We praise

Ladies' College celebrates its centenary

By Mihiri Wikramanayake

"They reap not where they laboured,
We reap what they have sown;
Our harvest may be garnered
By ages yet unknown..."

With these lines of the school hymn resounding from the walls of the Chapel of the Hope of the World, girls, young and old, joined together to celebrate a 'centenary of excellence' on February 14, with pride and privilege, tears and smiles, prayers and joy. It was a proud moment when Ladies' College Colombo, celebrated 100 years. In the calm of a beautiful morning complementing a perfect day, the grounds of the Chapel filled up gently with well-wishers and friends. The students, all impeccably dressed in their starched white uniforms and red ribbons, were a pride to the school. For them, finally the day had dawned. The hard work and practice were finally paying off. The thrill and excitement of witnessing a milestone was perhaps not conceivable. Not yet perhaps. 

But in years to come this will be a treasured memory. With the beginning of the order of the service, until the recessional hymn, the service was hauntingly beautiful. Co-Vice Principal, Dr. Janaki Galappatti read the Old Testament, the Epistle was read by the Head Prefect, Shavanthi Rajatilleka and the Gospel by Ms. Maheshini Perera, Vice Principal.

Ms. Gill Poole, of the Church Mission Society, London, who graced this special occasion delivered the sermon, while the Intercessory Prayer was delivered by Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala, the fifth Principal of Ladies'College.

Four past principals and vice-principals were feted that morning. Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardene, Ms. Nalini McIntyre, who arrived from Australia for this celebration, Ms. Dumbukkola and Ms. Pannila were given special mention for their invaluable contribution towards the school. 

In the congregation were two proud 95-year-old past pupils, who came to honour their alma mater. There was a six-year-old student belonging to the fifth generation at this school. Many past pupils had arrived from different parts of the world to attend this special occasion. And for all, the day's thanksgiving service was memorable.

After the service, the celebrations continued in the newly landscaped 'back garden' with a special assembly. Here too, eight teachers were felicitated for a lifetime of service spanning over 40 years to the school. It was inspiring to hear the staff and students joining in to wish the school a happy birthday at the top of their lungs after which a special birthday cake was cut and shared amongst every student, past and present. As a commemorative gesture, a wet cement tile was on offer to be signed and later to be glazed to cover the facade of the new block of classrooms named after the immediate past principal Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardena. 

The demand was overwhelming as past pupils rushed to put their stamp for posterity! That night the Ladies' College Old Girls' Association hosted a sit down dinner for 500 ladies.

As Ladies' College commemorates a century of excellence, its OGA marked nine decades of dedicated service to the school and of encouraging fellowship and friendship amongst its past pupils. Actively participating in community service and other charitable work, the OGA has been purposeful and determined in bringing past pupils together yearly for fellowship.

As Dr. Miththapala stated that night, "Old girls of Ladies' College are the role models whom our present girls can and must follow. To our present students, Old Girls must be the embodiment of the goal of Ladies' College." 

To commemorate this concept of a centenary of excellence, Ladies' College also initiated a series of seminars by prominent past pupils The inaugural lecture was given by Professor Savitri Goonesekere, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Law of the University of Colombo. She spoke on the law and social policy in post-independence Sri Lanka. Speaking from the stage of the school hall, Professor Goonesekere said, "For me as to many of you present and past pupils of Ladies' College, this is the place where we have all experienced the glow of success and achievement and the disappointment of non-recognition. This is the place where we have joined together in friendship, in song, dance, drama, oratory and debate. And we of different generations have all gone forth, or shall go, forth through the gates of Ladies' College, knowing that some of that experience will always be a rich and important part of our lives." This was followed by an art exhibition and sale of paintings and handicrafts donated by past and present pupils towards the enrichment of the school.

"One family unbroken,
We join with one acclaim, 
One heart, one voice uplifting, 
To glorify, Thy name."

May the spirit of Ladies College, go from strength to strength with each passing year.

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