Matugama Principal wins 2019 Integrity Icon contest
P.A.C. Priyadarshani, Principal of St Mary's College, Matugama became the winner of the 2019 Integrity Icon contest after receiving the highest number of votes in the public SMS poll. She had gained over 20,000 votes.
The contest was organised by Transparency International Sri Lanka, an NGO that recognises and appreciates honest employees of the public sector.
Ms Priyadarshani a resident of Walallawita, in Matugama had never thought that she would become the 2019 Integrity Icon, because she is young. She received primary education at the Walallawita primary school and secondary education at St Mary’s College. She was also one of the first students who enrolled for the Journalism Degree at the University of Colombo.
She started her career as the Assistant Director of Education for the Sinhala Language, for the Divisional Director of Agalawatta. In 2013 she was appointed principal of St Mary’s College.
Even though she had worked in the education sector for a short period she was selected as the winner from five other contestants.
"Corruption is a major issue in government schools, especially during the enrollment of children into the grade one classes. I developed a unique scoring system to reduce and even prevent it from happening. This merit-based enrollment system is the main reason why I won the contest," Ms. Priyadarshani said.
"My victory lies in what I have been able to do for the country, and in improving the future of children. I was praised for contributing to something beyond by personal wellbeing, and for not merely carrying out the duties of a principal."
"For the last five years I served in the public sector. I had to face many difficulties when I was a part of the interview panel that interviewed students for the grade one classes," she added.
She has also been commended for improving extra-curricular activities and efficiently using limited resources to develop the school. This includes the introduction of E-boards and sports facilities.
Ms. Priyadarshani said that she had to face challenges even from political authorities, but she did face bravely.
"There were many difficulties that I had to face as a woman, but I was able to take many steps to develop the school because my family and the staff supported me."
"The idea of a circular regarding enrolment may be introduced because of the difficulties I encountered. I have observed certain Colombo schools and I am determined to introduce proper eligibility criteria that will have to be met to enroll students. I am willing to share this circular with any schools interested."
Integrity Icon 2019 also felicitated the other contestants, Sri Lanka Customs Central Investigation Bureau Assistant Superintendent A.M.A.S. Amarasinghe, the Coast Conservation Department's Director General B.K.P. Chandrakeerthi, Divisional Secretary for Verugal in Trincomalee K. Kunanathan, and Jaffna Teaching Hospital Director Dr. T. Sathiyamoorthy.