Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary in Sri Lanka celebrated its incredible journey to the century mark with a five-day celebration beginning on September 7 and ending on September 11, 2023. The commemoration served as a powerful symbol of the institution's unwavering dedication to its original goals.
The institution's centenary anniversary was a fitting tribute to its long heritage. A large number of successful alumni have visited their alma mater to speak with current students and share their experiences. Pastor Roger Caderma, president, and Sweetie Ritchil, associate treasurer, both from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, visited the school to inspire both students and its faculties.
School parades, cultural performances, and spiritual meetings were just some of the activities that guests engaged in over the course of the gathering. These served as a springboard for thinking about the institution's history and its potential in the present and future.
In his address to the institution, Pastor Roger Caderma praised Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary for being true to its founding principles. “This institution has not only prepared students academically but has also instilled in them the values of service and compassion. It is a beacon of hope and enlightenment in our region,” Caderma said.
Sweetie Ritchil, the Associate Secretary, agreed, reiterating the importance of Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary in developing future spiritual and civic leaders.
Mission and Vision
Preparing students to serve God and their neighbors is Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary's primary goal. Since its founding a century ago, this guiding idea has served as the cornerstone of the school's pedagogical approach.
The institution's mission also goes well beyond the scope of traditional academics. Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary focuses equal value on academic rigor and the provision of vocational skills through work-study programs. This method provides pupils with the tools they need to become productive members of society.
A Brief Look Back at the Past
In 1923, in the town of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka, Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary opened its doors as a primary school. The organization has grown and changed over the years. Its current location in Mailapitiya, Sri Lanka, is amid a large 150-acre coconut farm that was purchased by the government in 1952. The peaceful, verdant setting is conducive to study, and it also demonstrates the school's concern for the environment.
The modern Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary campus is well-organized, with separate dormitories for boys and girls as well as housing for faculty and staff. The site has both classic academic buildings and a number of industrial buildings that are used for various vocational and technical education courses. Graduates from Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary will be well-equipped for a wide range of careers and service opportunities thanks to the school's emphasis on a well-rounded education.
Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary enters its second century with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to its mission and vision. The centennial commemoration serves as a reminder that, while the school has developed over time, its essential ideals and commitment to holistic education remain intact. Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary continues to equip students not just for academic success but also for lives of service, influence, and purpose as it looks to the future.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department