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College History...
Ladies College Colombo was founded as a self supporting institution in 1900 by Liiian Nixon from Ireland and Ms Elizabeth Whitney from Canada at the behest of the Church Missionary Society. The history of the school is woven round the seven principals of the college who were responsible for its founding, expansion and ethos. There is no doubt it was due to their Christian faith and commitment that Ladies College grew from a rented bungalow in Slave Island with two students to what it is today... Quoting Ladies' College 1900-2000
Several issues fascinated us. ……
How a Christian Missionary school like Ladies’ College, established in 1900 within a colonial ethos, adapted itself to the social, cultural, and economic changes that were ushered in with independence in 1947?
How did the school come to terms with the subsequent shifts in educational policy by successive governments especially during the second half of the last century?
How did the school cope with such dramatic changes and do so while still remaining geared to the national system of education?
How did Ladies’ College not only survive for a period of a hundred years, but grow from strength to strength?

Lilian Nixon BA Cert. Ed Principal (1900 - 1914). | At Ladies' College Cheltenham Lilian Nixon came under the influence of its famous Principal Dorothea Beale who brought to the realm of women’s education a vision and determination that had transformed it. Ms Nixon became a highly qualified woman both a graduate from Trinity College Dublin and trained teacher, which were assets in her plans for the future as a missionary to further women’s education.

Her intellectual strengths, impeccable qualifications and abilities were so impressive, that as a young woman of 26 she was selected by the Church Missionary Society to be the principal of a school for girls in a far flung colony of the British Empire – Ceylon. |
On her arrival in Colombo in 1899 she was bitterly disappointed that the school she expected was not in existence. She and Miss Whitney would have to found a self supporting school with no funds, no premises and little knowledge of the country. Ladies’ College and all that it stands for is proof of the faith and courage with which she coped with these obstacles and the quiet determination with which she set to perform an almost impossible task. Surmounting all these difficulties, with donations on personal request from well wishers abroad, she founded a school for girls in 1900 in a rented bungalow in Union Place, Slave Island. Despite starting off with just two students, with great vision and expectations for this school, she named it CMS Ladies’ College Colombo after her own school. The motto and crest (St Patrick’s shield of faith) she designed for the school was evidence of that faith.
Despite the early years of doubt and uncertainty the school grew slowly but steadily. A kindergarten one of the first in Asia was a part of the school from the earliest times. The children were therefore of different ages and in different stages of progress and the first teacher Ms Loos. was employed. Soon after the school was founded, she started a training class for her teachers. So distinctive was the nature of training given, that teachers from other schools soon began to attend these classes and the certificates granted at the end of the training course were recognized by the Government. Due to her flexibility and adaptability the numbers grew. She extended the curriculum to Cambridge Local Examinations and admitted boys as well as girls. By 1910 she had two hundred students with a separate boys’ department of 50 students in Darley Road. The premises were now inadequate and this meant that the school needed to move.
In 1909 she established an Old Girls Association (OGA) one of the first in the country. This proved to be a loyal group of old girls who helped her considerably in finding funds for the development of the school. They published a newsletter “The Leaflet” which also functioned as the school magazine.
Despite her financial difficulties, in 1910, she took the bold decision to purchase the premises “The Fernery” on Flower Road with a loan from Trinity College. The house was both unsuitable and inadequate for a school, but with hope and determination she set to work and new and suitable buildings were erected with donations. With the help of donations from Rev. C.L Burrrows the "old" school hall was built which provided six class rooms separated by folding doors. Part of this was used for Assembly each morning. A hall for drill was donated by Mrs. Heywood a friend in England. Mrs. Charles Pieris donated a class room for boys, but it came to be called the Cambridge Room as it was occupied by the fifth and sixth formers who were sitting the Senior Cambridge.
She resigned in 1914 due to ill health and a difference in opinion with the CMS regards becoming a “Grant In Aid school”. In the space of 14 years however she had laid the foundation on which Ladies’ College was able to prosper and flourish. She left behind her a school which not only boasted of high educational standards, but a school which was open to any girls who wished to study irrespective of their ethnic or religious background. Though Lilian Nixon was a devout Christian with a strong belief in the primacy of Christianity, she established a tradition of openness and religious and ethnic tolerance that has remained despite the changing pressures of the passing years.
Ms Elizabeth Whitney who had been appointed Principal of Chundikuli in 1909, returned to Ladies’ College in 1914 as Acting Principal till Ms Opie took office as Principal in 1917. - Excerpts from History of Ladies’ College 1900 -2000 and History of CMS Ladies’ College (1957)

| The period 1917 – 44 for Ladies College was marked with the stewardship of yet another great Principal, Ms Gwen Opie.
It was a period of enormous expansion both in terms of physical space and academic and extra-curricular activities.
“Ms Opie’s hardest task and major contribution lay in the manner in which she successfully guided the school through changes involved in becoming a “Grant-in-Aid” school, both conforming to the regulations of the Department of Education and helping to influence its policies. | In keeping with the tradition of involvement in the larger community which had been the founding principle of the school, Ms Opie played an increasingly important role serving on numerous committees in an age of governance by committees. Once Ladies College was fully established as a “Grant-in-Aid school” it was fast earning a reputation for its high quality, resulting in increasing numbers of pupils. State grants meant that the enormous financial burdens Lilian Nixon had faced were somewhat eased.”
Ms Opie decided to construct new buildings and expand the premises, but many of the projects were funded by donations from Ceylon and New Zealand. “If Lillian Nixon had the vision to acquire what had been then an idyllic tree filled property called the 'Fernery', Ms Opie had the acumen and practical ability to turn it into what can today be termed one of the most beautiful school premises in the country”
In 1919 the building for the Kindergarten with dormitories for the boarders on the upper floor and in 1921 the annex and domestic science room were added.
In 1923 Copelston Block was built to accommodate class rooms with the upper floor for boarders. Further extensions of a library, an art room, and quarters for the principal were added at a later date. The neighboring premises Hanover House was purchased in 1928 and used as class rooms till it was demolished to give way to the building of the Chapel of the Hope of the World which was funded entirely by gifts.
The Boxford building was purchased in 1934 and Gaster House was built in the garden of Boxford in 1939 to accommodate 75 boarders and release the other buildings for classrooms.
In 1925 the school uniform was introduced with its distinctive square neck line designed by Ms Tatham. At the same time she encouraged extra-curricular activities which included sports (two tennis courts and two netball courts) and a house system. The Parent - Teacher Association was formed in 1932. The formation of the Tamil Manavar Sangam (1932) and the Bhashika Sangamaya (1934) gave a new impetus to oriental drama, music, dancing and literature both Tamil and Sinhalese. Guiding was also introduced.
In 1942 the school which was occupied by the army was re-sited in Bishops College and the hostellers were sent to Kandy. The disruptions and the tensions of the time and travelling to Kandy to supervise the “other half” of the school took its toll on Ms Opie’s health. She died in January 1944 of heart failure and was buried in the Kanatte cemetery.
Ms Rita Opie Vice Principal was appointed Acting Principal till Ms Simon took office as Principal in 1946. - Excerpts from History of Ladies’ College 1900 -2000 and History of CMS Ladies’ College (1957)

Mabel Simon BA Cert Ed Principal (1946 - 1963). | Mabel E Simon took over as Principal in 1946 and had the arduous task of running a “private” school, the needs of which at times ran counter to the wider requirements of the national educational policies. It was a difficult to maintain a balance of interests. In 1945 there was a proposal to abolish tuition fees in all state aided denominational schools. The state was to bear the cost of running the schools, but would determine their facilities in terms of teachers and equipment. “For Ladies’ College whose superior quality arose from the high teacher-student ratio, the wide choice of subjects right up to the Senior Certificate class, and the various types of specialized teaching” such governmental restrictions in the number and choice of teachers or the courses taught could be stultifying… For a school like Ladies’ College which had been a pioneer in the training of primary and secondary school teachers and now stood so near the apex of the educational pyramid in Ceylon and had produced some of its most educated citizens, it was obvious that a policy of standardization could so easily result in an impoverishment of their education generally.” |
During the controversy Ms Simon was convinced that the only sound educational policy was for the school to become independent. A dedicated successor to Ms Nixon, she chose the harder financial burden over the restrictions and control of the Government scheme. In this way the Christian purpose namely a high standard of education for women for which the College had been founded would best be fulfilled. With the support of the CMS Governing body and in association with a number of other leading schools in the island the decision was taken. “The efforts to mitigate the evils of division inherent in teaching in three languages in a multi racial school, have proved effective. The fellowship engendered in Ladies’ College remained unbroken. During the many ethnic riots only friendliness, co-operation and helpfulness were shown among pupils, staff and servants. We remained “one family unbroken”.
In line with her views on a liberal humanistic education Ms Simon insisted that science students must be given a good general education. How far-seeing such an attitude was, in a world of increasing pressure for narrow specialization is seen in the products of that era, for students straddled more than one discipline and excelled in all of them. She had an unerring eye to spot potential not necessarily in the usual “good student”, but in many who were not top of the class. She was quick to see possibilities, encouraged and fostered talents and gave them direction and openings. Always supportive of the unusual, differently gifted, or not academically oriented student, Ms Simon pushed to set up pre-vocational guidance services that would lead on to vocational guidance and help such students follow new paths and find new careers in years to come. Her constant attempts to keep Ladies’ College though a private institution within the rubric of the nation’s educational system is seen in her vision for the school not just as an oasis of ethnic harmony but as part of the larger society.
“She went forward on three main lines. Organizing the work of the sixth forms for the University entrance examination, developing the non academic streams and building up a three language Primary School into an efficient whole. She saw the two-fold task of the school to be firstly that of helping the young to grow into their adult roles and secondly to pass on the standards of behavior and discipline and the culture and traditions of the nation. In a year of ethnic tensions Ms Simon stressed the development of a sense of community, a social conscience, and a desire for social justice, lessons well learned and very necessary in the years to come.”
In 1950 Ladies’ College celebrated its 50th Anniversary which included a school thanksgiving service, dedication of two tablets in the chapel by the Bishop, one for the founders and one for Ms Opie. The Opie Memorial laboratories were opened by the Governor General followed by a Garden Party with drill displays, a march past and a ballet of the Sleeping Beauty.
Ms Simon’s vision surfaced again in her decision to create a modern pre-school and childcare centre in 1954. She hired a trained teacher and designed a room with modern furniture and specially imported child sized toilets. She set up a training school for teachers not only for the school, but as she said "to be of service outside Ladies’ College. I hope that the ideas of child development and welfare which underline this venture will gradually find their way into the work done for young children in Ceylon.”
Despite the absence of governmental support Ms Simon continued to expand by building class rooms, Dibben block (named after Rev. Dibben) for the middle school in 1958, alterations to Copelston Block and the Kindergarten and the Nixon Library and Administrative block in1952. The new Assembly hall was built in 1955 which was renamed Mabel Simon Hall in her memory in October 2007. - Excerpts from History of Ladies’ College 1900 -2000 and History of CMS Ladies’ College (1957)

Olive Hitchcock MA Dip Ed. Principal 1966-1968. | Olive Hitchcock was first appointed acting Principal in 1964 on the retirement of Ms Simon and then appointed Principal in 1966. Ms Hitchcock joined the staff of Ladies’ College in 1946 as a teacher and Ms Simon’s trusted and able advisor. In her unobtrusive manner she was more than responsible for maintaining the fine balance required in those difficult years. Together they worked out solutions to the numerous problems of organization necessitated by the educational policy shifts of successive Governments. During this time she wrote a very detailed and informative account of Ladies’ College - Haec Victoria Nostra Fides - covering the period 1900 to 1955 which has been of great value to Ladies’ College. |
“Ms Hitchock’s period as Principal (because it was relatively short) is often seen as a period of transition – a space between - but filled so competently and effectively as to be noticed only as continuity not a space. With unassuming efficiency she carried the school through the years immediately after Ms Simon’s departure setting the groundwork and the foundation for the new Principal to be appointed. On taking up the acting Principalship in 1966 her sensitivity to the changes taking place in the wider society are reflected in the unobtrusive manner in which she introduced a greater degree of cultural openness than in the Simon era and in her willingness to move in the direction of indigenization. It was a subtle shift away from the colonial ethos.
In her quiet way she headed the direction of greater involvement with national concerns, a move which her successor Mrs Gunawardana developed further. She not only handed over an efficiently organized school to her successor, but had also laid the groundwork that enabled Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardana, as the first Sri Lankan head of the school to further actively integrate the school into the larger social and cultural life of the country”. - Excerpts from History of Ladies’ College 1900 -2000 and History of CMS Ladies’ College (1957)

Sirancee Gunawardana BA Principal 1968-1998 | When Mrs Sirancee Gunawardana a second generation old girl was appointed Principal in 1968 – a new era began – the era of Sri Lankan Old Girl Principals. Though she had been Vice Principal from 1963, the prospect of taking over the principalship must have been a daunting prospect. However simplicity and service were the keynotes of her life.

The decade that followed Mrs. Gunawardana’s appointment as Principal saw a further change of course in the country, to a policy of increasing State control. It was followed eight years later by an about turn to a liberalized economy that encouraged private enterprise. | Despite the radically different stance that each government adopted, both continued to focus on the provision of education to the less privileged on an island wide scale. In a period when legislation was increasing the power of the Government, it appears that at Ladies’ College the democratic processes were consciously continued and even strengthened. “Our school is a natural place for thinking anew and we owe it to our country to make a determined effort. If we gave of our ability to create a new order, Ladies' College would have played its part in the building of Sri Lanka”. - Principal's Report 1972
As the first Sri Lankan Principal she was always conscious of the need to integrate the school into the larger social and cultural life of the country. Hence the 75th anniversary after the service of thanksgiving was heralded with oriental splendor. A perahara with hundreds of students participating, the lighting of the 75 oil lamps at assembly and the spectacular fire drill in the evening. in 1975 she took the initiative to diversify the education that Ladies' College had hitherto not provided. The Department of Vocational Studies was built in 1982 which even today caters to the national need for technically and vocationally trained personnel.
The bomb blast in 1991 was a catastrophe of great magnitude as it resulted in damage to many buildings especially the chapel and nursery. With courage and “empowered and protected by the love of God and God alone” she ensured that in record time normalcy returned and the catastrophe was put behind us. In 1993 the swimming pool (the only girls’ school in Colombo to have a pool at that time) was built. She introduced IT and the London A level classes long before any other schools had even thought of it. A multi media centre was incorporated in the Gunawardana block which was built in 1995 and named after her in 1998.
She was conscious that money should not be spent in a lavishly and set an example by organizing any event in a simple dignified manner. She saved money for the school and it was due to her thrift and foresight that it was possible to re-build Willis Hall (when its roof collapsed) as a three storey block of classrooms in 2004, and the cafeteria building with more classrooms in 2006. - Excerpts from History of Ladies’ College 1900 -2000

Sriyani Miththapala PhD Principal 1998 -2003 | In 1998 Dr Sriyani Miththapala was appointed to succeed Mrs Gunawardana. A former head prefect of the school, Dr. Miththapala ‘s roots were at Ladies' College, and she could be expected to carry within her those traditions and values imbued in every student who passed its portals, more so a former head girl.
In the year 2000 Ladies' College celebrated its centenary year with many activities such as lectures, seminars , matches etc. through the year which culminated in the week of Anniversary celebrations. “One factor highlighted in these accounts was the meticulous organization evident in the various activities that took place within one week.” |
The entire school was at the General Assembly held in the back garden with bands playing and the school flag carried by the head Prefect. Felicitations and presentations made to long serving members of the staff with a special award for Mrs Gunawardana for a “ life time of service”. A cake large enough to serve the entire school was donated by a parent. Mrs Gunawardana’s photograph was unveiled in the school Hall and a centenary stamp was issued.
The Old Girls Association dinner and the centenary banquet hosted by the school for special invitees were the more formal events that were held.
During this period the country was in the process of education reform. The main focus of the reforms was a paradigm shift from Teacher Centred Education to Child Centred Education. Dr Miththapala committed herself whole heartedly to this end. "Hands on learning" was encouraged particularly in the Primary School. Projects such as “Animated waxworks”, “UN Day” and “Rumble in the Jungle” were the highlights of her tenure. An interesting production of “Midsummer Night's Dream” under the Twin Trees in the Back Garden was a very original idea, and appreciated by all. Thus her vision incorporated her beliefs that “learning must be experimental, each child must be recognized as unique, learning must be integrated and must be an enjoyable process for the child”
In 2001 when the Education Ministry gave its approval to teach some subjects in English, Dr Miththapala’s administration successfully adopted the policy despite logistical difficulties.
She resigned in 2003 due to ill health.

Nirmali Wickremesinghe BSc Principal 2003 – to date | A wealth of experience which enriched her vision of education gathered both in government schools and abroad has helped Nirmali Wickremesinghe to make a notable contribution towards the all round development of the school. She faced many difficulties, particularly at the beginning of her tenure as principal, due to changes in educational policy at a national level. Overcoming these initial problems, she has been able to harness the active engagement not only of the students and teachers but also of parents and old girls in the activities of the school. |
She firmly believes in a multicultural education, tolerance of others’ thoughts, culture, religion and language which has always been the ethos of Ladies’ College and continues to emphasize and actively encourage this liberal and open environment. It is her view that a Ladies’ College student should not only excel academically but should also participate in other spheres of school life which would develop her personality and talents.
During her years as principal of Ladies’ College, the school has produced excellent theatre productions in all three languages. These includes the particularly memorable “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in English, an outstanding dance drama “Draupadi Sabatham”, in Tamil and an enjoyable Street Theatre in Sinhalese.
Students have travelled abroad to take part in international competitions and exchange programmes which has widened their horizons considerably.
Her success as Principal has been largely due to her accessibility and willingness to listen to students teachers, and parents and find solutions to their problems.
IT facilities were introduced for teachers to make the classroom experience more interesting for the students. She also introduced many annual events, as diverse as sports encounters, such as water polo with Visakha Vidyalaya, hockey with Bishops College, the regatta with Museaus College, the Lilian Nixon Interschool Debating Competition, Serendipity, Sinhala Day and Tamil Day. A thematic Wednesday was introduced which exhibited a high degree of student participation. Religious societies in the school also make presentations, fostering a better understanding of each other’s religions.
She has encouraged the active involvement of students in a variety of social service projects with a view to developing the social consciousness of the students which would enable them to gain an awareness of the needs of those less privileged than they, in the wider community outside the world of the school.
Ladies’ College students have excelled in sports, which has always been an integral part of the school’s activities, at both national and international levels. During her tenure as Principal the standard of sports has improved greatly due to improved facilities. The ambitious building project envisaged for the future – the new sports complex to house the badminton, squash courts and gym - will, when accomplished, complete the school’s requirements. The LC Walk was organized to help to fund the Sports Complex.
The building programme has been enlarged to meet the constantly growing needs of the school. The old Willis Hall is now a three storey block of classrooms for the Primary School; the new block of classrooms for the London A Levels includes a large cafeteria and rooms for an office, and an infirmary downstairs. The new building which houses the college archives also accommodates the junior library, the bookshop and the table tennis room. Several buildings were refurbished: the Hall, Green Room, the Hostel, the Day Care Centre and the Domestic Science rooms. During this time the Boxford Building was renovated and transformed to a child friendly Nursery. To encourage thrift among the students a Savings Bank was opened.
Nirmali Wickremesinghe’s distinctive contribution to Ladies’ College has been the innovative ideas and inspiration she conveys to her staff and students, equipping them with a sense of confidence while instilling qualities of leadership and stimulating freedom of thought in the school.

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1917 - 1950 1952 - 1967 1968 - 1975 1976 - 1980 1981 - 1984 1985 - 1989 1990 - 1993 1994 - 1997 1998 - 2003 2003 - 2005 2005 - 2007 2007 - 2008 2009 2010

1917 - 1950
From 1917 for reasons unknown the Principal of the School automatically became President of the OGA. This changed only in 1957 when the position reverted back to the OGA. The Vice President however continued to be appointed from the OGA membership.
Although records of activities are not available from the period 1917 to 1920, the records indicate that from 1920 onwards the Old Girls donated funds for the needs and development of the school. Through various fund raising projects money was collected for buildings, equipment (chapel, and prizes.
Fellowship and support for the school by the OGA ( the information below has been extracted from the minutes and is reproduced in brief in the same manner in which it is written) 1916 | - | Nixon Memorial Library (original library) built by the OGA | 1920 | - | Library table donated to the school | 1921 | - | President and Secretary accommodated on the stage at the School Prize giving for the first time, representing the OGA. Annual donation of Rs 25/- for two OGA prizes initiated. | 1923 | - | The“Leaflet” replaced by the school magazine
A portico built for the hall (now Old hall) | 1933 | - | Rs 1263/- donated for the chapel altar and Rs. 300/- donated for the altar rails in memory of Miss Whitney | 1936 | - | Rs 530/- gifted to the school as a nucleus for a Building Fund | 1940 | - | Fete to raise funds for equipping Gaster House. | 1946 | - | Arabian Nights Fete in aid of Miss Opie Memorial Fund | 1949 | - | A social held to bid farewell to Miss Rita Opie at which a cutlery canteen was gifted to her by the membership
Miss Opie Memorial Prize fund initiated by the OGA with Rs. 974/25 | 1950 | - | At the Golden Jubilee Festival of the school in January, Rs 50,000 realized and donated in aid of the Gwen Opie Science block | | | Jubilee Thanksgiving service – On 14th February Founders' Day OGA presented memorial tablets which the Bishop of Colombo dedicated in memory of Miss Nixon, Miss Whitney and Miss Gwen Opie | | | Jubilee Prize Giving – Mrs Leslie de Saram first President of the OGA unveiled a portrait of Miss Gwen Opie. The OGA commissioned David Paynter to do the portrait from photographs | | | Jubilee Sports Meet – 2 Challenge Cups (Senior and Junior) donated | page top
1952-1967
1952 | - | A trust fund in memory of Miss Louise Raffel initiated – 3 prizes awarded annually for the best child in the 3 divisions of the KG | 1953 | - | OGA staged a play “Women Have their Way” by Quintero. Rs 1000/- donated to the building fund | 1955 | - | OGA Sports Club inaugurated
First Dinner Dance “Pink Champagne” held at the Grand Oriental Hotel – Organizer – Mrs Siva Obeyesekera – proceeds of Rs 500 donated for the Sports Pavilion. | 1956 | - | Farewell to Miss Rita Opie. Rs 25,063/07 presented as a token of their affection and appreciation
Annual Dinner Dance – “Mexicana” – held at Mount Lavinia Hotel - Organizer – Mrs Siva Obeyesekera | 1957 | - | Benefit Show “A Town Like Alice” held and the, net proceeds of Rs 1,589/- donated to the Building Fund
OGA reverted back to electing the President from the OGA membership: first President Lady Coomaraswamy
Rs 300/- donated to the House of Joy, Talawa | 1958 | | A Benefit show held at Regal Theatre and proceeds of Rs 2000/- donated to Building fund | | | GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE OGA
JUBILEE DINNER (November) | 1960 | - | Founders' Day - Entrance Gates donated by the OGA on this day | 1962 | - | Service held in memory of Miss May de Kretser
Annual Dinner Dance – “Fascination” held and the proceeds of Rs 5500/- donated towards the Building Fund . Organizer – Mrs Manel Abeyesekere | 1965 | - | Tea Party to felicitate Wimala Kannangara and Siva Obeyesekera – Members of Parliament.
Annual Dinner Dance – “Sakura” – Rs 4,000/- donated to the building fund.
Organizer – Manel Abeysekera | 1966 | - | Scholarship fund initiated – 5 scholarships for deserving student in form II to Form VI A. The cost of the scholdarshop included fees and books
Annual Dinner Dance – “Yuletide” – held Organizer Mrs Pathma Thamothera | 1967 | - | OGA increases annual donation for the Sports Meet to Rs 200/– and for the prize giving to Rs 300/- Annual Dinner Dance – “Tropical Magic” – held and the proceeds of Rs 7500/- donated towards the building fund
Organized by Mrs Flower de S Munasinghe | page top
1968 - 1975 1968 | - | Memorial Service officiated by Rt Rev. Cyril Abeynaike in the Chapel to mark the 25th Anniversary of Miss Opie’s passing away.
Rs 1282/37 donated to the chapel, and Rs 167/50 for Inter house shield )
Kandy Branch Sub-Committee inaugurated on 7th June
Mrs Sirancee Gunawardane the first Ceylonese Principal appointed in May.The induction service was officiated by the Lord Bishop of Colombo Rt Rev Harold de Soysa
OGA Diamond Jubilee Festival in August. Rs 47,597/- donated towards the OGA scholarship fund
OGA Diamond Jubilee Dinner in November at Hotel Taprobane
Initiated an annual donation of Rs. 30/- for maintenance of Miss Opie’s grave | 1970 | - | Amendment to the Constitution of the CMS Governing Body – “A member of the OGA should be elected to serve on the CMS Board of Governors”. | 1971 | - | Kandy Branch Association of OGA formally inaugurated on 25th March at the Trinity College Principal’s Bungalow
Rs. 300/- donated to the Deaf and Blind School | 1972 | - | Miss Rita Opie feted when she visited Colombo
Rs 3,305 /40 donated towards the OGA scholarship fund
Evening of food and fun. The net proceeds of Rs 16,000/- donated towards the OGA scholarship fund | 1973 | - | A Get-Together held to welcome Miss Mabel Simon and to say good bye to Mrs Nalini McIntyre Vice Principal
London UK Branch Association of the OGA formally inaugurated on 2/11/1973 | 1974 | - | An event “Sound of Drums“ held and Rs 3,675/50 donated to school
OGA request for Hostel Advisory committee accepted. Two members to serve on the committee.
A get together with the Kandy Branch in the Peradeniya Gardens held on 16th February
OGA forwards their request to the Governing Body to have a separate Board of Governors for Ladies’ College. | 1975 | - | 75th Anniversary Of The School
Founders' Day Thanksgiving service – chapel flowers arranged by OGA
SPECIAL ASSEMBLY
Past Presidents and office bearers of the OGA take part in the procession with the Chief Guest. Past Presidents participatd in the lamp lighting ceremony.
The President Gladys Jayawardene proposed the vote of thanks
75th Anniversary Dinner organized by the OGA assisted by the PTA and Staff held in the Old Hall.
Items costing Rs.4066/- donated to the Hostel
“LC FAIR 75” held in aid of establishing a VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE – Total collected
Rs 208,066/27
Other projects held – Benefit show (Rs. 1,109/75) Jumble sale, (Rs 1,122/50
Play – “Imaginary Invalid“ (Rs 3493/70) | page top
1976 – 1980 1976 | - | The Governing Body decided to grant Ladies College an Advisory Committee for the School.
President OGA an Ex-Officio member of this Committee
On 9th July the OGA arranged a reception after the AGM
On 15th July, the School arrangeds a thanksgiving service and special assembly to felicitate Mrs Siva Obeysekera on her appointment as Minister of Health
Annual Dinner held in the Old Hall with a Fashion Show and carols. – Organized by Dushyanthi Wijewardene | 1977 | - | Jaffna Branch of the OGA inaugurated at the residence of Padmini Vendanayagam – A variety entertainment “MY WAY” held and Rs 10,000 donated in aid of the requirements of the Hostel. Organizer – Mrs Dushyanthi Wijewardene.
“Christmas Fare” held. Realized Rs. 17,228/05 Organizer – Mrs Siva Obeyesekere | 1978 | - | An event “POP SPECTACULAR” held andrealisedRs. 20,441/25 Organizer – Mrs Rohini Yoheswaran
Annual Dinner Dance “ FIESTA 78” held. realisedRs 5,170/-
Garden Party held to say farewell to Lord Bishop Rt Rev. Cyril Abeyenaike and welcome Lord Bishop Rt. Rev. Swithin Fernando
24th May – a Special Assembly held to celebrate Mrs Sirancee Gunawardane’s 25 years of service to the School. | 1979 | - | An event “BEAT 79” – held. realized Rs 8,019/45. Organizers Mrs Jeevamani Gabriel and Mrs. Kumari Jinadasa
International Buffet Rs. 2338/- Organizer Mrs Sheila Fernando
Annual Dinner Dance “Christmas Cracker “ organizer – Mrs. Aurasie Mendis
Donations to prize giving increased to Rs 500/- and Sports Meet to Rs 300/-
“Foreign donations “ – Organizer Mrs Dushyanthi Wijewardene Rs 996/10
Founders' Day 14th February celebrated as sports activities- past with present girls. Two challenge plates awarded for Past and Present pupils. | 1980 | - | 80th Anniversary of the College
“TALENTASIA FAIR” – Organized by the OGA (75 stalls)
Founders' Day service with Holy Communion on the 13th February followed by a
Fellowship Breakfast with school Staff in Gaster House.
AGM – Chief Guest – Miss Rita Opie . Miss Opie’s birthday celebrated by cutting a birthday cake.
The President Mrs Siva Obeysekera presented the following on behalf of the OGA at a dinner 1. Rs 5 lakhs to establish the Vocational Training Institute 2. Rs 1 lakh for the “Chapel Trust Fund” 3. Rs 50,000/- for the “OGA Trust Fund” to assist past teachers and pupils and provide scholarships for needy studentsAnnual Dinner Dance – “ Autumn Leaves” – Organizer Mrs.Lalitha Rajapakse collection Rs. 29,000/- | page top
1981 - 1984 1981 | - | 25th July - A service in the chapel following the AGM. Blessing of new curtains behind altar gifted by the UK Branch.
Annual Dinner Dance - “L. C. NITE 1981” held – Organizer – Mrs Sheila Fernando
OGA donats Rs 7096/85 to Scholarship Fund
Purchases steel cupboard to house OGA property | 1982 | - | Opening of Department of Vocational Studies. Tthe plaque reads “The Old Girls' Association Commemorates the 75th Anniversary of Ladies’ College by assisting in the establishment of the Department of Vocational Studies. The building was declared open by the Rt. Rev. Swithin Fernando, Bishop of Colombo, on the 29th January 1982” . Buildings of this institute named “Sirancee Gunawardane” Block.
Tea party arranged to meet Miss Olive Hitchcock here on holiday
A Raffle – in aid of the new block of classrooms over the Old Hall Rs 91,196/75organizer -Mrs Jeevamani Gabriel – Annual Dinner Dance “LC Nite 82” held – Organizers – Mrs Selvaranee Mather, Mrs Lilamani Wanigasekera | 1983 | - | Cost of fixing the curtains in the chapel borne by OGA
CHAPEL ORGAN FUND APPEAL – Organizer Mrs Kamala Pillai – net proceeds Rs 41,829/92
“Fiesta 83” & IKEBANA EXHIBITION - Organizer – Mrs Lalitha Rajapakse
Rs 50,000/- donated towards an Electric organ which was gifted by the OGA and consecrated at the Founders’ Day Service on 10th February.
A complete Public Address system gifted to the School – Rs 12,123/-
An Intercom Telephone System gifted to the School – Rs. 7,305/-
Rs 7000/- donated to the school scholarship fund, raising the total to Rs 100,000
OGA family picnic- Organizer Mrs Lalitha Rajapakse – 126 participants
“75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS” on 9th October.commenced with a “THANKSGIVING SERVICE” | 1984 | - | Founders' Day -15th February – OGA hosted a breakfast to celebrate the 75th Anniversary, followed by a well attended lunch. The Anniversary cake was cut by Mrs Nilgiria and Mrs C W Dias.
Trustees of the OGA elected at the Special General Meeting – to operate the two trusts – the Chapel Trust and the OGA Trust. In addition to the ex-officio members ,The Principal, Vice Principal and the President OGA
Appeal launched by the OGA to commemorate the 75th Anniversary by establishing “OGA House” – to accommodate a fully equipped “Tuck Shop”, room and Meeting Hall for OGA and a Sports Pavilion.
75th Anniversary Dance – Organizer Sheila Fernando – Rs. 58,500 collected
Special General Meeting – 30th July – amendment to the constitution to revert to the original date of the Founding of the Association for the Annual General Meeting – 23rd October was passed.
75th Anniversary Fair – to collect funds to establish the 75th Anniversary project and equip new classroom block. Organizing committee Chairperson – Mrs Siva Obeyesekera

75th Anniversary Dinner followed the AGM in the Old Hall, 22nd October 1984
75th Annual Dinner Dance organizer Mrs Sheila Fernando. realized Rs 61,457/98 | page top
1985 - 1989 1985 | - | Family picnic to Palm Village Hendala, Profit of Rs 826/-
Cheque for Rs 76,363/19 handed over by the treasurer to the Principal for the OGA Trust fund
Donation of Bird bath for chapel grounds - paid for from Founders Day collection 1984
Proceeds amounting to Rs 12.5 lakhs from the 75th Anniversary Fair given to the principal . Trust deed signed on 2nd October. Decision made that the OGA Rep. on Governing Body be ex officio member of the OGA Committee | 1986 | - | Coffee morning “Hot Topics” – organizerMrs Sheila Fernando. Rs 50,500/- donated to Building and Equipment Fund.
Rs 62,181/69 being balance proceeds donated to Building and Equipment Fund
An event “Polar” held Organizers - Senani de Silva, Shermila Rajaratnam, Laila Ismail - proceeds of Rs 27,300/-to the Building and Equipment Fund the building
Raffle Draw – Rs. 10,000/- to the B& E fund
Fellowship Dinner – Hotel Intercontinental, Organizer Rukmani Peries | 1987 | - | Founders Day – Breakfast & Lunch
LC OGA sends donation of Rs. 10,000/- to swimming pool fund – handed over to the Principal
Family picnic at Neptune Hotel
Fellowship Dinner at Hotel Lanka Oberoi
Food Fiesta – Organised by Priti Fonseka at the Womens’ International Club Premises Rs. 61,449/- to for the Jaipur Foot Fund
Rs 70,000/- donation to Gratuities Fund (letter from Mrs Gunawardane). | 1988 | - | Family Picnic to Pegasus Reef – Organizer Premalatha Abeyasinghe.
OGA Dance “LC Night 88” – Rs. 407,180/- handed over to the Principal.
Home and Garden Exhibition – organizer Siva Obeysekere Rs 500,000 given to Principal.
Donation of books to the Library. | 1989 | - | Donation of Rs. 2360 (balance) for OGA Trust.
Donation of Rs 5068 final balance from LC Fair.
Opie Memorial Scholarship - money given to school.
Committee appointed to liaise with (1) the Principal (2) with PTA.
Constitutional Committee appointed to look into amending the Constitution .
Donation of Rs. 2500/- to the Bishop for Flood Relief.
Donation of Rs. 21,184/75 to the Building & Equipment Fund. Balance from cancelled Walkathon.
Family Picnic.
Committee appointed to look into the anomalies between the constitution and the trust deeds.
“Sharing Skills” – Organizers Christine Chanmugam, Rukmani Peries , Susheela Gunaratnam – program for AL students and OGA.
Kandy OGA branch 20th Anniversary celebrations – 10 members from Colombo attended.
Tennis Matches between old girls and present girls.
Games Day with lunch – Tennis, Hockey, netball, volley ball /table tennis relays etc.
Christmas Party. | page top

1990 - 1993 1990 | - | Seminar – “ Leadership Motivation and Public Speaking”, Speakers – Jezima Ismail, Chris de Saram, Mansoor Ghouse.
Founders Day – 90th Anniversary of Ladies’ College . Chief Guest at lunch – Mrs. S. Gunawardane.
Avurudhu and Easter treat – Lunch and Ice cream for the elders in St. Nicholas Home and Lankadhara Home.
Celebration Fair – collection Rs. 325,000.
Workshop “Invitation to Growth” Organizer – Priyanthi Fernando.
Fellowship Dinner.
Establishment of a Sports Foundation – money collected Rs 3.5 lakhs be placed in fixed deposits - the interest to be given to the Principal to be used for any sports activity – not for the swimming pool.
AGM – 26th October.
Fellowship Dinner. | 1991 | - | Thanksgiving service – for Mrs Siva Obeyesekera on being awarded the Deshamanya – 14th June in the chapel followed by fellowship.
Tennis Tournament vs Bishop’s College PPA.
Thanksgiving service after bomb blast at JOC- June 91
AGM 23rd October.
LC walk 91 Proceeds nearly Rs. 200,000/-.
Fellowship Dinner – Galle Face Hotel. | 1992 | - | Founders Day – Rededication of the Chapel after the bomb blast
Support for athlete – Rs 500/- a month for vitamins.
Passiontide and Easter Music by the OGA Choir in the Chapel. Collection of Rs. 2680/- used to purchase a fan for the Chapel.
The OGA Room handed over to the OGA by the Principal,. Keys with the President and the school office.
“Sarabande”– OGA fundraiser Rs 60,476/- , Held at Ramada Renaissance.
Family Picnic – Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kalutara.
AGM 27th October.
Fellowship Dinner – Hotel Taj Samudra.
Gift of Rs 25,000/- to Miss Leila Jeyaraj an old girl serving on the staff for the past 50 years in recognition of her services.
Swimming Pool opened. | 1993 | - | New Tennis Courts opened.
Family Picnic – Royal Oceanic Hotel, Negombo.
Fellowship Dinner – Galle Face Hotel. | page top

1994 - 1997 1994 | - | 1995 | | | Food Fair – cancelled.
Dinner Dance - cancelled.
Founders’ Day – felicitating Soundari Kanapathipillai, Marina Sathanathan and Shermila Rajaratnam for 25 years of service to the school at the OGA lunch.
Donation from Adelaide – Rs 7,000/-
Donation from London – Rs. 39,000/- direct to the Principal.
Donation in kind collected from the committee for the Suhada Home, Kotte.
Fundraiser – Carousel – Hilton 15th September. Profit 338,750/-
Rs. 125,00/- to the school for a computer.
Rs. 100,000/- for medical equipment for the Army. | 1996 | - | 9th February – Founders Day service at 7.30 am followed by breakfast, cookery demonstration, netball match and lunch – 2nd April Easter Cantata “Messiah, True and Faithful” by the OGA choir. Entrance by program.
Fellowship dinner 16th December OGA Carol Service.Collection Rs 8,842/- | 1997 | - | Easter service 31st March.
Professional Advancement of Academic staff – workshops arranged for Primary, middle school teachers.
Dance – “LC splendor” – Funds collected allocated as follows:
Rs 500,000/- for LC multimedia equipment.
Rs 200,000/- for Army rehabilitation of disabled personnel.
Rs 100,000/- for the OGA.
Joint carol service with the school – farewell to Mrs Gunawardane.
Farewell Dinner to Mrs Gunawardane on 9th December – Galle Face Hotel. | page top

1998 - 2003 1998 | - | LC Classics- proceeds for LC OGA Scholarship Fund.
OGA Carol Service - Collection donated to House of Joy, Talawa. | 1999 | - | Dinner Dance – ‘Fragrance of Jasmines’, 3rd July – Hotel Lanka Oberoi tickets Rs 1,400/-
OGA Carol Service 13th December collection to the OGA Trust Fund - Rs.16,000/-
“Christmas Fare” followed the Carol Service. | 2000 | - | Dinner – organized by the OGA – Hotel Lanka Oberoi – Donation of Rs. 18,493/37 (balance from Fellowship Dinner ‘99) plus Rs. 506/63 from OGA donated to OGA Trust.
Fellowship Dinner – 13th Dec 2000 – | 2001 | - | 2003 | | | Founders’ Day Holy Communion Service – Saturday 17th February.
Message by Lakshini Fernando – (Old girl of L.C. and Chaplain Methodist College.
Collection to OGA Trust Fund – Rs.10,000/- Fellowship lunch.
Donations for the cost of two artificial limbs for disabled soldiers through the Denzil Kobbekaduwa Trust.
Trust Fund appeal – Rs.11,150/-
‘LC Classics II’ – Proceeds Rs.84,000/- donated to the Trust Fund.
Miss G. F. Opie’s grave sealed – Service of Thanksgiving held at the graveside on her birthday Dec 9th.

Decision made to place Rs.400,000/- capital in a fixed deposit for a Professional Advancement of Academic Staff Fund. Interest to School.

Thanksgiving service for Miss Simon – held on her birthday 23rd March in the Chapel. Rs.7,000/- collected through contributions toward Memorial Plaque.
OGA Inter-house sports meet in the back garden – 16th Feb.
OGA Trust Fund – Rs.61,000/- received in response to appeal.
Motor Rally proceeds of Rs 350,000/- donated to the OGA fund
Funds received from Canada and California for the trust funds | page top
2003 - 2005 | - | LC Walk was held on 7th August 2004. Chairperson Ms Shiralee Hallock.
The OGA donated Rs. 6,224,121/- to the school which included the collection from the walk and donations from local donors (Rs 609,000/-) and the old girls from North East USA (Rs 350,981/-).
The donations helped to renovate the hostel and the nursery. Rs. 4 million donated to the School towards the purchase of a 30 seater bus.
At the Founders Day service of 2005 Tsunami victims of 26th Dec 2004 remembered. the lunch and celebrations were cancelled.
A Tsunami fund for voluntary donations was opened and Rs 272,455 was collected. Recipients were identified with the help of the Vanguard foundation and the money was dispensed to them in Kosgoda and also to the East via Survivors Association.
Lunches were packed by O.G.A members in the Hostel dining room three times a week and supplied to Tsunami refugees for a period of three weeks.
The Principal handed over the table tennis room in the sports pavilion to the OGA and this was renovated. | page top
2005- 2007 | - | After the Founders’ Day service the new OGA room was blessed by the Chaplain.
The Opening was celebrated with kiribath and coffee, served to the members.
Diner Dance was held on 29th July 2006 at Waters Edge. Organizer- Dr Deepthi Attygalle.
550 tickets were sold at Rs 3,000/- each. Rs 2 million was collected and credited to the OGA account, the interest of which would be used for the centenary celebrations.
A Thanksgiving Service was held for the life and work of Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardana on her birthday 27th November.
Manisha Peiris retired from being Vice Principal.
A plaque was unveiled in the new hall renaming it, ‘Mabel Simon Hall’ preceding the AGM held on 25th October 2007 | page top
2007- 2008 | - | Mrs. Eesha Speldewyn was appointed Vice Principal.
The OGA room was furnished with curtains, new chairs and tables and . 2 steel cupboards. The room was made available to old girls on hire.
Founders’ Day service was followed by a special General Meeting to make amendments to the constitution and lunch. Tickets were Rs 600/-
A fund raiser was established with a target of Rs. 5 million to enhance the existing scholarship fund.
An Evening of fashion and music “ECLAT” was organized at Holiday Inn. Rs 2,024.186/- was collected.
Conditions for the award of scholarships were established. Donations for the Scholarship fund continued to come in to the school and the OGA.
The Melbourne Branch donated 3000 Australian dollars to the scholarship fund.
A donation of 2550 Canadian dollars from the Old Girls of Canada was sent to the chapel trust fund in memory of Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardana.
Regular Fellowship evenings for the seniors of the OGA commenced. (to be held 3 times a year). The first evening was organized on the 6th of June and the next on the 3rd September in the OGA room.
A Christmas party was held for senior old girls and retired teachers on the 24th of November in the school hostel.
The AGM was held on the 23rd October heralding the 100th year of the OGA which would culminate on the 24th October 2009
A centenary committee was appointed to help organize events for the centenary year.
A website was developed to be launched on Founders’ day 14th February. | page top
2009
| - | 14th February – OGA Founders’ Day Service with the unveiling of 2 plaques in memory of Miss Simon and Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardana, (the latter donated by the Old Girls of Canada). Service followed by fellowship time in the chapel garden.
The website was launched in the Mabel Simon Hall followed by Founders’ Day luncheon in the Old Hall. |

The Centenary Celebrations – “One Heart, One Voice Uplifting.” | - | Fellowship

Magical Evening for the Seniors on the 24th November 2008 to which retired teachers were invited. (90 pax)
The centenary Annual Fellowship Dinner was held on December 16th 2008 at Trans Asia Hotel. Tickets were Rs 3000/- 270 participated

Founder’s Day on the 14th February -
Communion service with the unveiling of tablets in memory of Ms Simon and Mrs Gunawadana in the chapel.

Website lcoga.lk was launched in the Mabel Simon Hall

Founder’s Day Lunch, (limited to 400 tickets due to lack of accommodation)

The Campfire on the 27th March 2009 in the school grounds focused on encompassing the whole Ladies’ College tribe, bringing together school girls, parents, teachers and old girls, and was enjoyed by them all. (850 tickets sold)The Centenary Ball on the 24th July at the Cinnamon Grand was a resounding success. There was a scramble for tickets but we were unfortunately limited to 460 as the hall could not accommodate more.The dance was organized by Mrs. Shiralee Hallock and a profit of Rs. 1.3 million was donated to the Scholarship Fund.The Seniors events which saw its 4th gathering on the 31st July was attended with much enthusiasm by the over seventies who are happy to meet up with their own LC college community in the School environs. Events were focused on ideally suiting time, venue, content and affordability. There has been an increasing interest and participation at the 4 events we have had so far. One event was a Magical evening at Christmas time which was appreciated very much.

Help to IDP Camps Through our website and expanded email address book it was possible to call upon the members both here and abroad to send funds to the Kollupitiya Methodist Church to fund the needs of those in the IDP camps. The response that came from here and abroad was heartening

Fund Raisers
Rs 6 million for the Scholarship Fund from fundraisers held over the last two years both in Sri Lanka and abroad. From ECLAT the coffee evening and fashion show.in 2008,(Rs.2.1 million) The Centenary Ball (Rs 1.3 million) and from the Campfire (Rs 100,000/-) in addition to many individual sponsorships which went direct to the school.
Donations from overseas were received from the Victoria Branch Australia, (Aus$3000) and the LC Tristate Alumni North East USA.( US$).1575. The Ladies’ College Alumini of Greater Washington (LCAGW) held a very successful benefit concert raising US $ 18,000 for the fund.

REMEMBERING THE PAST

The name board Ladies College OGA was sited above the entrance door and the list of Past Presidents of the OGA engraved on a wooden panel is in the OGA room.

The OGA Centenary Oration in memory of Lilian Nixon was delivered by Prof. Savitri Goonesekere on the 15th of October 2009 at the Mabel Simon Hall. She spoke on “Women′s Education: a Pioneer′s Vision”

The OGA Birthday Celebrations on the 24th of October commenced with a service of Thanksgiving at 9am at The Chapel of the Hope of the World. This was followed by the laying of foundation stone for the School Archives Building by the OGA President Dr. (Mrs.) Deepthi Attygalle.
The Centenary Souvenir which was edited by Mrs. Dhara Wijayatilake was launched in the Old Hall.
A toast of sparkling wine preceded the cutting of the OGA Birthday cake. TheCentenary AGM commenced in the New Hall at 11.45am.

Over 70′s Christmas Serenade 2009 was held in the hostel dining room on the 23rd of November and was well attended.

The finale to the Centenary Year was the Grand Centenary Banquet. A memorable evening was enjoyed by all, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on the 14th of December, with fireworks and music followed by a sumptuous dinner. Badges were pinned on all past Presidents present, in recognition of their contribution towards the OGA. |
2010
| | OGA Founders Day celebrations were held on the 13th of February. A service in the Chapel was followed by lunch in the Old Hall.

Over 70's Easter and Avurudhu party on the 5th of April in the OGA Room. LC Walk 2010 - "100 Years Down Flower Road" - In commemoration of the School re-locating to Flower Road in 1910, a Walk was jointly organised by the OGA and the PTA on the 31st July. This was a fund raiser for the construction of the foundation of the new Sports Complex. A sum of Rs. 12.7 million was raised. "LC Classics III" was held in the School Hall on the 9th of October in aid of the OGA Chapel Trust Fund.

The 101st AGM in the School Hall on 30th October, was preceded by the opening of the Archive Building By Deshamanya (Mrs.) Siva Obeyesekere. The building was constructed by the School in commemoration of the OGA Centenary Over 70's Christmas dinner at Gaster House on November 26th. The OGA Christmas Dinner took place on the 7th of December at the Galadari Hotel. |