Celebrating sixty Years of excellence

Devi Balika Vidyalaya:

Sadini UPEKHA

On the 15th of January 1953, a girls’ school was founded in Colombo 8 by Deshabandhu Dr Wimala de Silva. Sixty years have passed since then, and Devi Balika Vidyalaya, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year which has risen to become one of the leading girls’ schools in Sri Lanka.

“Just as the lotus, as our emblem indicates, is rooted in the silt of a bed of water, grows out of it and reaches towards the sun to open up to its fullest beauty, so may the girls of Devi Balika be rooted in their native soil, but reached out to the full height of Knowledge and Wisdom, and blossom in that glow.” - Dr Wimala de Silva

Just as a lotus, reaching for the sun in its prime, and maturing gracefully towards its later hours, Wimala de Silva makes us feel proud and thankful that a human being can grow to something better and higher with time rather than decaying or deteriorating. People of that quality are rare. They are the people who make this world beautiful.

Just as the lotus spoken of above, Wimala de Silva was a lady of immense calibre and a real role model; she was grace, virtue and wisdom personified and brought into one. As a true, excellent leader, de Silva was full of energy, creativity, resourcefulness and strength, with a strict yet reasonable policy of discipline – thus bringing to life the school motto Manasa Sanvutha Dheera : “Great are the ones who are disciplined in mind”.

A strong determination and a clear plan can do a great deal in the time space of sixty years. Devi Balika, which started with just a handful of students and teachers, certainly has done ‘a great deal’ and written a story of tremendous progress and phenomenal success in its pages of history; under a dedicated principal and a hardworking staff who guide the students of Mother Devi to a glowing future.

Breaking through barriers and leaping over hurdles which invariably crop up on the way; inspired by the vision of Wimala de Silva; spurred on by the dedication, commitment and perseverance of all in the school's large family, Devi Balika has climbed from strength to strength, step by step; not just fulfilling, but surpassing expectations. So many success stories have been told. So many Devians are out there, who have climbed their way up the ladder of success as illustrious citizens of Sri Lanka.

Within a comparatively short time, Devi Balika Vidyalaya has flown to the top position among girls’ schools, and is now renowned for educating generations and generations of students who walk out as educated, mature, patriotic and humane women, ready to serve the country.

Providing a friendly, harmonious and peaceful environment for students form all corners of Sri Lanka and of many cultural backgrounds to receive an excellent education both intellectual and social, Devi Balika has strived hard for both academic and extra-curricular excellence.

For several consecutive years, Devi Balika has been able to record the Best Overall Performance in both GCE A/L and O/L examinations. As well as maintaining high standards in education, Devians are always encouraged to take part in activities such as sports, performing arts and aesthetics, and discover and showcase their diverse talents in whatever they choose to participate.

This year we commemorated, with utmost joy and triumph, the 60th Founder's Day (or Anniversary) of our beloved Alma Mater, with no less than a week of celebration and honour, with all the honour and respect she deserves.

The Founder's Day plans include the release of a special commemorative stamp and first day cover on the 15th, and another Sanghagatha Dakshina for 60 venerable priests on the 16th and many more activities.

A special merchandise stall, a donation to the Maharagama Cancer Hospital Children's Ward, an exhibition and tete-a-tete with past Devians organized by the Past Pupils’ Association are also to be held on the 17th, 18th and 19th in view of the Founder's Day.

In passing a glorious milestone in the story of Devi Balika Vidyalaya, as Devians, we can look back and revel in the glory of our school, our Alma Mater.

We are proud of her place today among the best, while uniting and pledging to live as truly loving daughters of Mother Devi, so that our Alma Mater can be a shining light in the society.