“චිරං ජීවතු සොඳුරු ගුරු පියරදු” – Tribute Ceremony Honors Retiring Principal
A heartwarming tribute ceremony was held 8th of January 2025 to honor the retirement of Mr. H.M. Senarath Bandara, who has served as the principal of Dharmadutha College for 5 years. The event, organized at the Library auditorium, saw a gathering of honored guests, including alumni, staff, and students, as well as prominent dignitaries.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the provincial education secretary, Hon. Gamini Mahindapala Jopheus, who served as the chief guest. In his address, the secretary praised the retiring principal’s dedication, leadership, and contributions to the field of education, stating, “The legacy left by Mr. H.M. Senarath Bandara will inspire generations to come. Their passion for education and unwavering commitment to excellence has left an indelible mark on Dharmadutha College.”
Several other distinguished guests, including Mr.D.M.D. Dissanayake, the principal of Uva College, Mr. Suranga Sampath, the secretary of School Development Society of Dharmadutha College shared heartfelt speeches, reminiscing about the principal’s remarkable journey and achievements. Former students also expressed their gratitude, recounting the valuable lessons and support they received under Mr. H.M. Senarath Bandara’s guidance by performing a colourful, traditional Ves Dance.
The event featured cultural performances by students, a video montage showcasing the principal’s accomplishments, and a presentation of mementos as tokens of appreciation.
In an emotional farewell speech, Mr. H.M. Senarath Bandara expressed gratitude to the school community, stating, “This school has been my second home, and I will cherish these memories forever. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and hope for the bright future of Dharmadutha College.”
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation for the retiring principal, marking the end of an era and celebrating a lifetime of dedication to education.
Dear Sir,
Ernest Hemingway states in his book “Old man and the Sea”, “A man can be destroyed but not defeated”. You are also such an undefeated person. We would convey our heartfelt gratitude to you for everything you did to uplift Mother Dharmadutha. May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are and the difference you have made in Dharmadutha. We wish you a retirement full of health, happiness and friendship.
