Wisdom Shines Through Character – Pushpadana Girls College – Kandy

Kandy is known amongst the locals as the “hill country capital’, home to the Dalanda Maligawa where the Relicts of the  Sacred Tooth of the Lord Buddha is preserved and worshipped by people. Pushpadana Girls’ College is Lying in the bottom of Bahirawakana Mountain is yet another gleaming fountain of education dedicated to providing secondary education to girls from grades 6 – 13 surrounded by hill country cool breeze and atmosphere.

How it all began:

Kandy was home to many catholic schools but the need for a Buddhist girl’s school was highlighted by the era of 1940. With the discussions and needs rising, a speech made by E.W. Adikaram at the Pushpadana Society of Kandy on their 34^th anniversary lead to the foundations of Pushpadana Girls College to supplement the girls with English education.

By 2^nd  July 1942, the establishment of Pushpadana girls college took place in a small building attached to Pushpadana Society of Kandy lying in Trincomalee street. The event was inaugurated by the then Minister of Health Hon. George E. De Silva and with the presence of the then Minister of Education, C.W.W. Kannangara where the read the alphabet to the girls who were admitted to the college. The college kept in inaugural step with three students and four teachers which included the principal herself. By 6^th May 1946, the college was handed over to the central government to be managed under the Director of Education.

Leading principal’s roles that made Pusphadana girl’s college shine:

2^nd July 1953

Under the guidance of Principal P.D.S. Kularathne the school was shifted to the present day premises with 11 teacher and 400 students.

3^rd May 1954 – 28^th November 1958
During the administration of Principal W.M.M. De Silva a new college uniform was introduced.

1^st January 1959

Principal Hemalatha Swarnalatha during her administration period started advanced level classes.

13^th December 1961

Principal Vishaka Gunathilake created The college motto and the college anthem.

1^st May 1965

Formation of western and eastern music bands, advanced level science curriculum was commenced. Also, the college library was created together with the college dental clinic. During this period the primary section of the college was removed from grades 1-5 in order to accommodate secondary students which was a big step the college took in order to provide better education to Buddhist girls. The administration of the college was carried out by Principal Hema D. Seram.

1980 to 2002

During the tenure of Principal G.K. Alahakoon Dasanayaka the college hostel and the principal’s official residence were constructed. During this era, the commencing of advanced level agriculture stream and aesthetic began. And during this era, the college was promoted as a national school which can be called a huge achievement.

From September 2002

Under the guidance of Principal W.D.P.K. Samarasinghe the college acquired many certifications on the educational performance as well as extracurricular activities. The college was able to win all island bronze medal and Kandy district first place for the home garden maintained under the government concept of ‘api wawamu rata nagamu’ which had the entire country involved.

From September 2009

Principal G.W.L.K. Egodawela was administering the college. During this era, school won many prizes which included the DSI all island prize for ‘danumai wasnawai’ which was broadcast on television as well.

Pushpadana School facilities:

The college is composed of below structures to facilitate students and their needs.

• Chemistry, physics, and biology laboratories
• Hostel
• Library
• Co-operative shop
• Canteen
• Information technology laboratory
• Shrine room
• Basketball court

Education:

At present, there are about 2000 students and 130 teachers. The selection procedure for the school is primarily done through the results obtained at the grade five scholar exam where equal opportunity is given for all applicants.

College vision and Mission:

Vision:

We dedicate to our nation, able ladies who uphold values of national identity and preserve to conquer the modern world while equally being mindful of the importance of the family unit.

Mission:

We guide every daughter who enrolls in our alma mater to inculcate virtue and enhance creativity, intelligence and competencies in order to be a beacon of life to society.

Past principals:

Being a ladies’ college providing safety and security for the girls in the school has been utmost importance. These principals have done a lot of sacrifices and put on many efforts to safeguard the reputation of the school. Adding value to their efforts college has been able to produce many notable characters to the society who lives locally and abroad. The only ambition of an education institute is to provide society with a valuable asset with admirable character and all Pushpadanian’s can say that the Pushpadana College has done and proved it.