Deepika Dassenaike
Mrs. Deepika Dassenaike (nee Samarasinghe) a former student of Ladies' College succeeded Mrs. Eesha Speldewinde as Principal, and enriched the school through innovative academic, cultural, and spiritual initiatives, including the Math Lab, LC STAR programme, musical productions, and the 125th Anniversary celebrations. She led major infrastructure developments, strengthened community engagement, and introduced a dedicated Sports Awards Day. Her leadership also expanded spiritual life, student development, and career guidance. Overall, she leaves a lasting legacy of excellence, creativity, and service.
Principal Information
- Name:
- Deepika Dassenaike
- Term:
- 2022 - 2025
- Qualifications:
- LLB (Faculty of Law University of Colombo) Attorney-at-law (Sri Lanka) Masters in Comparative Jurisprudence (Law School, University of Texas at Austin, U.S.A.)
- Country:
- Sri Lanka
Mrs Dassenaike enriched the school’s educational and extracurricular experience through initiatives such as the establishment of the Math Lab, introduction of uniforms for Grades 1 and 2, and the creation of the LC STAR programme, fostering creativity, curiosity, and self-discovery. Her love for the performing arts was evident in musicals like Under the Sea and Bully, while her visionary leadership drove the planning of the year-long 125th Anniversary celebrations.
She oversaw significant infrastructural developments, including the refurbishment of the Nursery and Kindergarten, the restoration of the historic Mabel Simon Hall, and the first expansion of the College premises in 90 years with the acquisition of adjacent property. With the generous support of the OGA, the Chapel was further enhanced with a new organ, while the Grand Piano was lovingly restored to its former glory-enriching both the musical and spiritual life of the school.
Beyond facilities, she strengthened the College community by initiating staff incentive programmes, conducting satisfaction surveys, engaging in strategic planning, and fostering inclusive and compassionate leadership. In 2025, Mrs. Dassenaike introduced a dedicated Sports Awards Day following the Annual Prize Giving to celebrate outstanding sporting achievements, with all sports-related accolades that were traditionally presented at the Prizegiving now awarded at this new event.