Bishop’s College celebrates 150 years of charity, scholarship and unbounded spirit

Saturday, 11 January 2025 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Bishop’s College Principal Chemali Goonetileke Herath

Bishop’s College, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most distinguished Anglican private girls’ schools, proudly commemorates 150 years of charity, scholarship, and unyielding spirit this month.

This historic milestone will be celebrated beginning with a week-long series of events honouring its rich legacy while embracing its forward-looking vision.

The festivities commence on 21 January with a solemn Founders’ Day commemoration service honouring the school’s founders, Bishop James Chapman and his wife Frances, the Sisters of St. Margaret, and the many principals who have served thereafter. The newly restored 125-year-old Chapel of St. Agnes will be rededicated on the same day — a beloved symbol of spiritual heritage. Adding to the momentous occasion, Bishop’s College will inaugurate a state-of-the-art Advanced Level building, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence. A felicitation of past Head Girls and a much anticipated ‘old fashioned’ carnival – ‘1875’, a Founders’ Day Fiesta will bring the day to a close, with a spectacular fireworks display.

On 22 January, the XIth Sisters of St. Margaret’s Oration will occur at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Following this, the launch of an exclusive publication, the “150th Anniversary Limited Edition Book,” will capture the school’s rich history and remarkable achievements while intertwining its narrative with the nation’s progress and evolution.

The 150th celebrations will also showcase the school’s longstanding traditions in sports and the arts. On 23 January, 355 students will present ‘Legatum’, continuing a legacy of dance, drama, and music at the BC Auditorium. A spirited Sports Festival will follow on 24 January, bringing together students, alumni, and the broader community to celebrate camaraderie and athleticism while felicitating past sports teachers and captains.

The Sesquicentennial Gala Dinner, hosted at Cinnamon Life on 25 January, promises an extraordinary evening. Alumni from across the globe will gather to honour their alma mater, where they will be treated to delectable delights and show-stopping entertainment.

The week-long festivities will conclude on Sunday, 26 January, with “Thanksgiving for all” at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour. Featuring multiple choirs of Bishop’s College and the renowned De Lanerolle Brothers, the program will be a fitting finale to celebrate 150 years of being blessed and benevolent.

Bishop’s College Principal Chemali Goonetileke Herath commenting on the 150th celebrations said, “This milestone is a profound reminder of Bishop’s College’s unwavering commitment to shaping generations of empowered, compassionate, and accomplished women. Our founders, our faith and our favour are why Bishop’s College will stand tall at 150 and beyond!”