The success story of Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya
Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya which was initiated in 1943, as the first Buddhist Girl’s school in Kegalle district, by the activists of “Parama Vingnanartha Buddhist Association”, as a protest against the education system which prevailed in English Missionary schools, is situated in the heart of Kegalle city, just a kilometre away from the busy town, providing a beautiful mountainous atmosphere and a large spacious background.
The school was initiated with seven students and they were guided by the founder principal Sri Lanka Shikamani Mrs. Anula Udalagama. The late Mrs. B.F. Perera, wife of the Government Agent Kegalle at that time declared open the school and handed over her three daughters and son to the school as the first pupils, taking them away from their good schools. Most of the Buddhists in town financed this venture to come up to the present state. The education was centered on English Medium Learning, so that this school was called as “Kegalu Buddhist English Ladies College”. Soon the numbers grew, and the high standard of education given, brought students from all parts of the island. The girls were given an all-round education. The House System, Guiding, Buddhist, Literary, Drama etc. societies were introduced. This school was the first in Sabaragamuwa Province to introduce Oriental Dancing and a School Band. After the Free Education system started operating in the country, the school was re-named as “Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya” and took a giant step forward re-writing its glorious history.
The school now has achieved success becoming first in the island for dancing. Netball and athletics with good examination results. The first student to pass the S.S.C. was Nanda Dissanayaka, and the first to get a degree was Sunila Palliyaguru. At that time, every big educational function and Exhibition was held on this school premises.
From that past, up to the present in every proud step the country has walked forward, the school too has prospered with its strong human resources. Now this is a National school in Kegalle District with classes in Science, Commerce, Arts, and Home science subjects in Advanced Level from grade one. There about 3600 students studying in ninety five parallel classes in the school. The school is equipped with all facilities including Hostel and an indoor stadium.
The present principal Mrs. Manel Wasala took over the school last year and heading towards the excellence of academic and nonacademic performances of the school with the help of Deputy Principals, and around two hundred academic staff and the nonacademic staff.
Last year 74 students passed the grade five scholarships exam and 98.5% were qualified in Ordinary level exam to do Advanced level. 70% of advance level students received university entrance qualification.
Many students participated in other academic competitions and have achieved many places during this time. The fields of sports and aesthetics too have developed rapidly and the pupils have taken part in many competitions and have achieved many places in all Island and international level.
Dinithi Panchali Rathnayake has been participating in the world chess tournaments from 2013 and winning the first places has brought international fame to school. She also participated in 2014 and even she is participating in the same competition this year as well. Also P.W.D Saman Kumari is representing Sri Lankan Football team and five of the football players represented Sri Lanka team last year too.
School’s cadet bands and cadet troupes too have achieved All Island places. Last year the school western cadet band won the All Island first place and the sixth place was taken by the Eastern Cadet Band. Sergeant Premasara became the best commander in the Police Assessment camp and she also became the best commander in the De Soyza Trophy All Island camp. Also she and Shavindya Siriwardana represented Sri Lankan troupe in the Bangladesh camp last December.
With all these academic and cocurricular performances and the mission “to present daughters to the mother nation, with excellent character, with values and knowledge, and who are active and could face the future challenges bravely”, Kegalu Balika Vidyalaya is shining unique in not only in the district but also in the whole nation.
Sujitha Miranda