Pushpadana Girls' College, Kandy: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|State School in Kandy, Sri Lanka}} |
{{short description|State School in Kandy, Sri Lanka}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}} |
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{{Infobox school |
{{Infobox school |
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|name = Pushpadana Girls' College, Kandy |
| name = Pushpadana Girls' College, Kandy |
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| logo = Pushpadana girls' college kandy - school crest.jpg |
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| image = Pushpadana girls' college kandy.jpg |
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|motto = චරිතයෙන් නුවන බැබළේ [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] |
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| motto = චරිතයෙන් නුවන බැබළේ [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] |
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|motto_translation = Wisdom shines through character |
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| motto_translation = Wisdom shines through character |
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|established = {{start date and age|1942|07|02|df=y}} |
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| established = {{start date and age|1942|07|02|df=y}} |
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|founder = Sri Pushpadana Samithiya |
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| founder = Sri Pushpadana Samithiya |
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|type = [[Public school (government funded)|Public]] |
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| district = [[Kandy]] |
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| type = [[Public school (government funded)|Public]] |
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|principal = vacant |
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| religious_affiliation = [[Buddhist]] |
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|enrollment = 2,000 |
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| grades = Classes 6 - 13 |
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| principal = Dulani Samarakoon |
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| enrollment = 2,000 |
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| staff = 130 |
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| gender = Girls |
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| lower_age = 11 |
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| upper_age = 18 |
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| hours_in_day = 6 |
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| houses = Gothami, Chithra, Sangamiththa, Yashodara |
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| colours = Gold, grey, maroon |
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{{color box|gold}}{{color box|gray}}{{color box|maroon}} |
{{color box|gold}}{{color box|gray}}{{color box|maroon}} |
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| song = *English - "Wisdom through Character, Shines Ever" |
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|alumni = |
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*Sinhala - "චරිතයෙන් නුවන බැබළේ" |
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|location = [[Kandy]] |
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| |
| athletics = Yes |
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| sports = Yes |
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|website = {{url|pushpadanagirlscollege.com}} |
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| location = [[Kandy]] |
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|coordinates = {{coord|7.2940|80.6330|format=dms|display=title,inline}} |
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| country = [[Sri Lanka]] |
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| website = {{url|pushpadana.edu.lk}} |
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| lastupdate = 2023-04-07 |
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| coordinates = {{coord|7.2940|80.6330|format=dms|display=title,inline}} |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Pushpadana Girls' College''' is a [[Girls' school]] located in [[Kandy]], [[Sri Lanka]], founded in 1942 by the Sri Pushpadana Society, Kandy. Pushpadana Girls' College is situated within the historical city of [[Kandy]]. |
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'''Pushpadana Girls' College''' is [[state school|public]] girls' schools located in [[Kandy]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pushpadana Girls School hold Colours Awards ceremony |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2019/10/31/sports/201497/pushpadana-girls-school-hold-colours-awards-ceremony |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commander as Chief Guest Presents Colours to Pushpadana Girls |url=https://www.army.lk/news/commander-chief-guest-presents-colours-pushpadana-girls |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Sri Lanka Army}}</ref> |
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Pushpadana Girls' College was established to give English education to Buddhist girls. The first principal was Chlora Dias Wijetilleke, the Chairman of the Sri Pushpadana Society. The school commenced with six staff and three students. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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On 31 May 1941 the idea of establishing a school to provide English education to Buddhist girls was born out of a speech made by E. W. Adhikaram at the 34th Anniversary Meeting of the Sri Pushpadana Society, Kandy.<ref name="Pushpadana">{{Cite web |title=Pushpadana Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy at the age of 75 |url=https://silumina.lk/2017/07/01/සල්පිල/හැත්තෑ-පස්-විය-සපුරන-මහනුවර-පුෂ්පදාන-බාලිකා-විදුහල |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Silumina}}</ref> |
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The school was established on 2 July 1942 as a learning institution for Buddhist girls in a small building by "Sri Pushpadana Samithiya" housed in Trincomalee Street, Kandy. The school was inaugurated by the Minister of Health, [[George E. de Silva]]. The founding principal was Chlora Dias Wijetilleke, the Chairman of the Sri Pushpadana Society, as well as wife of Attorney-at-Law, S. A. Wijethilake. She was a first class English teacher and started the school with a staff of six and three students. The alphabet was read to the first three students by the Minister of Education, [[C. W. W. Kannangara]].<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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By 6 May 1946 the school, had five staff members, including the principal, and 128 students. It became a government school after being handed over to the Director of Education, Ian Sandiman.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* 2 July 1943 – The school held its first anniversary celebration. |
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On 22 June 1953 it became a government school under the first principal, S. A. Wijetillekesiri. |
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* 6 May 1946 – The school, which had five staff members, including the principal, and 128 students, became a government school after being handed over to the then Director of Education, Ian Sandiman.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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After being a major government school, it was shifted to the present-day premises on 2 July 1953, with eleven staff and 400 students under the tenure of the principal, P. D. S. Kularatne. Later this day was named as the day of commemoration of the founding fathers of the school.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* 22 June 1953 – became a government school under the first principal Mrs. S. A. Wijetillekesiri. |
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In 1953 the College Girl Scout Movement was started with the contribution of Rani Abeyratne. |
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* 2 July 1953 – After being a major government school, school was shifted to the present day premises with 11 staff of teachers and 400 students during the tenure of the Principal P. D. S. Kularatne. Later this day was named as the day of commemoration of the founding fathers of the school.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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W. M. M. de Silva was appointed as the principal of the school, serving from 3 May 1954 until 28 November 1958. Under her leadership the school set up the four school houses, and held the school's first sports meet. The school also introduced a new school uniform and started scouting at the school.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* 1953 – The College Girl Scout Movement was started with the contribution of Rani Abeyratne. |
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Hemamala Swarnalatha Jayasinghe became the school's next principal, serving from 1 January 1959 through to 1 September 1961. A Buddhist shrine, a teachers-parents union, advanced levels and the school's first prize giving were the major developments during her tenure.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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On 1 September 1961, while working as an assistant, Subha Siriwardena, took over as the acting principal of the school. She had the honour to hold the first prize giving ceremony of the school on 11 November 1961. Also, various activities have been initiated for the students to adapt the celebration of Atasil for the Vesak Poya to a Buddhist environment.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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Vishaka Gunethilake served as principal between 13 December 1961 and 30 July 1963. The school's motto, "Charithayen Nuwana Bebale", meaning "Wisdom shines through character" was adopted, and school anthem sung for the first time. The school also commenced Dharma schools, which is held in every Sunday.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* 1 September 1961 – While working as an assistant teacher, Mrs. Subhadra Siriwardena has taken over as the Acting Principal of the school. She has the honor to hold the first prize giving ceremony of the school on 11th November 1961. Also, various activities have been initiated for the students to adapt the celebration of Atasil for the Vesak Poya to a Buddhist environment.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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Rathwatte Gnanasekaram became the principal on 31 July 1963, serving until 1 May 1965. During her principalship, extra-curricular activities started. The prize giving ceremony for the year 1963 was held on 2 December 1964 under the patronage of the [[Prime Minister of Sri Lanka|Prime Minister]], [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]].<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* From 13 December 1961 to 30 July 1963 - Mrs. Vishaka Gunethilake became the principal. The school's motto has been made as "Charithayen Nuwana Bebale", meaning "Wisdom shines through character", and school anthem vocalized for the first time. The school also started Dharma schools which is held in every Sunday.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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Hema de Seram served as principal from 1 May 1965 through to 8 September 1980. She started Western music band, and an Eastern music band at the school. In 1971, GCE A/L Science curriculum commenced, the opening of a dental clinic, the opening of the hockey and the creation of a school library were some of the important services that took place during this period. The Alumni Association was established in the year 1972 to support the development of the school. With the increase in the number of students in the school, as there was not enough space in the building, the primary classes (1971 – 1 Grades, 1972 – 2 Grades, 1973 – 3 Grades, 1974 – 4 Grades, 1975 – 5 Grades) were removed and in 1975 the school was converted into a secondary school with classes from grade six upwards.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* From 31 July 1963 to 1 May 1965 - Mrs. Rathwatte Gnanasekaram became the principal. During her period, extra-curriculars started. Under her leadership, the prize giving ceremony for the year 1963 was held on 2 December 1964 under the patronage of the then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Sirimavo Bandaranaike.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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The next principal was G. K. Alahakoon Dassanayake, serving from 1980 to 2002 (the longest serving principal at the school). Under her tenure, activities such as conducting English pronunciation classes to teach students English, teaching subjects in English, giving opportunities to enjoy English drama and giving the opportunity to read daily English newspapers were initiated. Also, under her leadership, I. Godigamuwa translated the school anthem into English and directed it to be sung in the morning, creating student pledges. In the 1990s, students were given the opportunity to learn various languages such as French, Japanese and Tamil, and the teaching of aesthetics and agricultural streams for the Advanced Level began. In the same time, the school was promote to a national school with effect from 5 February 1993. Meanwhile, student hostel was opened and principal's official residence was constructed. In her late years, school started English medium section in 2002 with grade 6 students.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* From 1 May 1965 to 8 September 1980 - Mrs. Hema de Seram became the principal. She started Western music band, an Eastern music band of the school. In 1971, GCE A/L Science curriculum commenced, the opening of a dental clinic, the opening of the hockey and the creation of a school library were some of the important services that took place during this period. The Alumni Association was established in the year 1972 to support the development of the school. With the increase in the number of students in the school, as there was not enough space in the building, the primary classes (1971 - 1 Grades, 1972 - 2 Grades, 1973 - 3 Grades, 1974 - 4 Grades, 1975 - 5 Grades) were removed and in 1975 the school was converted into a secondary school with classes from grade six upwards.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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After the retirement of Dasanayake, M. R. Amarasekera served as the acting principal, from 4 March 2002 through to 16 August 2002. |
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* From 1980 to 2002 - Mrs. G. K. Alahakoon Dassanayake became the principal. She has been the Principal of the school for the longest time. Under her tenure, activities such as conducting English pronunciation classes to teach students English, teaching subjects in English, giving opportunities to enjoy English drama and giving the opportunity to read daily English newspapers were initiated. Also, under her leadership, I. Mrs. Godigamuwa translated the school anthem into English and directed it to be sung in the morning, creating student pledges. In the 1990s, students were given the opportunity to learn various languages such as French, Japanese and Tamil, and the teaching of aesthetics and agrcultural streams for the Advanced Level began. In the same time, the school was promote to a national school with effect from 5th February 1993. Meanwhile, student hostel was opened and Principal's Official Residence was constructed. In her late years, school started English medium section in 2002 with grade 6 students.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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In September 2002 W. D. P. K. Samarasinghe became the principal. Her tenure, which last until September 2009, was considered as the limelight of school's sports and educational achievements.{{whom|date=April 2024}} She is notable for holding the school's first Colour Awards Ceremony in 2003, streamlining the school plant and activities through the 'S-5' concept, winning the Central Province Governor's Trophy by winning the Central Province First Place in the 'Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu' Program 2007, and winning the Kandy District First Place and All Island Bronze Award in 2008 at the Competition on 'Best Annual Report and Financial Publications Among National Schools'. The Air Cadet Corps, Prefect Training Camp as well as cricket were started during this period to develop social skills in the students. With 2008 GCE A/L, the teaching of approved subjects in the Arts and Commerce streams began to be taught in English medium. During her later years as principal, the school won Kandy District second place and All Island Bronze (shared) Award for Report 2009 in the 'Annual Report and Financial Publications between National Schools' Competition jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and AAT.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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* From 4 March 2002 to 16th August 2002 – After the retirement of Dasanayake, Miss. M. R. Amarasekera has served as the Acting Principal. |
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G. W. L. K Egodawela was the principal at the school from 2009 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saman House retain Sangamitta GNS House Meet title |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/200301/education/saman-house-retain-sangamitta-gns-house-meet-title-394177.html |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Sunday Times}}</ref> During her tenure, the school won Kandy District First Place and All Island Gold Award for the year 2010 report as well as Kandy District First Place and All Island Bronze Award for Report 2011 and Kandy District Second Place and Central Provincial First Place for Report 2012. Then the school won the All Island Platinum Award for Report 2013, Central Province First Place for 2014 Report (Co) and Central Provincial First Place for 2016 Report. In 2016, the 'Diya Keliya' dance and the 'Naga Kanya' solo dance presented at the 2016 All Island Dance Competition won the first place. In 2017, the school became the winners of the 'Danumai Wasanawai' Quiz Tournament in the Kandy District sponsored by DSI Super Sports. At the same time, Pushpadana won the First place in the All Ceylon Air Cadet Assessment Camp in the year 2016 and second place in the year 2017.<ref name="Pushpadana" />[[File:Pushpadana girls' college kandy - school board.jpg|thumbnail|right|School main hall|285x285px]] |
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==Achievements== |
==Achievements== |
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In 2015, the school won the Kandy District Girls under 19 schools basketball Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pushpadana-Kandy District under 19 cager champions |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/?q=2015/12/01/sports/pushpadana-kandy-district-under-19-cager-champions&qt-popular_articles=0 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref> |
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* In 2017, Under-14 hockey team won the ‘Golden Star’ award at the 17th Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Carnival 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Golden Star for Pushpadana |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171217/education/education-sports/golden-star-for-pushpadana-273477.html |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Sunday Times}}</ref> |
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In 2020, Ruchini Niwarthana won third Place of Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Results and Medal Winners – Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2020 |url=https://www.iobsl.org/olympiad/results-and-medal-winners-sri-lankan-biology-olympiad-2020 |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=IOBSL }}</ref> |
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In 2017, Under-14 hockey team won the ‘Golden Star’ award at the 17th Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Carnival 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Golden Star for Pushpadana |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171217/education/education-sports/golden-star-for-pushpadana-273477.html |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Sunday Times}}</ref> |
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==Education== |
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There are about 2,000 students and 130 teachers. [[Therevada Buddhism]] has largely been an integral part of the school's education system, as it is in all Sri Lankan Buddhist public schools.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Let there be light! |url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2020/11/10/tc/233248/let-there-be-light |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref> The students for the school are selected mainly through grade 5 [[Scholarship Examination|scholarship programme]]. Grades are from 6 to 13. The school provides all A/L disciplines from Science stream to Technology Stream.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gifted intelligence |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2018/10/03/tc/164263/gifted-intelligence |archive-date=2021-04-27 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref> |
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In 2020, Ruchini Niwarthana won third Place of Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Results and Medal Winners – Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2020 |url=https://www.iobsl.org/olympiad/results-and-medal-winners-sri-lankan-biology-olympiad-2020 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=IOBSL |date=29 January 2021 }}</ref> |
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==Facilities== |
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[[File:Pushpadana girls' college kandy.jpg|thumbnail|right|School board]] |
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[[File:Pushpadana girls' college kandy - school board.jpg|thumbnail|right|School main hall]] |
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Facilities at Pushpadana Girls' College consist of - |
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==Education== |
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*Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories |
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The school currently has about 2,000 students and 130 teachers. [[Therevada Buddhism]] has largely been an integral part of the school's education system, as it is in all Sri Lankan Buddhist public schools.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Let there be light! |url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2020/11/10/tc/233248/let-there-be-light |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref> The students for the school are selected mainly through grade 5 [[Scholarship Examination|scholarship programme]]. Grades are from 6 to 13. The school provides all A/L disciplines from Science stream to Technology Stream.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gifted intelligence |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2018/10/03/tc/164263/gifted-intelligence |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref> |
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*Hostel |
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*Library |
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*Recreational art facilities (Eastern & Western music, dancing, art and drama) |
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*Co-operative shop |
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*Canteen |
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*Environment room |
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*IT laboratories |
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*Shrine room |
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*Basketball court |
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*Lab for Technology |
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In 2015, Nirasha Nadeeshani Kularatne won the All Island second place in the Arts stream according to the results of the GCE (A/L) examination. In 2016, according to the results of the GCE (O/L) examination, Pushpadana won the Kandy District first place, the Central Province the second place and the All Island the fourth place. Also, the percentage qualified for GCE (A/L) was 100% and the overall percentage in all subjects was 100%. According to the GCE (A/L) results of the years 2015 and 2016, the School won the first places in both the streams of Biosystems Technology and Engineering Technology.<ref name="Pushpadana" /> |
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==The school song and flag== |
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{{expand section|date=May 2015}} |
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== Past principals == |
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The school song is sung by both Sinhala and English languages. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;" |
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<!--Lyrics cannot be reproduced here--> |
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! Name |
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! Entered office |
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! Departed office |
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|- |
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|Chlora Diaz |
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|{{center|1942}} |
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|{{center|1948}} |
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|- |
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|W. M. M. de Silva ''(Acting)'' |
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|{{center|1948}} |
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|{{center|1953}} |
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|- |
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|P. D. S. Kularatne |
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|{{center|22 June 1953}} |
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|{{center|11 April 1954}} |
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|- |
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|Hemamala Swarnalatha Jayasinghe |
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|{{center|1 January 1959}} |
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|{{center|1 September 1961}} |
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|- |
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|Subhadra Siriwardena ''(Acting)'' |
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|{{center|1 September 1961}} |
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|{{center|31 December 1961}} |
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|- |
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|Vishaka Gunathilake |
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|{{center|31 December 1961}} |
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|{{center|20 July 1963}} |
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|- |
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|Rathwatte Gnanasekaram |
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|{{center|31 July 1963}} |
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|{{center|1 May 1965}} |
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|- |
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|Hema de Seram |
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|{{center|1 May 1965}} |
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|{{center|8 September 1980}} |
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|- |
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|G. K. Alahakoon Dassanayake |
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|{{center|9 September 1980}} |
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|{{center|4 March 2002}} |
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|- |
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|M. R. Amarasekera ''(Acting)'' |
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|{{center|4 March 2002}} |
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|{{center|16 August 2002}} |
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|- |
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|W. D. P. K. Samarasinghe |
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|{{center|16 September 2002}} |
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|{{center|19 August 2009}} |
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|- |
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|G. W. L. K Egodawela |
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|{{center|24 August 2009}} |
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|{{center|2020}} |
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|- |
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|Dulani Samarakoon |
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|{{center|2020}} |
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|{{center|Present}} |
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|} |
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==Houses== |
==Houses== |
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The students are divided into four [[House system| |
The students are divided into four [[House system|houses]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sangamitta House athletic champions of Pushpadana Balika |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2020/03/17/sports/214588/sangamitta-house-athletic-champions-pushpadana-balika |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Daily News}}</ref> The house names are derived from Buddhist history. The houses compete annually in all major games to win inter-house games and competitions. |
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*{{Color box|red}} – Sangamiththa |
*{{Color box|red}} – Sangamiththa |
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| Line 97: | Line 149: | ||
*{{Color box|yellow}} – Chithra |
*{{Color box|yellow}} – Chithra |
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*{{Color box|blue}} – Gothami |
*{{Color box|blue}} – Gothami |
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The house names are derived from Buddhist history. The houses compete annually in all major games to win inter-house games and competitions. |
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==Notable alumni== |
==Notable alumni== |
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* [[Chandrika Siriwardena]] - Singer |
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{{dynamic list}} |
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* [[Nadeeka Gunasekara]] - Actress |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%" |
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|- |
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== See also == |
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! style="width:*;" | Name |
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! style="width:65%;" class="unsortable" | [[Notability]] |
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* [[Vidyartha College]] |
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! style="width:*;" class="unsortable" | Reference |
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* [[Girls' High School, Kandy]] |
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|- |
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* [[Kingswood College, Kandy]] |
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| {{sortname|Chandrika|Siriwardena}} |
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* [[Mahamaya Girls' College, Kandy|Mahamaya Girls' College]] |
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| songstress |
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* [[Dharmaraja College]] |
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| style="text-align:center;" | |
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|- |
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| {{sortname|Nadeeka|Gunasekara}} |
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| actress |
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| style="text-align:center;" | |
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|} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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| Line 126: | Line 171: | ||
*[http://www.airforce.lk/diyatalawa/news.php?id=1985 NCC Air Wing Cadets of Pushpadana Girls' College ] |
*[http://www.airforce.lk/diyatalawa/news.php?id=1985 NCC Air Wing Cadets of Pushpadana Girls' College ] |
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{{coord missing|Sri Lanka}} |
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{{Education in Sri Lanka}} |
{{Education in Sri Lanka}} |
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Latest revision as of 16:24, 3 November 2024
| Pushpadana Girls' College, Kandy | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Location | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 7°17′38″N 80°37′59″E / 7.2940°N 80.6330°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | චරිතයෙන් නුවන බැබළේ Sinhala (Wisdom shines through character) |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Buddhist |
| Established | 2 July 1942 |
| Founder | Sri Pushpadana Samithiya |
| School district | Kandy |
| Principal | Dulani Samarakoon |
| Staff | 130 |
| Grades | Classes 6 - 13 |
| Gender | Girls |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 2,000 |
| Hours in school day | 6 |
| Houses | Gothami, Chithra, Sangamiththa, Yashodara |
| Colour(s) | Gold, grey, maroon |
| Song |
|
| Athletics | Yes |
| Sports | Yes |
| Website | pushpadana |
| Last updated: 2023-04-07 | |
Pushpadana Girls' College is a Girls' school located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, founded in 1942 by the Sri Pushpadana Society, Kandy. Pushpadana Girls' College is situated within the historical city of Kandy.
Pushpadana Girls' College was established to give English education to Buddhist girls. The first principal was Chlora Dias Wijetilleke, the Chairman of the Sri Pushpadana Society. The school commenced with six staff and three students.
History
[edit]On 31 May 1941 the idea of establishing a school to provide English education to Buddhist girls was born out of a speech made by E. W. Adhikaram at the 34th Anniversary Meeting of the Sri Pushpadana Society, Kandy.[1]
The school was established on 2 July 1942 as a learning institution for Buddhist girls in a small building by "Sri Pushpadana Samithiya" housed in Trincomalee Street, Kandy. The school was inaugurated by the Minister of Health, George E. de Silva. The founding principal was Chlora Dias Wijetilleke, the Chairman of the Sri Pushpadana Society, as well as wife of Attorney-at-Law, S. A. Wijethilake. She was a first class English teacher and started the school with a staff of six and three students. The alphabet was read to the first three students by the Minister of Education, C. W. W. Kannangara.[1]
By 6 May 1946 the school, had five staff members, including the principal, and 128 students. It became a government school after being handed over to the Director of Education, Ian Sandiman.[1]
On 22 June 1953 it became a government school under the first principal, S. A. Wijetillekesiri.
After being a major government school, it was shifted to the present-day premises on 2 July 1953, with eleven staff and 400 students under the tenure of the principal, P. D. S. Kularatne. Later this day was named as the day of commemoration of the founding fathers of the school.[1]
In 1953 the College Girl Scout Movement was started with the contribution of Rani Abeyratne.
W. M. M. de Silva was appointed as the principal of the school, serving from 3 May 1954 until 28 November 1958. Under her leadership the school set up the four school houses, and held the school's first sports meet. The school also introduced a new school uniform and started scouting at the school.[1]
Hemamala Swarnalatha Jayasinghe became the school's next principal, serving from 1 January 1959 through to 1 September 1961. A Buddhist shrine, a teachers-parents union, advanced levels and the school's first prize giving were the major developments during her tenure.[1]
On 1 September 1961, while working as an assistant, Subha Siriwardena, took over as the acting principal of the school. She had the honour to hold the first prize giving ceremony of the school on 11 November 1961. Also, various activities have been initiated for the students to adapt the celebration of Atasil for the Vesak Poya to a Buddhist environment.[1]
Vishaka Gunethilake served as principal between 13 December 1961 and 30 July 1963. The school's motto, "Charithayen Nuwana Bebale", meaning "Wisdom shines through character" was adopted, and school anthem sung for the first time. The school also commenced Dharma schools, which is held in every Sunday.[1]
Rathwatte Gnanasekaram became the principal on 31 July 1963, serving until 1 May 1965. During her principalship, extra-curricular activities started. The prize giving ceremony for the year 1963 was held on 2 December 1964 under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike.[1]
Hema de Seram served as principal from 1 May 1965 through to 8 September 1980. She started Western music band, and an Eastern music band at the school. In 1971, GCE A/L Science curriculum commenced, the opening of a dental clinic, the opening of the hockey and the creation of a school library were some of the important services that took place during this period. The Alumni Association was established in the year 1972 to support the development of the school. With the increase in the number of students in the school, as there was not enough space in the building, the primary classes (1971 – 1 Grades, 1972 – 2 Grades, 1973 – 3 Grades, 1974 – 4 Grades, 1975 – 5 Grades) were removed and in 1975 the school was converted into a secondary school with classes from grade six upwards.[1]
The next principal was G. K. Alahakoon Dassanayake, serving from 1980 to 2002 (the longest serving principal at the school). Under her tenure, activities such as conducting English pronunciation classes to teach students English, teaching subjects in English, giving opportunities to enjoy English drama and giving the opportunity to read daily English newspapers were initiated. Also, under her leadership, I. Godigamuwa translated the school anthem into English and directed it to be sung in the morning, creating student pledges. In the 1990s, students were given the opportunity to learn various languages such as French, Japanese and Tamil, and the teaching of aesthetics and agricultural streams for the Advanced Level began. In the same time, the school was promote to a national school with effect from 5 February 1993. Meanwhile, student hostel was opened and principal's official residence was constructed. In her late years, school started English medium section in 2002 with grade 6 students.[1]
After the retirement of Dasanayake, M. R. Amarasekera served as the acting principal, from 4 March 2002 through to 16 August 2002.
In September 2002 W. D. P. K. Samarasinghe became the principal. Her tenure, which last until September 2009, was considered as the limelight of school's sports and educational achievements.[according to whom?] She is notable for holding the school's first Colour Awards Ceremony in 2003, streamlining the school plant and activities through the 'S-5' concept, winning the Central Province Governor's Trophy by winning the Central Province First Place in the 'Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu' Program 2007, and winning the Kandy District First Place and All Island Bronze Award in 2008 at the Competition on 'Best Annual Report and Financial Publications Among National Schools'. The Air Cadet Corps, Prefect Training Camp as well as cricket were started during this period to develop social skills in the students. With 2008 GCE A/L, the teaching of approved subjects in the Arts and Commerce streams began to be taught in English medium. During her later years as principal, the school won Kandy District second place and All Island Bronze (shared) Award for Report 2009 in the 'Annual Report and Financial Publications between National Schools' Competition jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and AAT.[1]
G. W. L. K Egodawela was the principal at the school from 2009 to 2019.[2] During her tenure, the school won Kandy District First Place and All Island Gold Award for the year 2010 report as well as Kandy District First Place and All Island Bronze Award for Report 2011 and Kandy District Second Place and Central Provincial First Place for Report 2012. Then the school won the All Island Platinum Award for Report 2013, Central Province First Place for 2014 Report (Co) and Central Provincial First Place for 2016 Report. In 2016, the 'Diya Keliya' dance and the 'Naga Kanya' solo dance presented at the 2016 All Island Dance Competition won the first place. In 2017, the school became the winners of the 'Danumai Wasanawai' Quiz Tournament in the Kandy District sponsored by DSI Super Sports. At the same time, Pushpadana won the First place in the All Ceylon Air Cadet Assessment Camp in the year 2016 and second place in the year 2017.[1]
Achievements
[edit]In 2015, the school won the Kandy District Girls under 19 schools basketball Championship.[3]
In 2017, Under-14 hockey team won the ‘Golden Star’ award at the 17th Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Carnival 2017.[4]
In 2020, Ruchini Niwarthana won third Place of Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2020.[5]
Education
[edit]The school currently has about 2,000 students and 130 teachers. Therevada Buddhism has largely been an integral part of the school's education system, as it is in all Sri Lankan Buddhist public schools.[6] The students for the school are selected mainly through grade 5 scholarship programme. Grades are from 6 to 13. The school provides all A/L disciplines from Science stream to Technology Stream.[7]
In 2015, Nirasha Nadeeshani Kularatne won the All Island second place in the Arts stream according to the results of the GCE (A/L) examination. In 2016, according to the results of the GCE (O/L) examination, Pushpadana won the Kandy District first place, the Central Province the second place and the All Island the fourth place. Also, the percentage qualified for GCE (A/L) was 100% and the overall percentage in all subjects was 100%. According to the GCE (A/L) results of the years 2015 and 2016, the School won the first places in both the streams of Biosystems Technology and Engineering Technology.[1]
Past principals
[edit]| Name | Entered office | Departed office |
|---|---|---|
| Chlora Diaz | 1942
|
1948
|
| W. M. M. de Silva (Acting) | 1948
|
1953
|
| P. D. S. Kularatne | 22 June 1953
|
11 April 1954
|
| Hemamala Swarnalatha Jayasinghe | 1 January 1959
|
1 September 1961
|
| Subhadra Siriwardena (Acting) | 1 September 1961
|
31 December 1961
|
| Vishaka Gunathilake | 31 December 1961
|
20 July 1963
|
| Rathwatte Gnanasekaram | 31 July 1963
|
1 May 1965
|
| Hema de Seram | 1 May 1965
|
8 September 1980
|
| G. K. Alahakoon Dassanayake | 9 September 1980
|
4 March 2002
|
| M. R. Amarasekera (Acting) | 4 March 2002
|
16 August 2002
|
| W. D. P. K. Samarasinghe | 16 September 2002
|
19 August 2009
|
| G. W. L. K Egodawela | 24 August 2009
|
2020
|
| Dulani Samarakoon | 2020
|
Present
|
Houses
[edit]The students are divided into four houses.[8] The house names are derived from Buddhist history. The houses compete annually in all major games to win inter-house games and competitions.
- – Sangamiththa
- – Yasodhara
- – Chithra
- – Gothami
Notable alumni
[edit]- Chandrika Siriwardena - Singer
- Nadeeka Gunasekara - Actress
See also
[edit]- Vidyartha College
- Girls' High School, Kandy
- Kingswood College, Kandy
- Mahamaya Girls' College
- Dharmaraja College
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Pushpadana Balika Vidyalaya, Kandy at the age of 75". Silumina. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Saman House retain Sangamitta GNS House Meet title". Sunday Times. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Pushpadana-Kandy District under 19 cager champions". Daily News. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Golden Star for Pushpadana". Sunday Times. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Results and Medal Winners – Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2020". IOBSL. 29 January 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Let there be light!". Daily News. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Gifted intelligence". Daily News. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Sangamitta House athletic champions of Pushpadana Balika". Daily News. Retrieved 27 April 2021.