Institute of Western Music and Speech
The Institute of Western Music and Speech was founded in 1960, when it was known as the “Association of Teachers of Western Music and Dramatic Art.” It was the combined effort of qualified and experienced teachers of Music, Speech and Drama led by Mrs. Olga de Livera, our founder. They dedicated themselves solely towards achieving a common objective – that of promoting, nurturing and developing the talents of the children of our country in the field of Western Music, Speech and allied subjects.
This year we celebrate our sixtieth anniversary with a sense of pride and joy, as we have grown in stature and established a reputation as the largest and most progressive local Examining Board in Sri Lanka conducting a record number of examinations island-wide in all grades, including Diploma. We are a fully fledged, state recognized Institute, incorporated in 1988, by the Act of Parliament No 44. The disciplines, we at IWMS conducting examinations for are varied for example Spoken English, Effective Speaking, Public Speaking, Speech and Drama, Pianoforte, Violin, Keyboard, Recorder, Singing, Choral Speaking and Drama. Our panel of examiners are qualified and are dedicated and committed to assess the candidates professionally with direction and focus. We conduct exams islandwide from Jaffna to Hambantota and Colombo to Batticaloa in around 50 centres. Prize-Awarding Ceremonies are held annually to award prizes and certificates to the award-winning candidates. Scholarships too, are provided. Workshops and seminars are held on a regular basis to enable the teachers to cope with syllabus requirements and prepare the candidates with efficiency, These programmes have paved the way, for closer co-operation, understanding and cordiality between teachers and the examiners of the institute.
In addition to examinations several other events in the form of concerts and competitions have been organized over the years to encourage young talent. Impromptu Debating Competitions, Drama Competitions, Creative Writing, Festival of Choirs and Young Musician of the Year are some of the programmes organized to showcase the talents of the young artistes of Sri lanka. This year as part of our anniversary celebrations, we are organizing a “Beethoven Competition – 2020” to commemorate the 250th birth anniversary of Beethoven.
The Institute moved into its own building in 1993, at No: 12, Kotalawela Gardens, Colombo 04. A long felt need was realized in 2016, when the foundation stone to a new, well equipped four-storeyed building complex was laid, at No: 12, Upatissa Road, Colombo 04, to meet the ever – increasing demand and to diversify its activities. The new building was declared open on the 5th of March 2018 and examinations are now being held for the third year at the new, state of the art building with all amenities.
The Institute of Western Music and Speech is a firmly rooted body, comprising a membership of professionally qualified teachers in Music, Speech and allied subjects who contribute immensely towards the smooth functioning of the Institute and the conduct of its examinations. Its funds and property are vested in the Institute and are devoted solely to the advancement of the Arts-Music, Speech and allied subjects as set in its Constitution. We look forward to serving the children of our island home to improve their knowledge of English and Speak it, with confidence and accuracy. To appreciate the beauty of the spoken word and master the music of great composers and enjoy performing rhythmic, emotional compositions. We hope the youth of Sri Lanka will be able to use their talents and creativity in these disciplines, so carefully inculcated by their teachers, to live their lives profitably and bring peace and joy to others and unite all peoples of Sri Lanka as music and language embraces all, with no barriers.