administration – St. Lawrence's Convent

The Heartbeat of the School

At St. Lawrence Convent, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also strong values, leadership, and a sense of community. Our school thrives because of the collective effort of dedicated individuals and structured systems that guide every student’s journey.

Rev. Sr. Mary Dilrukshi – Principal

We believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness and fulfill their dreams. That’s why we are committed to providing St. Lawrence’s Convent is a school with a long history that runs back to the year 1900 where it was founded by Mrs. Janet Poulier, an educationist dedicated to her calling. Subsequent to the acquisition of the school by the Catholic Church in 1951 under the stewardship of Rev. Fr. Robert Fernando, the Parish Priest of St. Lawrence’s Parish, Wellawatta during that time, the management of the school was handed over to the Congregation of Good Shepherd of Sri Lanka in 1953.

I am privileged and grateful to the almighty father for choosing me to spearhead this great institution which has been continuously maintaining the ideals of the Good Shepherd, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the nuns of the Congregation of Good Shepherd. It was their infinite faith in Divine providence, and perseverance have enabled St. Lawrence’s convent to stand proud as one of the prestigious Girls’ Schools in Sri Lanka today.
As a government approved private school that follows the National policy of education, St. Lawrence’s Convent will continue to strive to achieve the objectives of Catholic education and producing God fearing young women molded into responsible and hardworking good citizens of Sri Lanka enriched in knowledge, wisdom and spirituality.

It is indeed a great delight to note the potential of St. Lawrence’s Convent to reach greater heights. Being located in the heart of the busy town of Wellawatta, with purposely constructed and well maintained buildings and many other modern facilities that provide the ideal environment and resources to provide a complete education and development in academic, spiritual, physical and psychological aspects of life. The ample opportunities provided by the school to sharpen and develop the talents & skills of the students through a number of sports and extra curricular activities further strengthen the school’s capability of providing a complete and balanced development to the students.

We as a catholic girls’ school would always advocate a religious environment in the school and maintain excellence in imparting a holistic, integral and inclusive catholic education to our students. Discipline and Christian way of life formation play a fundamental role in our system of education.
We encourage our students to reach out beyond the walls of the classroom, while enriching their personalities and keeping up to date with knowledge and adapting to face the challenges of the rapidly changing world.

The academically qualified and well experienced team of teachers who always go beyond their call of duty in educating and nourishing the young Lawrentians to pursue their studies in a wide array of educational streams. The strong foundation we lay in each and every student have resulted in producing thousands of God fearing Citizens who have excelled in their respective professions bringing glory to their Alma Mater.
As St. Mary Euphrasia, the foundress of religious sisters of Good Shepherd congregation has said, “One person is worth more than a world”, St Lawrence’s Convent would always uphold each and every student with dignity, love & respect.

Following the motto of our school, “For the Greater Glory of God” we at St. Lawrence’s will always focus on training our students to live holy and upright lives in the belief that our actions give glory to God, and that, even indifferent or neutral acts can reflect God if done with the intent of giving Glory to God.

Mrs. Umadanthie Jayamanne – Vice Principal

Mrs. Umadanthie Jayamanne is a distinguished educator with a lifelong dedication to academic excellence and student development. A proud alumna of both St. Lawrence’s Convent and St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Colombo, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education for the English medium from the University of Colombo.

With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Mrs. Jayamanne has made significant contributions as a General Science and Biology teacher in both Local and London Syllabus at several respected institutions, including St. Nicholas’s International School and her alma mater, St. Lawrence’s Convent. She is widely respected for her subject expertise, mentorship, and commitment to nurturing the academic and personal growth of her students.

Being a Lawrentian is more than wearing a uniform or walking through the gates of our beloved school—it is about carrying forward a legacy built on faith, discipline, service, and love. At St. Lawrence’s Convent, we are blessed to be part of a tradition that has formed generations of young women to live with integrity, courage, and compassion, guided always by the light of Christ.
In a world that often promotes individualism, our Lawrentian spirit teaches us to serve others selflessly, to stand up for what is just and true, and to live with humility and gratitude.

To be a Lawrentian is to face challenges with strength, to celebrate achievements with grace, and to journey forward with unwavering trust in God’s providence.

As we celebrate 125 years of our school’s blessed journey, my prayer is that every Lawrentian—past, present, and future—remains faithful to these values, carrying the flame of St. Lawrence into the world, wherever life may lead.
May our Alma Mater continue to inspire us to live lives of holiness, service, and excellence with a great heart to glory.

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Our Past Vice Principals

Mrs. Audrey De Silva Wijeyeratne – Vice Principal

Mrs. Audrey De Silva Wijeyeratne’s journey at St. Lawrence’s Convent began in 1962. Arriving as a young woman fresh out of Aquinas University, she embarked on a career that would span decades and leave her legendary mark in the school’s history. From her initial appointment as the Grade 7 class teacher to her pivotal role as Vice Principal in the school administration: she was the embodiment of dedication, versatility, and grace.

In the early days of her tenure, the school faced a significant shortage of specialized staff. Rather than narrowing her focus, Mrs. Wijeyeratne rose to the challenge with remarkable intellectual agility. She became a “teacher for all seasons,” instructing students in subjects as varied as Geography and the intricate lines of Technical Drawing.

However, it was in English Literature that her soul truly spoke. She instilled in her students a sophisticated appreciation for language that would stay with them long after leaving school. For her it was not just teaching subject matter but equipping the girls to face the world and life itself, outside the safe confines of their alma mater.

Her contribution to the school’s cultural landscape was revolutionary. She founded both the English and Sinhala Literary Associations, fostering a deep love for language and expression. Together with Ms. Latha Ranathunga and Ms. Rose Mudalige they organized the very first ‘Kala Ulela’, in 1973 at the Ramakrishna Hall in Wellawatte. Mrs. Wijeyeratne’s passion for theater led to the formation of the English Drama Club. She pushed her students toward excellence, guiding them into the competitive arena of the Shakespeare Drama Competition. Her legacy was cemented with grand, large-scale productions like “Viva Mexico” and “The Golden Goose”, which showcased the school’s talent to the wider public at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.

Beyond the classroom and the stage, Mrs. Wijeyeratne was a woman of deep faith and character. As the House Mistress of Lisieux House, her competitive spirit and leadership steered the house to numerous championships.

Yet, her most profound impact was perhaps her spiritual leadership. A deeply pious and generous soul, she lived the charism of the Vincent De Paul Society. As Teacher-in-Charge, she did not merely talk about charity; she led her students into the community to provide tangible help to the poor and needy. She taught her students that the greatest success was the service one rendered to the “least among us.”

Mrs. Wijeyeratne was more than a teacher; she was a cornerstone of the school’s leadership. As the years progressed, her role evolved. She was appointed as Vice Principal and served with diligence and grace, fulfilling her duities and responsibilities to perfection. Her deep understanding of the school’s inner workings made her an invaluable asset to the administration. On many occasions, she stepped into the role of Acting Principal, providing a steady hand and a calm mind to ensure the school continued to flourish during times of transition.

Mrs. Wijeyeratne personally penned all the Character certificates of the students. Writing each certificate impressively highlighting each Lawrentian’s strengths and abilities – a testament to how well she knew and cared for each individual student. She was more than a staff member; she was a respected advisor. Many both staff and students sought her words of wisdom during moments of doubts and trials. She was always approachable and made time to listen. Successive Principals relied on her sharp insight and historical knowledge, viewing her as a guardian of the school’s values and a wise counselor in times of change.

Mrs. Audrey De Silva Wijeyeratne remains a legendary figure at St. Lawrence’s Convent—a woman whose life was a masterclass in dedication, whose heart was a refuge for the needy, and whose brilliance illuminated the halls of the school for over half a century.

Below is an extract from the Centenary Magazine which is a message from Mrs. Audrey De S. Wijeyeratne commemorating the milestone event.

“Five Cents !! Only five cents ?? ” They chorus. “Yes” I reply. “That was the bus fare I paid when I first joined St. Lawrence’s almost four decades ago.” The years have flown by swiftly enough. I joined as a young girl just twenty awaiting the results of the degree examination and here I am a grandmother on the threshold of retirement and St. Lawrence’s and I have grown together and advanced in years and maturity.

Right through the years what I have held most dear was the simplicity genuineness and willing helpfulness of the students and their adaptability to any given situation. This is what I pray God, will be the hallmark of our students in the future as well. The integrity of a person is more valuable than good exam results and that’s what St. Lawrence’s has tried to inculcate in the students with the passage of time.

We cannot boast of eminent past pupils in high places though we do have our share of good professionals. We have still to see them reach the pinnacles of their particular fields which I am very sure they will do as they grow in experience and seniority. But we are indeed very proud of the good name our pupils hold in the world outside as well disciplined, courteous persons, co-operative, loyal and dedicated to their duty.

“Strive for the highest” says one house motto and “Loyalty binds me” says another. “It’s noble to be good” and “Do a little and do it well” are the others. All worthy exhortations which will lead you on the correct path especially if you do all things “For the greater glory of God”. Well chosen words for you to live by.

Celebrations of this nature require that we look back in thanksgiving for Gods blessings as St. Lawrence’s grew in “Wisdom and age and grace before God and man”, and pay tribute to all those who went before us to guide the school and serve it, to build it to what it is today. We need to peep into the future and hope that while eradicating our faults and failings, the spirit which is uniquely that of St. Lawrence’s will continue to flourish in this beloved institution in all the years to come with God’s blessings and the inspiration of our Patron, St. Lawrence.

Mrs. Marietta De Silva – Immediate Past Vice Principal

For thirty-eight years, I walked through the same gate on Galle Road, Colombo 06, entering an all-girls’ school where I began my career as a teacher and eventually rose to the position of Assistant Principal by the time of my retirement. This inspiring journey began at none other than St. Lawrence’s School (SLS), Wellawatte, now known as Colombo 06. My memory often returns to my first day of work on January 1, 1980, under the leadership of Sr. Lynette.

During my first few years at SLS, I taught Mathematics to Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. In addition, I had the opportunity to teach the Sinhala Language to Tamil-medium students in Grades 8 and 9. This experience gave me a strong platform to build positive teacher–student relationships across both mediums.
As my passion was teaching mathematics across the secondary grades, in 1986, I received the opportunity to attend the Mathematics Training Program at the Teacher Training College in Maharagama. This experience strengthened my content knowledge and pedagogical skills, which greatly enhanced my teaching. It opened the door for me to teach Grade 10 and 11 Mathematics for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level from 1990 to 2017, in both Sinhala and English mediums.

Throughout my tenure at SLS, I dedicated my time not only to classroom teaching but also to extracurricular activities. These included holding various positions in the PTA and Teachers’ Guild from 1981 to 2017, serving as Teacher-in-Charge of Lima House from 1982 to 1990, and playing a key role in preparing the annual prize-giving lists, ensuring that students were recognized fairly for both academic achievements and extracurricular contributions.
Beyond these responsibilities, I took the initiative to help SLS become a semi-government school for the benefit of both students and staff. This involved arriving at the office of Education Minister Lalith Athulathmudali at 3 a.m. with my husband to secure an early appointment and discuss the preliminary steps required for the transition.

During Sr. Chandrika’s tenure as Principal, I worked to establish SLS as an examination centre for both A/L and O/L students. The primary goal was to allow students to sit national examinations in a familiar environment, reducing the stress of navigating unfamiliar facilities such as toilets, canteens, and other amenities.

I was appointed as Vice Principal in September of the year 2004. As Vice Principal, I also worked closely with Sr. Teresa to extend the Commerce A/L stream to English and to introduce Science A/L classes for students completing the G.C.E. O/L examination. This initiative helped retain many of our top students who might otherwise have transferred to other schools for their A/L studies. In this process, I collaborated with local universities and the Past Pupils’ Association to recruit qualified graduates for the program.

On a personal note, during my 38 years of service, I took no more than 20 days of leave. Even after getting married in 1988, I never neglected my duties. During my maternity periods for my three sons, I took only 84 days of leave for my two older boys and 42 days for my youngest. I remained deeply committed to my role, serving the school with passion and enthusiasm to create a meaningful learning environment for both students and staff.
My legacy at St. Lawrence’s School was not mine alone—it was the result of teamwork, family support, and above all, the guidance and strength from God, our Almighty Father.

My dedication continued even after retirement. Instead of resting at home, I began teaching Mathematics at Hejaz International College, nurturing students in both the Cambridge and national curricula. I remain grateful for the experiences, leadership opportunities, and lifelong friendships I gained at St. Lawrence’s School.

My advice to all of you is to carry out your responsibilities with passion and dedication. In keeping with the school motto Corde Magno ad Gloriam, may your actions always bring Glory to God.

Rev. Sr. Jennifer Fernando – Bursar

Rev. Sr. Jennifer Fernando is a cornerstone of our school’s administrative and spiritual life, with a deep commitment to the overall growth of our students.

Throughout her dedicated service, Rev. Sr. Jennifer has held several high-level positions of responsibility, demonstrating versatility and a strong sense of professional ethics.

In the critical position of Bursar, she bears full financial responsibility for the school. She manages the school’s resources with exceptional integrity, precision, and transparency.

She directs all liturgical activities, from the meticulous organization of the Holy Mass to the coordination of various religious observances and school-wide prayer services. She serves as a vital link in our academic structure, coordinating and maintaining student discipline across her assigned grade level. In her role as an educator, she manages both the academic progress and the pastoral welfare of her students, acting as a mentor and guide.

Rev. Sr. Jennifer Fernando is recognized as a reliable and proactive educator who consistently fulfills her duties with due diligence. Her contributions have significantly bolstered both the administrative efficiency and the academic growth of the school, making her an indispensable member of our staff.

Management and Academic Staff

Sectional Heads

Primary Section Class Teachers

Class	Name of Class Teacher
	PRIMARY SECTION HEAD – MS. SAJEEVANIE SILVA
1A	Ms. Chrishanthi Wijerathne
1B	Ms. Nelani Malsha
1C	Ms. Sharuni Perera
2A	Ms W. D. Malika Roshini
2B	Mrs. U.K.Maheshi M. Botheju
2C	Ms. Lovena Adams
3A	Mrs. B.P. Nimali Fernando
3B	Mrs. Christine.P.M.Senaratne
3C	Mrs J. A. Roshini Petula Perera
4A	Ms. S. Lankani Mathararachchi
4B	Mrs. Nilani C. Mallawarachchi
4C	Ms. Sulochana Muththuusami
5A	Ms. Enoka
5B	Ms. Chrishleen Fernando
5C	Ms. Shalinie Malshaya Jayasinghe

Middle School Class Teachers and Sectional Heads

Class	Name of the Class Teacher
6A	Mrs. Udeshika P. Kumarasinghe
6B	Ms. Kanchana Siriwardene
6C	Ms. I. A. A. Hershi Romane Samarasena
6D	Ms. Sayuni Samarakoon
7A	Mrs. B.Shyama R. Fernando
7B	Mrs. B.Thiloma M.Mendis
7C	Ms. Amoda Vishvani
7D	Ms. Sara Ann Jayasuriya
8A	Mrs. D. M. Nilusha Damayanthi
8B	Ms. Rangani Lakmali
8C	Ms. Sudeshi Peiris
8D	H. M.D.Sachini Prasadi
9A	Mrs. H.V.Shyamali Priyangika
9B	Ms. R. Shehani Sooriyarachchi Amarasekara
9C	Ms. Nadeeshani Fernando
9D	Ms. Malsha Perera
10A	Mrs. R.Gayathri Fernando
10B	Ms. Kalpani Madushani Fernando
10C	Rev. Sr. Jennifer Marie Fernando
10D	Ms. Anne Madushika
11A	Mrs. J. M. D. A. Rajitha Prashanthi
11B	Miss. D.Asiri.P. Withanage
11C	Ms. Shenali Peiris
11D	Mrs. D.Thilini Wickramarachchi

Upper School Class Teachers and Sectional Heads

Class	Name of Class Teacher
	Sectional Head – MS. STELLA PEIRIS
12 COM/S	Ms. Shanika Fernando
12 COM/E	Ms. C. Pawani Sooriyaarachchi
12 ART	Ms. Samanthi Matharaarachchi
12 SCI	Ms. Betsy Perera
13 COM/S	Ms. Madushani Erandika
13 COM/E	Ms. Denisha Fernando
13 ART	Ms. T.N.Devmini Fernando
13 SCI	Ms. Deshani Ranasinghe

Our Teachers – 2026

Teacher
Ms. Sriyani B. Fernando
Ms. Damayanthi Fernando
Ms. Ann. N.P.Perera
Ms. Dilini Wickramathunge
Ms. K.M.Nelum Gayani
Ms. Nimali Perera
Ms. Iresha N. Fernando
Ms. Ishari N. Paaris
Ms. Deepika S. Rodrigo
Ms. A.Thushara N. Munasinghe
Ms. Deepa Dissanayake
Ms. Priyadarshani Balasubramaniam
Ms. Prasadi Virginia Perera
Ms. Kumari Wasumperuma
Ms. Ann Paddidillian
Ms. Madusahani Erandika
Ms. Sithumi Ranawala
Ms. Rashmi Himesha Fernando
Ms. Kaumadhie Chinthana Perera
Ms. Kalpani Madushani Fernando
Ms. Sandunika Fernando
Ms. Sumair Fathima Shaziya
Ms. Sureka Silva
Ms. Lakshika Madushani
Ms. Amoda Vishvani
Ms. Chrishleen Fernando
Ms. Marisca Warnnakula
Ms. Shehani A. P. De Zoysa
Ms. Tharmini Tharmaseelan
Ms. Madusha Kanakaarachchi
Ms. Dulani Fernando

Teachers who celebrated their Silver Jubilee

Mrs. Janet Poulier
Mrs. Gladys Poulier
Miss Lou Bartholemeusz
Miss Charlotte Silva
Mrs. Noelle Jayamaha
Mrs. W.B.M. Wickremasinghe
Mrs. Trinette Perera
Mrs. Eileen Gunaratne
Miss Rani Joseph
Mrs. Audrey De S. Wijeyeratne (Vice Principal)
Mrs. Latha Ranathunga
Mrs. Rose Mudalige
Mrs. Erin Dias
Mrs. Manel Boteju
Mrs. Cecelia Amarasinghe
Mrs. Nilanthi Gunaratna
Mrs. Marietta De Silva (Vice Principal)
Mrs. Shirani Amarajeewa
Mrs. Philomena Mudalige
Mrs. Anoma Perera
Mrs. Sriyani Fernando
Mrs. S. M. Rosemary
Mrs. Nilani Senarath
Mrs. Jacintha Wickremasinghe
Miss Amabel Croning
Miss Lasanthi Fernando
Mrs. Ramathi Suriyaarachchi
Mrs. Fazlynah Lahir
Mrs. Damayanthi Fernando
Mrs. Anne Perera
Mrs. Dilini Wickramatunge
Mrs. Shyama Fernando
Mrs. Udeshika Kumarasinghe
Mrs. Stella Peiris
Mrs Nilani Mallawaarachchi
Mrs. Chamila Gunawardena
Mrs. Christa Perera
Mrs. Gayathri Fernando
Mrs. Sajeewanie Silva
Ms. Asiri Withanage
Ms. Iresha Fernando
Ms. Christine Senaratne

The Web Management Team

	Mrs. Umadanthie Jayamanne
	Rev. Sr. Jennifer Fernando
	Mrs. Eunice Benjamin Ranjithan

OUR LEADERS

Our Leaders – Past Principals

Our Leaders – Past Teacher’s Association