The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UL Club Sri Lanka was successfully held on 6th December 2025 at the Radisson Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of its esteemed members. The AGM served as a key platform to review the Club’s progress, outline future initiatives, and reinforce the spirit of unity and fellowship among its members.

The UL Club, which comprises former employees of Air Lanka and SriLankan Airlines, is founded on the objective of uniting eligible members while fostering harmony, camaraderie, and lifelong bonds of friendship. In addition to strengthening these relationships, the Club is actively engaged in meaningful social responsibility projects that support the wider community.

A special acknowledgement was extended to the outgoing President, Captain Gihan Fernando, for his dedicated leadership and the significant contributions he made to the Club during his tenure. His guidance and commitment were deeply appreciated by the membership.

During the AGM, the Office Bearers for the year 2025/2026 were elected and appointed. Ms. Shanaaz Preena was elected as President, while Mr. Ajith Weerasekera and Dr. Shreen Wilatgamuwa were appointed as Vice Presidents. Ms. Susan Jurianz and Ms. Rukmani Manohar were reappointed as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Speaking after her appointment, President Ms. Shanaaz Preena stated:

“It is an honour to be entrusted with the leadership of the UL Club Sri Lanka. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated committee and members to further strengthen our unity and to expand our social responsibility efforts for the betterment of our community.”

Secretary Ms. Susan Jurianz also shared her thoughts, saying:

“The continued trust placed in the committee reflects the strong bond and confidence among our members. We are committed to ensuring that the Club continues to thrive while upholding its values of fellowship, service, and inclusivity.”

The AGM concluded on an uplifting and forward-looking note, with members reaffirming their commitment to the Club’s mission of unity, service, and shared purpose.

The British School in Colombo (BSC) celebrated exceptional academic success at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards 2025, held on Saturday (13) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The school was recognised for its remarkable achievements in both Cambridge A Level and IGCSE examinations, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence.

Despite having a relatively small student population, BSC secured an impressive number of awards across a diverse range of subjects. The school’s performance at the awards highlighted the dedication, talent, and perseverance of its students, alongside the expertise and commitment of its teaching staff and the support of their families.

Among the standout achievements were several notable recognitions in both Cambridge A Level and IGCSE categories. At the Cambridge A Level Awards, BSC claimed First and Third Place in Sri Lanka for Best Across Four Cambridge A Levels and Second Place for Best Across Three Cambridge A Levels. Furthermore, the school had five students who were among only 11 in Sri Lanka to achieve four A grades at Cambridge A Level, and four students who were recognised for attaining three A grades, a distinction awarded to only 10 students nationally.

In the Cambridge IGCSE Awards, BSC students excelled across multiple subjects, taking First and Third Place for Best Across Eight Cambridge IGCSEs and Second and Third Place for Best Across Seven Cambridge IGCSEs. The school had two students among only four in Sri Lanka recognised for achieving eight A grades at IGCSE, and three students who received awards for achieving seven A grades, a feat accomplished by just four students nationally. In addition, BSC students secured Top in Sri Lanka awards in seven of a possible 13 subjects and received High Achievement awards in six of a possible 11 subjects.

Tom Greenwood, Head of Senior School at BSC, expressed his pride in the achievements, saying: “Each individual success is phenomenally impressive in its own right and reflects an enormous amount of hard work, talent, and determination from our students. Having seen their dedication over the past two years, I am immensely proud of these students, and deeply grateful to our dedicated staff and supportive parents. When viewed collectively, the scale and consistency of our students’ success is a remarkable testament to the outstanding quality of education at BSC. The breadth of awards across so many different subjects reflects the strength of teaching and learning across our school, the high expectations we set, and a culture where academic excellence is encouraged and celebrated.”

Text and Pic by Kamal Wanniarachchi

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the chief guest at the Graduation Ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College Course 19  held at the Nelum Pokuna Theater.on 16th of December.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), the highest seat of military learning, marked the graduation of Course 19 by recognizing 149 graduates, including 26 Foreign Course participants,  whose presence underscored the growing international engagement and the spirit of regional and global military cooperation.

The special Awards [the Golden Owl Award, the Golden Pen award and the Commandant’s honours] were awarded to graduates who excelled in academic achievements  by the Prime Minister. The10th edition of Defence and Security Journal and the Owlet were officially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister reflected on the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah and paid tribute to those who lost their lives, with special remembrance of members of the Armed Forces who were engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Prime Minister commended the Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment, emphasizing their coordination with civil authorities and the public to deliver timely rescue, relief, and recovery assistance during a period of national adversity.

The Prime Minister extended appreciation to the foreign course participants for the valuable contributions made through the sharing of operational experience and national perspectives, which enriched the programme and strengthened mutual understanding.

The Prime Minister further stated that the future will demand leaders who can adapt, learn, and respond to change without losing ethical direction. Technology will continue to transform military operations, but sound judgment, discipline, and responsibility will remain central to leadership. The professional relationships formed at Defence Services Command and Staff College will matter in future peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, multinational exercises, and regional responses to crisis.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister to the Ministry of Defense Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha, Army Navy and Air Force Commanders, former Commanders of the DSCSC, serving senior officers from the tri services and representatives from the diplomatic corps, other distinguished guests, and family of the graduates.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]