Celebrating 150 years of Charity Scholarship Unbounded Spirit
Message from the Bishop
Rt Revd Dushantha Rodrigo
Women in Sri Lanka and all right-thinking people in this country owe a debt of gratitude to Frances and James Chapman who came out to this island full of enthusiasm and took on the socio-political, and religious landscape by storm and…
Message by the Principal
Mrs. Chemali Goonetileke Herath
‘Towards 150’…. seems such a surreal phrase to me as I write this message for the soft launch of the official webpage to commence activities toward the sesquicentennial anniversary of Bishop’s College in 2025.
Message by the Chairperson
Shermila Antony Perera
The launch of the webpage to commemorate 150 years of Bishop’s College (1875-2025) begins an extraordinary journey. A journey to reflect on and celebrate the genesis of women’s education…
Our Legacy
Bishop James Chapman
Bishop Chapman, the Bishop of Colombo from 1845 – 1862, took great interest in expanding the scope of education in Ceylon.
Along with his wife Frances Chapman, a small school was set up first in Mutwal in their own home. It is to Mrs. Chapman that Ceylon largely owes the beginnings of women’s education.
Parents felt a sense of confidence to send their daughters to be educated at the school that was directly under her influence, since she and her daughters taught in the school.
The Timeless Story of Alma Mater’s Most Trusted Advocate
From Past to Present: The Enduring Role of the PTA at Bishop's College.
Bishop’s College Past Pupils’ Association:
The Legacy Continues…
Act Well Thy Part, For There All the Honour Lies
In Retrospect: Sports at Bishop’s College
Sisters of St. Margaret’s Convent
Events
Next
Upcoming Events 2025
"Adithaalama"
A Celebration of Drums and Dance
APOORVA
19th September 2025
150th Anniversary Dinner Dance - BCPPA
27th September 2025
Teach the Beat
11th October 2025
Math and Science Exhibition
17th October 2025
Clubs and Society Night
18th November 2025
150th Anniversary Carol Service
5th December 2025
Past
150 Highlights
21st January 2025
Founders' Day Service, Rededication of the Chapel and A/L Building Opening
22nd January 2025
XIth Sisters of St. Margaret Oration and
Launch of 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Coffee Table Book
Major Fundraising Projects
Proposed Renovation of the Pool Pavilion, Gym and the Sports department
The proposed school gym is conceived as more than just a sports facility; it is a space that nurtures the physical, mental, and social well-being of students.
With 16 sports integrated into the school’s curriculum, the gym becomes a central arena for growth, teamwork, and achievement. Its design, crafted in glass, reflects the surrounding buildings, ensuring that the structure feels connected to its context rather than imposed upon it. This transparency symbolizes openness, allowing the energy and spirit of the students to flow freely between the school and its community.
Value added Learning
Plans are underway to broaden the learning experience of our young Bishopians and further enhance their scope in education.
Ceremonial Opening of the Roshanne Wijesuriya Building
The Building for Advanced Level students was ceremoniously opened on the 150th Founders’ Day, the 21st of January 2025
Annual St Margaret’s Sale 2025
Bishop’s College, an institution steeped in history, continues to honour those who laid its foundations.
Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes
The theme aptly depicts the school motto that has always instilled the virtue of sharing with those who are less fortunate.
The Renovation of the Chapel dedicated to St Agnes
The proposed multi storey sports pavilion for the main grounds and the swimming pool
Giving Back to Maintenance Staff of Bishop's College
The service staff of Bishop’s College are an integral part of the efficient running of the day-to-day operations of the school, and…
150th year Oration & Limited-Edition Book Launch
The launch of our commemorative publication “The Mystery. The Memory. The Magic.” a 150th Anniversary Limited Edition Coffee Table Book…
The Committee
150th Anniversary Commemoration
Ms. Rochelle Tissaaratchy | Ms. Hasnah Mohideen | Ms. Zahara Maruzook | Ms. Fadhiya Rahumathulla | Ms. Shianthi Jayasinghe (Treasurer) | Ms. Shermila Antony Perera (Chairperson) | Ms. Chemali Goonetilleke Herath (Principal) | Ms. Chrishnika Galbadage (Vice Principal) | Ms. Diloka Seneviratne Kamalgoda –(Joint Secretary) | Ms. Shyama Perera (Advisor) | Ms. Minal Ranatunge | Ms. Srinika Gunawardena Linden | Ms. Shanika Wimalabandu (Joint Secretary)
Absent: Ms. Savithri Wijesekera (Advisor) | Ms. Sonali G De Silva
Fresh out of school, the young and ambitious Mr. Asirwatham embarked on what seemed to be a conventional path, joining KPMG with aspirations of a standard accountant’s career. Little did he know that fate had grander plans. His swift ascent in the corporate world was matched by a significant invitation from Bishop Swithin Fernando to join the Board of S. Thomas’ College. Mr. Asirwatham, recognising a divine calling in this invitation, accepted with humility and dedication. While Mr. Asirwatham’s roots were deeply intertwined with boys’ schools, his familiarity with girls’ schools extended primarily to Ladies College, owing to his family’s history, thus making the realm of Bishop’s College uncharted territory. Therefore, in 1985, Mr. Asirwatham’s destiny took a remarkable turn when he was invited to join the Board of Bishop’s College. Thus began a monumental journey marked by nearly 39 years of gracious and transformative service.
Since its inception as the Old Girls’ Association in November 1896, the Bishop’s College Past Pupils’ Association (BC PPA) has remained a body with long and lively traditions. As reminisced by one of the past Secretaries of the Old Pupils’ Association – Grace Van Dort, the forming of the Association was not initially encouraged by the Sisters of St. Margarets Convent. However, due to the enthusiasm of the members, backed by the Clergy, a Cinderella Dance inaugurated the Old Girls’ Association held at Waverly House, to which all the Old Boys were invited.
Christmas at Bishop’s College is more than just a season, it’s a cherished tradition that stands as a testament to the school’s enduring celebrations. Each December, the school transforms into a sanctuary of light and laughter, where the echoes of melodies blend with the whispers of memories from years ago. BC’s Christmas celebrations tell a story of unity, hope, and a community bound by the timeless beauty of shared traditions through every ornament hung and every hymn sung.
The service becomes uniquely meaningful by tying the Primary Section’s theme for the year to the Nativity message. “There’s a lot of thought that goes into it, which makes it very special,” she shares. It’s a beloved tradition that even non-Christians in the Primary Section are eager to participate, fostering long-lasting bonds among all students.
As Bishopians, our motto, ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus,’ is instilled in every student from the moment they enter the school. The primary Christmas party is a fond memory etched in the heart of every Bishopian as we reminisce about bringing a toy each year for a child in need while receiving our own. It teaches every young and impressionable Bishopian that Christmas is as much about giving as it is about receiving.
As the year wraps up, the Christmas parties for the Staff, PPA and PTA act as a joyful final celebration, offering a much-needed rest and cheer after a busy year. From the charming crib outside the school office to the festive wreaths and baubles in every classroom, students and staff come together to fill the school with holiday spirit.
The proposed school gym is conceived as more than just a sports facility; it is a space that nurtures the physical, mental, and social well-being of students.
