RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The annual prize giving ceremony of Khairiya Girls College was held on Friday September 18 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo under the patronage of Principal of the College Mrs. M.N.M. Jumana.
The Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yoosuf graced the event as the chief guest. Meanwhile the Principal of the College presented the Principal’s Report and the students performed the Welcome song. Governor Hanif Yoosuf said in his speech Khiriya Girls College is a with a proud history of 144 years of educational excellence and service. That itself is a remarkable achievement. For well over a century, this institution has helped educate, guide and empower generations of young women. Not only to celebrate individual achievement, but also to honour that long and meaningful contribution. To all the students receiving awards today, I offer my warmest congratulations. Each award represents hard work, discipline, perseverance and commitment. But behind every successful student, there are also teachers who have guided her, parents who have supported her, and a school community that has helped shape her. So today is a celebration for all of you.
He also said Education is one of the greatest gifts. But education is not only about examinations, marks or certificates. True education gives you confidence. It teaches you how to think. It teaches how to make decisions. It teaches how to face difficulty. And most importantly, it gives the ability to shape own future. The world is changing very quickly. Technology, artificial intelligence and new forms of communication are transforming the way we live and work.
So the challenge is not simply to learn what is in a textbook. Must learn how to think critically, how to solve problems, how to communicate, and how to continue learning throughout your lives. And I want to say something particularly to the young women here today. Never allow anyone to place limits on your dreams. Whether you choose medicine, law, science, technology, education, business, public service, sport or the arts, believe in the ability to succeed.
Sri Lanka needs confident, educated and capable young women. We need women who will become professionals.
We need women who will become entrepreneurs. We need women who will become leaders. And we need women who will contribute positively to our country and to society. But success is not only about achievement. It is also about character.
He further said Be honest. Be disciplined. Be respectful. Be compassionate. And never forget the values that family and school have taught. To those who are receiving awards today, be proud of achievement, but remain humble. And to those who may not be receiving an award today, I want to say this Do not be discouraged. One prize does not determine the future. One examination does not determine ability. Every person develops at a different pace. Sometimes those who succeed later in life are those who learned early how to face disappointment and keep moving forward. So never give up on yourself.
Students were presented with awards and certificates in recognition of their outstanding achievements in various academic fields. These included achievements in the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, the GCE Ordinary Level Examination (9 A passes), and the GCE Advanced Level Examination. Awards were also presented to students for outstanding performances in the Arts, Commerce, and Science streams, as well as for excellence in various other subjects and activities. Also presented awards to teachers who less than taken ten leave during the year 2025. Overall Best Student Award Senior Section M.R.F. Mahira and Overall Best Student Junior Section Rishma Amal received the awards from special guest. Students presented various cultural performances at this ceremony. Special Guest of the Ceremony Dean Faculty of Graduate Studies University of Colombo Prof. A.A. Azeez, Head of Geography University of Colombo Fareena Ruzaik, Provincial Department of Education Director A.S. Najeeb , Former Principal Mrs, Nazeera Hasanar including Deputy Principals, Vice Principals, neighbour schools principals, teachers, students, members of the Old Girls Association and School Development Executive Committee were also present. Principal of the College, Mrs. M. N. M. Jumana presented mementoes to the chief guest and other guests.
