Service of Thanksgiving - The Ladies’ College OGA celebrated our 124th Founders’ Day on 17th February 2024.
The day's events commenced with a service of thanksgiving led by Ven. Chrisantha Mendis and Rev. Christie Joseph, the school Chaplain. OGA President Chantal De Saram Obeyesekere welcomed the attendees, followed by a Prayer of Thanksgiving by Tamara Dharmakirti Herath .The first reading was by our Vice Principal Ranmalee Balasooriya.
The Gospel was shared by the Principal Deepika Dassanaike, followed by a riveting sermon by Ven. Chrisantha Mendis on the importance of being 'One Family Unbroken'. The Prayers of the People was led by OGA Secretary Ranmaliee Jayawardena. The OGA choir did a beautiful sung service and an anthem by John Rutter - Look at the World.
The Founders’ Day Service was held during the period of Lent. This was reflected in the beautiful and tasteful decor in the Chapel, especially crafted by an old boy of LC Dhevan de Saram. As it is not customary to use flowers as decor during Lent, he had creatively used leaves and seeds instead. The choral music was enhanced by the presence of the musicians of the calibre of Sureka Amerasinghe on flute, Anagi Goonesekere on violin, Ruvini Goonasekere on piano, Niranjan de Silva on organ and Dhevan de Saram on drums. It was heartening to see so many past pupils present.
Welcome Prayer - Chantal Obeyesekere de Saram (President – Ladies’ College Old Girls’ Association)
“Peace be to this House and to all who enter here. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Through the ages the Almighty God has moved His people to build houses of prayer and praise and to set apart for the ministry of His Holy Word and Sacraments. We remember with gratitude Miss. Gwen Opie who built this beautiful Chapel, “The Hope of the World”. For reading herein your most holy word, for offering to your glorious majesty the sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving, for celebrating your holy Sacraments, for blessing your people in your Name and for the mission of your Church.
Let us pray O’ eternal God, mighty in power, of majesty incomprehensible, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain much less the walls of temples made with hands, who yet has graciously pleased to promise your holy presence to be present in whatsoever place even if 2 or 3 of your faithful servants shall assemble in your name. Vouchsafe O’ Lord to be present with us who are now gathered together to celebrate the 124th Founders’ Day Service.
O’ Lord, accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and fill this place with your glory through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and Savior Amen.”
The autobiography of Rev. W.S. Senior was launched with a poem read by Dr Nilanthi Fernando, while Mr Ashok Ferry read an excerpt from the book. Mr Fred Senior, grandson of the late Rev. Senior, also graced the occasion. Rev. Senior will always be remembered as a ‘poet of Ceylon’ for the beautiful “Hymn of Ceylon”. His autobiography is available at the Secretariat (priced at Rs. 3,000).
Brunch & fellowship - Following the service, the Ladies made their way to the Old Hall, where the tables were refreshingly decorated in beautiful Agapanthus flowers (better known as Lily of the Nile) by Dhevan de Saram. Everyone enjoyed a scrumptious buffet by P&S and special gifts curated by the organizers. The Ladies were entertained by DJ Vinodh, with an impromptu Baila session being the icing on the cake. Special thanks to our official photographer Kavinda Amarasinghe for capturing this momentous occasion.
Entrepreneurs Market – The entrepreneurs’ market 2024 featured over 30 vendors selling items from clothing and jewellery to food, homeware and toys. The market was a great success. It was ably organized Nidaal Suby, Duhitru Talwatte, Dushy Jayawardene and Avanti Samarasekera. The long sacrificial hours spent by these committee members were well spent when we saw the smiles of the entrepreneurs.