Annual Report 2023 | Ladies' College Colombo

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you for our 2023 Prize Giving. We are honoured to have with us our chief guests, Professors Nilanthi De Silva and Janaka De Silva, Clergy, Special Invitees, Members of the Governing Body, OGA and PTA, former Principals and Vice-Principals, our Manager, Vice-Principal, Sectional Heads and Deputies, Consultants, Staff, Donors, Students and Parents.

We are faced with an enigma this evening. It is simply not possible in a few minutes to explain to all of you this evening the outstanding contribution made by one individual as the:

1st woman Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya;

Senior Professor of Parasitology

Chair, Department of Parasitology

Over 100 publications she has;

Scholar she is;

Over 100 publications she has;

WHO Expert Advisor

Advisor to many International entities;

Dean Faculty of Medicine of Kelaniya;

MD Parasitology / Msc. Medical Parasitology / MBBS; and Head Girl of Ladies’ College

Well, I simply have to welcome Professor Nilanthi (Ellawala) De Silva as this exceptional person. Apart from all these outstanding accolades and accomplishments, she has consistently stood out from her days at LC as an LCite who carries the spirit of LC – of humility, integrity, ability to work well with people and living a life of service.

Professor De Silva (to some of us ‘dear Nilanthi’), we are truly grateful that you accepted our invitation to be our chief guest at our 2023 Prize Giving. As John F Kennedy put it – “I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution the alumni make to our national life.”

Looking at the snapshots of our school year – it has been a ‘normal year’ after 2018. Hence, we count ourselves truly blessed beyond measure. We start with history that was made this year (2023) –

We became the 1st Girls School to have a cycle parade before our Sports Encounters. This event titled ‘MuCycle’ was put together by out PTA which also entailed a musical fiesta and a funfair.
For the 1st time at LC, at the Sinhala Solo Singing Competition, 3 Tamil students were placed Hyshika Sarawanabavanandan and Nilaveli Sivanesarajah came 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Senior category and Minvili Sivanesarajah . came 1st in the Intermediate category.
The 1st women sailors to represent Sri Lanka at the World Sailing Championships (Talya Tranchel in the Youth category and Tarini De Silva in the Women’s category) were 2 young Lcites
An Altar Servers Guild was introduced for the first time at LC
Media Studies was introduced for the first time in Sri Lanka by Ladies’ College as a British Advanced Level subject for AS Level students – with Yeshiah Peiris being ranked 10th jointly in the world)

We look at our busy year through our celebrations and the ethos of ‘sound learning’, ‘varied natural life’ and ‘spiritual growth’

01 CELEBRATIONS

We celebrated our 123^rd Founders Day on the 10^th of February, 2023. The traditional Prefects vs. Teachers Netball match was won by the teachers. We were able to celebrate Avurudhu, Children’s Day, Sinhala Day and Tamil Day.

02 SOUND LEARNING

Successful learning is not what children achieve or the entering into elite universities or prestigious professions, but who they become – and how they treat others.

Our Nursery held Pet Land in the 1^st Term and thereafter working with their annual theme of ‘Amazing Sri Lanka’, the children enjoyed learning about places and different cultures and the concert held on the theme ‘My Sri Lanka’ was a wonderful experience for the kids. The new Nursery building was declared open on August 25 which consists of a hall/music room, library, classrooms and washrooms. The present Nursery building ‘Boxford’ was also refurbished.

KG activities were based on the theme ‘Paintings and their stories’ with their Activity Day performances and Exhibition. ‘Kite Tales’ was the Book Day theme and the KG Science Exhibition was about ‘Wetlands’. The students were also taken to Diyasuru wetland park and some students along with their parents thereafter participated in a wetland cleanup program. A new uniform (of red skorts and a white t-shirt) was introduced for Grades 1 and 2 students.

Both Primary and Middle Schools had their 1^st Term project on ‘Living Math’ and their Book Day on ‘Kite Tales’ where students excitedly learnt kite making from a young team who (travelled down to LC from Jaffna) had secured a placing at the Jaffna Kite Festival. The Primary unlocked stories from history and journeyed on an extraordinary voyage of learning and discovery when they staged ‘The Keymaster’ travelling back in time through exciting historical stories from around the world.

One day Math Camps were introduced for the first time in Middle School and it was both an enriching learning experience for both students and teachers. An ongoing education programme on ‘Body Safety’ was also introduced for Grades 6 and 7. An alternate education programme named “LC STARS” (Skills / Technology / Accademia / Responsibility) was put in place for Grades 6 and 7 students who opted to do some of their subjects in their school curriculum whilst experiencing practical learning and life skills.

A one-week Orientation Programme was held for Grade 12s. They attended a full day of outbound activity at KDU and visited a local university on one day. Soft skills classes were held. An internship programme was conducted for students (Grade 13). 3 students have submitted their log books for the bronze medal and 19 new students from Grade 12 signed up for the International Duke of Edinburgh Programme that was introduced last year. Silver Level was also introduced and 5 students signed up for this level. A successful 8-week soft skills programme was carried out for the Grade 14 students. Many foreign and local universities visited Ladies’ College and conducted student and parent awareness-building workshops. A meet-and-chat opportunity for students and parents was made available at the University Exhibition ‘Futuristic’ held at Ladies’ College. 42 Higher Education bodies/institutes and more (both local and foreign) participated in this event. Our BTEC (Hospitality) students as part of their course work held two events – ‘Aroma Lanka’ (Sri Lankan buffet) and a Fusion Food Fiesta. Ladies’ College is now a centre for SAT exams.

School assemblies were held on a range of themes – Literary assemblies on the theme of ‘LC Authors and Poets’, Religious Society assemblies on the theme of ‘Pride’ in the respective faiths, Sri Lankan women’s costumes, 100 years of Disney, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy etc. Foreign musicians from the U.S. also performed at an assembly and Mr. Erik Soleheim, career politician, diplomat, peace negotiator and presently the International Climate Advisor to Sri Lanka also addressed students at assembly.

Inter House competitions (Solo Singing, Sinhala and Tamil Drama, Oratorics, Debating, General Knowledge, Sports etc.) and other competitions (Art, Essay writing, Cartoon, Digital animation, Photography etc.) were held throughout the year.

We applaud our students for excelling in their academics whilst juggling numerous co-curricular and extracurricular activities, tournaments, competitions etc.

Academic Awards and Accolades

British Advanced Level

4A* – 5%
3 A* – 14%
Pass Rate – 98%
High Achievers 37%

World Prizes

Yenushka Dayaratne for Economics
Anagi Gunasekera for Business

Media was introduced as a subject for the 1^st time to the British AL curriculum last year. Yeshiah Peiris was ranked 10^th in the world.

Sri Lankan Prizes

Ayana Gunasekera – 1st in SL for Psychology

BTECH

Hospitality – 3D* – 25%
Hospitality – 2D* & D – 25%
Pass Rate – 100%
High Achievers – 50%

Local Advanced Level

3 As – 11%
2 As – 7%
Pass rate – 96%

Local Ordinary Level (2022)

9 As – 17% -15 students (91 students sat)
Eligible for A/Ls – 98%

Our sincere thanks to the tireless efforts of our academic and non-academic staff who supported and contributed in numerous ways to ensure that our students kept abreast of their academic curricular.

03 VARIED NATURAL LIFE

Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can

– The boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

3.1 SPORTS

SPORT

ACHIVEMENT

Archery
Placed 1st in the 30m Under 21 Team Event at the Open Archery Championship in 2022.
Artistic Swimming
Ranked 3rd at the Novices Aquatic Championships/ overall 3rd at the National Age Group Aquatic Championships
Athletics
Champions at the Zonal Athletic Meet/5th overall at the Western Province Athletic Meet
Badminton
U-17 team emerged ‘B’ division runners up at the Sri Lanka Schools Badminton Team Championship / 3rd (Bronze Star) in the ‘C’ division at the Sri Lanka Schools (U-13) Badminton Tournament/U-19 double 2nd runner up / U-19 (zonal) champions and double runner up.
Hockey
For the first time the Ladies’ College Hockey team was runners up at the Blue and Gold Hockey Sevens organized by Royal College. Around 90 schools participated in the tournament/ champions at the 17th Ladies’ College vs. Bishop’s College Hockey Encounter
Karate
1 Bronze and 2 Gold medals at the Sri Lanka Schools Junior Karate Championship (Western Province) / 2 Bronze medals at the Sri Lanka Schools Junior Karate Championship
Netball
Ladies’ College vs. Gateway College 1st Netball Encounter for the Nirmali Wickremesinghe Trophy.
Rowing
Joint champions – Flipper Trophy at the Junior Rowing Nationals/ champions at the Annual Ladies’ College vs Musaeus College Regatta.
Swimming
2nd at the 47th Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Championship. U-18s were champions & U-14 and the seniors were placed 2nd/ 3rd at the Relay Carnival / 2nd at the 47th National Age Group Aquatic Championship/ 4th at the Nationals & Junior Nationals /3rd at the All Island Age Group Championship & seniors were placed 2nd
Table Tennis
U- 19 ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams were placed 3rd at the All island Inter Schools Championship/ U-18 ‘B’ team-3rd (B div) & U-12 ‘C’ team – 3rd at the Inter School Team Championship/U-18 team 3rd at the Western Province School Games/ U-10 – 3rd at Inter Schools Championship.
Tennis
U-16 teams – 2nd in Division 2 and Division 3 respectively at the Arjen Perera Memorial All Island Tennis Tournament/ U-20 – 2nd place at the National School Games.
Water Polo
Ladies’ College team (Open) – 2nd & U-15 team 3rd at the Royal College Union Aquatic Club Challenge Shield/U-11 and 17 teams – champions & U-13 – 3rd at the National Age Group Championship /LC won the Ladies’ College vs Visakha Vidyalaya Water Polo Encounter/ Team was invited to take part in the 64th Milo-DSA-PRM Malaysia Open Water Polo Championships held in Kuala Lumpur.

We proudly announce that Ladies’ College won all three of its longstanding Encounters after 15 years (last won all three in 2008).

Archery

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Aanya Fernando Nanayakkara
Placed 2nd in the 30m Under 21 event at the All Island Archery Championship (Wayamba).
Aanya Fernando Nanayakkara, Rahmah Cader and Raaya Pathirana
Placed 1st in the 30m Under 21 Team Event at the Open Archery Championship in 2022.
Anargi De Silva, Raeha Varia and Thimanthi De Silva
Placed 3rd in the 30m Under 21 Team Event at the Open Archery Championship in 2022
Raeha Varia
Placed 2nd in the 30m Under 17 event at the Open Archery Championship in 2022. She was also placed 3rd at the All Island Archery Championship (Wayaba) in the 60m Cadet Girls’ Category.
Salma Irfan, Nethu Ranbandu and Prithika Manoharan
Placed 1st in the 18m, Under 12 category and third in the [18m] Open category at the Archery Championship in 2022. She Was placed 3rd in
Sheraya Peiris
Placed 1st in the 18m, Under 12 category and third in the [18m] Open category at the Archery Championship in 2022. She Was placed 3rd in the 18m Under 14 category at the All Island Archery Championship (Wayamba).

ARTISTIC SWIMMING

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Aheli Joseph
Placed 3rd in the Solo Under 12 category at the National Age Group Aquatic Championship.
Amara Watson Kittle
Placed 2nd in the Solo Under 12 category at the National Age Group Aquatic Championship.
Andrea Thirukumar and Ayla Watson Kittle
Placed 2nd in the Junior Duet at the National and Junior National Aquatic Championship and National Age Group Aquatic Championship.
Ayla Watson Kittle
Placed 2nd in the Solo category (Junior) at the National & Junior National Aquatic Championship.
Kavishi Semasinghe and Liyara Chandrasekara
Placed 2nd in the Senior Duet at the National Age Group Aquatic Championship
Nischka Nanayakara
Placed 1st in the Solo, 15-19 age group at the National Age Group Aquatic Championship.

ATHLETICS

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Hesara Rodrigo
Placed 2nd in long jump (under 18 age group) at the All-Island Athletic School Games 2023.
Kiyasha Kurukulasuriya
Placed 1st in the Under 20 Discus event at the Western Province – School Games.
Mckaella Karunaratne
Placed 3rd in the Under 14, 80m Hurdles event at the Western Province – School Games.
Mihaela Silva, Amaani lmran, Hesara Rodrigo, Sheraya Perera, Nicshka Nanayakkara
Placed 3rd at the Western Province – School Games in the Under 18, 4 x400m relay.
Minuli Weerasuriya
Placed 3rd in the Junior Tarbet High Jump Final (under 12).
Pranali Britto
Placed 1st at the Western Province – School Games in the Under 18 Put Shot event, placed 2nd at the Junior National Athletic Meet and All Island Schools Games, and 3rd at the Senior Tarbet Athletic Meet.
Soraya Gunaratne
Placed 2nd in the Long Jump and Triple Jump events at the Western Province – School Games, and 3rd in the Long Jump (Under 20) event at the All Island School Games.
Tahira Nazeem, Arielle Fernando, Ranulya Jayasundara, Mckaella Karunaratne, Arundhati Sinha and Shenella Karunathilake
Placed 3rd in the 4x100m relay at the Western Province – School Games.

CHESS

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Anaisha Choksy
The only LCite to be selected to participate in the All-Island Individual Chess Championship 2023.
Anaisha Choksy and Nilaavili Sivanesaraja
Awarded a Board Prize at the Western Province Schools Game in the under 20 and Under 17 category

HOCKEY

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Dehara Senaratne and Thimanya Ellepola
Members of the Sri Lanka Schools Team that emerged champions of the Under 21 Junior Nationals held in Kandy conducted by Sri Lanka Hockey Federation.

KARATE

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Adeleine Duckworth
Placed 1st in the Under 12 Age Group Kumite Category at the Sri Lanka Schools Western Province Junior Karate Championship 2023.
F.R. Jurampathy
Placed 2nd in Kata and Kumite at the Sri Lanka Schools Karate Championship 2022 and 3rd in Kata at the Western Province – Schools Games 2023.
Katia De Silva
Placed 2nd in Kumite at the Sri Lanka Schools Senior Karate Championship 2022.
Lagarya Babugi
Placed 3rd in the Under 12 Age Group Kata category at the Sri Lanka Schools Western Province Junior Karate Championship 2023.
Raeha Varia
Placed 3rd in Kumite at the National Karate Championship 2022.

ROWING

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Acacia Nanayakkara, Turanya Basnayake, Ananya Kirtisinghe, Sanindi De Silva and Tihana De Saram
Placed 2nd [in the Girl’s Under 15 age group] at the Sri Lanka Nationals Junior Rowing Championship.
Chiara Wijetilleke and Sayaka Gunasekara
Placed 1st in the Women’s Doubles Under 20 category at the Inter School Rowing Championship 2022.
Chiara Wijetilleke, Bimaya Raddalgoda, Mitali Wickramage and Sayaka Gunasekara
Placed 1st [in the Women’s Under 20 age group] at the Inter School Rowing Championship in 2022.
Hana Irfan, Acacia Nanayakkara, Kehansa Madugalle, Janumi Weragama and Jessica Sivapragasam
Placed 1st [in the Under 18 – Fours] at the Sri Lanka Nationals Junior Rowing Championship.
Hayaa Hassen and Letara Munipura
Placed 2nd [in the Women’s Under 20 age group]at the Sri Lanka Nationals Junior Rowing Championships.
Janumi Weragama and Anika Perera
Placed 2nd [in the Girl’s Under 16 age group] at the Inter School Rowing Championship in 2022.
Janumi Weragama and Sanindi De Silva
Placed 1st [in the Girl’s Under 16 age group] at the Sri Lanka Nationals Junior Rowing Championship 2023
Mitali Wickramage, Letara Munipura, Hayaa Hassen and Bimaya Raddalgdoda
Placed 2nd [in the Women’s Under 20] at the Sri Lanka Nationals Junior Rowing Championship.
Tihana De Saram and Turanya Basnayake
Placed 1st [in the Girl’s Under 20 age group] at the Sri Lanka Nationals Junior Rowing Championships.
Tihana De Saram, Turanya Basnayake, Sanindi De Silva, Ananya Kirtisinghe and Naduni Chandrasena
Placed 1st [Under 16 quad] and 2nd [Under 16 Fours] at the Inter-School Rowing Championship 2022

SQUASH

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Adhithi Gunasekera
Placed 1st in the Under 16 category at the Inter Schools Squash Tournament 2022. She represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Squash Team Championship in India and the 30th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship in Dalian, China 2023. At the Junior National Squash Championship 2023, she was placed second in the Individual Under 17 category. U-18 Champion at the Inter School Squash Tournament.
Adhithi Gunasekera, Nethmi Wickremesinghe, Shenaya Siriwardena, Avanti De Silva, and Mitali Dhanapala
Placed 3rd in the Under 18 Team event at the Inter Schools Squash Tournament in 2022.
Navya Ganegoda
Represented Sri Lanka at the 30th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship – Dalian, China in 2023.
Nethanya Wickremasinghe
Placed 2nd in the Under 11 age group at the 34th Junior National Squash Championship.
Nithi Wickremesinghe
Placed 1st in the Under 14 individual category at the Inter Schools Squash Tournament 2022. She represented Sri Lanka at the 30th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship in China in 2023 and she was also placed 1s tin the Under 15 individual event at the Junior National Squash Championship. She was recognized as the Most Promising Junior Girl Player of the year. U-16 Champion at the Inter School Squash Tournament.

SWIMMING

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Amaara Watson Kittle
Placed 2nd in 200m Breaststroke and third in 200m Individual Medley, 50m Breaststroke and 200m Breaststroke in the Under 13 age group at the National Age Group Swimming Championship 2023
Amiliza Silva
Placed 1st in the 50m Freestyle event and third in the 100m Freestyle event (Under 11 age group) at the National Age Group Swimming Championship 2023
Amiliza Silva, Miyasi Premarathne, Sanuri Vithanage and Yehara Jayasinghe
Placed 2nd in the 4x50m Freestyle relay (under 12)All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship and 3rd at the All Island Western Province – School Games
Andrea Thirukumar
Placed third in the 100m Backstroke Under 16 event at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022
Andrea Thirukumar, Denila Robin, Amershia De Silva, and Sartvi Arjuna
Placed 3rd in the National and Junior National Short course 2022.
Andrea Thirukumar, Denila Robin, Kashi Wigneshwaran and Shanessa Adams
Placed 3rd in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay at the National & Junior National Swimming Championship 2023.
Andrea Thirukumar, Denila Robin, Satvi Arjuna and Shanessa Adams
Placed 3rd in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay at the National & Junior National Short Course Swimming Championship 2022.
Aneeka Sumanatilleke
Placed 1st at the 200m Backstroke event in the Under 20 category at the 47th Annual Sri Lanka School All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship 2022. Aneeka emerged 1st in the 100m freestyle, 2nd in the 100m Backstroke and 200m Backstroke events in the Under 20 age group at the National School Games. She was placed 1st in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke events and 2nd in the 200m Backstroke event (Under 20 category) at the 2023 Western Province – School Games. She was also placed 3rd in the Under 20, 200m Freestyle event at the National Age Group Swimming Championship and at the Sri Lanka Schools 48th All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship she was placed 1st in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke events and placed 3rd at the 200m Backstroke in the Under 20 category.
Chrishael Robin
Placed 2nd in the Under 18, 200m Breaststroke event at the National School Games (2023), 3rd in the Under 18, 200m Breaststroke event at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship, and 2nd in the 200m Breaststroke Under 18 event at the National School Western Province Games 2023.
Denila Robin
Placed 1st in the 50m and 100m Butterfly event (Under 16) at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022. Swimming in the under 16 age group, she was placed 3rd in the 50m Butterfly at the National School Games and second in 50m Butterfly event at the Western Province – School Games. She was placed 2nd in the 50m and 100m Butterfly event (Under 15) at the National Age Group Swimming Championship 2023 and 2nd in the 50m Butterfly (Under16) at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship 2023. At the National & Junior National Swimming Championship 2023 she was placed 2nd in the 100m Butterfly and 3rd in the 50m Butterfly Under 15 category events.
Harshi Saparamadu
Placed 2nd in the Under 20, 50m and 100m Backstroke events and 3rd in the 200m Backstroke event at the 47th Annual Sri Lanka School All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022. Harshi was placed 3rd in the 50m, 100m and 200m Breast stroke at the National School Games. She was placed 2nd in the 50m and 100m Backstroke and placed 3rd in the 200m Backstroke (Under 20 category) at the Western Province – School Games 2023.
Karishma Hewavisenti
Placed 2nd in the 100m Breaststroke and 200m Breaststroke Girls Under 20 at the 47th Annual Sri Lanka School All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship 2022. She was placed 2nd in the 800m Freestyle and 200m Breaststroke in the Under 20 age group at the 48th Sri Lanka Schools All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship 2023. She was placed 1st in the 200m Breaststroke and second place in the 200m Individual Medley (Under 20 age group) at the National School Games. At the Western Province – School Games, in the Under 20 age group category, she was placed 1st in the 200m Individual Medley and 200m Breaststroke event, and second in the 100m Breaststroke event.
Karishma Hewavisenti, Aneeka Sumanatilleke, Harshi Saparamadu, and Nischka Nanayakkara
Placed 1st in the Freestyle and Medley (Under 20) relays at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022 and 3rd in the 4x100m Freestyle relay at the National & Junior National Swimming Championship 2023. The team was placed 2nd in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay and 3rd in the 4x100m Medley Relay at the 48th All Island Age Group Swimming Championship in 2023.
Karishma Hewavisenti, Aneeka Sumanatilleke, Kavishi Semasinghe and Harshi Saparamadu
Placed 2nd in the 4x50m freestyle relay at the National School Games (All-Island Swimming Championships – Under 20 age group); placed 3rd in the 4x50m medley/4x50m freestyle relay at the Western Province Swimming Championships (Under 20 age group); and was placed 2nd in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 48th All Island Age Group Swimming Championships (Under 20 age group) 2023.
Karishma Hewavisenti, Chrishael Robin, Tharuki Kalansooriya, and Nischka Nanayakkara
Placed 2nd in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay at the National & Junior National Swimming Championship 2023.
Nischka Nanayakkara
Placed 2nd in the 200m Individual Medley, 200m Backstroke and 400m Freestyle events in the Under 18 age group at the Sri Lanka School All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022. At the National School Games 2023 she was placed 2nd in the 50m Breastroke and 3rd in the 200m Individual Medley, Under 18 age group events. She was placed 2nd in the 50m Breaststroke and third in the 200m Individual Medley Under 18 events at the Western Province – School Games. At the 48th Sri Lanka School All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship 2023 she was placed 2nd in the 400m Freestyle Under 18 event.
Rosheena Dias, Anya Fernando, Amanda de Silva and Tehani Fernando
Placed 2nd in 4×100 meters Freestyle Relay (Under 20) at the 47th Annual Sri Lanka Schools All Island Age Group Aquatic Championships 2022.
Shanessa Adams, Amershia De Silva, Denila Robin and Andrea Thirukumar
Placed 1st in the 4x50m Medley Relay at the 47th National Age Group Swimming Championship in 2022. At the National & Junior National Swimming Championship in 2023 they were placed 1st in the 4x50m Medley Relay and second in the 4x100m Medley Relay.
Sithaarah Zuhair
Placed 3rd in the 100m Breaststroke (Under 18) at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022.
Sithaarah Zuhair, Nischka Nanayakkara, Tharuki Kalansooriya and Chrishael Robin
Placed 2nd in the 4x50m Medley Relay (Under18) at both the Western Province – School Games and National School Games 2023.
Tharuki Kalansooriya
Placed 3rd in the 50m Freestyle Under 16 event at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2022
Thurya Kotagama
Placed 3rd in the Under 18, 100m Butterfly event at the Western Province – School Games in 2022.
Treasa Adams
Placed 3rd in the 200m Backstroke Under 18 event at the Western Province – School Games. She was also placed 3rd in the 200m Backstroke (Under 18) event and 2nd in the 200m Individual Medley at the 48th All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship 2023.
Treasa Adams, Aneeka Sumanatilleke, Tharuki Kalansooriya and Harshi Saparamadu
Placed 3rd in the 4×100 m Freestyle Relay and 4x50m Freestyle Relay at the National & Junior National Short Course Swimming Championship 2022.
Treasa Adams, Nischka Nanayakkara, Tharuki Kalansooriya and Chrishael Robin
Placed 1st and 2nd in the under 18, 4x50m Freestyle Relay and and 4x50m Medley Relay, Western Province – School Games. The team was also placed 1st and 2nd in the 4x100m Freestyle and Medley Relays (Under 18) at the All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship in 2023.
Yehara Jayasinghe
Placed 3rd in the 50m Breaststroke, Under 12 event at the Western Province – School Games 2022.

TENNIS

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Anitra Dharmaratne
Ranked 5th in the Under 18 National SLTA category (as at 9th October 2023)
Nishka Vivekanandan, Thimanya Ellepola, Anitra Dharmarathne, Tharuni Samarakkody, Amaara Dissanayake, and Kiyasha Kurukulasuriya
The under 20 Tennis team emerged Runners Up at the All Island School Games Tennis Tournament
Tianna Rathnayaka, Nishka Vivekanandan, Dinara Welagedera, Anitra Dharmarathne, Bethany Lazaras, Tharuni Samarakkody, Thimanya Ellepola, Amaara Dissanayake, and Kiyasha Kurukulasuriya
The under 19 Tennis team emerged Runners Up at the Inter School Tennis Tournament.

WATER POLO

NAME

ACHIVEMENT

Anokhi Attygalle, Kiyara Bandara, Thivenya Goonesekara, Dhara Jayatilaka, Indigo Vedamanikkam, Kaily Bandarathilake, Vrai Iddamalgoda, Ananya Kalugampitiya, Onali Silva, Nulara Fernando, Sanuri Vithanage, Araliya Sirimanne and Dhaara Nanayakkara
The Under 11 Water Polo team emerged Champions at the National Age Group Water Polo Championship.
Shanessa Adams, Seneha Warnakulasooriya, Andrea Thirukumar, Amershia De Silva, Denila Robin, Sithaarah Zuhair, Meha Balendra, Treasa Adams, Rahell Dias, Chrishael Robin, Ayahna Amarasinghe and Tharuki Kalansooriya
Emerged Champions at the National Age Group Water Polo Championship in the Under 17 category.
Treasa Adams, Tharuki Kalasooriya, Aneeka Sumanatilleke, Karishma Hewavisenti, Chrishael Robin and Sithaarah Zuhair
Represented Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Water Polo Championship 2023 held in Hong Kong.
3.2 Overseas representation

REPRESENTATIVE

FOREIGN REPRESENTATION

Adithi Gunasekara
Represented SL at the 21st Junior Asian Squash Team Championship held in Chennai & at the 30th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship in China.
Chrishael Robin
Represented Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Water Polo Championship 2023 in Hong Kong. She Vice Captained the team.
Karishma Hewavisenti
Represented Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Water Polo Championship 2023 in Hong Kong.
Kyasha Samarakkody
2nd in the Optimist Class (U-15) and ILCA 4 class (U-19) in the National Sailing Competition/ Represented SL at the Asian & Oceanian Sailing (IODA) Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Kyoshi Samarakkody
Represented SL at the Asian & Oceanian Sailing (IODA) Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Navya Ganegoda
Represented Sri Lanka at the 30th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship in China.
Nethaya Wickramasinghe
Represented Sri Lanka at the 30th Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship in China.
Sithaarah Zuhair
Represented Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Water Polo Championship 2023 in Hong Kong.
Sohanya De Mel
Represented SL at the Asian & Oceanian Sailing (IODA) Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Taalya Tranchell
2nd in the Optimist Class (U-15) and ILCA 4 class (U-19) in the National Sailing Competition/ Taalya was the first woman to represent SL at the ILCA 4 World Youth Championship in Sailing in Greece and was placed 50th in the Silver Fleet / 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Sailing Competition (ILCA 4 Girls) in China and was placed 6th.
Tarini de Silva
Represented SL at the YAI Youth Multiclass Sailing Championship held in India and was placed 10th/ will represent SL at the Youth Sailing World Championships ILCA 6 in Brazil (Dec 8-16)
Tharuki Kalansooriya
Represented Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Water Polo Championship 2023 in Hong Kong.
Treasa Adams
Represented Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Water Polo Championship 2023 in Hong Kong.

The renowned Indian sports nutritionist, Ms. Rashmi Cherian, who visited Sri Lanka conducted a special programme for the students and parents of Grade 4 upwards on Nutrition for High Performance.

We are grateful to all our sports teachers, teachers-in-charge of various activities, coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, Support staff and all those who toiled and supported our students’ numerous activities and programmes.

3.3 Extra-Curricular activities
General Knowledge Team – Runners up at Brain-busters

English Choir

The renowned Indian sports nutritionist, Ms. Rashmi Cherian, who visited Sri Lanka conducted a special programme for the students and parents of Grade 4 upwards on Nutrition for High Performance.

Hewisi Band

Hewisi Band Concert “Ridma Gathika ’23” was held on the theme “Samsaara”. The students depicted different stages of life from birth to death in dance. LC Hewisi Band also played at other inter-school events.

Dance Troupe

Invited to perform at the 200 year celebrations of St John’s Jaffna.

Drama

Ladies’ College was placed 1^st at the Inter House Shakespeare Drama Competition after 9 years, Inter House English Drama Competition and a public performance of it was also held.

Little Friends, Girl Guides & Rangers

A Pop-up Bazaar/ A Campfire & Food Sale with international cuisine was organized to commemorate the “Thinking Day”/ “Flying up” Ceremony held in the back garden, where Little Friends graduate to Girl Guides.

Others

Naveeta Fernando of Grade 6 was awarded a “Silver Award “ this year at The Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023.

Sachini Yahampath and Shaza Shafraz were placed 3^rd at the Inter School Quiz Competition organized by the Royal Thai Embassy to raise awareness of ASEAN countries and their cultures.

Minara Nanayakkara of Grade 12 was placed 3rd at the Inter School French Spelling BEE Competition.

3.4 Clubs and Societies

Student Christian Movement

The Annual SCM Overnight Stay (Grade 8 upwards). Students from Bishop’s College and Methodist College participated/ Inter SCM Day was held with the students of Carey College and Methodist College/Annual SCM Camp was held on the theme “He Lives in You.” Dr Uditha Jayatunga addressed the Christian students of Grade 10 upwards on Intelligent Design as Proof of Creation

Buddhist Society

Society trip to Ratnapura / Members organized a Bodhi Pooja at Mettaramaya Temple, Bambalapitiya for the students of the batch of 2022 that is sitting for their O/L examinations this year/ A Bhakthi Gee Recital was held.

Hindu Society

Each grade displayed their teamwork through actively researching and performing untold religious stories as dramas during the prayer time/Students participated in the Inter School competitions organized by the Hindu Union of Royal College. They presented Navarathri at assembly.

Islam Society

Members participated in the Islamic Day Competition organized by the Wycherley International School/A guest speaker addressed the members on the topic ‘Muharram’/A Qaseeda competition was organized for junior, intermediate and senior categories.

Sinhala Literacy Society

Sinhala Day was held on the theme ‘Chalana Sithuwam’ (on Sinhala cinema)

Tamil Literary Society

Tamil Day was held on the theme ‘Panja Poothangal’ (the five elements of creation)

English Debating Society

LC emerged champions at the Debaters Council League Playoffs after competing at 16 tournaments/ ‘A’ team reached the semifinals at the Olcott’s Debating Championship organized by Dharmaraja College, Kandy/ Runners up at the Inter-school Debating tournament (by EU)

Sinhala Debating Society

Vagavi Sinhala Inter School Debating Competition/ ranked No: 4 in the super 16 for Sinhala debating

Heritage Club

The members successfully organized the “Amazing Race 23” in collaboration with the Histo-Archaeo Club of S. Thomas College Mt. Lavinia. 15 teams took part visiting many famous sites in Colombo along the route from Ladies’ College to S. Thomas College. The event was concluded with an Award Ceremony and a Fun Fair.

Environmental Society

Participated at the Tree Distribution Campaign organized by the Leo Club of Royal College. / students from Grade 9 upwards visited to the ZeroTrash Collection Center in Borelasgamuwa / Launching of the Butterfly Gardens and a vegetable garden behind the hostel.

ICT Society

Members of the ICT Society of S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia organized a social outreach programme, to improve computer literacy of less privileged students. This program consisted of a graphic designing workshop conducted by Mr. Shanaka de Silva/Members who organized an ICT Day titled “Technosphere ‘23” in collaboration with the ICT Club of S. Thomas College Mt. Lavinia. Many invited schools participated.

ICT Society

Math Society

Participated in the ‘Mathematics’ Competition organized by the Mathematics Society of Ananda College/ participated at the ‘ADEIRO’ – Mathematics Day organized by Ananda College at the BMICH in order to commemorate the World Mathematics Day/ volunteered at the World Autism Day Awareness Programme/Members presented “Artificial Intelligence in the field of Mathematics” at Assembly. A short film was created on the topic by Middle School.

Science Society

Science Day was held on the theme ‘The Code’ Middle School.

Sri Lanka Unites

“Hands of Hope” – members raised funds by creating a banner with hand imprints to commemorate Independence/ Two representatives of the club along with the Vice Principal Mrs. Balasooriya and Teacher in charge Mrs. Daluwatta attended the book launch and farewell of the SLU founder on March 30 / Members visited an orphanage in an estate in Mathugama and donated a television/Members conducted assembly. Guest speaker – Mr. Nissanka De Silva founder of the Zero Plastic Movement addressed the students on ‘Zero Plastic Concept”.

Model United Nations Club

BMICH/Colombo Operated Model United Nations (COMUN) at the Overseas School of Colombo/Women’s Day sale in school – sold stickers to empower girls.

Photography Club – Photography Exhibition

Art & Design – Art Exhibition

Music Circle

A Stationery Sale was carried out to raise funds for Music Day / Students of the Music Circle joined with the students offering French as a subject and held a program titled ‘Transcend – La fete de la musique’. This event combined different genres of music and French cuisine. The main aim of the event was to strengthen inter-school ties by uniting students through educational musical activities, performances and exploring French cuisine. Many schools participated.

3.5 LC Social Responsibility Projects

What do you want to be when you grow up?. “Kind” said the boy

– The boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

We cared for our environment – cleaning up plastics and working towards being a zero plastic school (ENV Society & Grade 9s) We cleaned up our environment –beach cleanups and wetland cleanups (ENV Society & Guides)
We cared for animals – volunteering at animal shelters and supporting to feed them (Animal Welfare)
We fed the hungry – children, support staff (Little Friends, Prefects and other student groups
We cared for the sick – volunteer work at Indira Cancer Trust (Grade 10s)
We cared for the orphans – spending time and giving assistance to an orphanage (SLU)
We cared for the disabled – spending time with them (SCM)
We walked for cancer – sports team members
We walked in support and thanks of the Estate Tamil community – sports team members
We supported the less fortunate – (Religious Societies and other student groups)
Visited and helped the elderly (Grade 7s)
Visited and supported an under-privileged school (Grade 8s & SL Unites)
Money was raised to support the Children’s Heart Hospital in Galle (Prefects, Grades 12s & 13s)
You visited and spent time with the bedridden and crippled (Grade 12s)
You helped the impoverished women affected by domestic violence & drug addiction (Grade 13s)
You created history by pledging against zero plastics when our special visitor Eric Solheim made a special visit to LC (Grade 9)
You helped a children’s home where their parents are in prison (Grade 11s)
You gave school books to poor children (Science & Religious Societies)
You gave a washing machine and assistance to the LRH Hear diseases ward (Hewisi Band)

3.6 Excursions

Class trips, Field trips, Staff trip
3 Guides, Hiranya Fernando, Imeshi Karunaratne, Thanushi Yasasi Kaluarachchi represented Sri Lanka at the 18th National Jamboree held in Rajasthan, India
The following students were selected to represent Sri Lanka at the 11th Asian Age Group Championships in the Philippines. Amara Watson Kittle, Ayla Watson Kittle, Andrea Thirukumar & Nischka Nanayakkara in Artistic Swimming / Anika Sumanatilleke & Denila Robin in Swimming / Sithara Zuhair, Chrishelle Robin, Tharuki Kalansooriya, Rahell Dias & Treasa Adams in Water Polo.

3.7 Student Exchange Programmes

Deaf & Blind School Exchange – Ten of our Grade 10 students were sent to the Blind School and 4 students from the Blind School were sent to Ladies’ College. They got themselves actively involved in the extra-curricular activities. Accommodation was provided to the 4 blind students in the Hostel.

Indo Lanka Exchange – In August this year a new Student exchange programme with the St. Mark’s School in Delhi was commenced. 10 students accompanied by the Vice Principal and a teacher travelled to India in August. Continuing the exchange programme 10 students accompanied by two teachers from the St. Mark’s School in Delhi visited Ladies’ College in October.

German Exchange (15 years) – The German Exchange Programme with the Isernhargen School in Hannover was resumed after a long break. The Principal was invited by the host school and she accompanied 5 students to Germany. The students and Principal from Germany will visit Sri Lanka in January 2024.

04 SPIRITUAL GROWTH

The spiritual growth of our children is an integral part of our life at LC. Morning worship in all four faiths was held and Communion Services were held each month and staff communion services were held at the beginning of each Term. Special services held this year: Blessing of the Grade 1 students, Founders Day Service, Passover Service (Main School / KG), Easter Service (KG and for the first time Nursery held its own Easter service), Harvest Festival, Confirmation service, Valedictory Service, respective Nativity services for Nursery, KG and Primary and the Carol Service. At a Communion Service on Children’s Day, 10 altar servers took their pledge.

Father Christie Joseph our Chaplain, is an active part of our LC life in every sense. Students and staff particularly enjoy his thought provoking messages in Chapel every Monday. We are truly blessed by his presence, guidance, care and support.

Buddhist, Hindu and Islam prayers were also held. Bakthi geetha programmes were held by the KG, Primary and the rest of the School. Navarathri and Iftar were also celebrated. Each of these societies carried out religious activities and outreach work.

05 PREMISES, BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Continued upgrading of our IT facilities was done with the replacing some smartboards with newer ones.
A new Nursery building was completed and Boxford (also part of the Nursery) was refurbished and upgraded.
Through fundraising carried out, celebrating 90 years of the Chapel, a new organ was purchased for the Chapel.
Hall upgrade and refurbishment project fundraising was commenced and work will commence soon.
‘LC magic’ – our beautiful premises were conscientiously maintained, kept beautiful and safe.

05 ONE FAMILY UNBROKEN

It is with much sadness that I record the loss of a dear student Janani Hettiarachchi (Grade 13) who passed away on August 21. Janani was the Deputy Band Leader and stood out for her faith. A service of Thanksgiving was held to celebrate her life in the Chapel on November 23, 2023.

To Our:

Chaplain, Manager & OGA Representative on the Board – Thank you for your contribution to LC.
Heads & Deputy Sectional Heads – You are the bedrock we stand on. We salute you for your amazing steadfastness, strength & wisdom
Consultants – We are indebted to each of you for your tireless efforts to keep us on task and on track.
Staff – You truly are our life changing, multi-tasking, miracle workers – Thank you for your dedication.
Support Staff – Our unsung heroes : Thank you for all you do to make our lives comfortable and enjoyable.
Prefects – You are our pride & joy. Thank you for your amazing spirit of leadership and service.
PTA – How can we say thanks for all the hard work, your enthusiasm, handling of matters with patience and integrity …. and so much more?
OGA – We are truly blessed and overwhelmed by your support – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Vice-Principal – Mrs. Ranmalee Balasooriya: Behind a great school is an awesome Vice-Principal. Thank you dear Ranmalee for being a woman who makes things better simply by being a tower of strength, by making a difference and making us smile, for your wit, wisdom, sincerity and courage.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all those who silently stood on the sidelines praying and upholding our journey in prayer this year, my mentors, dear friends who never faltered – each of you have just liked the importance of heartbeats ……. not been visible but silently been the wind beneath my wings. Thank you to my two angels without wings – your love and so much more has been a consistent support for making the impossible possible for me.

In conclusion, it is said that your education is seen in your behaviour. Hence, ensure that your behaviour consistently reflects your LC lifestyle of integrity, humility and service to others …… for this then is our victory even our faith.

Thank you and God bless,

Mrs. Deepika Dassenaike
Principal

5^th December, 2023