Mrs M J Waidyaratne.                                              

(1967 - 1989)


                 In 1967, on the retirement of Reverend Mother Agnes, Mrs M J Waidyaratne was first appointed as acting Principal of the school and was confirmed for the post of Principal.

 

Having assumed duties as Principal, her first task was to start a Girl Guide Company in the school. In 1968, the Girl Guide Company was registered as the Dehiwala 3rd Unit. She initiated in formation of the Senior Western Band and for a quite a period of time it was one of the leading school bands in the region. In 1971, the first open air drill display followed by a carnival was organized by her. This was planned to collect funds to build extra classrooms.

 

In aesthetic field, she encouraged the production of Sinhala dramas "Rama Ravana", "Hima Kumari" and "Kala Gola Natakaya", which contributed to swell the school funds. Under her guidance the First Senior Hewisi Band was formed. The Advanced Level Commerce and Science Streams were started in the school. The school was also adjudged the Second best in the circuit of Dehiwela - Mount Lavinia on the results of G C E Ordinary Level Examination. For more than ten years, with the intention of encouraging the students further, she started holding an annual Prize Giving.

 

The Past Pupils Association worked hand in hand for the well being of the school. It was during her era the Little Friends Company was started with the support of the two staff members, Mrs F Ekanayake and Mrs Priscilla Silva.

 

A dance and drill display followed by a variety show with the participation of popular artists was held to enhance the school funds. In 1985, Mrs Waidyaratne organized the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the school. The Inter House Athletics meets were held annually and she was responsible in getting the Basketball Court. Due to her untiring effort the Home Science room was converted to a storeyed building with a large hall on the First Floor. A storeyed library and a reading room was built and as a fitting tribute of her services it was named Waidyaratne Library and Reading Room.

 

The Sinhala Literary Festival, English Day, Commerce and Science Days were held. Annually, students were trained by Mr Jerome De Silva to enter the Inter School Shakespeare Drama Contest.

 

Mrs M J Waidyaratne retired in 1989, after serving the school for twenty two long years. The school is indebted to her for her loyal services.