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| Thursday, 20 May 2004 |
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Golden Jubilee celebration of Buddhist Ladies' College and BLC International Buddhist Ladies' College will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee today(20). This famous and unique institution which started on May 20, 1954 became so popular and fascinating that within two years there were more than one thousand students on roll, and three hostels, at the Turret Road Carlverly House, the Maitland Crescent, and at the Claessen Place. Mohandas de Mel, a great philanthropist and an Educationist, the Founder Chairman and the famous Educationist C. L. Motwani the first principal together developed the school. Their clear vision and unlimited energy added another Buddhist Girls' school in the heart of Colombo. The energetic and devoted members of staff who joined B.L.C. from Musaeus College along with Ms. Motwani in 1954, and hundreds of faithful students who came with them, brought this great school on par with other popular girls schools in Colombo. Classes from Nursery upto University entrance were conducted and many of our students have reached great heights in the field of education and the professions. Apart from school curricular activities, our students have done extremely well in sports too, specially in netball, swimming and athletics. They have won several gold, silver and bronze medals at National and International Levels, in athletics Netball and Gymnastics. Students who do Western Music have won first place in Singing at District and provincial levels. These competitions were conducted by the unit of Western Music of the Ministry of Education. Our primary students have won the national award in singing and our primary Percussion Band came second in the all island competition. Our students have produced hundred per cent results in dancing at every public examination. They participated in several television programmes. Principals who succeeded Ms Motwani too have done their part well to keep up the standard of the College. To name a few S. Panditha, Pujitha Gunawardena, K. Rajapakse, Wimala Jayaratne, W. Rodrigo, Eileen Siriwardena and J. Pinnagoda were able to carry on the task of enriching the teaching programme, with innovative methods. The present Board of Management pay unlimited attention and keen interest to develop the school further. The establishment of the International School in 1984 paved the way for students to sit for London Ordinary Level Examination. Our Home Science section where students were trained to sit for Lady Ervin examinations became a very popular from its inception. The present Principal, G.Y.K. Fernando who has vast experience in the field of education as a principal whole heartedly devotes her time and energy to develop the school academically and culturally. Together with a devoted and efficient staff, she sees, that strict discipline is maintained to mould young girls to face future challenges in life. The pre-poya religious programme is held every month to guide the students to understand the Dhamma and adjust their day to day life with a religious background. However Muslim students too study at Buddhist Ladies' College as members of one family helping each other at all times. It is indeed a symbol of unity and racial integration which is a prime need of the country. As education is not everything in a girl's life, social status leadership, patriotism punctuality and a sense of religious and cultural values are the remarkable qualities of Buddhist Ladies' College students - present and past. The past pupils who have joined B.L.C. tutorial staff work with enthusiasm with the other members and all of them try their best to bring this school to greater heights in the future with proper guidance and advice from the Board of Management and the principal. Buddhist Ladies' College commence its "Golden Jubilee Celebrations from May 20, 2003. All night Pirith Ceremony was held on May 18, 2004, followed by an alms giving on the 19th morning. The assembly to commemorate the Birthday of the College will be held on May 20 in the College Hall with the participation of Board of Management, past principals, teachers, students and other invitees. Garlanding the portrait of the Founder - the late Mohandas de Mel, lighting of 50 lamps, 50 balloons being set up in the air will be some of the highlights of this memorable day. After the assembly the Board of Management will host the invitees, all staff, and students to breakfast. May BLC continue to uphold its Motto 'utmost for the highest'. - Indra Gunasekara |
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