St. Thomas’ Girls’ High School Matara revered

NOSTALGIA: St Thomas’ Girls’ High School was a well-known seat of learning unparalleled in Matara since its inception during the pre-Independence era.

Going back to the early days, this illustrious school enjoyed the reputation of a long-standing leading girls’ school and to this day it is hailed as one of the most efficient and popular schools in Matara.

Located between the Main Street and the Broadway Road adjoining the Boys’ School it was well acclaimed that a very high standard has always been maintained in making the most valuable contribution to education.

A few decades ago it was shifted to a place with serene surroundings at Walpola; which exists to date with its past fame and splendours.

My mind goes back to the flourishing glory when it was headed by late Mrs. Soma Samarasinghe, the very First Lady to get through her M.A. Examination in Sri Lanka, then Ceylon followed by Mrs. Wijeratna and late Mrs. Buddhapriya who laid the foundation for solid progress.

We acknowledge with deep gratitude their efforts to build up the school. We are certainly very proud to re-call the history of this prestigious institution which laid the foundation for us to be what we are today.

In the early days Senior Cambridge being the most recognised there were classes only up to that level and as A Level was non-existent, those who wished to go for higher studies joined schools in Colombo.

Thomians spread throughout the country whoever and wherever they are, should remember with overwhelming concern and gratitude their Alma Mater where the foundation for your torch of learning was laid to brighten your future.

The PPA Colombo branch did revere their Alma Mater recently. They got into high spirits, thrill and joy when they celebrated their annual get-together this time at No. 73, Havelock Road, the place being the residence of an old Thomian. They rejoiced the grand occasion amidst the very unfavourable weather prevalent at the time.

Later Mrs. Beril Abeynayaka, a veteran teacher of Maths who toiled hand to instil Maths into us, was remembered and honoured gratefully. The election of office-bearers was the next important event in the agenda done successfully.

They also discussed matters relating to the aid given to the Alma Mater, on numerous occasions, for development projects etc. They recalled the major task they undertook for tsunami visiting the school in an organised trip to Matara.

Among the many things the PPA offered was the opportunity given in the form of scholarship to the talented students who had proved their competency in keeping the school in high esteem initiated by late Professor Kusuma Gunawardena - a shining example of an intellectually gifted genius in the academic world.

I was privileged to spend a few hours with old Thomians much senior to us. They talked of old times of our Ama Mater. It was a pleasure to recall the past with Hazel a lucky mother.

Nellie and Mallika displayed their deep affection to school. They were a source of inspiration. Malini and Champa were there as the most faithful regular members. Ninel - a cheerful and soft spoken person, with her pleasant recollections kept us entertaining.

Zirka was the most active, busy engaged in entertaining everybody present. The absence if Shivarani and crowd the closest friend from school to university, who never fail to join us from Matara was strongly felt by us as they could not make it due to pouring rain.

Not finding Lakshmi, with her delightful humour of yesteryear was a bit of a disappointment. Padmini who was on a holiday in Sri Lanka promised in full smiles to host the next one at her residence - Thomians - be ready for the next.

- Rupa BANDUWRDENA