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On May 20, 2003, Buddhist Ladies' College commemorates the Founder's Day. The founder - the late Mohandas de Mel is recalled with much warmth and gratitude on this day.

During a period when several changes in the field of education were being launched as a result of post colonial transformation, the late Mohandas de Mel, foresaw the need for a continuous maintenance of Buddhist, Sinhalese cultural traditions. Buddhist Ladies' College blossomed forth as a result of such noble thinking, on the 20th of May, 1954.

The late Mohandas de Mel hailed from a reputed Sinhala Buddhist family at Avissawella. His father was the late Harry de Mel - a proctor, who in 1898, founded the first Buddhist Swabasha school at Avissawella. Later he also founded the first Buddhist English school.

Following the footsteps of an illustrious father, the late Mr. Mohandas de Mel founded the first Buddhist school for higher education in English. This was known as the Sitawaka Vidyalaya. Situated in Avisswella, this could accommodate both boys and girls and was handed over to the government in 1947.

However, the late Mr. Mohandas de Mel was very keen on setting up a Buddhist school for girls in Colombo. This dream was realised, when he established Buddhist Ladies' College on the 20th of May, 1954. The first principal of the school was Mrs. Clara Motwani - a well-known American degree holder and educationist.

Having obtained the present premises and set up the school, the late Mr. Mohandas de Mel strived hard to achieve the high standards he wished to maintain. He placed all his financial resources for the benefit of the school. His honest, sincere, Buddhist ideals brought forth numerous well-wishers and friends who donated lavishly for the well-being of the physical part of the school. Very soon two hundred day-students and hundred boarders could be accommodated in the school. Hostel facilities were arranged in spacious bungalows for the students who travelled from a long distance.

Obviously such humanitarian and sincere ideals of a person, takes him towards colossal heights. As such, at the beginning, the late Mr. Mohandas de Mel gave his entire time and energy for dealing with the diverse aspects of administration of the school. In this effort, he was fully supported by his devoted wife, the late Mrs. Bernice de Mel.

As an educationist, the late Mr. de Mel firmly believed that wherever there was the ardent desire and genuine effort at studies, the student should be encouraged and supported even financially. Many a student who could not pay the school fees, was generously supported by the award of a scholarship.

Today, the noble work begun by the late Mohandas de Mel is carried on lovingly and efficiently by his four children - Mohan Lal de Mel, Janaka de Mel, Tamara de Mel, and Deepthi de Mel. While these loving sons and the daughter continue serving the school as the Board of Management, G. Y. K. Fernando, as the present principal, carries on the heavy task of administration.

Buddhist Ladies' College today, continues with the Sinhalese medium education from Grade one to the Advanced Level form.

There is the BLC International proceeding on from Grade one to the London OL conforming to the recent reforms in the field of education, there is the local English stream from Grade one to Grade three. In addition to the above, there is the nursery and the day care centre, where the very young are looked after, with loving care and gentleness.

At present, the college is manned by an efficient and hardworking staff. There has been a rapid development in all fields of education - academic studies, sports and aesthetics.

The school possesses several remarkable qualities, which help to attract the parent and the visitor. Situated in a very busy locality, the premises within, take you to a silent and sacred interior, where a genuine effort to grasp the fruits of education is pursued. The school has its own dignity and warmth, amply illustrated by a very efficient and hardworking secretary and staff, as well as a very capable minor staff. The sheer homely nature of this dignified institution, dedicated to the noble field of education is an attraction indeed.

Buddhist Ladies' College nurtures the traditions and values of an essentially Buddhist culture.

Meanwhile it is so inspiring to observe the Muslim and the Tamil students, working freely and amicably with the Sinhalese children. Even in the field of sports, the competition is very friendly and open.

In this, the late Mohandas de Mel's dream and ideal has been achieved.

May this noble son of Sri Lanka - the founder of Buddhist Ladies' College Mohandas de Mel and the late Bernice de Mel attain the glorious bliss of Nibbana.

- K. D. D. Wijesinghe, Rajagiriya

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