Appreciations

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” -Margaret Fuller

It was a sad day for all LCites, past and present, with the news of Sirancee Gunawardena’s death last week. As a mark of respect, the college gates closed while the chapel doors opened to embrace the outpouring of grief and gratitude as generations of past and present students streamed past her mortal remains to pay their last respects.

For 25 years, ‘Mrs. G’ (as she was fondly known), was the guiding light of Ladies’ College. She nurtured and cultivated generations of alumni to be proud of and privileged by their association with Ladies’ College. As the first Sri Lankan principal of Ladies’ College, she steered the course for several generations to hold their heads up high to be a part of this proud tradition.

In 1973, Mrs. Gunawardena, a past student of LC and graduate of the University of Colombo, undertook postgraduate work at the Oxford University to obtain the Certificate of Education. Having completed her studies, she joined the staff of LC and two decades later, became co-vice principal with Mrs. Nalini Macintyre. In 1969, Mrs. Gunawardena took the helm of LC.

In the 69th year of CMS Ladies’ College, Mrs. Gunawardena, thus heralded a new era when she rose to the occasion to take on this formidable responsibility. Her leadership was proven beyond doubt and her term of 25 years was unparalleled as Ladies’ College gained the superiority and recognition that was exemplary.

Apart from her prowess as a teacher, Mrs. G was a prolific writer of children’s stories and poems. In her latter years, she wrote for and edited many wildlife publications including the ‘Loris’. Subsequent to her wide research on ola leaf manuscripts, she published a well documented book entitled “Medieval Palm Leaf Manuscripts of Sri Lanka”. In addition, Mrs. G was also a well known broadcaster, artist and an ardent traveller. As Augusta Fernando, a former teacher under her leadership so aptly said, “Her zest for stimulating experiences has little parallel. Whether exploring the magnificence of the Sinharaja forest, glorifying in the artistic creations of Pablo Picasso, descending into the bowels of the earth in search of archeological artifacts, strolling through undulating tea-country or enraptured by the untracked sand dunes in Yala- no matter what, everything is grist to her mill.”

However, her attachment to Ladies’ College was foremost. In addition to the running of the college, she started the Department of Vocational Studies in 1981 to cater to the needs of the early school-leavers. During the 1983 riots, she started a correspondence course with self study guides to help O/L students keep up with their studies.

Mrs. G also laid great emphasis on physical education as an integral part of education. Under her principalship, students of LC took part in a gamut of sports excelling both nationally and district wise.

Mrs. G’s courage and indomitable spirit was put to test during the bomb blast at the JOC that shook the very foundations of the college. Her utmost faith in God and her resolute courage helped tide over the atrocities that befell the college and the students who suffered in that horrific act of malice.

It is for these reasons and a hundred more that each LCite, both past and present, pays tribute to a wonderful teacher and friend. She is the candle that lit up our unforgettable days at Ladies’ College.