Ishani and Heshan, who were the first in the two technology subjects

Two talented students from Gampaha and Veyangoda areas have succeeded in securing the first places island-wide in the Technology and Bio-systems Technology streams of the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination. Heshan Anujaya Wanigasuriya, a student of Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, has won the first place island-wide in the Technology stream, while W.M.R. from Bandaranayake National School, Veyangoda,

Ishani Manoda has succeeded in securing the first place island-wide in the Bio-systems Technology stream.

Heshan Anujaya, a resident of Ihala Gama, Gampaha, received his primary education from Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya, Bandrawatta, Gampaha. He scored 170 marks in the Grade Five Scholarship Examination and was admitted to Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, in Grade Six. There, he also succeeded in obtaining 'A' passes for all nine subjects in the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination. Heshan, born to Mr. Anil Wanigasuriya, who works as a sales executive in a private company, and Mrs. Iresha Fernando, a nursing officer at Gampaha Hospital, has an elder sister and a younger brother studying in the eleventh year at Nalanda College, Colombo.

Heshan states that the secret behind his outstanding achievement is diligently studying the daily lessons and exercises provided by the school. Although he approached his studies with ease, he had a strong determination to excel in the Advanced Level examination. In addition to his academic pursuits, Heshan has also shown high performance in extracurricular activities, serving as a member of the Junior Western Band from 2018 to 2021 and the Western Cadet Band, which won first place island-wide in 2022-2023. He also served as the president of the College Technology Society during 2024-2025.

Heshan's future aspiration is to become a lecturer and render a good service to future generations. He expresses his gratitude to his former principal Hiran Champika de Silva, current principal Kusuman Ranasinghe, class teachers, and all the teachers who taught him Engineering Technology, Information and Communication Technology, and Science for Technology, as well as his family members. Stating that reading books, playing volleyball, and swimming are his hobbies, he also sets an example for other students that anyone can achieve such successes if they work with continuous dedication.

Meanwhile, Ishani Manoda, a student of Bandaranayake National School, Veyangoda, who achieved the highest success island-wide in the Bio-systems Technology stream, is a resident of Horagolla Watta, Nittambuwa. She is the only daughter of Mr. Upul Priyantha, a sports instructor, and Mrs. Janani Perera, who works in the banking sector. She also has a brother studying at Sangabodhi College, Nittambuwa. After receiving her primary education from Paththalagedara Vidyaloka Maha Vidyalaya, she passed the Grade Five Scholarship and was admitted to Bandaranayake National School, Veyangoda, where she also obtained nine 'A' passes in the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination.

For her Advanced Level, Ishani studied Science for Technology and Bio-systems Technology in Sinhala medium, and Information Technology in English medium. Having served as a junior and senior prefect at school, she has also developed her leadership skills by participating in various college extracurricular activities, including the band. She states that participating in extracurricular activities does not hinder education and that she embarked on this journey with the determination to succeed in her studies with the support of everyone, big and small, and become a productive citizen for the country.

Ishani's sole aim is to continue her studies in the field of Information Technology and render an excellent service to the country. She extends her gratitude to the principal and the teaching staff, as well as her parents and all well-wishers who supported her in this historic achievement. Mr. Sameera Somaratne, the principal of Bandaranayake National School, Veyangoda, further stated that winning the first place island-wide by contributing to both academic and extracurricular activities of the school brings great prestige to the school, and she serves as an excellent role model for the entire student generation.