NEWSLETTER
Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls' Association (VVOGA)
April 2005
OGA is 70 years old
Hello Friends,
The Visakha Vidyalaya OGA is now 70 years. It was Mrs. Clara Motwani who took office as Principal in June 1933, that brought past students together, to keep up their old ties, and to continue Visakha's traditions.
At the inaugural meeting held in June 1934 the Principal Mrs. Motwani was elected ex-office President and the Principal has continued to be President, although suggestions were made few years ago that we should have our own President, as in some other leading national schools.
Regina de Silva (Mrs. Balasuriya) Visakha's first graduate was elected Vice President and Pearl Seneviratna, just out of Training College, who later generations of Visakhians knew as Pearl Wirasinghe was elected Secretary. Mrs. Neil Hewavitarne was elected Treasurer and the following were elected to the committee: Marcelline Wijesinghe, Suvineetha De Silva, Seela Jayasinghe, Caroline de Silva and Pema Jayawardana (source: Swarna Jayanthi Souvenir).
In these 70 years, the association has grown in strength and in public esteem. The OGA has a proud record of service to our Alma Mater, and to fellow Visakhians past and present by way of scholarships etc. and has helped the the tutorial staff, the clerical, hostel and minor staff as well.
Seventy years is a long time in the life of an association. Most of the earliest members of the OGA left us quite some time ago. However we are happy to record that members who joined the OGA 60-65 years ago are around and attend meetings, and happier still to record that one of the earliest secretaries of the OGA, Mrs. Cicey Jayasinghe is still with us. Visakhians of the 80s and early 90s will remember her grand-daughter Kishani Jayasinghe, the outstanding singer.
We had planned to celebrate our 70 years in style. We started with a Bodhi Pooja on 21st November 2004, a day of special significance to us, for it was on 21st November 1927 that the students from the Buddhist Girls' College in Turret Road (now Dharmapala Mawatha) moved into the hostel on Vajira Road and the school was named Visakha Vidyalaya.
The dinner planned for 27th January at the Taj Samudra was postponed after the tsunami took a toll of over 30,000. The OGA was one of the first organizations to start collecting aid in kind for the displaced. The response far exceeded our expectations. Dry rations, soap, tooth paste and other essential items were handed over to displaced persons at Abhinavaarama Payagala and at a camp in Beruwala.
We have not cancelled the grand re-union when past Visakhians, young and not so young, old and not so old, will meet, to renew old friendships and reminisce, and also to pay tribute to the pioneers and all those who have served the school and the OGA in various ways.
Please keep in touch with the OGA. Send in news of yourself and of any past Visakhians you know of here or abroad, to be included in future news letters.
Events Calendar - June/July 2005
- 70th Anniversary Dinner
- AGM
- Esala Sil Programme
- Pulimood Oration
- 'Seventy Years Together'
- Re-union of all past Visakhians
Past Visakhians here and abroad
Dr. Tara de Mel, formerly Lecturer in the Medical Faculty of the University of Colombo, was re-appointed Secretary- Ministry of Education by HE The President Mrs Chandrika Kumaranatunga. We wish her all success in her tenure of office.
Hiranya Vajiramani Peiris, one of those rare women physicists engaged in the study of Astrophysics, is presently attached to the Kavli Institute of Cosmological Physics, University of Chicago. Her Curriculum Vitae is astounding for a woman of 30 years. Her first class Hons. degree in 1998 was followed by a doctorate from Princeton University in 2003. Her achievements are too long to list here.
She has addressed august assemblies, like the Royal Astronomical Society, London U.K., German American Frontiers of Science Symposium, Hamberg Germany, Astrophysics Seminar University of Manchester (Jodderal Bank) U.K. Hiranya Peiris' mother too is a past Visakhian - Nimala Ramanayaka - and she is Visakha's first Engineer.
Madhavi Malalgoda Ariyabandu, was honoured with the 2004 Mary Fran Myers award from the Gender and Disasters Network and the Hazard Research Centre of the University of Colarado, Boulder USA. The award is in recognition of her contribution throughout the South Asian Region, focusing attention on gender issues in disaster risk management.
Ms Madhavi Ariyabandu is a team leader at International Technology Development Group - ITDG -a Colombo based international organization, working on reducing vulnerability and disaster mitigation.
Madhavi Ariyabandu was presented the award at the international conference, 'Gender Equality and Disaster Risk Reduction' held at the East West Centre, Hawai.
Janaki Suriyaarachchi, is a prolific writer of books for children. A few months ago she published 10 books bringing the total to 100, and Mrs R. Amarasinghe, our President and Principal of Visakha was present at the launching of these books. Janaki donates copies of each of her publications to Visakha's primary school library.
Janaki won a bronze medal at the Professional Women of the Year 2000 Awards, given by the Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Shanika Kodituwakku, Captain of Weerasoria House in 1996, now a final year student at Medical College, is also a TV presenter. If you tune to Sirasa TV on Monday at 6.00pm. you will see her on 'Muragala', giving hints on general health and advice to expectant mothers and mothers with infants.
Kamala Wickramasuriya, the second of the four Rajapakse sisters who were at Visakha in the 1930s, renounced the lay-life and entered the Bhikkuni Order on 17th December 2004. Kamala is a first cousin of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, and a daughter of D. M. Rajapakse, the Lion of Ruhuna. A teacher for many years, Kamala is the second Visakhian to renounce the lay-life and don on yellow robes.
Thilini Athukorala, (nee Jayathilaka) was appointed Chief Commissioner, Girl Guides, in September 2003. She is the second Visakhian to be appointed Chief Commissioner. The first was Sita Rajasuriya, who was Chief Commissioner for ten years from 1956. At present, the appointment is for three years.
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At the School's Colours Nite 2004, Visakhians who had excelled in various sports in their day were also awarded colours. The old girls so honoured were; |
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To build network among Visakhians Young and Old, here and abroad, we intend publishing a high quality directory in paper and electronic format. |
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Many notices are returned undelivered at the addresses. Please inform us your new address and do tell your friends and any Visakhians you are in touch with, to send their names (after and before marriage) and the years they were in school, to the Jt Secretaries, OGA, Visakha Vidyalaya, Vajira Road, Colombo 5. |
YEAR'S ACTIVITIES
Old Hall
The OGA has undertaken a vast project this year -the renovation of the Old School Hall. Built after the Hostel, and occupied in 1929, this building has survived 75 years, but is in a poor condition now. It was time to repair and renovate it, before it became a threat to life and limb. Hence the OGA undertook the work.
The renovation is estimated to cost a minimum of 3.6 million, but the cost is expected to go up by several lakhs. The work was started in December and is going on a pace.
We are in dire need of funds to complete this work. We appeal to your generosity to restore the old hall and give it a new lease of life.
(The OGA has opened an account at
Bank of Ceylon-Bambalapitiya Branch
to collect funds for this project. Your contributions to
the Old Hall Restoration Fund at a minimum of Rs.1000.00 are most welcome.
Donations can be directed to this account
Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls' Association
bearing account number
1573946)
Fund Raising Raffle
A raffle to restore the Old Hall, where we assembled on many occasions with so
many happy memories...
We welcome your assistance not only by selling tickets, but also by contributing
to Prizes.
The Library
The OGA air-conditioned the Geethanjali Amarasuriya Memorial Library, which was built nearly 40 years ago, and opened in August 1967. A sum of Rs 710,000.00 was collected from old girls for this project, which included the installing of six AC units, automatic door closers, re-wiring, replacing the old curtaining with vertical blinds, etc. The balance of Rs 100,000.00 left after defraying expenses was kept for maintenance.
This project was co-ordinated by Sabitha Gunawardana and Manori Abeysirigunawardana.
Health Camp
A health camp was organized by Mrs H.M. Bambarande, Head of the Primary School at the request of the Principal Lumbini Maha Vidyalaya in December. A number of our doctors who have children in the primary school helped at the camp which was held for the second time. It is heartening to see Visakha helping a less endowed neighbour.
Teachers' Day
The OGA hosted the teachers to tea at the cafeteria to mark Teachers' Day in October. It was an exceptionally enjoyable evening. Teachers, forgetting they were teachers, wives, and mothers sang and danced and the evening ended with teachers and old girls vying with each other to sing old favourites. As they were leaving many were heard saying, "there should be such get-togethers more often."
Anusha Gallage and her committee had spared no pains to make this a memorable evening. A big 'Thank You' to the Social Sub-committee.
Donation of Oximeter
Every year the Religious sub-committee does something special to mark Universal Children's Day. This time Sabitha Gunawardana and her committee collected enough money to donate a much needed Oximeter to the Castle Street Hospital for Women.
Dhamma School
A Dhamma School for hostellers was started on 13th February. There are 175 hostellers this year -all Grade 5 scholars. On the Principal's request Ms Sumana Saparamadu is in charge of the school and is assisted by Mrs Nanda Ratnayaka, a retired member of the staff, and two old girls Sabitha Gunawardana and Anjalee Waidyaratne. We appreciate their voluntary services.
Computer Education Programme
The VVOGA initiated the idea of a Junior Computer Laboratory for the school to cater to the need of Computer Education for Grade 6-9 students. After much deliberation within the VVOGA Computer Sub-committee, the VVOGA Executive committee, the Principal, and teachers, the VVOGA Executive committee decided to implement the intended Junior Computer Laboratory as an outsourced project. This was mainly due to the fact that VVOGA did not have sufficient funds to buy required number of computers for the laboratory. However, though we were able to construct the laboratory networked and wired for 50 computers, with the support of our members.
After a proper tender procedure evaluation, a reputed computer school, Gateway School of Computing was awarded the contract to supply and maintain the computers for the lab and to conduct the curriculum which was carefully evaluated by the professionals in the sub-committee. The Junior Computer Lab was declared open by H E the President on the day of the Prize-Giving, 01st December 2004.
The laboratory which consists of 26 computers, backed by professional staff, started operating from the 17th January 2005. The lab is kept open till 5.00pm everyday, and children are encouraged to use the facility. To meet the expenses of maintenance and sustenance of the operations, the VVOGA was compelled to charge a nominal fee per term, from the parents.
However, this project is now faced with a severe deadlock when the Education Ministry opposed the same. The Ministry has informed the Principal to terminate this project since it is not within the existing government rules and regulations. The VVOGA understands such projects are common in many schools and all such projects are faced with the same problem, as the Ministry continues to stand by their decision.
Ridma Bharathi
Aloka Kumbukage's students gave a dazzling display of Bharatha Natyam, when Aloka presented Ridma Bharathi at the Jeramias Dias Hall on 5th March. Aloka conducts regular classes in Bharatha Natyam free of charge, specially for the benefit of hostellers.
Aloka and Anuradha - the Rajapakse twins- were two outstanding students of the late Kamala Jayathilake, herself a Visakhian, who trained scores of Visakhians in this intricate style of dancing for over thirty years.
The proceeds of Ridma Bharathi will be channeled to the restoration of the
"Old School Hall," to its former glory, and bring back happy memories to us old
girls of Visakha Vidyalaya.
School News
HE the President Mrs Chandrika Kumaratunga was the chief guest at the annual prize- giving on the 1st December 2004. Addressing the gathering she posed the question, 'Do we need schools labelled Sinhala Buddhist, Sinhala Catholic, Tamil Hindu?" She said these separate 'Kuti' (as she called them) make peace an elusive factor. She stressed that this needs to be discussed among education authorities, principals, teachers, and parents and added that this was not going to be made law immediately.
Mrs Tilaka Samarakoon, Visakha's Librarian for 32 years (1972-2004) retired in October. During her long tenure of office she saw the library expand. A separate library for the primary school was opened in the 80s, and a special science library was opened a few years later.
Mrs Padmini Hemachandra, teacher of Commerce is now in-charge of the library and is assisted by Manori Hendavitharana an old girl.
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Although Visakha did not get a ranking within the first 20, there were 97% passes at the O' Level exam in 2004. |
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Who can forget Miss Roberts? Noeline Roberts ran the school's general office almost single handed for nearly three decades, during the Pulimood and Jayasinghe eras of Visakha. She is now spending her sun-set years at the Mallika Home in Visakha Road - the road that runs parallel to Vajira Road and De Fonseka Place. |
Our Deepest Sympathies
Celia Vitharana, one of the oldest members of the OGA, passed away at the age of 87. She, her three sisters and three brothers all started their schooling at the then Buddhist Girls' College in Turret Road, and were among the first students to take up residence in the new building on Vajira Road. We extend our deepest sympathies to her sisters, Mrs Sita Rajasuriya and Mrs Isabel De Silva.
Sita Gunasekara (nee de Silva), who had her entire education at Visakha in the thirties, passed away in November. She was for some years Jt. Secretary of the OGA. We extend our deepest sympathies to her two daughters Srimani and Sushila, her sister Irangani Perera, and to Mr U.N. Gunasekara, who as a parent and a well-wisher of the school, helped us on many occasions especially at the Swarna Jayanthi and Vajra Jayanthi.
Krishanthi Yatigammana, her father, and two infant children were victims of the Tsunami that hit Nilavali, Trinco. A Visakhian of more recent vintage, Krishanthi was at the time of her death a member of the Religious Sub Committee. Her classmates had a 'Pinkama' for her at Vajirarama. To her husband, two sisters Rohini and Ramani, we extend our heartfelt sympathies.
Charmi Chankamani Dias Abeygunawardana was 19 years old when she landed in New York with only $240 in her handbag and an iron determination to study and make money to help her family at home. She worked her way through University, became a microbiologist and began a fruitful career at Colgate Palmolive Co., where, among other things, she piloted the Colgate H\Junior release in the US.
Networking with Visakhians in the States, she collected money for her Alma Matar, which donation was credited to the Junior Computer Fund. Although terminally ill, she paid a brief visit to Sri Lanka, and passes away shortly after in March 2005. To her husband Pradip Mukerjee and her two sons we extend our deepest sympathies and our sincere thanks for the financial help for our projects.
We also extend our sympathies to Agnes Abeysekara, whose husband passed away at the end of February. Agnes Abeysekara was a long time member of the staff, and still is an active member of the Old Hostellers' Association.
OGA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – 2004/2005
President : Ms. R. N. Amarasinghe - Principal (Ex-officio) Vice Presidents : Ms. Sumana Saparamadu Mrs. Clodagh Fernando Joint Secretaries : Mrs. Chandani Nanayakkara Mrs. Renuka Gamage Treasurer : Mrs. Priyangani Ratnasekara Assistant Treasurer : Mrs. Piroshini Trikawalagoda Committee Members : Staff: Mrs. Rukmani Gunaratne - Deputy Principal Over 60: Mrs. Kamala Karunaratne Mrs. Rukmani Raddalgoda 40-60: Mrs. Asha De Silva Mrs. Renuka Dharmadasa Mrs. Srimathi Jayasuriya Mrs. Theja Nanayakkara Mrs. Himani Rajasuriya Mrs. Sunanda Ranawaka Mrs. Samitha Samaranayake Mrs. Geethika Singhabahu Under 40: Dr. Kumari Guruge Mrs. Sabitha Gunawardana Mrs. Anjalee Waidyaratne Mrs. Tharindra De Silva Mrs. Champika Chandrasekara Mrs. Hemali Pasquel Mrs. Manori Abeysirigunawardana Mrs. Anusha De Silva Gallage Miss. Eranthi Premaratne Mrs. Bhashini Weerakoon Miss. Anjali De Silva Mrs. Manisha Gunasekara Mrs. Anoma Abeysinghe Mrs. Tilini Samarakoon |
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