“This triumph is not just about an award, but a reflection of OSC’s philosophy, of who we are: a community rooted in trust and openness, where every individual is part of the story, striving for excellence in all we do, and carrying the Gecko spirit from Colombo to the world stage with pride.”
With these words, Nel Capadona, OSC’s Head of School, captured the essence of the Gecko ethos: a spirit embodied daily by every teacher, student, staff member, and parent who shapes OSC’s enduring legacy.
The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) has once again achieved international acclaim, winning Gold at the prestigious International ARC Awards in New York for its 2023/24 Annual Report, Timeless Dedication: Celebrating the Faces Behind Our Progress.
This marks back-to-back Gold victories (2024 and 2025), following a Silver in 2022, making OSC the only IB World School globally – and the only Sri Lankan educational institution ever – to triumph at the ARCs.
Often hailed as the “Oscars of Annual Reports,” the ARC Awards are now in their 39th year, recognising the highest standards in corporate communication and transparency. Past and present winners include global icons such as PepsiCo, McDonald’s, IBM, Coca-Cola, Nike, Boeing, PETRONAS, Walmart, Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Volkswagen.
Yet for OSC, this victory represents more than a prestigious trophy. Timeless Dedication is a tribute to the very heart and soul of the school; the teachers who inspire, the staff who uphold, the students who strive, and the community that binds it all together.
Jehan de Silva, OSC’s Director of Marketing and Communications, reflected: “As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child – and at OSC, it is about celebrating the extraordinary people who bring professionalism, creativity, and heart to our community year after year. The theme of last year’s report was about valuing everyone; academic, administrative, service, and beyond. This victory is not about the accolade itself, but about honouring the true faces behind OSC’s remarkable journey.”
For a school on a small island, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s most influential and recognisable brands and conglomerates is extraordinary. OSC’s consistent success at the ARC Awards reflects not only its dedication to excellence, but also its ability to tell its story with authenticity, creativity, and impact.
This Gold win underscores three timeless truths: trusted reporting, leadership in excellence, and Gecko pride recognised worldwide. For the Gecko community, past and present, it is a shared triumph, one that will echo in the labyrinth of time, a reminder that OSC’s impact and legacy extend far beyond its campus walls.
You can explore OSC’s award-winning Annual Report by visiting the school’s website.
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