NEWSLETTER
Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls' Association (VVOGA)
January 2003
Dear Members,
The new Executive Committee of the VVOGA elected at the AGM held in July 2002 send you their warmest greetings and best wishes for peace, happiness and contentment in the New Year.
While the whole world is engulfed in strife and turmoil our beloved country too is at the crossroads. Are we going to achieve a stable and honourable Peace or are we about to surrender our cherished sovereignty and nationhood?
We, Visakhians have always stood for peace, harmony and unity under the benevolent guidance of our distinguished Principals and dedicated teachers. We have strived to achieve excellence while preserving our time-honoured Buddhist cultural traditions and upholding the universal values of integrity, justice and fairplay.
At this critical juncture in our history, our children are being exposed to false values, aping the West, while our history is distorted, our value system undermined, our religion desecrated and threatened, our language debased and society criminalized and fragmented. In this environment, we Old Girls, as Visakhians and mothers have a special responsibility to be ever vigilant for the sake of future generations.
It is our fervent hope that all Old Girls will remain steadfast and loyal to the school and to the OGA as always. The OGA derives its strength, vitality and vibrancy, from your Unity, Fellowship and un stinted support in all our efforts to help our Alma Mater to build on its strength, meet future expectations and maintain its unrivalled position as the premier girls school in Sri Lanka.
May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you all!
Clodagh Fernando
Sharmini De Almeida
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Our sincere thanks go to Kanthi Perera (convenor) and Asha, Chamindra, Sujeeva, Gayanthika and Roshini of the SECRETARIAT for their co-operation. |
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A distinguished Old Visakhian, Dr. Anula Wijesundera was the only female member of the Presidential Commission on Buddha Sasana, appointed by her Excellency Chandrika Kumaratunga. |
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Visakha has once again emerged as one of the best performing National schools at the GCE Advanced Level examination of 2002. Nearly 62% qualified for University admission in the Science stream and 79% qualified in the Arts stream. Kamilka Malwatte was first in the Island in the Arts stream while Esha Katugampola was second in the Island and first in the Colombo District in the Commerce stream. |
SPECIAL EVENTS UNDERTAKEN
Felicitation of Ms. Hema Jayasinghe
The first major activity undertaken after the AGM was a felicitation event to celebrate the 75th birthday of one of our most beloved Principals, Ms. Hema Jayasinghe who guided the destiny of Visakha for 16 long years from 1967 to 1983. The spontaneous response from her past pupils from all walks of life – eminent professionals, housewives, mothers exceeded all our expectations. We had to print extra tickets twice over. The homage and affection showered on her was heart-warming and bore ample testimony to the popularity of the gracious lady with a charming smile who set an example to all of us, young and old, by her modesty, simplicity and serenity. She maintained a strong bond with the OGA and continues her association with us as mentor and friend.
We quote from her letter of thanks to the OGA:
“I was quite overwhelmed to be greeted by so many of you… the glowing tributes and the warm good wishes showered on me. My stay at Visakha was rewarding in many ways, for whatever I achieved was in great measure due to the support and loyalty, the encouragement and appreciation of all Visakhians, old and young, and their parents all of whom placed their confidence in me and gave their unstinted cooperation at all times. It was because we had a common interest to keep the Visakha flag flying to be ever mindful of the vision of her great Founder, to uphold the noble traditions handed over to us over the years and above all to enhance academic excellence with the unchanging values of sincerity of purpose, justice and fair play. May I wish Visakha and Visakhians the strength and courage to face the challenges ahead and still hold its own as the premier girls school in Sri Lanka!”
A big “thank you” is extended to Savitri Nagodavitana, Piroshini and the Social Activities Committee for the excellent arrangements.
Jak Planting Project
A Jak Planting Project was initiated by the OGA.
The ceremony took place on 17th September 2002 with the Hon. Minister of Power & Energy, Mr. Karu Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest. Mr. Nanda Dias, the son of Mr. Arthur Dias the original Kos Mama planted a tree, as well as the Principal, several past Principals and members of the OGA. The event was a tremendous success.
Birthday Greetings to Distinguished Old Girls
On a suggestion by the evergreen Ms. Sumana Saparamadu, the OGA arranged a surprise visit with a gift to celebrate the 85th birthday of a loyal and distinguished old girl, Ms. Sita Rajasuriya, a former Chief Commissioner of Guides and social worker par excellence. A few of her contemporaries, Ms. Agnes Abeysekera, Ms. Beryl de Silva and Ms. Swarna Fernando joined us on the visit much to Ms. Rajasuriya’s delight. She wrote thanking the OGA and stated “this was the most wonderful birthday I celebrated in my life and I will carry the happy memory to the end of my life”.
We also sent flowers to Ms. Dilsiri de Silva, an OGA stalwart, who served Visakha for many years, on her 75th birthday. We shall always remember her with affection and gratitude.
Bougainvillea Block
The Bougainvillea Block Building renovation was completed with generous financial support of the PPA (UK), due to the unstinted efforts of the members of the VVOGA, who worked tirelessly to collect funds.
The lunch room/cafeteria was opened in August 2002 while the Reading room has been furnished with assistance from the OGA Melbourne branch. We need funds for equipment and for regular maintenance.
Sponsoring Grade 6 Scholars
On children’s Day 1st October 2002, the OGA Executive Committee arranged to pay the Hostel fees arrears of six deserving Grade 6 scholars through the sponsorship of the Religious sub Committee spearheaded by Yasintha Abeywickrema. Old Girls who wish to support deserving students, are welcome to do so through the OGA.
Scholarships from PPA (UK)
This year too, the PPA (UK) donated several scholarships to selected students based on merit and need.
Consignment of Books
A consignment of valuable books for the library was received from a group of Old Girls from Perth under the leadership of Ramani Gunasekera (nee Withanachchi).
Donation of Risograph
At the request of the Principal, Mrs. M. D. I. N. Siriwardena a Risograph Machine costing Rs. 580,000 was donated to the school by the OGA.
ACTION PLAN – 2003
FUND – RAISING EVENTS…
MARCH 2003
Musical Talent Show
A Musical Talent Show is being planned for February 2003 to spotlight some of our talented Old Girls who have excelled in Music, Song and Dance. They include Priya Goonetilleke, Menaka de Fonaseka and Upekha. Please contact Priya Goonetilleke (Tel. 719670) or Shantha Gunaratne if you are interested in performing at the show. All Old Girls please join us and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and entertainment.
APRIL 2003
Avurudu Pola 2003
The traditional Avurudu Pola is scheduled for 05th April and the organization of the event will be in the capable hands of Sita Siriwardane, Convener of the Fund Raising Sub Committee. Members who wish to take stalls or to assist by obtaining sponsorship banners and Trade Stalls are kindly requested to contact the Joint Secretaries. You can do all your Avurudu Shopping in one place. We rely on your patronage to make the event a success.
JUNE 2003
Dinner / Theatre Project
One of the main Fund Raising Projects this year will be an Open Air Dinner / Theatre at a leading Hotel to be organized by Ms. Nela de Zoysa. The event is scheduled for June 2003. We expect all of you to come and enjoy yourselves with gourmet food and top class entertainment. You will help the school with much needed funds to finance the manifold activities undertaken by the OGA.
Poson Project
The Poson Project to collect funds for the Cancer Hospital will be organized as usual. Please donate generously.
VVOGA VISA AFFINITY CARD
The Card was launched in January 2002 but the response is disappointing. Please join the scheme and enjoy all the benefits associated with Credit Cards and help the OGA to swell its Funds at the same time.
COMPUTER COURSES
In MS Office are conducted regularly for GCE (O/L) and (A/L) students by the sub-committee under Harini. Your children will benefit greatly by following these classes at a nominal fee.
ACTIVITIES
JANUARY 2003
Colours Night
On a suggestion by the OGA a Colours Night is being held on 10.01.03 to award Colours to outstanding sportswomen in 2000. OGA is providing refreshments and Hall decoration through the Sports Sub-Committee under convener Eranthi.
FEBRUARY 2003
Fitness Checkup Programme
A Fitness Check up Programme for students taking part in Sports to be held by the National Institute of Sports service and follow-up action on Nutrition and Physiotherapy.
Blood Donation Campaign
This is planned for 8th February 2003 please patronise with your family earn merit. Donations of Thambili are welcome.
Seminar on Child Psychology
The Education Committee headed by Yuvani will organize this Seminar on 23rd Jan for students of Grades 8 & 9.
MARCH 2003
Career Guidance Seminar
Will be held for GCE O/L Students.
MAY 2003
Awareness Seminar on Sports
This would be in the form of talks on Sports Ethics by Mr. Yogananda Wijesundera and sports injuries by Dr. Seevali Jayawaickrema of the Sports Ministry.
JULY 2003
Esala Sil Programme
An interesting programme is scheduled by the Religious Sub-Committee. We welcome all members and their families to participate.
SUSAN GEORGE PULIMOOD ORATION
Will be held as usual, and we look forward to your presence.
AGM / REUNION LUNCH
Date will be notified.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – 2002-2003
President : Ms. M. D. I. N. Siriwardana 581082 (R) (Ex-officio) Vice Presidents : Kamala Karunarathne 584003 (O) Padmini Karunaratne 698049 (R) Joint Secretaries : Clodagh Fernando 583617, 594484 (R) Sharmini de Almeida 856073 (R), 434458 (O) Treasurer : Devika Samaranayake 866917 (R) Assistant Treasurer : Asha de Silva 646059 (R) Committee Members : Damayanthi Rajapakse Thilini Samarakoon Sita Siriwardene Vipula Amerasinghe Sumana Saparamadu Harini Balagalle Renuka Dharmadasa Deepika Hathurusinghe Shantha Gunaratna Eranthi Karunaratne Srimathi Jayasuriya Jeevani Peiris Indira Malwatte Arunika Samaranayake Kanthi Perera Yuvani Weerasinghe Piroshini Trikawalagoda Menaka Wettasinghe Geethika Sinhabahu Samiddhi Dewapura Yasintha Abeywickrema Chandimali Jayaratne Priyangani Ratnasekara Anusha Manawadu Piyusha Ratnaweera Sub-Committee Convenors: Fund Raising Sita Siriwardene Finance Devika Samaranayake Hall Maintenance Savitri Nagodavithane Social Activities Piroshini Trikawalagoda Computer Harini Balagalle Bougainvillea Block Priyangani Ratnasekera Publicity Samiddhi Dewapura Education Yuvani Weerasinghe Religious Yasintha Abeywickreme Sports Eranthi Karunaratne Secretariat Kanthi Perera Tuck Shop Renuka Dharmadasa Vigilance Deepika Hathurusinghe |
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This year we received an unprecedented number of protests from old girls whose children failed to get admission to Grade 1, as they felt there were discrepancies in the allocation of marks under the Ministry Circular. We made several representations to the Principal and we hope that justice and fairplay will prevail. Old girls are requested to adhere to the practice we have always followed in the past and make donations through the OGA Secretariat. Receipts will be issued by the Treasurer, OGA whilst service letters will be issued by the Joint Secretaries. Donations should not be made at the request of individual staff members or direct to the school. |
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