The inaugural AGM of the Galle Club which was recently held at the Mövenpick Hotel, Colombo, marked a new chapter in solidarity and connectivity amongst schools across Sri Lanka. Being a first of its kind, the Galle Club encompasses the Past Pupils Associations of Sacred Heart Convent, Mahinda College, Richmond College, Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya, Southlands College and St. Aloysius College.
The society aims to promote a sense of unity amongst past pupils of Galle schools living in Colombo and the suburbs, by bringing the community together for friendship, collaboration and networking. Furthermore, the Galle Club intends to build a firm solidarity amongst Past Pupils Associations based in Colombo and Galle while supporting each other for mutual benefit. This Alumni Association which comprises of members representing academics, professionals, politicians and businessmen both young and old, will be steered towards creating a positive impact to member schools.
Mr. Dilith Jayaweera, an old boy of St. Aloysius College, was elected as the first President of the Galle Club while Mr. Sujeewa Rajapakse of Richmond College, Mr. D. N. Thilakumara of Mahinda College, Prof. Janitha Liyanage of Southlands College, Mrs. Sasima Pinidiya of Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya and Mrs. Hasanka Witharana of Sacred Heart Convent were appointed as the Vice Presidents. Other office bearers elected at this inaugural AGM included Mrs. Nilmini Ferdinando who was voted in as the Secretary and Mrs. Janakie Wijethilake as the Treasurer. The following office-bearers were also elected, including Mr. Sagara Gunawardena as the Secretary–Elect, Mr. Chanura Wijethilake as the Treasurer-Elect and Mrs. Surani Maharage as the Editor.
Addressing the gathering, the inaugural President Mr. Jayaweera stated, “This is a significant moment for all of us who are gathered here today, as six distinguished schools in Galle come together under one proud identity. I am humbled to serve as the President of such a magnanimous association that has the potential to take its member schoolsto greater heights. Together with the newly elected office bearers, I hope to contribute more towards the development of our schools. Thiswill be a momentous beginning that will no doubt pave the way towards building a larger community,consolidating relationships and building bridges.”
Elaborating further Mr. Jayaweera noted, “Being the first of its kind, we hope this unique association will inspire clusters of other leading schools across the country, to come together in pursuit of a unified progressive goal.”