Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya, Bandarawela celebrates its 75th annivesary
Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya Bandarawela celebrated her 75th anniversary this year. Creating thousands of educated and disciplined citizens, it has been rendering an immense service to the society since 19th March 1942.
It was first established as a private school in the heart of upcountry amidst the misty hills in Bandarawela, Uva Province. Since the great lady Jeramiyes Dias was generous to patronage, it was able to establish a new school for girls of the area of which the education was not much facilitated. There were only 21 students along with 9 teachers at the beginning. Now it has been stretched up to more than 2000 students and 117 teachers while becoming one of the leading schools of the country, due to unsparing leadership o f many Principals.
After 19 years, on 1 s t M a r ch 1961 Vishaka Vidyalaya was declared as a government school, making it a branch of Colombo Vi s h a k a Vidyalaya. Concerning the ability to maintain its own identity, the school was separated from the mother school and converted to a Maha Vidyalaya. Later, the school was uplifted as a Central School in 1979 and then to a National School. Under the concept of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksaha this school was acquired as a Secondary School in 2013. The commitment and support of the principal Mrs. Vayoni Vishaka Rajapaksha is highly influential in the rapid progress of the school.
Taking the same dream to their mind, the Vishakian Girls show colours in both academic and extracurricular activities. They brought their Amla Mater to the 4th place and 1st place in the province with their G.C.E. O/L and G.C.E.(A/L) results respectively. They are proud to say that more than 100 girls study Technical subject in Vishaka.
Apart from studies this school runs the best school cooperative shop in Sri Lanka. The dancer of the school brought AllIsland 2nd place. The girls also shine in hockey, table tennis, volleyball, netball, chess andalways be a part of the all island level competitions.Marking its 75th anniversary, Vishaka Vidyalaya organized several programmes including a walk, an art festival, the Prize Giving and an alms giving. The walk which was held on the 19th March, covering the whole city area with the participation of the pupils, teachers, parents and a large number of past pupils was a significant event.
Collaborating with the 75th anniversary “Neeloghaya” art festival was presented featuring performances of dancing, eastern and western music, drama, etc.,showcasing the talents of all the students the school.It’s an honour to get the participation of The Chief Minister of Uva Province Chamara Sampath Dasanayaka and other particular political authority of the area, famous actor Mr. Sanath Gunathilaka. Visharada T. M. Jayarathna and the popular actor Mr. Hemal Ranasingha along with the Uva Province Provincial Secretary Mrs. Sandhya Ambanwela and other officials to witness this occasion.
Relating to the 75th anniversary “Vishishthabhishekaya”; the annual prize giving 2017 was held in July with the participation of Prof. Gunapala Nanayakkara, the advisor of minister of education Akila Wiraj Kariyawasam.
The annual Wesak programme was arranged related to the75th anniversary with an alms giving for 75 monks and it was totally sponsored by the teachers of the school.
Reaching the milestone, Vishaka Balika Vidyalaya serves with more responsibility to provide platform for the students where they can identify and develop their inborn talents and reach higher levels displaying virtues of discipline and dignity.