A rare coincidence: ABC Preschool stars Kieran, Sahan now head prefects of S. Thomas’, Royal

Head Prefects of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Kieran Lawrence (left) and Sahan Agalawatta, Royal College, Colombo, once shared the same classrooms and learning environment during their early childhood years at ABC Preschool (Photo Credit Quadrangle)

• ABC has proudly witnessed many of its students go on to achieve great success
• What began as a small initiative rooted in dedication and care has since grown into a trusted preschool
• Over the years, ABC flourished and the directors expanded their vision for early childhood education

Ayoma Fernando and Adhirupini Tyagarajah, former classmates at Ladies’ College, shared not only a friendship, but also a deep passion for Montessori Education. Inspired by this vision, they founded ABC School of Early Learning on January 7, 1992 with just eight children. What began as a small initiative rooted in dedication and care has since grown into one of Colombo’s most respected and trusted preschool institutions.

Two years later, Surangi Munaweera joined the school as a teacher and rose to being the Principal and later a director. She played a vital role in shaping the growth and direction of the school.

Over the years, ABC flourished. The directors expanded their vision for early childhood education. They introduced theme-based learning through play, 

ABC Group of Schools reached another milestone. On September 5, 2006, ABC Preschool was launched with five children, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the school’s journey.

One such inspiring journey is that of Kieran Lawrence, who began his education at ABC Preschool just four months before turning two. He was one of the triplets who joined the ABC Toddler Group alongside his brothers Aaron and Ethan who also became college prefects. 

Kieran excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities, developing his talents in leadership as a Director of Model UN, his journey progressed steadily from Lower School Prefect, to College Prefect, and ultimately to the distinguished role of Head Prefect at S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia; head prefect being the highest student leadership position in the school.

Another outstanding example of this foundation is Sahan Agalawatta, whose talents were evident even during his early years at ABC. Sahan excelled in both sports and the arts, demonstrating exceptional versatility from a young age.

In recognition of his leadership and responsibility, he was also appointed Junior Prefect and now the Head Prefect of Royal College Colombo

Today, ABC celebrates a truly historic and proud moment — both the Head Prefects of two of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious schools began their journey at ABC Preschool.

Kieran Lawrence, Head Prefect of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and Sahan Agalawatta, Head Prefect of Royal College, Colombo once shared the same classrooms and learning environment during their early childhood years at ABC.

 ABC has proudly witnessed many of its students go on to achieve great success and what makes this moment particularly remarkable is that both Head Prefects were students at ABC during the same period 

It is a moment of immense pride for ABC as it celebrates two of its very own rising stars reaching the pinnacle of student leadership. Keiran Lawrence, guided and nurtured by his parents, Yohan and Leisha Lawrence, alongside him is Sahan Agalawatta, son of the late Sampath Agalawatta, a former Royal Rugby Captain, and Dilhani Agalawatta.

Kieran and Sahan, their achievements continue to inspire the ABC community and serve as a powerful reminder that great journeys often begin with the smallest steps.