St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, is marking a rare milestone in its educational history as Mrs Nimala Perera celebrates 50 years of service to the College on 14 October 2026, recognising a career that has influenced generations of Josephians.

Currently serving as Deputy Principal – Administration, Mrs Perera has spent five decades as an educator and administrator at St. Joseph’s, becoming a familiar and respected presence to generations of students, parents, teachers and old boys. Recent accounts of the College’s history also identify her as one of its longest-serving educators and as a member of the present administration.

Fifty years at a single school represents a remarkable period of continuity. During that time, education has undergone major changes, from teaching methods and curricula to technology and the expectations placed on both students and educators. Through those changes, Mrs Perera’s contribution has remained closely associated with discipline, academic standards, student development and the values of St. Joseph’s College.

The milestone is particularly significant in the context of the College’s own long history. St. Joseph’s was officially opened on 2 March 1896 and has developed over more than a century into one of Sri Lanka’s prominent Catholic educational institutions. Its stated mission places emphasis not only on educational excellence, but also on spiritual and human values and preparing students with the knowledge, skills and character to serve society.

For many Josephians, Mrs Perera’s contribution has extended well beyond the classroom. Her career has encompassed teaching, administration, student guidance and participation in the wider life of the College.

Her association with student leadership has also spanned decades. The official profile of the Interact Club of St. Joseph’s College records Mrs Perera as its first Staff Adviser following the club’s inauguration in 1980 and notes her continued involvement more than four decades later reflecting a longstanding commitment to encouraging service, leadership and responsibility among students.

Her presence has also been documented at numerous College initiatives over the years. In 2016, for example, she was identified as Upper School Principal during a student-focused initiative at St. Joseph’s, while later accounts record her progression to senior administrative leadership.

What makes the Golden Jubilee especially meaningful is the number of generations touched by her service. Former students paying tribute to Mrs Perera describe an educator who has taught not only individual boys, but in some cases members of the same families across different generations.

Old Josephian Guruji Ravindhiran Maruthai, in a tribute marking the anniversary, described Mrs Perera as more than part of the College’s history, saying: “You are not just a part of our College’s history; you are the heart.”

His tribute reflects the personal connection many former students associate with teachers whose influence continues long after school life has ended.

For educators, the impact of a career is rarely measured only through examination results. It is also found in the confidence built in students, the standards passed from one generation to another, the discipline instilled during difficult moments and the values former pupils continue to carry into adulthood.

Mrs Perera’s 50 year journey represents that broader contribution.

As St. Joseph’s College itself continues to evolve, her Golden Jubilee provides an opportunity to recognise the role played by educators who provide stability across generations while adapting to a changing educational landscape.

It is also a reminder of the enduring importance of teachers in shaping not only successful students, but responsible citizens and future leaders.

For the Josephian community, 14 October 2026 marks more than a service anniversary. It celebrates five decades of teaching, leadership, mentorship and commitment to an institution whose motto, “In Scientia et Virtute” – “In Knowledge and in Virtue”, has guided generations of students.

As Mrs Nimala Perera marks her Golden Jubilee at St. Joseph’s College, her legacy can perhaps be measured most meaningfully not simply in years, but in the thousands of Josephians who passed through the College during those five decades carrying with them lessons, values and memories shaped in part by an educator who remained a constant presence through a changing world.

–G. Ravindhiran and Senal Warnakula

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Continuing its long-standing commitment to education and community empowerment, Seylan Bank PLC has opened its 291st ‘Pahasara’ Library at A/Buddhangala Central College, marking another milestone in the Bank’s flagship Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative.

The opening ceremony, held on 27 March 2026, brought together education officials, banking representatives, teachers, parents and students in a celebration centred on learning, opportunity and youth empowerment.

The newly refurbished library was officially handed over following the successful completion of ‘Pahasara Week’, a student-focused engagement programme jointly organised by Seylan Bank and the school. As part of the initiative, the Bank also donated books, a laptop and a smart board to enhance access to modern learning and digital education resources.

The event was attended by Ruwan Maithripala, T.P. Jayasinghe, Kapila S. Kumara, Jananda Rathnayake, and Neel Nishantha.

Held between 24 and 26 March, ‘Pahasara Week’ featured a series of activities aimed at nurturing the athletic, creative and intellectual talents of students. The programme included a school cricket tournament, an interactive Tikiri Pola, a financial literacy workshop for students in Grades 10 and 11, and an art competition encouraging creativity and self-expression.

The financial literacy sessions formed a key part of the initiative, reflecting Seylan Bank’s broader vision of equipping young Sri Lankans with essential life skills and practical financial knowledge from an early age.

Commenting on the milestone, Asiri Abhayaratne said the opening of the 291st library marks another important step in the Bank’s journey towards establishing 300 ‘Pahasara’ Libraries islandwide.

“Seylan Bank remains committed to supporting education by refurbishing libraries and providing essential educational resources that help cultivate knowledge, creativity and financial literacy among students,” he said.

Launched on 1 March 2013, the ‘Pahasara’ Library Project has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful long-term educational sustainability initiatives, focusing on improving access to learning resources and strengthening school library infrastructure across the country.

As Seylan Bank approaches the landmark opening of its 300th ‘Pahasara’ Library, the initiative continues to play a vital role in empowering future generations, particularly in rural communities, while reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to building knowledge-driven and financially aware societies across Sri Lanka.

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