Yasodara Devi Balika Maha Vidyalaya. Gampaha

Division. It is situated besides the newly constructed flyover of the Gampaha City. It has grabbed the attention of all concerned, not only for its unique setting but also for its academic and nonacademic achievements. The recent release of the Ordinary Level results is a significant example of Yasodara Devi’s success. The students who sat for the Ordinary Level Examination in 2013 brought credit to the school placing its name as the first among the Provincial level schools, according to the statistics issued by the Department of Examinations. 66 students were able to obtain 9A’s and there were fifty ‘A’s, which is a splendid performance for a school where the student intake is not limited only to the scholarships. Yasodara Devi gives priority to Bilingual Education which is conducted from Grades 6 to 11 with a qualified and a well trained staff and almost all the students of the Bilingual Class obtained an ‘A’ pass for the subject - English. The number of the Grade 5 scholarship achievers has increased annually and in 2013, 35 students passed the exam with flying colours while 152 out of 154 received the certificate issued by the government for students who have scored above 70. Thilakna Movindi obtained 193 marks and became first in the district bringing credit to school. It is noted that the spacious classrooms and the child friendly environment provide a favourable atmosphere for the overall progress of the students. When referring to the Advanced Level sections, Yasodara Devi is a well-recognised school in the neighbourhood for her high academic performances. Facilities to conduct the Bio Science, Maths and Commerce streams in the English medium are an added asset. The Science section have shown high achievement levels and according to the G.C.E. A/L results of the year 2013, 148 students qualified to enter the university. The Commerce section has received sixty five ‘A’s in 2012 and 44 students entered the university. The Art section which has the facility to provide any Aesthetic, Social Science and Language subjects including ICT supports the students immensely to enter universities. The Music Unit and the Dancing Unit has performed exceptionally at the inter-school competitions. Both the senior and the junior dancing groups has been achieving all island first places since 2006 and even in this year they are in the front after winning first places at the Provincial Level competitions. In 2011 the Music Section gained All Island first place at the Harmonium –Single-Junior Section and in 2013 it again received an all island first place at the “Inginalu”-Open category Music Competition. A noteworthy feature of Yasodara Devi is the attention given to bring forth educated, skilled and disciplined Yasodaradevians. This mission is mirrored in her efforts to mould all-rounders to the society and much significance is given to co-curricular and extracurricular activities. Many facilities are provided for students to involve themselves in swimming, chess, netball, volleyball, badminton, karate, gymnastics, cricket, football and hockey. Special achievements of the students were recorded at both local and the international level in 2011. The under 19 badminton –B Group emerged co-champions and the under 16 team won the all island championship. In 2011, students of Yasodara represented Sri Lanka to participate in the World Karate Championship held at Kualalumpur, Malaysia and at the South Asian Football Tournament. Clubs and Associations too play a leading role in sharpening the talents and moulding personalities. The Sinhala Literary Association, English Literary Association, Saukyadana Unit, Girl Guides & Little Friends, Media Unit, St. John’s Ambulance Service, Creative Writer’s Club, Environmental Club and IT Club are some of them. S.K.Mallawarachchi said that the artistic capabilities and the creative talents were at the highest level. The spiritual development of the students is gradually developed by the programmes organised by the Buddhist Association throughout the year which are constantly guided by the chief incumbent of the Madagama Sri Sunandarama Pirivena, Gampaha and recently they released two calves from their deaths for which the students collected money. The school also takes great pain to the special medical clinic held at the Leela Hapuarachchi Elder’s Home, Welikada. The Prefect Board of the school is a great strength to the school as they provide a model for the girls with their capacity to lead the school with their planned programmes such as the Blood Donation programme, and the Refreshment stalls etc. History of Yasodara provides evidence for its present stability. The school was founded in 1961 as a Bilingual School and in 1963 the school gained her present name. It is with gratitude that Yasodara now remembers the first principal of the school, Mrs. Sunethra Abeysinghe, for the initial steps she had taken and they now reap its harvest. The school greatly appreciates the incomparable service of Mrs. Saddha Abeysekara, the second principal whose benevolent attention still hovers over the school. The inauguration of the Advanced Level Commerce stream in 1979, the Science stream in 1983, the official initiation of the Cadet platoon which won the A.C.R.C Zoyza Presidential Challenge Trophy in 1990 and in 1994 can be considered as special achievements. K.S.Laksman, Mrs. Rajakaruna and Mrs. Rushani Perera were the other former principals whose untiring efforts, determination and courage has led the school to its present glory. The unanimous agreement of all is that there is a visible, vast and a speedy development since 2008 where the present principal Mrs. Leela Basnayake took over duties as the principal of the school. With the sincere hope as well wisher, and efficient leader she paid attention on physical resource to develop the school as well as help in the academic and non-academic achievements. Yasodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya is a place for creativity, free expression of thoughts and talent where the students are not mechanically pushed through only academic targets. The school with 3310 students under her wing proceeds towards her aspirations at a miraculous speed under the experienced leadership of the Principal, Mrs. Leela Basnayake, two Deputy Principals, two Assistant Principals and the dedicated staff of 139 teachers.