History Of Yasodara Vidyalaya

Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya (YBV), Colombo 8 has a glowing history as the first girls’ school to be inaugurated in Sri Lanka. It was on July 20,, 1846 the school marked in history as a Baptist Girls’ College and in the year 2014, marks the milestone of the college as their 167th year in existence. In 1846 the Baptist Missionary Society of England initiated this school as Baptist Girls’ College with only 12 girls. During the early stages, former principals Ms. Boucher, Mrs. Fergus, Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Gad made huge contributions to uplift the standard of the school.

In 1962 Baptist Girls College was acquired by the government. A revolutionary change was made in 1964 during the period of Mrs. Wimala De Silva. With the help of the School Development Society the establishments name was changed to Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya by Mrs. Wimala De Silva. Mrs. D.S. Abeypitiya assumed duties as the principal in 1970 and served the school for 14 successful years. Next Mrs. Shrimani Jayasundara became the principal and during her tenure the school earned the 1AB status. She was the pioneer for most of the development projects and for initiating A/L Science classes. With the passage of time several new buildings were added as the number of students of the school increased. During 2000 to 2006 Mrs. Neelamani Malaviarachchi headed the school as the principal and was instrumental in introducing the English medium section from Grade six onwards. Next Mrs. K.R.W. Rajakaruna became the principal and her tenure lasted till 2011. She was selected as the Best Principal of 1AB/1C Schools in the Western Province in 2011 for her extraordinary performances. K. M. Ajantha Kumari Pahathkumbura is the present principal of YBV. She has served as deputy principal at Visakha and D.S. Senanayake Vidyalayas. Her effective work and dedication has helped the school to win many awards during her tenure of service. The support she receives from her staff and students in her endeavour is tremendous. She was involved in restoring the dilapidated teachers rest room, laying the foundation for a four storied building, rebuilding the ramshackle office building and modernising the school communication system. People who enter the school are stunned by the beautiful playground which was completed during her tenure. The school was given an entirely a new look with her idea of upgrading the Science Laboratory and other places by introducing the laying of porcelain bricks. Currently the school has an enrolment of 2600 with a dedicated academic staff of 100. The School Development Society and the Old Girl’s Association are very keen to assist the progress of the school. Yasodara provides education to students from Grade 1 to 13 in Sinhala and English mediums. The school is fully equipped with modern classrooms, science laboratories and computer laboratories, a modern ground and many more facilities. Yasodara Balika is a well-established educational academy in Sri Lanka with some excellent successes. Annually they obtain quite a number of 9 A’s for GCE O/L and 3 A’s for GCE A/L with several obtaining entrance into universities. Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya fully supports various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Over 10 active clubs and societies are dedicated to help children trace their interests away from their school syllabuses. The Toyota Art Competition held in Japan brought third place to Yasodara by Ramesha Sandumini Gunasekara. Sashini Dilshara (Grade 11) won a special award at the Provincial Home Science competition. Students have the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports events and games. They brought fame to the school by achieving many awards in the fields of Hockey, Badminton, Volleyball, Chess, Athletics, Swimming, Netball, Table tennis, etc. Two students of Yasodara were able to win Badminton colours in 2012. As the first ladies’ school in Sri Lanka Yasodara Balika Vidyalaya has the dream to bring the school to a leading position in the near future. They hope that the collective effort of the principal, teachers, students, OGA and the parents will make this dream come true.