Visakha: A national treasure and a symbol of perfection
In 1917 when Mrs Jeremias Dias, a noble philanthropist and idealistic founder of Visakha Vidyalaya, (initially named Buddhist Girls’ College in Turret Road, with the wish to bequeath to the nation a school for Buddhist girls, she wouldn’t have perhaps imagined the phenomenal growth of Visakha Vidyalaya.
Later, Visakha Vidyalaya was shifted to its current location in Vajira Road, Colombo 5, and came under national Government. From then onwards it has been a resounding success story of, where innumerable virtuous Visakhians continue to be nurtured and gifted to the world.
The school has been blessed with a host of visionary Principals. Dr.B. T. Banning was the first reputed Principal of Buddhist Girls College, now Visakha Vidyalaya. Under her direction the school which started with 20 students in a cadjan sheltered premises, took its first step without faltering and began to show promise. In the first decade there were a number of veteran principals and one of them who set the school on the right course was Mrs. G.H. Pearse. She was fortunate to declare open the new building at Vajira road, which she laid the foundation stone in
1927.
In 1933 Mrs. C. Motwani took over. She formed the Old Girls’ Association in 1934 and introduced Netball and Tennis. Due to the World War Two a branch of the school was established in Bandarawela and Gannemulla. By 1943 the situation eased and the school was back in form with a university entrance class.
Another wonderful era began with Mrs. Pulimood. It was the golden era of Visakha with her vision of a new generation of Visakhians. The school reached the apex of the pyramid of girls’ schools in the island and became equal to the best boys schools in the island as well.
Taking from her was Mrs. H.S. Jayasinghe who has a very special place in the history of Visakha Vidyalaya as the first Sinhala Buddhist principal who was appointed by the government. She was the pioneer in forming the brass band of Visakha which emerged the best band in the Island. She continued to move forward with excellent results at public examinations, winning championships in sport.
Mrs. Eileen Siriwardhana
a pious Buddhist and an illustrious writer who took to steer Visakha ensured that Visakhians be given a suitable environment to practice their religion.She renovated the Bodhi Shrine and conducted religious activities throughout the year.The Interact club was one of her initiatives and sports too were given a new impetus specially Swimming Chess, Golf.
A dignified education came to the helm in 1988 after Mrs. Edussuriya assumed duties. Indoor sports gymnasium was initiated and completed during her tenure. In recent times Mrs R. M. L. Jayasekara, Mrs. M. D. I. N. Siriwardene, Mrs. R. N. Amarasinghe, Mrs Rukmani Gunaratnewere collectively contributed to the growth of the college. Mrs.Jayasekera stated the English medium classes and Mrs. Amrasinghe initiated of constructing the long awaited swimming pool. Academically the school has maintained its glory, achieving best results almost every year in the O/L examination.
The cur re n t P r i n c i p a l MrsSandamaliAvirupola continues the trend in style instilling discipline in her wards, steering the ship of Visakha with prowess, assisted by four able Deputy Principals with 218 strongwell qualified academic staff.
VisakhaVidyalaya continues to enjoy the envious position of being the premier Buddhist girls’ school at the forefront, be it in academic or co curricular activities. The achievements of the girls are numerous to mention, each day a new feather is added to the cap of Visakha, making their alma mater beam in glory.
On the academic front Visakha has excelled at the GCE O/L in 2012, the pass rate was 99.2%.Visakhians are at leading in the A/L Science and Maths stream and has obtained 3rd place in the commerce and Art stream in 2012. Several Visakhians are among the top ten in the island both in GCE O/L and A/L examination held in 2012.
There is a plethora of sports and co curricular activities going on in school. The students engage in 24 sports ranging from Athletics to Chess and water polo. Chess for which Visakhians are renowned has emerged U14 ,U16 all-island schools Chess Champions,Netball All island U19 Champions; Gymnastics Junior champions, Swimming all island U17 Champions and overall champions; Rowing1st place in U16 &U19 All island schools rowing regatta; Water polo All island U15 and U19 Champions, U19 champions of the National open tournament the list goes on. In 2012 Visakhians also have won laurels in sports in the international arena; especially in Chess, Badminton, Tennis, Netball and Squash. Visakhians have been representing the Sri Lankan team for several years in Swimming, Water polo, Netball and Badminton.
The co curricular activities include 26 Clubs and Societies starting from the Buddhist Society to the Interact Club. Visakhians bagged the first place in the All Island Shakespeare drama competition in 2013.
Visakha Vidyalaya will be celebrating its centenary soon. Visakha has produced some of the samples of modern day women, form iconic figures in field of medicine, lawacademic, aesthetic co-operate management and the likes to significant positions in philanthropic and religious circles.
The incumbent Principal Mrs. Avirupola says modestly “I expect Visakhians to excel beyond the borders of the traditional teaching and learning activities and to develop into wise and humane l adies upholding Buddhist values emulating Visakha the pious devotee and maintain their cultural identity”. She added with gratitude “Visakha Vidyalaya is what it is today due to all the efforts of the farsighted Principals, past and present staff, the very accomplished Alumni –OGA local and international branches and School Development Society”.