Visakha Avurudu Pola 2013 to be held on grand scale

Kathya de Silva

Visakha Vidyalaya Aurudu Pola 2013 will be held at the school premises on March 30 from 9 am for the 27th consecutive year. It is organised by the school’s Old Girls’ Association (OGA).

The chief guest at the opening ceremony will be Chairperson of Jayaratne Florists, Chamari Jayaratne.

The ceremony will be attended by Visakha Vidyalaya Principal Sandamali Aviruppola (also the President of the OGA), OGA Honorary Joint Secretaries Renuka Dharmadasa (also the Avurudu Pola Committee Chairperson) and Darshi Neelawathura Bandara, Deputy Principals, past Principals, OGA members, other officials and students.

The Avurudu Pola which is a much looked forward event in the school calendar, offers a range of products and services for shopping enthusiasts right at the start of the avurudu season.

Over 135 stalls will be put up which include food, books, pottery, garments, sarees etc. In addition, a Horror House will also be located at the premises which will be a highlight of the fair.

Principal Aviruppola said the funds from the fair will be utilised for the school’s development activities especially to promote English education.

The Visakha Vidyalaya Avurudu Pola started in 1986 in a small way as a hobby for housewives to sell their products such as home made pickles and toffees.

Later, with the increasing enthusiasm, it has become a fully- fledged event patronised by leading industrialists of Sri Lanka.

Now, emerging entrepreneurs are able to carry out stalls in the premises to promote their goods, Avurudu Pola Chairperson Renuka Dharmadasa said.

This is also an opportunity for past pupils and students to reunite and network, sharing memories of their school days, she added.