A (Not-So) Silent Night
The annual Christmas dinner of the Ladies’ College Old Girls’ Association was help after much anticipation on Thursday, 30th November 2023, at the Oak Room Cinnamon Grand. Mulled and milk wine were served upon entrance, as the ladies enjoyed a time of fellowship and catching up with friends old and new.
The evening commenced with a welcome speech by President Mrs Chantal De Saram, followed by melodious vocals by members of the LC OGA choir, who led the carols.
Entrance and spot gifts were given out throughout the evening, delighting many recipients. This was followed by a table game and house game, which amped up friendly competition amongst the ladies.
The specially curated dinner was followed by Voice Print and DJ Vinod leading nonstop dancing into the night. The baila competition in particular was enjoyed by all.
Mrs. Deepika Dassanaike our Patroness, Mrs. Ranmali Balasuriya our Vice Patroness, Former Presidents of the OGA, Vice Presidents, Former Principals and Vice Principals, members of the OGA. I extend a warm and special welcome to all of you.
The annual Christmas dinner is a much looked forward to event in our OGA calendar.
It is a time we gather as old friends. No one really ages in spirit, we age only in flesh. And we live with immortal youthfulness. So as we go down memory lane to experience the golden days of our childhood. We realize that the best memories are those experiences we had in school. Thank you all for taking the time to join us in a time of fellowship and camaraderie. There are 10 past presidents and two past principals present this evening. Each and everyone of you have all extended your support to me. My predecessor. Mrs. Roshanara Page thank you for all your encouragement. We are honoured to have you with us. And as we celebrate with each other lets be kind, lets smile, hug and compliment each other. Let’s just enjoy life in each other’s company.
It was a challenge for us the committee to organize this event in such a short space of time. I must firstly thank Mrs. Kshenuka Seneviratne who put together a well curated menu and got us an excellent rate from the hotel. We wish her all the very best in her new role as our High Commissioner in India.
Thank you, members of the committee, for all your hard work. You have spent an enormous amount of time getting sponsorships, gifts and vouchers. Making table plans numerous lists, wrapping gifts and making bon bons. Spending hours away from family and work, organizing every aspect of this evening. We are all volunteers giving of our best to the school. So please enjoy the evening we have planned for you. It is really a one big family affair. The Ladies’ College community.
My mind goes back to 1995, when Mrs. Sharmila Rajaratnam insisted that a little boy must enter the Ladies’ College Nursery. That little boy now a grown man has literally painted the oak room red.
Sureka Amarasinghe, Anoushka Abeyratne, the OGA choir and all the musicians in the ensemble, thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm and amazing support always.
Our next event is on 9th December, when LC Cares together with the OGA hosts a Christmas Lunch for our Seniors. It is an event that showcases compassion, kindness and empathy.
Now let the energy flow and it is time to make this night a not so silent night.
May God Bless you all.
CHANTAL DE SARAM
President - Ladies' College Old Girls’ Association