The OGA held a Felicitation Brunch on 6th August 2022, in honor of the new Principal of Ladies’ College and Patroness of the Association, Mrs. Deepika Dassenaike. The old hall was decorated with an Italian al fresco theme, with lemons and foliage. A blue and white fabric plate mat carried an individual menu card and a ladies folding fan. The place setting was completed with lemon curd filled cupcakes and cinnamon and raisin rolls.
The morning began with the acoustic music of Minesh D. Deepika and Ranmalee who arrived by 9.45 am were greeted at the old hall with flowers and were escorted to their respective tables. After the singing of the school hymn, the President of the OGA, Mrs. Roshanara Page welcomed the members.
Deshika Rodrigo, a classmate of Deepika, extolled on her and kept everyone engaged with her congratulatory speech. Deepika was also gifted with a token by her batch mates. Thereafter, Chiranthi Cooray spoke on her classmate Mrs. Ranmalee Balasooriya, the newly appointed Vice Principal and presented her with a token on behalf of her batch.
Deepika and Ranmalee cut a beautiful three tiered cake, adorned with yellow flowers. Deepika thereafter, addressed the members with an enthralling speech.
Subsequently, Amali David spoke on The LC OGA HNB Affinity Card initiative; a project which was launched during the tenure of former President OGA, Mrs. Fathima Aziz. Mrs. Gauthami Niranjan, Head of Cards at HNB further detailed the objectives and benefits of the collaboration and urged members to apply for an affinity card. The first card was presented to Deepika by Ms. Aruni Goonetilleke, Chairperson HNB, accompanied by Mr. Sanjay Wijemanne, DGM Retail Banking HNB. Mrs. Amali David accepted a card on behalf of Mrs. Fathima Aziz, who was unable to be present due to a pre scheduled travel plan.
Compere for the morning, Premala de Mel went on to brief members about the Brick Card, a fundraising initiative in lieu of the refurbishment and maintenance of the new hall. Members were requested to donate a sum of rupees thousand each, towards these brick cards.
The vote of thanks and concluding prayer was said by Anjali Karunaratne, Vice President of the OGA. Anjali in her speech, thanked Deepika for her unstinting support to the OGA at all times, followed by a special word of thanks to Mr. Trevine Gomez and Mr. Chirath Devasurendra of Green Cabin for their commitment to giving us an exceptional brunch spread and excellent service. Further, Sanjay Wijemanne, DGM Retail Banking and Gauthami Niranjan, Head of Cards HNB, and Ms. Samuddhika Mendis, Senior Manager Colpetty Branch HNB, were appreciated for their efficient support with the LC OGA HNB Affinity Card and for getting the initiative off the ground. A thank you was also extended to Vidyani, Anargi and Niranjani for their cooperation in assisting in the logistics of the day. Anjali also spoke of, the round the clock help given by the support staff of the school. Concluding her speech, she went on to recognise the committee for their continued support in crafting everything together to create this successful event despite the brunch being postponed many times.
Anjali also prayed for our school, our new principal and vice principal, all staff members and very specially, for our country at this present time.
Thereafter, Premala requested that all those present to patronise the pop up market in the front garden and support the vendors. She further reminded the members of the ‘stories of faith’ books which were available for sale at the front foyer. Members were urged to purchase the exciting array of LC Merchandise that were also available for sale.
The brunch concluded with Ranmalee Jayawardena’s tributary song to Deepika – To God be the glory!