Daya Learners founder and SL’s first female driving instructor celebrates 50 years in business

17 June 2015 06:08 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

What began for Daya Rupasinghe as child’s play with siblings and her father’s Morris Minor is today a legacy as Sri Lanka’s first female driving instructor celebrates 50 years in her trade.

Starting off driver training at the second driving school in the country under the guidance of Lionel Jayasinghe, Daya obtained her licence in 1964. She then went on to become the school and Sri Lanka’s very first female driving instructor. Within a short period of two years, her skill and expertise enabled her to become the chief instructor at the school that taught her how to first get an engine revved up.

Having mastered the trade of driving instruction and with continuous encouragement from her growing number of pupils, Daya decided to venture out on her own and set up Daya Learners in Borella on September 16, 1966. Within another two short years, Daya Learners was moved to a larger space on Galle Road, Colombo 4, which 50 years on is still in operation.

In the year 1985, Daya accompanied by her first instructor travelled to London for the Driving Instructor’s Association World Conference held at the Wembley Stadium. Gaining insights into the globally recognized Hendon System of Driving Control, Daya returned to her home country to grow her business further. Not only does she have the accolade of being the first female driving instructor in Sri Lanka but Daya is also the first female to start a driving school in the country and the first female to obtain a motor-cycle and motor-coach licence.

Fifty years down the line, Daya Learners today operates out of three branches located in Battaramulla, Colombo 4 and Havelock Town. A panel of four male and three female instructors teaches over 150 students from varying backgrounds and skill levels per month. Using a dozen of the latest vehicles, the driving course incorporates three half hour sessions per week. Daya Learners is currently the only company in the business to teach any type of beginner despite age or skill level and bring them up to speed within five hours (10 days). It is also the only driving school to conduct classes in all three languages. The Hendon System of Driving Control, which is recognized the world over, is also thoroughly instilled in all pupils who also seek Daya’s expert advice for personal training sessions.

As the pioneering entrepreneur celebrates 50 years in an industry that most others have been apprehensive to get into, her company itself will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Having passed on her knowledge and expertise, Daya Learners is now run by the second generation of the Rupasinghe family.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Daya Learners founder and SL’s first female driving instructor celebrates 50 years in business

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

April 15 declared a government holiday

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Debt Restructuring Talks: Bondholders Fear Regime Change Impact

Don’t be deceived by NPP and Cardinal Ranjith: UNP

Emirates halts check-in for connections, UL cancels flights to Dubai

Plans afoot to obtain “Blue Flag Beaches” certification for SL beaches

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings