Pulimood - The legend behind Visakha

(Recollections of Jayani Pinnawale nee Kasturiaratchi)

Mrs. Susan George Pulimood was a well-known educationist whose vision, dedication and contribution created a land mark in the history of education for girls in Sri Lanka.

Mrs. Pulimood, a graduate of the University of Madras began her career at Visakha Vidyalaya as a teacher and was later appointed Principal.

Her potential and dedication as an educationist made her a noteworthy person and so the Board of Trustees of Visakha Vidyalaya appointed her as principal in 1945.

With the inauguration of the University of Peradeniya in 1952, Mrs. Pulimood felt the need to start University Entrance classes. There was resurgence in the sphere of education as well as development of interest among girls for higher studies. As a result Entrance classes for Arts were started. Mrs. Pulimood improved the Arts section by introducing more subjects to suit University requirements and she recruited more graduate teachers. She also improved library facilities in the school.

By the late forties and early fifties, the upper school had many graduate teachers. During an era where the importance of science education was recognized as a major requirement in the school curriculum, Mrs Pulimood took over the task of introducing Science. She had formidable problems in this venture.

The major obstacle was the scarcity of qualified Science teachers. To fulfil this need, she recruited teachers from India.

The "Text Book of Botany" written by Mrs. Pulimood and her sister Anna K. Joshua, was a significant contribution to the study of Botany.

These improvements led the school to be promoted from a Grade B School to Grade A and subsequently to a super Grade School.

To complete their education, elocution, dancing, music, drama, swimming, keep-fit, singing and painting were introduced.

In 1959 the new building for Science and Administration was inaugurated.

A total of three and one - third (3 1/3) acres of land from the Kathirasan Temple was purchased.

In her endeavours, she always had the support of the late Mr. N. E. Weerasooria, the Manager of the School.

In 1967 the Gitanjali Amarasuriya Memorial Library was donated by Mr.and Mrs. H. W. Amarasuriya. In 1961, Visakha Vidyalaya was absorbed into the free education system of the Government.

During this period there was a reawakening of Buddhist teaching and traditional values.

During Mrs. Pulimood's era there was a cultural upliftment. The 'Visakha Geetha Natakaya' was produced and staged in 1959 based on the life of Visakha. Miss Daisy Karawita assisted in the production.

Miss. Daisy Karawita and Miss Chandra de Zoysa were the two able lieutenants who assisted Mrs Pulimood in the onerous task of administration.

Visakha Vidyalaya under her tutelage reached a peak, not only academically but also in the field of extra curricular activities.

Her strong character and knowledge imparted through a network of teachers helped the school to reach a high standard, and produce individuals who excelled in various fields: Medicine, Engineering, Education, Law, Accountancy. This was the Golden Age of Visakha Vidyalaya.

I am honoured that I was requested to write this appreciation of a truly great lady and a beloved Principal.