Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo celebrates Centenary with pride and honour

The great philanthropist, Mrs. Jeremias Dias, earned much honour and respect by bestowing Visakha Vidyalaya to the nation. The commitment and dedication of past principals and teachers in moulding the students to fulfill national aspirations deserve much admiration at this unique milestone.

Being nurtured by the spirit of the school motto, ‘ By Wisdom is One Cleansed’ young Visakhians step into society to enrich and bring fame to the nation.

This year has been a busy year for Visakha with a series of special events organized to celebrate the school’s journey over hundred years and to honour the memory of its visionary founder. The issue of the Commemorative first day Stamp and the launch of the Centenary Coin, Almsgiving for one hundred Bhikkunis, the Centenary Walk 2017, Centenary School Exhibition and the Centenary Carnival are some of the highlights of centenary event calendar that have been concluded very successfully.

Issuing of the Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover also took place on the same day at the Assembly by the Deputy Minister of Post, Postal Services and Muslim Religious Affairs, Hon.Dulip Wijesekera to the Principal Mrs.Sandamali Aviruppola.

On 23rdJanuary 2017, the OGA unv e i l e d the Commemorative Centenary Coin to mark the school’s Centenary Jubilee, becoming the first girls’ school in the country to issue a commemorative coin to celebrate the centenary year. The coin launch took place under the patronage of His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, to whom the first issue of the coin was presented by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy.

The much awaited Centenary Walk took place on 11thFebruary 2017 with more than 10,000 jubilant Visakhians, teachers and parents coming together. Jointly organized by the VVOGA and the SDC the walk commenced from school grounds. The event was a fund raiser to support the proposed Primary School building project, a gift from the VVOGA to the school for its centenary.

The Founder’s Day pirith and alms giving to commemorate the founder Ms.Jeremias Dias were held on 25th& 26thMarch in school. One hundred monks were invited to participate in the Alms giving.

The ‘Siyawas Udana’ educational exhibition took place from 30thMarch to 1stApril within school grounds. The exhibition, organized by the students and staff, was opened to the public and amply showcased the talents of young Visakhians in a multitude of fields.

Centenary Carnival 2017 was held on 07th& 08th April 2017 at Thurstan College Cricket Grounds. There were over 10,000 participants mostly Visakhians young and old with their families and friends. It was a fun filled celebration where there were more than 70 trade & food stalls, fun rides, carnival games, horror house and most entertaining musical s h ow s by ‘Wayo’& ‘Marians’ which was greatly enjoyed by the crowd and kept them dancing till midnight.

The OGA, organized a very special event to commemorate the centenary year -an almsgiving for one hundred Bhikkunis, in honourof the life and times of Visakha Situ Devi, the noble Buddhist who lends her name to our school. The Bhikkunis who came from all parts of the country to take part in this historic event received alms in an impeccably organized traditional Buddhist ceremony held in the Jeremias Dias hall and chanted pirith to invoke blessings of the One.

The Annual Prize Giving 2016 was held on 2nd October 2017 at the Jeremias Dias Hall. The Chief Guest was Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and Hon. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam – Minister of Education guest of Honour.

The principal Sandamali Aviruppola stated “as you can imagine, meeting the challenges of a centenary year while keeping up with the academic calendar is no easy task. Our plans could never have been brought to fruition if not for the tireless efforts of many who toiled day and night to ensure that the centenary year will indeed be a cherished one. As preparations continue for the remaining centenary events, I take this opportunity to thank my staff, students, parents, OGA, School Development Committee, well-wishers and others who stood strong and tall, lending me a helping hand on every step of the way as we planned and executed the centenary celebrations.

I am humbled to be at the helm of this great educational institute at this important time and feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for all those who have steered this wonderful school safely and soundly through these eventful hundred years. Beginning with 2017, Visakha Vidyalaya starts another hundred years of service kindling the light of knowledge and learning in young minds and I have no doubt it will continue to create history in the annals of education in our country.” May Visakha Vidyalaya flourish for centuries

to come!