Maris Stella College Felicitates Ms. Nirmala Wijedasa: 25 Years of Theatrical Excellence
View(s):-
- Bimsara Bodaragama
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- Ashan Dias
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- Jerome De Silva
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- Mrs Wijedasa with Rev. Bro. Godfrey Perera (Left) and Present Principle Rev. Bro. Sunanda Alwis (Right)
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- Mrs Wijedasa receiving the appreciation plaque for her 25 years of service to Maris Shakes
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- Daminda Wijeratne, two-time winner of Best Actor at the Annual Interschool Shakespeare Drama Competition, addressing the gathering
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- President of the Past Thespian’s Association, Dilran Fernando
Maris Stella College, Negombo, recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone in its rich theatrical history, honouring Ms. Nirmala Wijedasa for her remarkable 25 years of service as the teacher-in-charge of the school’s English drama. Organised by the Old Thespians’ Association, the event brought together past and present students, renowned theatre professionals, and school authorities to pay tribute to the driving force behind the school’s theatrical successes for over two decades.
A Legacy of Excellence
Under Ms. Wijedasa’s steadfast guidance, Maris Stella’s English drama has become a powerhouse in Sri Lankan school theatre, clinching three championship titles during her tenure. However, her contributions go far beyond accolades. Known for her unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent, Ms. Wijedasa has created a legacy where students learn the art of acting and develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that serve them well beyond the stage.
Jerome de Silva, a distinguished figure in Sri Lankan theatre, lauded Ms. Wijedasa’s dedication to the craft and her ability to inspire generations of young actors. “My association with Maris Stella goes back to 1999. I remember Maris Stella staging Romeo and Juliet with Ashan Dias in the lead. They won the awards for Best Outstation School and Best Actor. I was a judge at the Semi-Finals that year. Only two schools were selected for the Finals, and while Maris performed exceptionally well, they didn’t make it through. That evening, Ms. Nirmala approached me and asked if some students could participate in my production. That’s when Ashan and Wishva joined me. Ms. Nirmala has been an integral part of Maris’ drama and literature. Much of the success in this field is due to her unwavering dedication. God bless her with good health!”
Tributes from Distinguished Voices
The event brought together some of the most prominent figures in Sri Lankan theatre, including alumni who credited Ms. Wijedasa for their growth as artists.
Daminda Wijeratne, a renowned personality in the local English theatre scene and a proud alumnus of Maris Stella & two-time recipient of Best Actor (once shared with Mirantha Jayathilaka) at the Interschool Shakespeare Drama Competition, delivered a heartfelt tribute. “Theatre in schools lays the foundation for a country’s cultural and artistic growth. Ms. Nirmala’s unwavering commitment and passion have elevated Maris Stella’s drama and significantly enriched Sri Lanka’s broader theatrical landscape. Her work is a powerful reminder that art and education are deeply intertwined. Reflecting on her influence, he added, “None of us could ever master the skill of saying no to her.”
Delon Weerasinghe, a seasoned director who worked with Maris Stella for eight years, spoke fondly of the collaborative spirit that Ms. Wijedasa fostered. “It’s rare to find someone so deeply passionate about theatre and equally invested in the growth of her students. Nirmala always made the creative process a joy, ensuring that everyone—from the cast to the crew—felt valued and empowered.”
Ashan Dias, an award-winning actor and alumnus of Maris Stella College, credited Ms. Wijedasa for shaping his artistic journey. “Mrs. Nirmala is not just a teacher; she is a mother, a trailblazer, an innovator, and an inspiration to all her students. It fills me with immense pride to recall how she took a group of inexperienced and nervous Negombo schoolboys and shook up the big Colombo schools in our first-ever Shakespeare competition. She opened doors we never imagined possible and paved the way for countless others who followed. I will forever be grateful to this incredible woman for everything she has done for me, for others, and for our entire school. Wishing her many more years of good health, happiness, and love. God bless her!”
Addressing the Gathering
Representing the Old Thespians’ Association, Dilran Fernando delivered a heartfelt address that captured the essence of Ms. Wijedasa’s influence over the years. “For 25 years, Ms. Wijedasa has been more than a teacher; she has been a mentor, a guide, and a visionary. Her work has inspired countless students, many of whom have gone on to achieve incredible things in theatre and beyond. Today’s gathering is a testament to her enduring legacy and the profound respect she commands from all those who have had the privilege of working with her.”
Honouring the Present Leadership
The event also acknowledged the support of Brother Sunanda Alwis, the current principal of Maris Stella College, who praised Ms. Wijedasa’s enduring contributions to the school’s cultural identity. “Nirmala has been a cornerstone of our English drama success. Her tireless efforts have brought glory to the school and enriched the lives of countless students. Her legacy is a testament to her passion and dedication.”
In her address, Ms. Wijedasa expressed profound gratitude to those who had supported her journey. “None of this would have been possible without the faith and encouragement of our principals—past and present—and the directors who have shared this journey with me. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Bro. Godfrey Perera, Rev. Bro. Clinton Perera, Rev. Bro. Sunanda Alwis, Rev. Bro. Mervyn Perera, Rev. Bro. Chinthana Nonis, and Rev. Bro. Michael De Waas, whose support has been instrumental in our success. Directors such as Jerome De Silva, Delon Weerasinghe, Tasmin Anthonisz, Marissa Janz, Harshana Rathnayake, and Kavitha Gunasekara have also been pivotal in shaping our productions.
I am especially grateful to my students, who have been my greatest inspiration, and to their parents, who trusted me with their children’s creative education.
Our journey has seen the rise of stars like Ashan Dias, now a leading figure in Sri Lankan cinema, alongside talents such as Asiri Jayawardana, Rovan Muthaliph, DamindaWijeratna, Tharusha Karunaratne, and Sheran Costa, to name a few. Beyond honing acting skills, we have nurtured confidence, character, and a deep love for the arts in countless students.
Twenty-five years ago, back in 1999, I was entrusted with the responsibility of directing Shakespearean plays at Maris Stella College—a challenge bestowed upon me by Rev. Bro. Godfrey Perera, then principal, and Mr. Merrick Gooneratne, a past pupil and well-wisher. Their faith in me marked the beginning of a transformative journey, and I remain ever grateful for their trust and encouragement.”
She reserved special thanks for her family, acknowledging the role her husband, daughter & son played in her journey. “Behind every achievement is a strong support system, and I’m blessed to have one that has stood by me every step of the way.”
A Celebration to Remember
The celebration was not merely about speeches. The Past Maris Thespians curated a programme that reflected Ms. Wijedasa’s vibrant legacy. Performances included excerpts from some of the most celebrated productions staged under her direction, showcasing the incredible talent nurtured at Maris Stella. A specially crafted video montage featuring messages from former students and colleagues added an emotional touch, highlighting the deep impact Ms. Wijedasa has had on countless lives.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial presentation of a plaque and a memento by Brother Sunanda Alwis, who praised Ms. Wijedasa’s unwavering commitment to the school’s English drama“Nirmala has been a beacon of excellence and a source of immense pride for Maris Stella College. Her contributions have enriched the school’s legacy and inspired countless students to dream big.”
Looking Ahead
For Ms. Wijedasa, the journey is far from over. In her speech, she hinted at her vision for the future of drama at Maris Stella College: “I look forward to nurturing the next generation of thespians at Maris Stella, ensuring that the programme continues to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of theatre. The arts are a powerful medium for expression, and I am committed to helping our students use this platform to make their voices heard.”
The felicitation ceremony served not only as a celebration of Ms. Wijedasa’s past achievements but also as an affirmation of her enduring influence on Sri Lankan theatre. It was a poignant reminder of how one individual’s passion and dedication can leave an indelible mark on an institution and its community.
As the curtains fell on the event, one thing was clear: Ms. Nirmala Wijedasa’s legacy at Maris Stella College is not just about 25 years of service; it is about transforming lives and inspiring generations to dream, create, and achieve.
This article was organized as a tribute to Mrs Nirmala Wijedasa by BimsaraBodaragama on behalf of the Past Maris Thespians.
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