Home
About Us
Steering Committee
Membership
Member Profile
Board of Directors /
Committees
Articles & Bylaws
News and Events
Maya Puwath /
MGCAANA NewsLetter
Maya Links
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Vidya Scholarship Trust Fund (VSTF)

MGCAANA Projects

2023-2024

Election of the Executive Committee and the and BOD

  • 1st Board Meeting of the 2023-2024 Executive Committee held on 05/28/2023 at 3:28 pm EST via Zoom.

2022-2023

Election of the Executive Committee and the and BOD

  • 1st Board Meeting of the 2022-2023 Executive Committee held on 05/21/2022 at 5 pm EST via Zoom.

Theme for 2022-2023:

  • To achieve the mission of MGCAANA.

Fund Raising Activities:

  • Bake-Along interactive baking session with Masheshinie Rajapakse on 12/18/2022 - collected a sum of $ 501.00 Planned on having another interactive session of “Dinning Etiquette for Kids,” got canceled.

VSTF Scholarship Program:

  • Awarded 18 scholarships ( Rs 20,000 each) for 2022. The total amount of funds collected so far $43,606.This is 87.2% of our current target of $50,000.

Nanda Pussegoda Leula Memorial Scholarship: Sri Lankan ( NPLMS) committee:

  • Working on the proposal to initiate a Counseling Unit to benefit the students of Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The MGCAANA Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Program

  • Ms. Tharuki Rangana De Silva, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Manitoba, Canada, was awarded a scholarship of $250.

New and Honorary Memberships:

  • Ten new members joined the association this year: Ruvani Dissanayake, Nisansala Ediriweera, Purasinghe Wijesinghe, Chathurani Ekanayake, Vindhya Wijesinghe, Pavithra Madamarandawala, Priyantha Srivijayasri, Anusha Dissanayake, Tharuki De Silva, Hiransha Keerthisinghe

Local charity donation:

  • Donated $100 to Rogue Valley Humane Society to make a difference in the lives of animals.

Next Year's auditor:

  • To be announced

Maya Puwath:

  • The BOD decided to publish Maya Puwath every quarter and can be accessed on the website, via the MGCCANA FaceBook page and emailed to members.

2015-2016

Election of the Executive Committee and the and BOD

  • Soon after the 11th AGM, the new BOD and the Executive Committee members were elected via a teleconference on May 17th 2015.

Theme for 2015-2016:

  • Our main goal was to raise additional funds for the scholarship programs.

Fund Raising Activities:

  • 5K Run/walk by Sriyani Dissanayake. Greeting cards by Indrani Gunawardana.

VSTF Scholarship Program:

  • During the 2015 school year MGCAANA Vidya Scholarship Trust Fund awarded 10 scholarships to economically disadvantaged students currently studying at the Mahamaya Girls’ College. Each student was awarded with a Rs.6000.00 bank account (Rs: 2000 per semester). We have started another fixed deposit account with the Bank of Ceylon in the amount of Rs: 110,000.00.

New and Honorary Memberships:

  • The BOD unanimously approved the offering of the honorary memberships to Mrs. Chandra Dorabawila and Mrs. Shantha De Silva in Canada.Four new members also joined the organization bringing the total membership to 161.

Membership Fee Changes:

  • We made few changes to the membership payments. A regular membership can be renewed in every 1, 2, 3, or 5 years. For details please visit the membership site on the MGCAANA web page.

MGCAANA Undergraduate and Graduate scholarship program:

  • The MGCAANA BOD approved to raise each scholarship from $375.00 to $500.00.Two scholarships were awarded to two former Mayans doing their graduate studies in the USA.

Nanda Pussegoda Leula Memorial Scholarship:

  • We received $2500.00 from Mrs. Kanthi Leula towards this scholarship. From this fund we awarded six scholarships to deserving students currently studying at Mahamaya. The NPLS committee also donated a portion of the previous year’s money to a Buddhist temple to build a study room for a Buddhist Sunday school as a community service project through the Mahamaya Buddhist Religious Studies Association (Dhaham Pasale).

Local charity donation:

  • The BOD approved the donation of $100.00 to the Tyler’s Hope for further research studies in Dystonia.

Next Year's auditor:

  • Mr. Sanjeewa Herath has promised that he will continue to be our auditor for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Maya Puwath:

  • Maya Puwath has issued all by monthly issues on time during 2015.

Fund Raising:

  • Total fundraising for the year 2015: $ 1450.005
  • Over all we had a very successful year meeting all set goals.

giving Volunteer Service Hours to MGCAANA Member’s Children:

  • This project is at the beginning stages. The BOD approved to honor the service hours of the MGCAANA member’s children who are volunteering their time for various MGCAANA activities. Details to follow.

Prepared by Mrs. Sriyani Dissanayake

On behalf of Board of Directors and 2015-2016 President of MGCAANA

2014-2015

MGCAANA BOD Members (In alphabetical Order by the last name)

  • Sriyani Dissanayake - President
  • Nayana Fernando
  • Malika Godamudunage
  • Nirmala Gunapala - Vice President
  • Yamuna Kollalpitiya - Web Master until January
  • Upeksha Thilakawardena - Secretary
  • Pavithra Wettasinghe - Treasurer
  • New BOD members and the Executive Committee were appointed soon after the AGM Meeting held in May26th, 2014 at 12:30 pm (MDT)

Theme for 2014-2015:

  • Our main goal is to set up an advisory committee for the Welfare of Mayans in the United States of America.

Fund Raising Activities:

  • Suggested a 5K run/walk in October and online sale of crochet scarves as new means of raising funds.

VSTF Scholarship Program:

  • In 2014 under VSTF Scholarship program MGCAANA awarded 13 scholarships to underprivileged Children at Mahamaya. Each student was given Rs.7000 deposit in her Bank Accounts.We have started another fix deposit with the BOC to increase either the number of scholarship or the amounts this year.

Established Social welfare committee:

  • The first meeting of the Social Welfare Committee (SWC) was held during the month of August.
  • Under the patronage of Social Welfare Committee, MGCAANA has organized alms giving’s around the US by alumnae living in the area to honor late Mrs. Pilapitiya, past principle of Mahamaya.
  • To protect privacy of Mayans, new email address has been established and it is available at MGCAANA site under contact us as: swc_mgcaana@yahoo.com.

New Honorary Memberships:

  • The BOD unanimously approved offering honorary membership to Mrs. Kanthi Leula De Silva, Mrs. Punya Thalagala and Mrs. Sandyani Wijesundara.

MGCAANA Undergraduate and Graduate scholarship program:

  • The BOD agreed to name one scholarship as such, but to leave the other as MACAANA undergraduate and graduate scholarship. The BOD approved increasing the scholarship amount to $ 375 each from the previous $ 250 each.
  • Unfortunately there were no applicants this year.

Approval of Nanda Pussegoda Leula Scholarship:

  • Establishing the scholarship to help disadvantaged students at Mahamaya. This scholarship has been named after late Mrs. Leula and the BOD approved it unanimously.
  • Vice principle of Mahamaya, Mrs. Senevirathna has suggested 5 names for this year’s scholarships. Mrs. Kanthi Leula has donated $1250 for the coming year.

Local charity donation:

  • The BOD approved the donation of $100 to Diabetes Research and Action.

Appointed a New auditor:

  • Mr. Sanjeewa Herath is our new auditor.

Maya Puwath:

  • Maya Puwath has issued all by monthly issues on time in 2014.

Fund Raising:

  • 5K Run: We have raised $ 291 in total.
  • Scarves: We have raised $ 205.10 in total.
  • Total Fund Raising for the year 2014: $ 496.10
  • Over all we had a very successful year meeting up with all our goals.

Prepared by Mrs. Sriyani Dissanayake

On behalf of Board of Directors and 2014-2015 President of MGCAANA

2012

  • Bumper Sticker Project:

One hundred bumper stickers with the school logo were printed and sold among the members as a fundraising project for this year.

  • Charity Donation:

This year's Charity donation of $100 was made to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey; who were contributing for the Sandy Relief Programme.

  • Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship Program:

Two scholarships for the year 2012-2013 for a sum of $250 each was endowed to two graduate students in USA. For more information please go to: mahamayaalumnina.org/scholarship

  • Resource Page:

A web page, "Useful Resources by MGCAANA" was initiated as an enhancement to the current

  • MGCAANA website:

New and Improved MGCAANA Website
The MGCAANA website was republished with new enhancements.

2011

  • Welcome Package:

A WELCOME CARD and a FRIDGE MAGNET were prepared as a welcome package for new members. Contacting information of MGCAANA were disclosed.

  • Charity Donation:

This year's Charity donation was made to Big Brothers' and Big Sisters,of Canada; which works on children and youth mentoring programe, for an amount of $100.

  • Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarship Program:

The Scholarship for the year 2011-2012 for a sum of $250 was endowed to a graduate student in Canada, For more information please go to:http://www.mahamayaalumnina.org/scholarship.html

  • On-Line Dhamma School:

An interactive web page, “ Maya-Alumnae-Dhamma-School”,was initiated under Wikispace with the view of helping the families and children of Mahamaya Alumnae in USA.

  • Newsletter:

A new look was given to the NL by incorporating a clear logo of our school. A page dedicated for kids was re-activated.

  • Fundraising Raffle:

As an effort to raise funds to continue support all the projects, we organized a successful fundraising raffle.

2010-2011

  • Vidya Scholarship Trust Fund Progress:

- By June 2011 we had been successful in collecting a total of $8,949.61. (this was a cumulative total, not money collected during one year)

- Money for Scholarships were generated from the interests of the fixed deposits. Rs.30,000 ($273.97) was generated from the interest until June 2011. Each student received an amount of Rs.3,000.00 ($273.97), with Rs.1,500.00 ($13.70) per term for two terms. (January to August 2011)

- First Scholarship distribution ceremony was held in May 2011 in the presence of the Principal, Mrs. I. Withanachchi, Deputy Principals, Mrs. Uthpala Seneviratne, and Mrs. Vishaka Herath. The President of the Board of Trustees Dr. Samanmala Dorabawila conducted the ceremony. Nilakshi Weragama and Samanmala Dorabawila organized the event. Trustees, Mrs. Indrani Karaluvinne and Mrs. Sujatha Werake were also present.

  • MGCAANA Newsletter Maya Puwath:

- All 6 issues of Maya Puwath were published on time.
- The Editorial Committee gave the newsletter a new look.
- The new format consisted of a page for children of MGCAANA members.

  • MGCAANA Scholarship Program:

For the fifth consecutive year, we awarded two scholarships in the amount of $250 each. The recipients were:
- Samanthi Abeyrathne - Lahiru Narangammana

  • Donation to Leap Frog Program:

- MGCAANA donated $100 to the Leap Frog Program. Leap Frog is an after-school tutoring and enrichment program for 1st and 2nd graders in elementary schools in Oxford, Mississippi area. Leap Frog is a non- profit, 501 (c) registered charity.

  • Fundraising:

- Raffle Ticket Project
Amount raised: $1750.00
**Please note that the board members, advisors and members actively sold tickets through July 2011 (right up until our AGM). Therefore, the actual funds were collected subsequent to the financial year close of the 2010/11 year. As a result, the income for the raffle sales would reflected in the 2011/12 financial statements, and not in the 2010/11 financial statements since MGCAANA's fiscal year ends on March 31st.

- Selling A Guiding Light volumes
Amount raised: $26.00

2009

Donation to a local charity

  • MGCAANA made a donation of $100 to a local charity in the United States, Highbridge Voices. This donation was made  in appreciation of Mr. Bruno David Casolari, who is the executive and music director of the Highbridge Voices.

Donation to the Colombo OGA

  • MGCAANA made a donation of $37 (Rs. 4000.00) to the OGA of Mahamaya Girls' College-Colombo branch. This donation was made by purchasing a page of the souvenir that was printed for the concert of Kasun Kalhara, organized by the Mahamaya Colombo OGA.

English Writing Workshop with DAANA

  • MGCAANA collaborated with Dharmaraja Alumni Association in North America (DAANA) to organize a English writing workshop on June 4, 2010 at the Dharmaraja College auditorium. The workshop was conducted by Ven. Rahula thero during a visit to Sri Lanka. More than 200 students and 20 teachers from five schools including Mahamaya Girls' College attended the workshop.

2008

  • Donated French books to the library of Mahamaya

MGCAANA donated 50 French books to the library of Mahamaya. The French

books will be mainly used by Ordinary Level and Advanced Level students.

  • Undergraduate/Graduate scholarship program:

Two years in a row, MGCAANA awarded two $250 scholarships to two recipients for the year of 2008! This scholarship is designed to provide cost of books and material for one single semester for Mahamaya Girls' College alumnae pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the United States and Canada. The Goal was to recognize alumnae who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and participation in extracurricular activities, and require a significant level of financial need. MGCAANA will be continuing this scholarship program every year! For more information please go to: http://www.mahamayaalumnina.org/scholarship.html

  • Fundraising:

Fundraising committee organized to sell a collection of Batik wall hangings to raise funds for the organization. If you’d like to buy any of the wall hangings, please go to http://www.mahamayaalumnina.org/batiks.html

2006-2007

  • Undergraduate/Graduate scholarship program:

This scholarship is designed to provide cost of books and material for one single semester for Mahamaya Girls' College alumnae pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the United States and Canada. The Goal was to recognize alumnae who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and participation in extracurricular activities, and require a significant level of financial need. Two $250 scholarships were awarded to two recipients for the year of 2007. MGCAANA will be continuing this scholarship program every year! For more information please go to:http://www.mahamayaalumnina.org/scholarship.html

  • Donation of sports equipment:

MGCAANA donated $200 to purchase sports equipment at Mahamaya. The Prefect of Games at the school has used the donation to buy equipments for basketball, badminton, table tennis, netball, and athletic teams.

  • Sponsor disadvantaged students at Mahamaya:

With the help of current members and well-wishers of MGCAANA, 21 disadvantaged students were sponsored; The money was used to pay the hostel fees of the students for one year. MGCAANA wishes to continue this sponsorship program every year! If you’d like to participate or would like to know more about this program please go to: MayaPuwathSponsorhipProgram.doc

  • Publish a volume to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Mahamaya:

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Mahamaya, MGCAANA is in the process of publishing a commemorative volume. The Articles were submitted by current members of MGCAANA, past principles and the teachers of Mahamaya and alumnae living in Sri Lanka and other countries.

  • Fundraising:

To raise funds for the organization, members from the Maryland/Washington D.C area did a car wash. They were able to raise $400.

  • Donation to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):

As an effort to help a charity organization, MGCAANA donated $100.00 to NAMI which is a non-profit charity organization for people with mental illness and their families.

2005-2006

  • Donation for Katrina victims:

Donated $200.00 to Mercy Corps, a well known non-profit organization, to assist Katrina victims. The money was raised by doing a car wash by the members from the Washington State.   

  • Donation for JEENA:

As an organization committed to support the local community, MGCAANA donated $50.00 to the JEENA Foundation in California, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with developmental disorders.

  • Donation of Computers to Mahamaya Girls’ College, Sri Lanka :

MGCAANA is committed to increase educational growth among our students. As a result, we sent four used computers to Mahamaya Girls’ College in May 2006. The computers will be used in the computer laboratory.

  • Fundraising raffle:

As an effort to raise funds to continue support all the projects, we organized a successful fundraising raffle. The money raised was used to publish the Commemorative Volume and fund the scholarship program.