Methodist College Colombo

Mrs. Sathianadhan first joined the staff of Methodist College in 1947 having obtained a B.Sc. (1st Class) in Chemistry from the President’s College, Madras, and later a Master’s degree in English from the University of Toronto. She became Vice-Principal in 1955, which post she held up right up to her retirement in 1962. She was acting Principal for one year when Miss. Robins went home furlough and during that time showed qualities of courage and leadership. She served Methodist College for a period of 16 years.

It is however as a Chemistry teacher, that one remembers her best. She opened up a new world to her students, a world of science that encompasses the Universe. She abhorred what she referred to as living in water-tight compartments and saw to it that Physical Science overlapped History and Geography, that Biology went hand in hand with Philosophy and the arts. Only now does one realize just how far ahead of her times she was, in her approach to teaching,

Another aspect of her personality was her faith in God. Her truly Christian nature was revealed in the deep and abiding interest she showed in the girls, in her concern for their welfare.

She was a member of the staff who participated with enthusiasm in all school events, be they College Birthday celebrations. Annual fetes, Science exhibitions or Singing competitions.

To the Science girls specially, Mrs.Sathianadhan is a personality one cannot forget. At first the girls would look upon her with awe, but as they got to know her better their regard would change to admiration and love.

After retirement from teaching her talents were channeled into wider fields. She presented radio talks, wrote short stories, which brought her international recognition.

Mrs. Marbit Gunesekara has taught at Methodist College since 1950, and of these 37 years, was Vice-Principal for 24 years. She has taught mainly English, particularly at Advance Level, and also Greek and Roman Civilization.

Mrs. Gunasekera was the teacher-in-charge of the English Literary and Dramatic Association and she maintained a very high standard of English in all its activities Oratory, Debating and Drama. She has written the Prologue for many Prize-Giving, and she was also the teacher-in-charge of the School magazine for many years, she had to combine all these responsibilities with being the Vice-Principal (which involved a fair amount of administrative work) and also being a wife and mother to her husband and family.

As a teacher, what made her class so interesting and enjoyable was that she would not confine herself to the subject alone, but would bring in examples and anecdotes from various other sources too. Her obvious interest in the subject would draw a similar response from her students too.

The hardest part of being a teacher is in maintaining the balance between the respect needed in a student teacher relationship and being a friend – someone to whom the students could go to with their problems. Mrs. Gunasekera held this balance to perfection.

Her love of animals, particularly cats, is something that every girl at Methodist College will remember her for – and the generations of M.C. Cats she has fed and cared for, and provided good homes, bear testimony to the compassionate aspect of her nature.

Students who have passed through her hands, cannot but have benefited, for she is one of those rare – “Helpers and Friends of Mankind”

Mrs. Mallika Perera is herself a past pupil of Methodist College, from where, after completing the Advance Level course, she entered the University of Peradeniya. On her graduation, she joined the Staff of Methodist College to teach Economics and later Social Science Studies. Her University Studies in Economics, Geography and Western History enabled her to bring her teaching a wide knowledge and enthusiasm which has been great value to generations of her students, who have gone on to further studies, building on the firm foundation she has given them.

Having already gained experience as Acting Vice Principal in 1984, she was permanently appointed to this post in 1988.

It was not only in the academic sphere that Mrs. Perera participated in the activities of the school. For many years she was the spirit of the Social Sciences Association, organizing interesting and helpful programmed for the students.

As Secretary of the Parent- Teachers Association from 1982 to 1985 she showed keen appreciation of the necessity for a close rapport between parents and teachers, and a sympathetic understanding of their problems. As Vice-Principal her concern for students, parents and teachers, in all these aspirations and their difficulties, and her quiet efficiency in all that she does, were evident in both the academic and administrative spheres of the School’s activities then.

In February 1996, Mrs. Lakshini Fernando was appointed Co-Vice-Principal of Methodist College, and took over as Vice Principal in September 1996 on Mrs. Perera’s retirement. She has been on the staff of Methodist College for 10 years and was the Chaplain of the school and the Warden of the Hostel as well.

At the Methodist Conference in August 1996, she was selected as the Vice-President of the Methodist Conference for the year beginning August, 1997-1998. This is the highest office a Lay person can hold.

In February 1996, Mrs. Lakshini Fernando was appointed Co-Vice-Principal of Methodist College, and took over as Vice Principal in September 1996 on Mrs. Perera’s retirement. She has been on the staff of Methodist College for 10 years and was the Chaplain of the school and the Warden of the Hostel as well.

At the Methodist Conference in August 1996, she was selected as the Vice-President of the Methodist Conference for the year beginning August, 1997-1998. This is the highest office a Lay person can hold.

She was a student at Methodist College from 1958-1972. She obtained her Bsc. from the University of Colombo. She taught at Royal College from 1976-1990. She taught Zoology in both Sinhala and English medium. She retired permanantley and then joined Methodist College on a part-time basis from 1995-2000. She was appointed sectional head of the Advenced Level Science section from 2000-2002. She was appointed Vice-Principal in 2003. At present she teaches biology in the English Medium.

She joined the staff at Methodist College in 1985 and taught English and French till 1988, when she temporarily left for a short period. She rejoined in 1990 and since then has continued to provide her service as a dedicated English teacher. Having a B.A degree (English, French, German languages) from the University of Kelaniya and a P.G. Diploma in Education and M.Ed (TESL) from the University of Colombo, she has not only proved herself as a competent teacher, but also an efficient administrator through the years. She was appointed as Vice-Principal in 2010 and continues to serve the school.