Annual Report 2025
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2025
Good evening and a warm welcome to all present this evening at our 2025 Prize Giving.
“Education is not the name of any degree or certificate that can be shown to others as proof.
But, education is the name of our attitude, behaviours, integrity and personality with others in real life”
Darshan Shety
It is a pleasure and privilege to have Ms. Kaniya Wignaraja here as our Chief Guest. Ms. Wignaraja is the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With over 30 years of experience in the United Nations, she has held senior leadership roles in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and at the United Nations in Geneva and New York.
Ms. Wignaraja’s principled leadership, deep knowledge, and extensive development expertise have established her as a key advocate for multilateral approaches to address today’s complex global and local challenges. A global speaker, advocate in extensive global issues from human rights, to sustainability, climate change, social protection, finance …… the gamut of areas handled and impacted by Ms. Wignaraja are endless and cannot be captured in a nutshell or done justice to.
Beyond all of this dear “Kanni”, we began a journey together here at Ladies’ College more than 56 years ago. You led our batch as our year’s Head Girl in 1982 before going on to earn your Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bryn Mawr College and Masters degree in Public Administration (Development Economics) from Princeton University USA. Little did we imagine whilst we were in school the journeys each of us would make and the amazing touchpoint of connection when you were the first to drop by school to see me on my first day as Principal on the 3rd of January 2022 and now together yet again at my last Prize Giving. Thank you Kanni for taking time off your busy schedule and for coming from overseas to grace us with your presence today.
MILESTONE YEAR – 125 LEGACY CELEBRATIONS – “The past propelling the future.”
What a momentous year 2025 has been for Ladies’ College. Our 125 celebrations kicked-off on Saturday the 1st of February 2025 at the Ladies’ College back garden with a historic centenary Netball Match with Girls High School Kandy (GHSK) for the Gwen Opie Memorial Challenge shield. The first ever Netball match played in Sri Lanka in 1925 between GHSK and LC was won by LC and it was a blessing for history to be repeated 100 years later with LC winning the match in 2025. Soon after, we started getting ready to celebrate our 125 Founders’ Day celebrations with the KG and Nursery on the 10th of February and the main school on the 11th. Cloth lanterns hand painted by each class (from 2+ years to 19 years) adorned the school driveways and the school was a buzz setting up for the many varied celebrations.
On the 11th of February, celebrations commenced with the 125 Founders’ Day service which was live-streamed around the world. Both Bishops (Colombo and Kurunegala) and clergy were in attendance and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Araliya Jayasundera, Principal of Trinity College Kandy. The special 125 Anthem ‘One Heart One Voice’ (composition and lyrics by two old girls) was sung in Chapel and the 125 coffee table book and stamp were also dedicated at the service. Thereafter, whilst the students proceeded to their classes for their class parties, the special invitees and staff proceeded to the Old Hall for brunch and the launching of the 125 coffee table Book ‘Through the Red Gates – 100 + 25’ and the 125 commemorative stamp. Each student and staff member received a photograph – the students with their class (in a special photo-frame capturing a touch of the lantern designs) whilst the invitees received a special lavender plant purchased to support a disabled young man. At the 125 school Assembly, Mrs. Wickremesinghe (former Principal) was felicitated for 50 years in Education and Dhammikka, our former Security Officer was felicitated for being an example of kindness, graciousness and humility – carrying what the true spirit of a LCite should be. The traditional Prefects vs. Teachers Netball match was won by the Teachers.
The School 125 Sports Meet was held on 14th February celebrating 100 years of Houses at LC. Three outstanding LC sports women, Nirmala Dissanayake, Tamara Dharmakeerthi Herath and Damayanthi Dharsha were the guests of honour. On the 17th of February, renowned old girl musicians presented a fundraising concert titled ‘LC Classics 125’. The OGA held their Founders’ Day service, brunch and a Sports Day on the 22nd and 23rd of February.
A series of beautiful 125 productions were showcased beginning with the 125 Tamil Dance Drama on the 29th of March titled ‘Pennmaiyai Pottruvom’ (in praise of womanhood). For the first time the history of Ladies’ College was captured in such a dance drama highlighting the concepts of compassion, independence, humility, courage and resilience of women. On the 3rd and 4th of April a 125 Water Ballet titled ‘Everland’ was presented by the LC swimmers, artistic swimmers and dancers. This was a scintillating and magical production of the story of Peter Pan with a special LC twist to the story. On the 29th and 30th of April, an inspiring Easter Cantata “The Splendour of Easter’ was presented in the School Chapel with 125 voices. On the 31st of May “Mihamba’ a Sinhala dance drama on the theme of the environment touching on the beauty of our LC space was presented artistically and creatively. The final 125 celebration production was ‘Music Fest ‘25’ from 17th to 20th September celebrating excerpts from much loved past LC Musicals. This mammoth fete with students from Grades 4 to 13 was a magnificent exposition of the legacy of music, dance and drama at LC over 125 years.
Two exciting PTA events also added much colour to the 125 celebrations. “Dream Lights Cxxv’ the first night lights & glow-in-the-dark parade in Sri Lanka which wove magically through the streets in a stream of lit up buses, floats and vehicles ending up back at school for an exciting carnival with drone shows and special fireworks. On the 29th of November a fun family fashion show ‘EcLectiCxxv’ on sustainable development was a unique and novel event enjoyed by the LC community.
Throughout the year Assemblies, projects, exhibitions, Chapel prayers etc. were all tied up to our LC theme of the ‘past propelling the future’ where we all truly got an opportunity to celebrate and experience our beautiful legacy of 125 years through many facets, aspects and LC lives. The Science Exhibition 12.5°C in particular featuring 12+ alumni who had made significant and outstanding contributions to varied areas of science were featured and presented excellently and creatively by the senior students. We thank God for His goodness and blessings manifold through a spectacular and beautiful year.
SOUND LEARNING – “Be real, be yourself, be unique, be true, be honest, be humble, be happy” – Unknown
NURSERY (2+ to 4+ years)
The students of the Nursery basing their themes on our 125 celebrations had their Activity Day themed “LC Magic’ which celebrated the beauty and diversity of our LC space. The theme for their Project Day was “LC Buildings” where our little learners learnt all about the wonderful buildings that are part of their second home. Their year end concert was a blend of these two themes, which transported us through our magical space with its beautiful fauna, flora and animals and through our beautiful heritage buildings. Our adorable youngsters took part in the 125 Founders Day program, Avurudu celebrations, Easter, Nativity and Harvest Festival services. Our Nursery students went on their class trip to GL Piyadasa Eco Friendly Birds Park.
KINDERGARTEN (Grades 1 – 3)
Our Kindergarten students had a packed year as always. Their annual Activity Day theme this year was “Past LC Musicals of Ladies’ College” with four Sri Lankan dance dramas and eight much loved children’s musicals done through the years. The KG Science Day was based on ‘LC at the Sciences’ featuring old girls who had made a significant contribution in various areas of the sciences. The students enjoyed their Sports Meet and Swimming Meet and Book Day on “LC authors, poets & journalists”.
The KG students had a special 125 Founders Day celebration, and Passover, Easter, Harvest and Nativity Services. Students went on educational trips to places of worship and the Planetarium and also had an enjoyable time on their class trip travelling to Water World (Grade 1), Munchee Biscuit Factory (Grade 2) and Kothmale Dairy/Cargills Ice cream Factory (Grade 3).
PRIMARY & MIDDLE SCHOOLS (Grades 4 – 9)
From this year, all subjects (except the Sinhala, Tamil, Hinduism and Carnatic Music) could be done in English from Grade 6 and Drama in English was introduced from Grades 6 to 9.
The Primary and Middle Schools 1st Term project was themed “LC Architecture & architecture around the world”. From researching and presenting our treasured LC buildings to iconic buildings and structures around the world, our students immersed themselves in a journey of discovery and creativity. The Primary Activity Day became part of ‘Music Fest ‘25’ which was a celebration of past LC Musicals. Middle School students also were part of this festival presenting excerpts from past LC. Musicals on the second day. Book Day was based on ‘LC authors, poets & journalists’ and the Science Corners in each classroom also had creative presentations of LC scientists.
Primary School continued to have their own General Knowledge Quiz and the readathon ‘Read for Sri Lanka’ continued into its second year for both Primary and Middle School students in September and October. Inter-active and game based Math Camps were also held for each grade from Grades 6 to 9.
Middle School students took Assembly on the following themes – Grade 7 – ‘LC Inter-House Puppet show’, Grade 8 – ‘Classical plays done at LC’ and Grade 9 – biographies of Ingram Shield winners. The Primary and Middle School students enjoyed going on their class trips to various parts of Sri Lanka (Matara, Galle, Kandy) and the latter also went on their outreach projects to help an elders home, a disadvantaged school and an environmentally challenged community plus held their Christmas bazaar to raise funds for our Support Staff.
Health Programmes for Primary and Middle School students were carried out by the School Health Department. Sessions on sex education, body safety and general counselling for students of grade 4-9 were held. Middle School students also had a session of healing through movement carried out by a resource person specialising in same,
It was with a deep sense of sorrow that we had to bid farewell to our Grade 6 student Ayathna Abeysundara when she passed away suddenly on the 9th of October.
UPPER SCHOOL (Grades 10-14)
Our Upper School students have continued to perform strongly at their public exams and we thank God for His never failing goodness. We are truly grateful to our dedicated staff who continue to ensure that our students are academically successful notwithstanding the demanding schedules juggled by our students.
- Examination Results
Local Advanced Level 23% 3As
Island rankings of 4th, 12th and 29th
District rankings of 2nd, 4th and 8th
British Advanced Level A2 Level 7% 3A*s and above
17% 2A*s and above
37% 4As and above
Edexcel Board – 3 High Achiever Awards
Cambridge Board – 1 Top in Sri Lankan Prize. & 3 HIgh Achiever Awards
Ordinary Level 27% over 8As (9As – 18% students & 8As – 9%. students)
- Assemblies – Student learning continued to be enriched with a varied range of school Assemblies such as : The English, Tamil and Sinhala Literary Societies on LC Alumni Authors, Poets and Journalists; Independence Day Assembly under the theme ‘One Nation, One Heart One Dream’ by the Grade 11s; LC Environmentalist with Asha De Vos as guest speaker – ENV Society; Evolution of money by the Commerce Society; Biographies of Ingram Shield Winners from 1938 – Grade 9; LC Composers – Music Circle; Classical plays at LC – Grade 8; LCites in the Sciences & Maths – Science & Maths Societies; Journeys of faith over 125 years – respective Religious Societies; LC Inter-House puppet show – Grade 7s; Snippets from the Archives – Heritage Club; LC through 125 windows and doors – Photographic Society.
- Inter-House competitions – Oratorical and solo singing competitions were held across all three languages. Inter-house English Debating, General Knowledge and IT Quizzes, Sinhala and Tamil choral singing and Inter-House English Drama (LC past Shakespeare wins) plus Inter-House sports competitions were successfully held.
- Co-curricular activities – All the Grades went on their annual educational class trips to different parts of the country. Learning beyond the classroom was further strengthened with students also venturing out and participating in field trips, seminars and competitions.
- Career Guidance – Students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from a range of international universities that visited Ladies’ College, The inhouse career guidance and Unifrog platforms continue to provide an active resource which helps our students effectively plan their future career (higher studies) paths. Our Career Guidance Counsellor, Taanya, continued to provide excellent and invaluable support and guidance to students and parents with their future plans. The Grade 12 Orientation Programme with motivational speakers, university visits etc. helped our students to transit strongly from O’ Levels to A’ Levels. Ms. Carolyn Tiller – Director Cambridge International (UK) visited Ladies’ College.
VARIED NATURAL LIFE
- Sports
LC being blessed with a beautiful space and facilities for its sports has continued to perform strongly in its 16 sports. We are grateful for our Sports Consultant, Ms. Dilko, coaches, trainers, sports coordinator and teachers-in-charge for the unwavering support and care they extend to our students.
- Archery : At the Open Archery Championship (Dec 2004), an archer was placed 3rd (Women’s under 18 – 30m recurve event) and another was placed 3rd (Women’s Novice Open 30m recurve event). Students were placed 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Open Women’s Novice 30m recurve event) at the 22nd National Archery Championship. In the team event the A & B teams were placed 1st & 3rd respectively. A student was ranked 2nd nationally (Women’s 50m Open Compound event).
- Athletics : The athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the Divisional Athletics Meet 2025, winning the championship title with 15 Gold, 10 Silver, and 22 Bronze medals and received trophies for U16 Best Athlete, Girls’ Relay Runners-up and Overall Runners-up. Continuing their winning streak at the Zonal Athletics Meet 2025, LC emerged champions once again with 9 Gold, 7 Silver, and 9 Bronze medals, earning titles as U12 overall joint champions, Overall Girls champions, and relay runners-up. A student was placed 2nd & 3rd in the Girls U20 shot put at the Western Province School Games and at the Junior Nationals Athletics Championship respectively. A student secured 3rd place in shot put at the Senior Tarbet Athletic Championship 2025.
- Artistic Swimming : A student was placed 1st in the youth solo category and another 2nd in the solo under 12 category at the National Age group Championship. Three students represented SL at the 19th Singapore Open Artistic Swimming Championship 2025 (private meet).
- Badminton : A student was the 2nd runner-up in the Girls U11 singles tournament at the Junior National Badminton Championship (Zonal Level).
- Basketball : The Under 17 team were crowned champions in the All Island Basketball Tournament (Div C) 2024 played this year and two students received individual awards for Best Offensive Player and Most Valuable Player. LC team also represented the school at an international tournament in Thailand (private meet).
- Chess : Three students were awarded board prizes at the All Island Chess Championship. Seven students achieved an international FIDE chess rating. A student represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Championship conducted by Asian Chess Federation hosted in Sri Lanka. A student (U-8) participated in the Open International Rated Women’s Chess Championship 2025 and was placed Equal First. Another student received merit awards at both the National Youth Chess Championship & the Cadet Rating Championship 2025 while a student was selected to the National Major Division Chess Championship 2025.
- Hockey : Colombo District Red Team, which included 3 LCItes were all island Champions in the SL Schools Inter-District Combined Schools Hockey Tournament 2025. Two others were also selected for the Colombo Blue Team. In addition, three students were selected to represent the Sri Lanka Junior Nationals Hockey Team (U 15/18) at the PESTA USM Hockey Tournament held in Malaysia where the U-18 team won the championship and one of our students was adjudged the ‘Best Goal Keeper’(private tournament). We were Joint Champions at the Ladies’ College vs Bishop’s College Hockey Encounter.
- Karate : A student won a bronze medal in Kumite at the Commonwealth Karate Championship in South Africa (2024). Two students represented Sri Lanka at an International Karate Tournament in Bangkok, winning silver and gold medals in the Kumite and Kata categories (private meet). The team emerged overall champions. 3 girls represented Sri Lanka in the 14 Silent Night Karate cup in Malaysia (private meet). Two of them were placed 1st and 3rd in Kumite and other 1st in the Kata category. A student was placed 2nd in the individual Kata category (Western Province).
- Netball : The under-16 netball team was placed 3rd in the Divisional Netball Tournament. U16 Team 3rd in Circuit tournament. Both Under 17 and over 17 teams won the Western Province League Championship.
- Rowing : – Ladies’ College rowers delivered strong performances at the 2025 National Indoor Rowing Championship with an overall 2nd place. They placed in multiple events across the Under 16 and Under 19 categories. They earned 2nd and 3rd places in the Fours, Pairs, and Scull events. Students also competed at the Colombo Rowing Open Regatta. Ladies’ College rowers emerged overall champions at the Annual Ranfer Sprints Regatta (private meet) winning the girl U16 and Women’s Open categories. Ladies College won the LC/MC Annual Regatta this year.
- Scrabble : 3 students won the Best Female Player Awards at the Junior National Scrabble Tournament in their respective categories. The Ladies’ College U12, U15, and U20 teams took part in the Western Regional Qualifiers of the Sri Lanka Schools Scrabble Championship 2025, Competing against many top regional schools, the U12 and U15 teams secured commendable 7th-place finishes, while the U20 team qualified for the finals securing 5th place. The U20 team faced strong national level competition and achieved an impressive 5th place overall at the finals which is a remarkable accomplishment. The Under 20 Scrabble Team emerged champions at the Lexis Inaugural Inter-School Scrabble Tournament held in Kandy (private tournament).
- Squash :Two students represented Sri Lanka at the 22nd Asian Junior Team Squash Championships 2025 held in Hong Kong and the Sri Lanka Girls Team was ranked 7th overall, and another student competed at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Championships in South Korea. We secured 3rd place in U9 category, 2nd in U11 category, 2nd & 3rd in U13 category, 2nd in U 17 category and 1st in U 19 category and one of the players also was awarded the Junior National Player of the year award for 2025 at the 36th National Squash Championship tournament.
Many students performed well to secure 3rd place in U14 category, 2nd in the U16 & U18 categories and 1st in the U18 category and the A team emerged 1st runner up at this tournament at the Sri Lanka Inter-Schools Squash Championship tournament 2025. Our students were also placed 1st in the U 18 & 20 novice categories and 3rd in U16 novice category at the Novices Squash Tournament. Students were placed at the Yeti Open Squash Championship 2025, with a senior student emerging as the runner-up in the Women’s Open event.
- Swimming : LC emerged champions at the National Age Group Relay Championship after 24 years. Three students were ranked among the top 25 in the Open Category, 2 students in the U15 category and LC was placed 2nd overall at the 88th Mount Lavinia 2M Sea Swim. LC was placed 2nd overall in the 49th National Age Group Aquatic Championship. LC won the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Championship for the 2nd year running, winning the Girls U20 Championship trophy and the Senior Overall Championship while setting a new meet record in the Girls U18 Medley relay. Swimmers were Champions (girls’ category) at the Western Province Swimming Championship. The seniors and juniors were placed second and third overall at the National & Junior National Long Course Swimming Championships.
LC was placed 2nd in the All Island School Games 2025.
- Table Tennis : The U12 ‘B’ Team was placed 3rd in ‘C’ Division at the Sri Lanka Schools Table Tennis Under 18/12 Teams Championship and the U20 Table Tennis team was placed 3rd at the Western Province School Games. U19/14 team was placed 2nd in the B division at the All Island Table Tennis Team Championship 2024 played in January 2025.
- Tennis : A student represented SL at the ITF Asia 14 and Under Development Tennis Championships 2025. Under 13 (Div 1) team runners-up, under 15 (Div 2) team – 2nd runner- up & under 19 (Div 1) – 2nd runner-up and under 19 (Div 2) runner- up at the Inter School Tennis tournament 2025. Our Under 12 (Div 2) and (Div 3) teams were crowned champions while the U18 (Div 2) team emerged 2nd runners-up at the Arjen Perera Memorial Trophy Tournament 2025 claiming overall Champions in the Division 2 Category.
- Water Polo : Both Junior and Senior players were champions at the RCUAC Water Polo Championship. Players also participated in a five-day high-altitude training camp held in Diyathalawa in April. 5 LC Water Polo players were selected to represent the Sri Lanka team at the bilateral series against India held in Sri Lanka. Ladies’ College won the National Water Polo Championship (Ellawala Challenge Trophy). In the National Age Group Championship under 19-2nd runner up, U 17- 1st runner up and under 15 – 2nd runner up. The team secured first place in the U 20 category at the National & Junior National Water Polo Championship 2024 played in December. 9 players were selected to the national pool to represent Sri Lanka at the 11th Asian Aquatic Championships held in Ahmedabad, India.
- Other Sports : Sailing :Two students represented Sri Lanka at the Optimist Asian and Oceanian Championship 2024 held in January 2025 in Hong Kong, China. One of the above also represented Sri Lanka at the Optimist Asian and Oceanian Championship 2025 in Oman. Students were also placed at the Sailing Nationals.
Wushu: A student was placed 1st in 3 events in the Girls U16 category at the Western Province School Games and at the National School Games and was awarded the overall U 16 Girls Equal Runner-up.
Weight Lifting : A student won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Senior, Junior & Youth Weightlifting Championship held in Ahmedabad, India. She also secured 1st place in the Youth Junior & Senior National Weight Lifting Championship 2024/25 in the U 17 (58kg category).
Diving : A student secured 1st place in both 1m & 3m Springboard Diving at the SLASU Age Group Diving Championship while the same students secured 1st in 1m and 2nd in 3m Springboard Diving at the 50th Sri Lanka Schools All Island Age Group Diving Championship. She also secured 1st place in group D – 1m Women at the 49th National Age Group Diving Championships. Another student secured 1st place in under 13 Women’s 1 m at the Intermediate Diving Championship. while she also secured 1st place in under 13 – 1 m diving at the SLASU Novices Diving Championship.
Shooting A student was 2nd Runner Up at the Sri Lanka Hand Gun Nationals (Level 111) competition.
- Extra-Curricular activities
Ladies’ College continues to offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs & societies which have not only enriched their learning experience but has helped build intrinsic skills and competencies in students from creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, confidence, empathy etc. We are happy to note the enthusiasm with which our students immerse themselves in these varied activities which have also contributed to them having strong personal statements to pursue their higher studies.
- Animal Welfare Society – Members volunteered at the Animal Welfare and Protection Association, ran an awareness campaign on animal adoption, and organized a successful collection drive to support local animal shelters. A Pet Day was organized.
- Commerce Society – The LC team secured 1st place in the Inter-School Commerce Quiz organized by Bishop’s College. A novel Commerce Day was held (5th June) with a visit to the Money Museum by all invited schools and LC participants with activities thereafter back at LC.
- Dance Troupe (Kandyan & Tamil) – Performed at several school events, including Founders’ Day, the Centenary Netball Match, the Sports Meet, OGA Day, and the Everland Water Ballet. Members of the Dance Troupe also performed in the 125 Sinhala Dance Drama ‘Mihamba’.
- Duke of Edinburgh Program – Two students completed the silver award and another two students completed the bronze award.
- English Debating Society – Achieved success in several national tournaments, including the Dr. N M Perera Debating Championship & Rev. Dr Stanley Abeysekera Debating Championship. The society hosted the Annual Lilian Nixon Debating tournament with the participation of 36 schools. One student was selected to the SL National Debate Team to represent Sri Lanka in Panama.
- English Literary Society – Hosted competitions and assemblies, participated in multiple inter-school events, and celebrated the publication of Red Letter Volume 12, Issue 1. A student was placed 2nd runner-up at the English Speaking Union Speech Competition. The students were placed in oratory and writing competitions organized by other institutions.
- Environmental Society – Conducted a clean-up initiative during the sports season and launched a plastic bottle collection campaign to support upcycling efforts. ENV Day was held on the 7th of June. A fundraising project was initiated on Elephant/Human conflict together with Royal College which is an ongoing programme. The society actively participated in environmental events organized by other schools.
- General Knowledge – The LC team participated in Season 5 of the Brain Busters TV quiz programme and emerged as episode winners.
- Guides – Guides joined the Rangers in participating in the Wesley College Bonfire in April. In September a service of thanksgiving was held in honor of past Principals, one of whom was a former guide. Some of them participated in the Bishop College’s Guides’ 104th anniversary celebrations held in October. We congratulate three Guides who were awarded the prestigious President’s Guide award. We also commend a Guide, who represented the 5th Colombo Guides at the Voice of the Future SLGGA “Media Stars 2025” event held on the 14th of August. They sought out every opportunity to serve and help anyone in need and raise funds by having food sales and even collected textbooks for a rural school. Annual Guides camp was held in December.
- Photographic Society – held a very successful Photographic Exhibition in October and an Inter School Photographic Competition in November. A field trip was organized to Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala in collaboration with the Animal Welfare & Environmental societies.
- Heritage Club – Researched past Principals, updated the club notice board, and began cataloguing historical school records for preservation. The Heritage Club also received a donation of invaluable acid free boxes to the LC Archives. The club collaborated with the Archives Committee of Royal College on a Podcast featuring the LC Principal, Vice Principal and the Committee members.
- Hewisi Band – Provided musical accompaniment at major school events, including Founders’ Day, the Centenary Netball Match, and the Sports Meet.
- ICT Society – Hosted ICT seminars in collaboration with Royal College and conducted the annual ICT Raid for middle school students. Winners of the “Genisis ‘25” quiz and presentation competition organized by St. Peters College. ICT students participated in a field visit to E-Wis Factory in Hambantota in November.
- Little Friends – The Little Friends of Pack B reached out to the Little Friends of The Deaf and Blind School providing each one with a new school bag. Thinking Day was celebrated with a Pow Wow on the history of Guiding and the theme of Respectful Friendship. Children’s Day was celebrated with a focus on the right guts of a child.
- Maths Society – A social service project was carried out in April with C/Kollupitiya Methodist Tamil Girls School, providing stationery to Grade 10 students. Students from Grade 6 upwards were encouraged to participate in the Mathematical Olympiad by the University of Colombo. A/Level students took part in the NVSBM Math Master All-Island Competition held at NSBM Green University.
- Model United Nations (MUN) – Participated in OGMUN and COMUN conferences, supported community outreach through the Tempotrek’24 project, and joined a mentorship initiative for underprivileged youth conducted by Child Action Lanka in partnership with Sri Lanka Model United Nations and Gateway College Colombo.
- Music Circle – Provided music for the Centenary Netball Match and raise funds for refurbishing the Music Room. Members of the Music Circle performed at the Easter Cantata ‘ Splendour of Easter’.
- Primary & Intermediate English Choir – Performed at Founders’ Day using sign language for the first time. They performed at the Easter Cantata and the Carol Service. They also performed at the concert ‘Songs we grew up with’ with the De Laneroll Brothers organized by the Former Teachers Association of Ladies’ College.
- Science Society – Hosted Parade of Planets, a special sky observation camp for Grade 9 and above to witness the planetary alignment. Members participated in inter-school science competitions, including the All Island Chemistry Olympiad. Students who completed a MAS-led STEM course conducted a STEM GiveBack Programme for Grades 10 and above. A student won a bronze medal at the All Island Junior Science Olympiad. LC was overall runners up at the Start up & Innovation All Island Competition organized by S. Thomas’ College. A Science Exhibition named “12.5OC” was held with outside schools participating.
- Senior English Choir – Performed at Founders’ Day celebrations held on 11th February 2025. Launched the 125th anniversary anthem One Heart, One Voice, composed by Divya Mohanraj with lyrics by Anushka Abhayaratne. The Senior Choir presented a beautiful Easter Cantata ‘Splendour of Easter’. The Senior Choir was also invited to sing at the De Laneroll Brothers concert “Reunited’ and at the concert ‘Songs we grew up with’ (organized by the Former Teachers Association of Ladies’ College.
- Sinhala Choir & Orchestra – Performed at the Sudasuna Easter programme on Rupavahini and featured in multiple school events, including Founders’ Day and inter-house competitions. They were part of the Inter-House Solo & Choral Singing competitions.
- Sinhala Debating and Oratorical Society – Conducted the Sinhala Inter-House Oratorical Competition and hosted the Inter School Debating Competition ‘Vaagavi”. Debaters participated in many debating/oratoral competitions organized by various other institutions and performed extremely well.
- Sinhala Literary Society – Held an assembly celebrating LC writers, contributed to the school magazine. Held Inter-School literary, debating, art and singing competitions, Sinhala Day (30th May) and public performance of ‘Mihamba’ Sinhala Dance Drama (31st May) for the 125 anniversary celebrations. Students performed at a Drama Competition organized by Royal College.
- Sri Lanka Unites Club – Contributed to the Independence Day celebration, attended an Inter-Faith Iftar, and organized a second-hand book and jewellery sale titled Thrift & Thrive. SLU Bazaar was held “Together for Tomorrow’. SLU Day (14th June). The club collaborated with the Red Cross Society of Royal College and organized an awareness programme on cycle safety named “Sunset Ride” and the proceeds collected were donated to the Apeksha (Cancer) Hospital.
- Student Exchanges – Continuing the student exchange programme into its 17th year, 5 students and a teacher visited Ladies’ College from the Gymnasium Isernhagen School in Germany and 5 Ladies’ College students in turn spent three weeks in Hannover. We are also happy to announce that two other student exchanges are scheduled to commence in the UK and to Japan in 2026.
- Tamil Choir – Participated in the Inter-School Tamil Day Competition in January and performed at various school events, including Founders’ Day and inter-house competitions. Presented an original song for the 125th anniversary production Penmaiyai Potruvom.
- Tamil Debating Society – Participated in multiple interschool debating tournaments. Team A reached the top 8 at Ashtavakram ’24, the All Island Inter-School Tamil Debating Competition organized by S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.
- Tamil Literary Society – Hosted the annual inter-school competition in January and Tamil Day in March. Students also organized the 125th anniversary production Penmaiyai Potruvom, which showcased themes of courage, kindness, and education. A student was placed 1st at the Provincial Solo Acting Competition and LC was placed 3rd at the All Island Drama Competition organized by Royal College.
- Tamil Orchestra – Performed in collaboration with the Tamil Choir at both invitational and public events, including the 125th anniversary celebration and the Tamil Dance Drama. They were placed 1st in the Inter School Tamil Orchestra Competition organized by S. Thomas’ College.
- Foreign representation and overseas travel
Debating – A student was selected to the National team to represent Sri Lanka at the World Schools Debating Championship held in Panama.
Sports – Students in Artistic Swimming, Karate, Squash, Sailing and Weightlifting represented Sri Lanka in International tournaments in various countries. Some were successful in securing placings in their events (details in the Sports Section above and in the Achievers pages). The Basketball team also represented the school at an International Tournament.
French – Ten students following French as a subject and the teacher in charge, Mrs. Shevanthi Samaraweera travelled to Mayo College, Ajmer in Rajasthan to participate in Francophone Competition 12th edition and their 150 year celebrations of the college.
History – The British A-Level History students have been invited to participate in the Anjali International Friendship Week Conference, which will be held in New Delhi, India, from 18 to 25 January 2026.
Career Guidance – Ms. Pravinda Anthony represented the school at the IC3 Empower program in Bangalore, India.
- Social Responsibility
Social responsibility is an integral aspect for our student life. They continued to reach out and help the forgotten in elders homes, disadvantaged schools, orphaned children, disabled and differently abled persons, children with terminal illnesses, young girls affected by period poverty etc. We continue to be heartened by the empathy shown by our students and willingness to think of those less fortunate than themselves.
- Achievers – Refer page 186. in the School Magazine.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
- Christian Activities :
Holy Communion Services were held on the first Monday of each month. Chapel prayers in 2025 reflected the 125th anniversary theme “The Past Propelling the Future” – with class groups focusing on women in the Bible, staff members reflecting on lines from the school hymn, 125 Anthem and mottos and others sharing the faith journeys of past Principals, Chaplains and old girls in ministry. Special blessings were conducted for Grade 1 students (by the Bishop of Colombo) and for students sitting the O-Level and British Advanced Level examinations. Services were held for Ash Wednesday and Passover. Rev. Sarah Hutton, an alumna based in the UK, led a service based on Joshua 1:9, emphasising that God journeys with us through life. The Junior SCM Days, Senior SCM Overnight Stay was held under the theme “Faith Can Move Mountains”, with SCM members from Bishop’s College also in attendance. CCYM members attended Chapel prayers in celebration of Youth Sunday and Flag Week. The SCM Outreach Programme included a visit to Hands of Hope. A Thanksgiving Memorial service was held for Mrs. Nalini MacIntyre, former Vice-Principal of Ladies’ College. KG and Nursery Easter services and Harvest Festivals were held. The beautiful Easter Cantata, ‘ Splendour of Easter’ was held on two evenings. The Bishop of Colombo presided at the Confirmation Service. Valedictory Service, Nativity Services (Nursery, KG and Primary) and the School Carol Service were held. SCM also hosted the first ever school’s Youth Alpha Conference ‘Gen Alpha) with 175 participants from national, private and international schools (from Jaffna, Colombo and Kandy). This event was the SCM’s SCM Day which was followed by their annual Camp titled ‘Revive’ in Horana – due to escalating costs this was the first time in 7 years that it was possible to hold the said Camp out of school (thanks to funds raised through the Memory Stones project). Prayer times and Bible studies were also held by the senior SCM students throughout the year.
- Buddhist Activities :
The Buddhist Society engaged in many outreach programmes including: Donated books to the school library; Donated educational materials to A. E. Gunasinghe Vidyalaya, Donated breakfast packets to cleaning staff around the school and our support staff. Held a Bodhi Pooja to bless students sitting for the O/Level examinations. Bakthi Gee recitals were held. They also visited the Haththikuchchi Viharaya in Kurunegala.
- Hindu Activities :
The Hindu Society held Navarathri celebrations and commenced the term with morning prayers led by committee members. Morning routines included the singing of the Pancha Puranam, an affirmation for positivity, Thiyanam, and the reading of a daily quote from the Thirukkural. Weekly activities involved teachers or students sharing stories or songs, and drama performances based on religious stories (Grades 5–13 participated).
- Islam Activities :
The Islamic Society held a special prayer to bless students sitting the O-Level examinations and hosted the Annual Ifthar Programme. A Mehendi workshop was held. A shawl was designed to be used during morning prayers in the 125 legacy milestone year. Dry rations were distributed to the underprivileged and religious institutes.
CELEBRATIONS
- 125th Founders’ Day
- Avurudu
- Children’s Day – A Wishing Well was placed for a second year running outside the Principal’s office and students were encouraged to drop off school supplies – which they did enthusiastically and generously. This was a special program titled ‘A child for a child’ where the contributions made by our students were immediately sorted and sent to orphanages and under-privileged schools.
STUDENT WELL BEING & HEALTH
- Counselling sessions and workshops were conducted across sections.
- Body safety awareness programmes are implemented for students.
- Healing through movement sessions for Middle School – Grades 7 to 9
- Session using Opera to talk about mental health – specifically the theme of bullying, consent and disability
- Medical Inspection and vaccinations (by the Ministry of Education) was conducted for certain grades.
STAFF
Staff Development sessions were held throughout the year as follows : a full-day staff training programme was held on exam paper setting; using AI, soft skills training; effective classroom Assessments; handling medical issues/emergencies, 5S organizational skills, wellbeing etc. Avurudhu celebrations for staff were held for the first time on the 25th of April. Staff spent an enjoyable day on their staff trip to Waaikal and their year end Christmas social. A Staff Satisfaction survey was also carried out for the first time by an outside resource company. The Staff Guild also gave staff members special 125 gift items.
IT & FACILITIES
- Ladies’ College was blessed with an opportunity to purchase an extent of land (after almost 90 years) adjacent to it.
- Completion of the KG block refurbishment.
- Ten new smartboards reinstalled.
- Restoration and repair of the Marshal & Rose Grand Piano (thanks to the funding and support of the old girls in the USA).
IN GRATITUDE
- PTA – Your support this year was nothing less than ‘remarkable’! We are truly grateful specially for the two humungous fundraising events you took on to raise funds for the new Sports fund that has been initiated by the School.
- OGA and old girls – Thank you for all that you all do to support the school. Your dedication to keep the ‘school spirit’ active amongst our alumni both here and overseas is much appreciated.
- Chaplain – Fr. Christie Joseph, as we bid farewell to you, we count ourselves blessed beyond measure to have had you as our shepherd over the last four years. Your guidance, integrity, sincerity and unstinted support for LC will always be remembered with gratitude and much love.
- Manager and Governing Body Member – Mrs Leonie Seneviratne and Mrs Anila Dias Bandaranaike, we acknowledge the support extended to the school.
- 2025 Head Girl & Prefects – Ms. Treasa Adams (our Head Girl – thank you for the courage with which you together with your team of Prefects excellently steered our student body through a busy milestone year. We applaud you for efficiently multi-tasking and juggling your many responsibilities and tasks.
- Staff – Academic staff thank you once again for ensuring that notwithstanding the challenging schedules of this milestone year, that our students stayed on task to successfully bring in excellent results at their public examinations. Non-academic staff, thank you for continuing to support all the operational aspects of our school life. Support staff thank you very much for unrelentingly and tirelessly giving of your best during this extra busy year.
- Heads & Deputies – The Core Team : You have continued to be the backbone of LC and we are beyond grateful for all that each of you shoulder and carry out. Stay strong as you forge forward.
- Vice-Principal – Dearest Ranmalee, it has been both a privilege and blessing to have had an opportunity to co-steer LC with you over the last four years. Your expertise, experience as an educator for 28 years, indomitable spirit, sincerity, integrity, wisdom, discernment ……… kindness and above all unshakeable faith have made this journey an incredible one. Thank you for all you are and have done for LC – you will be surely greatly missed by LC.
To all those who have continued to be my ‘rocks’ (family, dear friends and mentors) – thank you for unconditionally loving and supporting me. Simply know that I could not have done all that I did, been all that I could be if not for the role each of you played in this journey of 15 years. Thank you for continuously raising me up to be more than I could have ever been.
IN CONCLUSION
I leave you with some final words as you journey on –
“One who understands much displays a greater simplicity of character than one who understands little” Alexander Chase
An outstanding school does not have to overshare to show that it is relevant, nor does it have to expose all that it does to prove its worth, nor does the truth of its accolades and achievements need an audience …….. because when something is real it doesn’t have to be paraded – in fact it needs to be protected. Even though the vision of our school is fragile around small minded people we don’t have to allow outside noise to dilute its clarity. We keep building and evolving in silence, celebrating in private and living in a way that makes people wonder how we do it …. because above all we walk in faith which is not performative and it does not need to be seen by others to prove that it is real. The character of our school reveals our faith more than words ever could – for we have stood on it for 125 years in full knowledge that it is our victory.
Continue to carry the LC spirit of truth, humility, graciousness, sincerity ……. and so much more!
Thank you and God bless.
Deepika Dassenaike
Principal Ladies’ College
