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Lyceum International School Celebrates 31st Founder’s Day with Heartfelt Tributes and Cultural Splendour

Friday, 14th of June 2024

Lyceum International School, one of Sri Lanka's premier educational institutions, celebrated its 31st Founder's Day with a series of vibrant events, highlighting its dedication to comprehensive education and cultural heritage. Each year, the celebration coincides with the birthday of the school's esteemed founder, Dr. Mohanlal Grero, and commemorates the establishment of the first branch in Nugegoda, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy. The main celebration took place at the Lyceum International School's first branch in Nugegoda, with all nine other branches simultaneously commemorating the event.

Every part of the celebration across all schools followed the same agenda and schedule, marking the institution's journey from its origins. The highlight of the event was the "Wall of Gratitude," where students showcased their creative and heartfelt messages through art and poems dedicated to Dr. Mohan Lal Grero and their beloved alma mater. This wall reflected the deep affection and respect the students have for the founder and the institution. The anniversary festivities were marked by traditional dance performances, reflecting Lyceum's mission to instill Sri Lankan values and culture in its students.

This unique cultural emphasis is a cornerstone of Lyceum's identity, helping it maintain its reputation as a top- tier international school in Sri Lanka. The event saw participation from the Board of Governors, school's management, staff and students. A particularly moving moment was the screening of a beautifully crafted video that depicted the history of Lyceum International School, tracing its journey from inception to its current status as a leading educational institution. Reflecting on the school's humble beginnings, Mr. Nikitha Grero, one of the first students of Lyceum and now a key figure in its administration, shared nostalgic memories as he recalled the modest beginnings of the school initially, but emphasized the vast knowledge and environment of curiosity it stimulated, inspiring students to achieve greatness.

Dr. Kumari Grero, the Coordinating Principal, reminisced about the early days of the school by sharing her thoughts on the purpose of creating Lyceum, which was envisioned as a second home for students. She expressed her hope that Lyceum graduates would become beautiful human beings who give back to society, spreading love and kindness. In his speech, Dr. Mohan Lal Grero, the founder, elaborated on his vision for Lyceum, which he initiated in 1993 because of his passion for teaching. He outlined the school's foundational pillars, which are the natural inquisitiveness for knowledge, the application of learned knowledge for the betterment of humanity, and the importance of social skills for living in harmony in a diverse environment.

He emphasized that the school has a diverse environment where every religion and ethnicity is embraced. The final pillar involves discovering a child’s innate potential and nurturing the child to reach his maximum potential, moreover embracing differently-abled students through inclusivity. Dr. Grero further highlighted the school's inclusive approach to nurturing every child's potential and minimizing student stress to promote mental well-being. Dr. Grero concluded his speech by reiterating his purpose of starting the school, “to provide a good education that combines knowledge with the necessary skills to apply it effectively”.

A highlight of the celebration was the Emeritus Awards, an initiative launched in 2023 to honor retired teachers for their dedicated service. Ten teachers, who had devoted their entire careers to Lyceum, received this prestigious award, in recognition of their loyalty and love for the school. The introduction of such awards, traditionally bestowed only in universities, is a pioneering initiative by Lyceum, designed to honour and celebrate genuine commitment. This initiative, was launched last year along with Lyceum’s 30 th anniversary.

Additionally, all staff members with over five years of service, including academic, administrative and support staff, were recognized and appreciated. This gesture showcased Lyceum's tribute to uplifting its community, which is central to its success. Celebrations were not limited to the Nugegoda branch as all nine other branches of Lyceum International School marked Founders Day with special ceremonies, organized and celebrated by the students. A pirith ceremony was also held, adding a spiritual dimension to the festivities. As Lyceum International School looks to the future, it continues to build on its legacy of excellence, wishing success for generations to come.