The first leg of the India Sri Lanka Student Exchange Programme between Ladies’ College and St Mark’s World School supported by the India – Sri Lanka Foundation was successfully completed as the students and teachers of Ladies’ College returned to the island on Aug. 20, a Ladies College new release said.

Ten students of Ladies’ College travelled to New Delhi and enjoyed engaging with 10 students from St Mark’s World School. During their stay they learnt about the diversity of values, language, customs, and works of art, rituals, and ceremonies that form the Indian culture and drew parallels with their own culture, it said.

The students were hosted in their Indian counterparts’ homes and over the 10 days engaged in various classroom activities, workshops and other learning programmes organized by the school.

They also visited the famous India Gate (New Delhi), Taj Mahal (Agra) and other historical places of interest. The students were also privileged to be hosted by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Morogoda.

Commenting on their trip, the girls were all grateful for the experience, saying they are eager to host their Indian friends in October and share their own country with them.

“I can’t fully express all what I felt on this trip”, said one of the girls on the tour. ” I am happy that I got to cycle around India Gate and see many famous monuments such as the Lotus Temple and Taj Mahal. The days just flew by.”

Another commented, “it was hard, living with a family I have never met before but it was fun very soon. I really got to see how an Indian girl my age lives and it was really interesting. I also think I learned to appreciate what I have at home. I enjoyed visiting the Khan market and experiencing different Indian foods with my host family”.

Commenting on the girls and their experiences on the trip, Ms. Ranmalee Balasooriya, the Vice Principal said, “they really adjusted well. It was challenging at times because they are not used to some of the traditions and mannerisms of Indians. But they adapted well and were really good sports. We are truly grateful for the warm hospitality that the staff and students of St Mark’s World School gave us and we deeply appreciate the India – Sri Lanka Foundation for giving us this wonderful opportunity to grow our relationships with our neighbouring country. We thank each and every person for all their help, assistance and guidance to make our trip a resounding success”.

The students of St. Mark’s World School New Delhi are due to visit Sri Lanka in October this year.