On the 23rd of October 1909, fifty nine of the earliest Ladies' Collegians met at Fairfield House Union Place, Colombo and officially inaugurated the Old Girls' Union.
| President | Miss T. A. Maartensz (Mrs Leslie de Saram) |
| Hony. Secretaries | Miss Patty Pinto (later on the staff as Mrs Lobo) Miss Louise Pieris (Mrs. G.L. Cooray) |
| Hony. Treasurer | Miss E. Henry Miss V. Wambeck (Mrs V.T. Dickman) |
| Editors | Miss Maheswari Arunachalam Miss Ethel A. Joliffe Miss Ethel Dias Abeysinghe (Mrs. Stephen Dias Bandaranaike) |
On the 10th May, the School moved from Fairfield House, Union Place to the premises on Flower Road, then called "The Fernery".
From 1917, for reasons unknown, the Principal of the School took on the post of President of the OGA. This changed 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, it is indicated that from 1920 onwards, the old girls donated funds for the needs and development of the School.
1916 - Nixon Memorial Library (original library) was built by the OGA.
1921 - President and Secretary were accommodated on the stage at the School prize giving for the first time, representing the OGA.
1933 - Donation of Altar Rails was made to the Chapel in memory of Miss Whitney
1950 - At the Golden Jubilee Festival of the School, a large donation was made in aid of the Gwen Opie Science Block.
1950 – At the Jubilee Thanksgiving service on the 14th of February (Founders' Day), OGA presented memorial tablets which the Bishop of Colombo dedicated in memory of Miss Nixon, Miss Whitney and Miss Gwen Opie.
1950 - At the Jubilee Prize Giving, Mrs. Leslie de Saram, the first President of the OGA unveiled a portrait of Miss Gwen Opie.
1953 - OGA staged a play “Women Have their Way” by Quintero. A donation was made to the Building Fund.
1955 - OGA Sports Club was inaugurated.
1955 - First Dinner Dance “Pink Champagne” organized by Siva Obeyesekera was held at the Grand Oriental Hotel. Proceeds were donated to the Sports Pavilion.
1956 - Annual Dinner Dance “Mexicana” organized by Siva Obeyesekera was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
1957 - Benefit Show “A Town Like Alice” was held and net proceeds donated to the Building Fund.
1957 - OGA reverted to electing the President from the OGA membership. First President was Lady Coomaraswamy.
1958 - Benefit Show was held at Regal Theatre and proceeds donated to the Building Fund.
1958 - Golden Jubilee of the OGA. Jubilee Dinner was held in November.
1960 - Entrance gates to School were donated by the OGA on Founders' Day.
1962 - Annual Dinner Dance, ‘Fascination’, was organized by Manel Abeyesekere and proceeds donated to the Building Fund.
1965 - Tea Party was held to felicitate Wimala Kannangara and Siva Obeyesekera, Members of Parliament.
1965 - Annual Dinner Dance, ‘Sakura’ was organized by Manel Abeysekera and a donation made to the Building Fund.
1966 - Scholarship Fund was established and five scholarships given to deserving students in Form II to Form VI A. The cost of the scholarship included fees and books.
1966 - Annual Dinner Dance, ‘Yuletide’, was organized by Pathma Thamothera.
1967 - Annual Dinner Dance, ‘Tropical Magic’, was organized by Flower de S. Munasinghe and proceeds donated to the Building Fund.
Memorial Service was officiated by Rt. Rev. Cyril Abeynaike in the Chapel to mark the 25th anniversary of Miss Opie’s passing.
Kandy Branch Sub-Committee was inaugurated on 7th June.
OGA Diamond Jubilee Festival was held in August and a donation made to the Scholarship Fund.
OGA Diamond Jubilee Dinner was held at the Hotel Taprobane in November.
1970 - Amendment to the Constitution of the CMS Governing Body was made to include the following article – “A member of the OGA should be elected to serve on the CMS Board of Governors".
1971 - Kandy Branch Association of OGA was formally inaugurated on 25th March at the Trinity College Principal’s Bungalow and a donation was made to the Deaf and Blind School.
1972 - Miss Rita Opie was fêted during a visit to Colombo.
A get together was held to welcome Miss Mabel Simon and to say good bye to Mrs. Nalini McIntyre (Vice Principal).
London UK Branch Association of the OGA was formally inaugurated on 11th February.
An event, ‘Sound of Drums’ was held and a donation made to the School.
A get together was held with the Kandy Branch in the Peradeniya Gardens on 16th February.
OGA presented a request to the CMS Governing Body to have a separate Board of Governors for Ladies’ College.
A dinner organized by the OGA, assisted by the PTA and Staff was held in the Old Hall, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the School.
‘LC FAIR 75’ was held to raise funds to establish a Vocational Institute.
The Governing Body granted Ladies' College an Advisory Committee for the School. President OGA was an Ex-Officio member of this Committee.
On 15th July, the School arranged a thanksgiving service and special assembly to felicitate Siva Obeyesekera on her appointment as Minister of Health.
Annual Dinner was organized by Dushyanthi Wijewardene held in the Old Hall with a fashion show and carols.
A variety entertainment show, ‘My Way’, was organized by Dushyanthi Wijewardene and a donation made towards the Hostel.
Christmas Fare was organized by Siva Obeyesekere.
‘Pop Spectacular’ event was organized by Rohini Yoheswaran.
Annual Dinner Dance ‘FIESTA 78’ was held.
Garden Party was held to bid farewell to Lord Bishop Rt. Rev. Cyril Abeyenaike and to welcome Lord Bishop Rt. Rev. Swithin Fernando.
A Special Assembly was held in May to celebrate Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardane’s 25 years of service to the School.
‘BEAT 79’ event was organized by Jeevamani Gabriel and Kumari Jinadasa.
International Buffet was organized by Sheila Fernando.
Annual Dinner Dance, ‘Christmas Cracker’ was organized by Aurasie Mendis.
‘Foreign Donations’ was organized by Dushyanthi Wijewardene.
Founders' Day was celebrated with sports activities between past with present girls. Two challenge plates were awarded.
80th Anniversary of the School. ‘Talent Asia Fair’ was organized by the OGA and included 75 stalls.
Founders' Day service with Holy Communion was held on 13th February, followed by a fellowship breakfast with School staff in Gaster House.
Miss Rita Opie was chief guest at the AGM. Miss Opie’s birthday was celebrated by cutting a birthday cake.
Annual Dinner Dance, ‘Autumn Leaves’ was organized by Lalitha Rajapakse.
A service in the Chapel was held following the AGM and the blessing of new curtains behind altar which was gifted by the UK Branch took place.
Annual Dinner Dance, ‘LC NITE 1981’, was organised by Sheila Fernando.
Opening of the Department of Vocational Studies. The plaque read “The Old Girls' Association Commemorates the 75th Anniversary of Ladies’ College by assisting in the establishment of the Department of Vocational Studies”.
‘Sirancee Gunawardena’ Block was opened by the Rt. Rev. Swithin Fernando, Bishop of Colombo, on 29th January 1982.
Annual Dinner Dance, ‘LC Nite 82’ was organised by Selvaranee Mather and Mrs. Lilamani Wanigasekera.
Chapel Organ Fund Appeal was organised by Kamala Pillai.
‘Fiesta 83’ and Ikebana Exhibition was organised by Lalitha Rajapakse.
Electric organ gifted by the OGA was consecrated at the Founders’ Day Service on 10th February.
A complete Public Address system was gifted to the School.
An intercom telephone system was gifted to the School.
OGA family picnic was organised by Lalitha Rajapakse. 126 persons participated.
The OGA’s 75th anniversary celebrations were held on 9th October, which commenced with a Thanksgiving Service.
OGA hosted a breakfast to celebrate the OGA’s 75th Anniversary, followed by a well-attended lunch. The anniversary cake was cut by Nilgiria and C. W. Dias.
Trustees of the OGA Trust were 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 was launched by the OGA to commemorate its 75th Anniversary by establishing “OGA House” to accommodate a fully equipped ‘Tuck Shop’ room and meeting hall for the OGA and a sports pavilion.
75th Anniversary Dance was organised by Sheila Fernando.
Special General Meeting was held on 30th July. Amendment to the constitution to revert to the original date of founding of the Association (23rd October) for the Annual General Meeting was passed.
75th Anniversary Fair was organised by Siva Obeyesekera to collect funds to establish the 75th Anniversary project and to equip a new block of classrooms.
75th Anniversary Dinner followed the AGM in the Old Hall on 22nd October.
75th Annual Dinner Dance was organised by Sheila Fernando.
Family picnic to Palm Village Hendala took place.
Donation of bird bath for chapel grounds was made - funded by the collection from the Founders’ Day service 1984.
Proceeds from the 75th Anniversary Fair were presented to the Principal.
Trust deed of the OGA Trust was signed on 2nd October. Decision was made that the OGA Representative on the Governing Body be ex-officio member of the OGA Committee.
Coffee morning ‘Hot Topics’ was organised by Sheila Fernando. A donation was made to the Building and Equipment Fund.
An event, ‘Polar’, was organised by Senani de Silva, Shermila Rajaratnam and Laila Ismail and proceeds were donated to the Building and Equipment Fund.
Raffle Draw was organised and proceeds donated to the Building and Equipment Fund.
Fellowship Dinner was organised by Rukmani Peries and held at Hotel Intercontinental.
Donation was made to the Swimming Pool Fund.
Family picnic was held at Neptune Hotel.
Fellowship Dinner was held at Hotel Lanka Oberoi.
A Food Fiesta was organized by Priti Fonseka at the Womens’ International Club Premises for the Jaipur Foot Fund.
Family Picnic to Pegasus Reef was organized by Premalatha Abeyasinghe.
OGA Dance “LC Night 88” was held and proceeds presented to the Principal.
A Home and Garden Exhibition was organized by Siva Obeyesekere and a donation made to the Principal.
Donation of books was made to the Library.
Monies were donated to the School for the Opie Memorial Scholarship.
Committee was appointed to liaise with: (1) the Principal; and (2) the PTA.
Constitutional Committee was appointed to consider amending the Constitution.
Committee was appointed to look into discrepancies between the constitution and the trust deeds.
‘Sharing Skills’, a program for Advanced Level students, was organised by Christine Chanmugam, Rukmani Peries and Susheela Gunaratnam.
Monies were donated for flood relief.
Kandy OGA Branch 20th anniversary celebrations were held, for which 10 members from Colombo attended.
Tennis matches were held between old girls and present girls.
Games Day was organised with lunch. Games included Tennis, Hockey, Netball, Volley Ball, Table Tennis, Relays etc.
A seminar on ‘Leadership, Motivation and Public Speaking’ was held, at which Jezima Ismail, Chris de Saram and Mansoor Ghouse were speakers.
Founders’ Day celebrating the 90th anniversary of Ladies’ College was held. Chief Guest at the OGA lunch was Mrs. S. Gunawardane.
Lunch and ice cream were donated to the elders in St. Nicholas Home and Lankadhara Home. Workshop on ‘Invitation to Growth’ was organised by Priyanthi Fernando.
A Sports Foundation was established.
Thanksgiving service was held on 14th June for Siva Obeyesekera, on being awarded the Deshamanya title. Service was followed by a fellowship.
Tennis Tournament was held against Bishop’s College Past Pupils Association.
Thanksgiving service was held after the bomb blast at JOC in June.
"LC Walk 91" was held.
Fellowship Dinner was held at Galle Face Hotel.
Chapel was rededicated on Founders’ Day after the bomb blast.
Passiontide and Easter Music was held in the Chapel by the OGA Choir.
The OGA Room was handed over to the OGA by the Principal.
“Sarabande” Fundraiser was held at Ramada Renaissance.
Family Picnic was held at Tangerine Beach Hotel Kalutara.
Fellowship Dinner was held at Hotel Taj Samudra.
Swimming Pool was opened.
Tennis Courts were opened.
Family Picnic was held at Royal Oceanic Hotel, Negombo.
Fellowship Dinner was held at Galle Face Hotel.
Food Fair and Dinner Dance were cancelled.
Soundari Kanapathipillai, Marina Sathanathan and Shermila Rajaratnam were felicitated for 25 years of service to the School at the OGA Founders' Day Lunch.
Donations in kind were collected from the Committee for the Suhada Home, Kotte.
Fundraiser, ‘Carousel’, was held at the Hilton Hotel on 15th September.
Monies were donated to the Army for purchase of medical equipment.
Founders' Day service was held at 7.30 am, followed by breakfast, cookery demonstration, netball match and lunch.
Easter Cantata “Messiah, True and Faithful” was held by the OGA choir. Entrance was by program.
Fellowship Dinner was held on 16th December.
Professional Advancement of Academic Staff Workshops were arranged for Primary and Middle School teachers.
“LC Splendor” Dance was organized.
Joint Carol Service was held with the School to bid farewell to Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardena.
Farewell Dinner to Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardena was held on 9th December at Galle Face Hotel.
“LC Classics” was held and proceeds donated to the Scholarship Fund.
OGA Carol Service collection was donated to House of Joy, Talawa.
Dinner Dance ‘Fragrance of Jasmines’ was held on 3rd July at Hotel Lanka Oberoi.
“Christmas Fare” followed the Carol Service.
Dinner was held at Hotel Lanka Oberoi.
Fellowship Dinner was held on 13th December.
Donations were made for the cost of two artificial limbs for disabled soldiers through the Denzil Kobbekaduwa Trust.
‘LC Classics II’ was held and donation made to the Trust Fund.
Miss G. F. Opie’s grave was sealed and a Service of Thanksgiving was held at the graveside on her birthday (9th December).
Thanksgiving service for Miss Simon was held on her birthday (23rd March) in the Chapel.
OGA Inter-house Sports Meet was held in the Back Garden.
Motor Rally was held.
‘LC Walk’ was held on 7th August 2004 organised by Chairperson, Ms. Shiralee Hallock.
Proceeds from the walk and donations from Old Girls in North East USA were gifted to the School to help renovate the Hostel and Nursery.
Donation was made towards the purchase of a School Bus.
Tsunami victims were remembered at the Founders’ Day service. Lunch and celebrations were cancelled.
Tsunami fund for voluntary donations was opened. Recipients were identified with the help of the Vanguard Foundation and the money dispensed to them in Kosgoda and also in the East via Survivors Association.
Lunches packed by OGA members in the Hostel dining room three times a week were supplied to tsunami refugees for a period of three weeks.
The table tennis room in the Sports Pavilion was handed over to the OGA and renovated.
OGA Room was blessed by the Chaplain, after the Founders’ Day service.
Opening of the OGA Room was celebrated with kiribath and coffee served to the members.
Dinner Dance was organised by Dr. Deepthi Attygalle and held on 29th July 2006 at Water's Edge.
Thanksgiving Service was held for the life and work of Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardana on her birthday (27th November).
Plaque was unveiled in the new hall renaming it, ‘Mabel Simon Hall’ preceding the AGM held on 25th October 2007.
OGA Room was furnished with curtains, new chairs and tables and two 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.
An evening of fashion and music, ‘ECLAT’, was organised at the Holiday Inn.
Conditions for the award of scholarships was established.
Christmas Party was held for senior old girls and retired teachers in the School Hostel.
Centenary Committee was appointed to help organize events for the OGA’s Centenary year.
Website was developed to be launched on Founders’ Day on 14th February.
An evening was held for the seniors on 24th November to which retired teachers were invited.
Centenary Annual Fellowship Dinner was held on 16th December at the Trans Asia Hotel.
Founder’s Day service encompassed the unveiling of tablets in memory of Ms. Simon and Mrs. Sirancee Gunawadena in the Chapel.
Website lcoga.lk was launched in the Mabel Simon Hall.
Founders’ Day Lunch was held.
Campfire was held on 27th March in the School grounds focused on encompassing the whole Ladies’ College tribe, bringing together students, parents, teachers and Old Girls. 850 tickets were sold.
Centenary Ball, organised by Shiralee Hallock, held on 24th July at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. Proceeds were donated to the Scholarship Fund.
The fourth seniors’ event on 31st July was attended by the over seventies in the School grounds.
Needs of the IDP Camps were funded from donations made by members in Sri Lanka as well as members overseas to the Kollupitiya Methodist Church.
The name board Ladies’ College OGA was affixed above the entrance door and the list of past Presidents of the OGA was engraved on a wooden panel in the OGA Room.
The OGA Centenary Oration in memory of Lilian Nixon was delivered by Prof. Savitri Goonesekere on 15th October 2009 at the Mabel Simon Hall. She spoke on ‘Women's Education: a Pioneer's Vision’.
OGA Birthday Celebrations on 24th October commenced with a Service of Thanksgiving at The Chapel of the Hope of the World, followed by the laying of the foundation stone for the School Archives Building by the OGA President Dr. (Mrs.) Deepthi Attygalle.
Centenary Souvenir, edited by Mrs. Dhara Wijayatilake, was launched in the Old Hall.
Centenary AGM was held in the Mabel Simon Hall.
Over 70′s Christmas Serenade 2009 was held in the hostel dining room on 23rd November.
The finale to the OGA Centenary Year, the Grand Centenary Banquet at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel was held on 14th December. Badges were pinned on all past Presidents present at the event, in recognition of their contribution towards the OGA.
Quiz Night was held in the Old Hall in March 2012.
‘Pusswedilla Dinner Theatre’ was held in June 2012 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
LC Walk 2010, ‘100 Years Down Flower Road’ was organised to commemorate the relocation of the School to Flower Road in 1910. The walk was jointly organized by the OGA and the PTA and held on 31st July 2013. Over a thousand Old Girls participated. Objective of the walk was to raise funds for the construction of the foundation of the new Sports Complex.
Mrs. Dharini Senanayake took up office as President of the OGA in October 2013 and started her term with the annual over seventies Christmas Dinner on 2nd December at the Gaster House.
OGA Christmas Dinner and Felicitation of the Principal, Mrs. Nirmali Wickramasingha was held at the Balmoral Hall at the Kingsbury Hotel.
OGA Sports Meet, was organized by Preethi Adhihetty, and was revived after many years in February 2013 and the proceeds donated contributed towards the purchase of gym equipment for the new Sports Complex.
A further 6 events were organised in 2014, starting with the Founders' Day Service and lunch on 22nd February, the Senior's Avurudu Celebration on 4th April, the 'Shimmer' Dinner Dance which was the main fundraiser for the year on 26th July, the AGM in October, the Seniors' Christmas Dinner and the Annual Christmas Dinner.
The OGA also participated in an Inter OGA Netball Tournament organized by St. Bridget's Convent in March as well as the Amante special 'Indulgence Sunday' event for our Old Girls.
‘Style Twenty 15’, an evening of fashion and entertainment, was held on 29th May at the Galadari Hotel. The evening saw our very own Old Girls walk the ramp in world famous and local apparel brands.
Donation was made towards Phase One of Mrs. Speldewinde’s School reconstruction program in an effort to refurbish and renovate the Staff Room and the School Library.
‘LC Sings’, a sing-a-long was held on 27th September at the Hotel Ramada, Colombo.
Mrs. Preethi Adhihetty took over office as President of the OGA at the 106th Annual General Meeting which was held on 17th October 2015 in the Mabel Simon Hall.
The Annual Seniors’ Christmas lunch was held on Saturday 5th December 2015 in the New Hall. The festive lunch was sponsored by LC Cares and was free of charge for all the ladies’ aged 70 and above. Festive drinks were in plenty and everyone had a great time, while a live band kept the crowd entertained. Lunch was followed by exciting games, the singing of traditional Christmas carols and Santa’s appearance.
The Christmas Dinner was held at the Balmoral, Kingsbury on 8th December 2015 under the theme of the ‘Red Hot Christmas Party’. Guests came clad in “Red, Hot and Christmas” attire and were treated to a host of theme centered fun games, various guest performances and interactive festivities.
The Founders’ Day Service was held on Sunday 14th February 2016 in the School Chapel and was followed by a brunch in the Old Hall under the theme ‘Back to School’. The entertainment and decor revolved around the theme and every effort was taken to give the old girls a truly nostalgic experience.
The Inter House old girls sports meet ‘Battle of the Ladies’ was held on 27th February 2016 with the objective of fostering comradeship and unity amongst the members. From the proceeds of the sports meet, Rs. 2.5 million was pledged towards the ‘Chapel Restoration Fund’ in order to facilitate the reconstruction of the Chapel roof.
The ‘Wet n Wild Members Day’ was held on 14th of May 2016 at Club Bentota and the girls were treated to a memorable day filled with surprises, fun games, music and fellowship. LCites across all age groups came together in true LC passion as they participated in the day’s activities with absolute enthusiasm and spirit.
Spellkasters, the first ever LC OGA spelling bee contest was held on Saturday 3rd September 2016 in the Mabel Simon Hall. Well known author Ashok Ferry moderated the event and Dr. Harshana Rambukwella was the judge. Twelve teams each comprising of six old girls took part in the ultimate spell-off. The winners were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/-
The OGA launched a motivational programme to encourage, uplift and motivate the students of the school in the fields of sports, arts and drama. The first programme which was held on 26th of September 2016, was related to sports and was organized for the rowing, hockey and water polo teams. Kumar Sangakkara was invited to speak to the girls at this special event. The girls too were given the opportunity to question ‘Sanga’ at length after his speech. The students were hosted to dinner in the back garden and each student was presented with an LC branded sports bag.
The Red Wave was created by the OGA with the aim of getting our Old Girls together to support the school during competitions. The membership was asked to submit ideas for names and Red Wave was selected as the winning entry. The winner was awarded Rs. 25,000/-
Trail SL 2016, a crowd funded initiative with the aim of building a new Cancer Hospital in Galle commenced in October 2016. The OGA supported this cause by taking part in the walk from Galle Face Green to Moratuwa. A sum of over Rs 375,000.00 was collected and was donated on behalf of the Old Girls’ Association.
The 107th Annual General Meeting of the Ladies’ College Old Girls’ Association was held on Saturday 8th October 2016 at 10.30am in the Mabel Simon Hall. A tribute to Mrs. Sirancee Gunawardena to commemorate her 10th death anniversary was held prior to the AGM where the Sirancee Gunawardena Memorial Scholarship Fund was launched.
"Ice Queens" A Christmas Masquerade, was held on 27th of November 2016 at the main function hall of Temple Trees. The old girls’ came attired in white, keeping with the theme for the night. It was truly a magical sight, to witness the Christmas décor, all beautifully handmade by the committee, adorning the tables that evening. Danu Innathamby compered the event, while the Doctor Band provided musical entertainment.
The curtains of the Mabel Simon Hall rose on ‘Rhythm’s Going to Get You!’ a concert presented by the Ladies’ College Old Girls’ Association on 29th July 2017. Our old girls took to the stage to deliver an evening of non-stop entertainment. The program included performances by virtuoso musicians and the OGA Choir, as well as a hilarious skit and a sing-along session, which had the audience clicking their fingers and tapping their toes.
A milestone initiative known as ‘Smart Classrooms’, an effort to digitalize Ladies' College and modernize how curriculums are disseminated in the school, was the vision of Mrs. Eesha Speldewinde. Under this project, each classroom was to be equipped with a Smart Interactive Board, a cutting edge technological facility including a 65’ Smart Interactive Display (with touch capability up to 10 fingers or stylus) with a Digital Screen, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and speakers. The OGA was instrumental in facilitating this project and secured a deposit for 36 smart boards, which subsequently enabled teachers to deliver and students to receive a quality education on par with the best classroom and school environments both locally and internationally.
The OGA Dinner Dance was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Cinnamon Grand on 16th September 2017 under the name “Ifestia”. The theme surrounded Santorini, Greece with a Greek themed garden ambiance, Greek customs, traditions, games and even Greek drinks and cuisine.
Niloufer Vandergert took over office as President of the OGA at the 108th Annual General Meeting of the Ladies’ College Old Girls’ Association which was held on 21st October 2017 at 10.30am in the Mabel Simon Hall.
The annual Christmas Dinner ‘Christmas Candyland’ was held on 30th November 2017 at the Galle Face Hotel. The venue was transformed into a veritable candyland, complete with giant sweets and lollipops, a candyfloss station, and sweet jar favours. The Little Sopranos choir delighted the guests with their Christmas special and Voice Print provided a rollicking soundtrack for the evening’s merriment which had guests dancing until midnight. Guests indulged in a scrumptious Christmas buffet with all the traditional trimmings and a few interesting games got everyone into the festive spirit of things. Everyone had a wonderful time and we received some fantastic feedback on the event.
The Annual Seniors’ Christmas Lunch was held on 11th December 2017 in the Old Hall. The festivities kicked off with carols led by the OGA Choir and games encouraged our guests to mingle with their friends. A lovely roast Christmas lunch was served and followed by a delicious fruit pudding. Santa made a surprise appearance giving out presents and sweet treats. The afternoon concluded with a Baila competition in which several guests participated with great enthusiasm and energy. It was a lovely start to the festive season for our most senior OGA members, the pillars of our alumni community.
A choir comprised of members of the OGA Choir and LC Cares volunteers went caroling on 14th December 2017, visiting several Old Girls’ homes. It was tuneful evening of fellowship and really demonstrated how our alumni community can come together to provide comfort, support and friendship to its members.
The annual Founders’ Day Service of Thanksgiving was held on Saturday, 17 February 2018, followed by a celebratory High Tea in the Back Garden, a venue which holds fond memories for all of us. The theme of this year’s service was ‘Love God, Love All’ and Mrs Christina Navaratnam delivered a meaningful sermon to the congregation. The OGA choir, directed by Sureka Amarasinghe, performed Benedicamus Domino as their customary anthem. Following the service, guests gathered in the Back Garden for an evening of camaraderie and a delectable tea, including scones baked by the committee members and their friends. Guests lingered on, chatting to their friends, even as darkness fell, and we take this as a sign that our guests thoroughly enjoyed their evening in our beloved Back Garden.
LC ROUTE 66’ LC Walk 2018, a fundraising carnival in aid of a new Performing Arts Complex was held on Saturday 8th September. To support and help flourish the Ladies’ College students who have excelled in the school’s choirs, band, orchestras, eastern and western dance and dramatic arts programs, the school was in need of a Performing Arts Complex which housed a soundproof music room, storage room for musical instruments and teaching facilities for performing arts subjects. The walk and carnival was held in partnership with the Principal, Vice Principal, school community and the Parent Teacher Association of Ladies’ College.
Fathima Aziz was newly appointed as President Elect t lead the association for 2019/2020. Her appointment was made as per Rule 9 (6) (a) of the OGA Constitution which states 1 “A vacancy on the Executive Committee may be filled by the Executive Committee upon a decision that the filling of such vacancy is necessary for the proper administration of the affairs of the Association…”
The Founders’ Day Celebrations were held on Saturday the 9th February 2019. It begun with a beautiful service at the School Chapel which was well attended. The service was conducted by Rev Melvin de Silva and the OGA Choir excelled under the guidance of Sureka Ameresinghe. This year’s service was based on the theme “seek peace and pursue it”. The Service was followed by High Tea in the Backgarden with over 400 guests.
Generations of old girls reunited for ‘Indulgence Saturday’ hosted by Sri Lanka’s premium lingerie brand, Amanté, at its Racecourse Mall boutique on 23d March 2019. The event was organised by the OGA in collaboration Amanté, Sri Lanka and OGA members were treated to an eventful day of glamour and pampering. The OGA members were eligible for special giveaways, savings and exciting promotions by Amanté. There was also a lucky dip competition and refreshments and free manicures and pedicures available at the venue.
Mrs Fathima Aziz took over the presidency of the OGA in October 2019 and the first event of her tenure was the annual Christmas dinner held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo on 27th November 2019 A traditional Christmas theme was chosen for the celebration. Part of the proceeds of the event were donated to Caritas Seth Sarana, with a cheque for Rs.200,000 being presented to Father Ramanayake of Caritas on 21st November 2019 at the Ladies’ College office.
The annual Seniors’ Christmas Lunch was held on Saturday, 30th November 2019 at the Old Hall. The lovely afternoon of fellowship, activity and merry making in a familiar and much-loved venue was organised jointly by LC Cares and the OGA.
To commemorate the 120th year of Ladies’ College the OGA held its Founders’ Day celebrations on 29th February 2020. The traditional service of thanksgiving in the Chapel of the Hope of the World was followed by a celebratory brunch in the Old Hall and a Pop-Up Market featuring LC-ite entrepreneurs in the Front Gardens.
The COVID-19 pandemic swept over Sri Lanka in early 2020 resulting in numerous lockdowns and restrictions on movement and gatherings. The OGA purchased and donated 100 sets of personal protective equipment to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in April 2020.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, social media platforms (including Facebook, Instagram and Youtube) were used to engage and connect with the membership in innovative ways despite restrictions on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
The quarterly newsletter of the OGA was re-christened 'The Red Velvet' and was relaunched in a more modern and engaging format in November 2020.
In the spirit of tolerance and respect inculcated by Ladies' College, videos commemorating some of the many festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka were produced and aired on social media platforms including:
With the pandemic continuing into 2021, a celebratory video commemorating the school's 121st Founders' Day was produced. A virtual chorale comprised of Old Girls from around the globe performed 'Messiah', an arrangement by Sureka Amerasinghe, first recorded for the CD produced for the school's Centenary celebrations in 2000.
The 111th Annual General Meeting of the LOGA was held on 13th March 2021 (delayed from October 2020) via audio-visual means for the first time in the history of the OGA due to the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent restrictions on gatherings.
The OGA Constitution was updated to: (i) facilitate virtual meetings of the OGA (the importance of which was realised during the pandemic), (ii) reduce the quorum for an Annual General Meeting to a more attainable number of 60; (iii) create the post of an assistant publicity secretary; and (iv) amend the financial year in line with the requirements of the Department of Inland Revenue. The OGA constitution was then consolidated to reflect all changes approved at previous Annual General Meetings to date and the updated version was uploaded to the OGA website.
The Executive Committee of the OGA, under legal guidance, updated the trust deeds relating to the OGA Trust and the OGA Chapel Trust. This was done in order to spell out more clearly the mandates, obligations and powers of each of these trusts. The amendments also formalised bringing LC Cares (a group of old girls committed to looking after the needs of senior members of the OGA) under the supervision of the OGA Trust.
In a concerted effort to fight the devastating impact of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka the OGA ran a fundraising drive to help to equip a new High Dependency Unit (HDU) in the District General Hospital, Negombo. The OGA raised over LKR6 million which helped to equip the HDU before the third wave of the pandemic hit Sri Lankan shores and contributed towards hundreds of lives being saved, according to Dr, Lakkumar Fernando MBBS, DCH, MD(Paed), MRCP(UK), FRCP(Lond), FSLCP, Senior Consultant Paediatrician.
An update of the database of members was undertaken in the latter half of 2021 with the aims of migrating the database to a secure, online system; updating members' details; streamlining the OGA's method of communicating with members; and establishing a clear protocol for regular maintenance of the database.
LKR 1 million was donated by the OGA towards the new performing arts centre proposed to be constructed at Ladies' College. An additional donation of LKR 1 million was made towards the school's COVID-19 relief fund to assist students suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic. Mrs Aziz personally handed over the donation to Mrs Eesha Speldewinde on 23rd October 2021.