Princess of Wales' College


Princess of Wales' College is a girls' school in Sri Lanka. The school is situated in Moratuwa, a suburb of Colombo. Princess of Wales' College was founded in 1876 by Sir Charles Henry de Soysa who was a famous 19th century Sri Lankan philanthropist. As of 2014 over 4000 girls are studying in the School from grade 1 to 13 including all main streams of secondary studies which include biology, mathematics, commerce and arts. Currently there are 138 teachers in school

History

By the end of the 19th century, only a few schools in Sri Lanka offered higher education and most of them were limited to Colombo. The inception of Prince of Wales' and Princess of Wales' schools can be considered as a special reward to the children of Moratuwa area. The founder of the school was the great philanthropist, Sir Charles Henry de Soysa. Following the arrival of the then Prince of Wales in Colombo in 1875, Sir Charles Henry De Soysa felt like naming the two schools he intended to build as Prince of Wales’ and Princess of Wales’. As a result of a letter sent on 27 November 1875, he received permission to name the two schools as Prince of Wales’ and Princess of Wales’. At inauguration, it was by far the largest girls' school of Ceylon and offered a secular education.

Padma Jinasena (1974 - 1980)

Mrs Padma Jinasena, from 1974 to 1980. During her period of office, she had to face several changes. The existing examinations were replaced by the national Certificate of education.
In 1976 student were presented for the First time for home science at the Advanced Level Examination. Selected for University was done on a district basis. Our college was included in the Colombo District and our students had to face stiff competition from all the Colombo schools. Nevertheless, at least some of them gained admission to the university, every year, and many gained passes in all four subjects.
During this period, the college obtained the best result in both G.C.E and in the G.C.E. Examinations in the Moratuwa circuit, and was awarded the Proficiency Shield for same. Pupils were now admitted to Grade 6 and to the Advanced Level forms.
The Hewisi Band was also formed during this period, and contributed in adding much colour to all the activities of the college. The Western Band too was afforded the privilege of being one of the bands to play at the opening of the non-aligned conference held in August, 1976. The college also shown in the spheres of sports and Athletics and won several competitions.
In 1976 several Activities were organized jointly with the Prince of Wales’ College, to celebrate the centenary of the twin colleges; Among these were religious Activities, a public meeting, the issues of the Centenary Magazine and a Dinner.

Sriya Peiris (1980 - 1986)

Mrs. Jinadasa was succeeded by Mrs. Sriya Peiris, Who had been a teacher of the College for a short period. Having been an Inspectress of Schools of Schools in Science, she made every effort to develop the Science section in the College. In 1984 the College won a Competition held for Colombo Schools, and was awarded a gold Medal for its Project, “A Study of the Lunawa Logoon”.
During this period, “Years Heads” were appointed in addition to the Sectional Heads. In 1984, the college presented and Art Exhibition at Alliance Francais in Colombo.
1985 saw the first sponsored walk held in the open in Sri Lanka, which started from Pirivena road, Mount Lavinia, up to the Moratuwa clock Tower and back to the college. Special permission had to be obtained from the education Minister to enable the one hundred participants, mainly school children to be allowed to walk on the Galle Road.
During this time the foundation was laid, and the first floor of the three-storied building, in front of the main building, had been completed funds for this purpose was made available through the offices of Mr. Tyrone Fernando, who was at that time the member of parliament for Moratuwa. The College is grateful to him, for taking a keen interest in the program of the school, throughout his tenure of office. The Proceeds from the sponsored walk, were used to secure the new building with doors and windows, and make it functional to conduct classes.

Notable alumni

NameNotabilityReference
actress
Lady member of Senate of Ceylon
concert pianist
first female Member of Parliament