the island and considerable expansion in both infrastructure and academic field took place, promoting the school as a “National School”. In 1993, English was introduced as a medium. ICT education, introducing English language familiarising activities, the oath of allegiance and a well planned morning programme are a few of the great services she introduced.
Until Mrs. W.D.P.K Samarasinghe assumed duties as the principal Mrs. M. R. Amarasekara served as the acting principal. The service rendered by of Mrs. W.D.P. K. Samarasinghe during the period of 2002-2009 brought further glory to the school. Activities based on
Victorious Hockey Team
academic aspect as well co curricular aspects were launched. The introduction of bilingual education to Arts and Commerce streams in 2007, promoting environmental activities and winning the “Central Province Governor’s Shield” by participating the “Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu” competition in 2008, forming of the Air Cadet Platoon were some achievements under her guidance.
Today, it has risen to the position of “one of the most sought after schools for girls” in the hill country and has identified itself as one of the best National schools in the island.
Through the untiring efforts of the present principal of the school, Mrs. E.W.L.K Egodawela and the dedicated staff of Pushpadana, the school remains at the top, by setting up a school with culture and value structure that heightens the talents of young Pushpadanians. The purpose of self-reflection at the school enables the students to build personal responsibility through exploring their own values and beliefs. At present the school caters to students from Grade Six to Thirteen. The student population is around 2500 whilst 105 are in the academic staff.
Principal Mrs. E.W.L.K Egodawela
Students have brought immense glory to their alma-mater by achieving higher ranks at public examinations because of the boundless support provided by the staff, to promote a positive educational environment in the school. The results of G.C.E O/L and A/L examinations provide ample evidence to show how Pushpadanians have excelled in their academic work. Success percentages at G.C.E.(O/L) Examinations in the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 were 100%, 99.5%, 100%, 100% and 99.1% respectively. According to the analysis of G.C.E.(O/L) results by the Department of Examinations, Pushpadana was ranked 4th in the island in 2011 and 5th in 2012.
In 2012, twenty three students obtained 9A’s whilst 37 students obtained 8A’s. It should also be mentioned that the students also take part in subjects such as Information and Communication Technology, Japanese, French, English Literature, Media Education and Tamil realising the needs of the present day.
Results of G.C.E.(A/L) examination have also been encouraging. In 2012, the percentage of those who passed in the Science stream, Arts stream and Commerce were 54.22%, 95.15% and 93.94% respectively. At the 2009 G.C.E.(A/L) examination one of their students Chamila Sampathmali Karunaratne was ranked 1st in the Kandy district and 3rd in the island bringing glory to the school. During the same year Lakshi Dharmasiri was placed 1st in the Kandy District in the Commerce stream. Annually Pushpadanians enter various faculties of the national universities.
In order to build up a total personality they encourage students to participate in co-curricular activities. At present, Pushpadana runs 51 co- curricular activities. They support young Pushpadanians to face the undaunted tasks and turbulent world in the future with courage and self confidence. Experience and accolades gained through many of these, further help them to develop a sense of competitive spirit, co-operation, leadership, diligence, team spirit as well as to provide back drop for the development of their creative talents.
- Sujitha Miranda
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