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| Sunday, 24 February 2002 |
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Isipatana celebrates Golden Jubilee by Vernon Perera Isipatana College, once deemed a poor second cousin to the more elite big brothers in the education circuit, celebrated its Golden Jubilee early this month with gleeful pageantry that befitted its rise to prominence. The extended celebrations which almost spanned the month of February, began with a Golden Jubilee Dinner at Galadari Hotel on February 2, and included a three day Art Exhibition from 6th to 8th at the College hall, a drama festival intriguingly titled `Let's see some Acting', a Jubilee Sports Meet at the Shalika Grounds on February 14, and a Jubilee Stag Night at the BRC Grounds on February 16. The events also included a spiritual element with the all night Pirith ceremony and other religious activities at the Sarath de Costa Stadium on February 19 to 20 followed by a `Dhana' to the monks. The celebrations were concluded with a big bang 'Big Match' with traditional rivals Thurstan College, at the SSC Grounds on February 22 and 23. The series of events, while placing Isipatana College firmly in the 'much sought after' category, also gave an indication of its journey from lacklustre beginnings to where it is today. Ambitious In a typical Cinderella story, the school in its early days was often overlooked in favour of the better known big brothers, by parents ambitious to send their children to good 'addresses'. Today, under the able guidance of Upali Gunasekera, the Principal of the College, Isipatana has transformed itself into a name to be reckoned with and can stand shoulder to shoulder with any of the big names. Another measure of Isipatana's success is demonstrated in the fact that the school is the recipient of the prestigious 5S Award for the Japanese style of management- everything has a place and there is a place for every thing. The concept, practised by both the students and staff and not only brought them the 5S gold medal, but also contributed to a major change of attitude in the students and staff towards the development of the school as a model school, acknowledged by the educationist and the Ministry alike. Gunasekera, who takes credit for much of the school's leap frogging development says that a 100-room hostel is also in the pipeline as part of the future development plans. Some of these facilities included classes in Radio Electronics, Motor mechanism, Welding and a well equipped photography unit. In addition, the school also has a computer section and offers Japanese language classes conducted by a Japanese teacher, Kandyan dancing, gardening and cultivation of flowers and mushrooms. In the sporting area the school has facilities for basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, athletics, cricket and rugger, of which they are the Schools Champions, despite not having a bona fide rugger grounds. The school also emerged All-Island Champions in under-16 soccer and were adjudged runners up in the under-18 event. The principal is hopeful of the team being declared champions, since the opponents fielded overage players and the issue is being investigated by the relevant authorities. |
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