Buddhist Ladies' College and B.L.C. International - Founder's Day
COMMEMORATION: Buddhist Ladies' College and B.L.C. International will
celebrate its Founder's Day today to commemorate its Founder late
Mohandas de Mel. He is recalled with much warmth and gratitude on this
day.
Mohandas de Mel was a great philanthropist, lawyer and educationist,
the Founder chairman hailed from a reputed Sinhala Buddhist family at
Avissawella.
His father, the late Harry de Mel who was a lawyer, founded the first
Buddhist school at Avissawella. Later he established the first Buddhist
English school.
Following the footsteps of an illustrious father, the late Mohandas
de Mel introduced the first Buddhist school for higher education in
English - Sitawaka Vidalaya in Avissawella. Later it was handed over to
the government in 1947.
He was very keen on setting up a Buddhist school with a Buddhist head
for girls in Colombo. This dream was realized when he established
Buddhist Ladies College, Colombo 7 on 20th of May 1954.
This unique institution became so popular that within two years there
were more than thousand students on roll, and three hostels at Turret
Road, - Calverly House, Maitland Crescent - Flower Road, and at Claessan
Place. Having obtained the present premises and setting up the school,
he dedicated his life and finances to achieve the high standards he
wished to maintain.
The first Principal of B.L.C. was the famous educationist Clara
Motwani well known degree holder an American Buddhist.
The energetic and devoted members of the staff who joined B.L.C. from
Musaeus College along with Mrs. Motwani in 1954 brought this great
school on par with other popular girls' schools in Colombo.
The founder's honest, sincere Buddhist ideals brought forth numerous
well-wishers and friends who encouraged him.
As an educationist, the late Mr. De Mel firmly believed that wherever
there was ardent desire and genuine effort at studies, the students
should be encouraged and supported even financially. Many a student was
helped generously by the award of a scholarship.
Today the noble work is carried on efficiently by his children
Mohanlal de Mel, Deepthi de Mel and Tamara de Mel. While they continue
serving the school as the Board of Management, Mrs. G.Y.K. Fernando as
the present Principal carries on the heavy task of administration with
the help of a dedicated staff.
We also remember with gratitude the late Janaka de Mel who was also
on the Board of Management, but passed away on 30th October 2005.
Buddhist Ladies College continues with the Sinhala medium education
from grade one to the Advanced Level classes and the English medium
classes. Buddhist Ladies' International section conducts classes from
Grade 4 up to London O/L.
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. Apart from academic activities our students have done
extremely well in all spheres.
They have won several gold, silver and bronze medals at National and
International levels in Sports, Singing and Oriental Dancing. Students
have won first places in Singing at district and provincial levels and
Dancing at international competitions.
The school has its own dignity and warmth amply illustrated by an
efficient and hardworking administrative staff as well as capable minor
staff. B.L.C. nurtures the traditions and values of an essentially
Buddhist culture.
Meanwhile it is so inspiring to observe the happy blend of different
religious ideology of each section. This school is a good example for
unity in diversity.
May the noble son of Sri Lanka the late Mohandas de Mel, Bernice de
Mel and Janaka de Mel attain the glorious bliss of Nibbana.
- Patricia Cooray, Member of the Tutorial Staff |
