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Vidyartha College (Sinhala:විද්යාර්ථ විද්යලය) is an all-male national school located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The college was founded in 1942 by the Vidyartha Society, and is currently run by the Government of Sri Lanka.[1] The college has two sections: the primary section which includes grades 1–5; and the secondary section which includes students in grades 6–13.
| Vidyartha College විද්යාර්ථ විද්යාලය | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
Katugastota Road | |
| Coordinates | 7°18′21″N 80°38′09″E / 7.30583°N 80.63572°E |
| Information | |
| Former name | King's College |
| Type | Government School |
| Motto | "විද්යා සර්වස්ය භුෂණම්" Education is the Best Jewelry |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Buddhism |
| Established | 18 May 1942 |
| Founder | Vidyartha Society |
| Principal | M. R. P. Mayadunne |
| Teaching staff | 180 |
| Grades | 1 – 13 |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 6 to 19 |
| Number of students | 5,000 |
| Language | Sinhala, English |
| Color(s) | Navy, aqua and gold |
| Athletics | Yes |
| Sports | Yes |
| Affiliation | Vidyartha Society (1942) |
| Website | vimasa.net |
History
editAlthough there were many educational opportunities for Buddhist children in the Central Province during the early 1900s, there was a lack of education in English [citation needed]. This deficiency led Sir Tikiri Bandara Panabokke to create the Vidyartha Society in 1939. Other contributors to this project were T. B. Panabokke, M. B. Panabokke, S. L. Ratwatte, A. C. L. Ratwatte, William Gopallawa (President of Sri Lanka), T. B. Ranaraja, A. B. Pinnawala, K. B. Wijekoon, R. Divithotawela, A. Rathnayake, G. D. A. Abeyrathne, Dr. L. B. Senevirathne, L. M. Koswatta, M. B. E.[2] Senevirathne and M. B. Kulugammana. The Society eventually purchased a private school named King's College, which was located on a rise on Katugasthota Road. Later, the name was changed to Vidyartha College. The new college had forty students and six teachers, and the first principal was G. D. A. Abeyratne.[2] On 1 August 1961, the government took control of the college and still maintains control today.[2]
Development
editVidyartha College quickly grew in popularity,[3] with a hostel and main hall were added so that the college could accept more students; children in rural areas such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Monaragala being now able to attend Vidyartha.[3]
In 1954, an Advanced Level of Examination was held at Vidyartha for the first time.[3] The college has since added three programs: Science in 1958, Commerce in 1972, and Information Technology in 1994.
A Colombo branch was formed in 1987 by C. K. Gajanayake, who was its first President. Major-General H. M. N. Krishnaratne RSP USP (Rtd) is the incumbent President of the Colombo branch and Ranjith Weeerasinghe functions as the Honorary Secretary.[3]
When the college was first established, it only had a few buildings, a principal, and 8 teachers. Today, there are nearly 5,000 students receiving their education in the college, with a teaching staff of more than 180.[3]
Principals
edit| Period | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1942–1948 | G. D. A.MNVFD |
| 2nd | 1948–1955 | M. B. W. Mediwake |
| 3rd | 1956–1967 | A. Athauda |
| 4th | 1967–1968 | D. B. Dissanayake |
| 5th | 1968–1971 | P. B. Rasingolla |
| 6th | 1971– 1974 | T. B. Karunarathne |
| 7th | 1974–1977 | M. B. Pethiyagoda |
| 8th | 1983–1986 | P. M. L. Banda |
| 9th | 1987–1991 | T. B. Damunupola |
| 10th | 1991–1992 | S. S. C. Wijesinghe |
| 11th | 1992–1995 | W. M. Bandaranayake |
| 12th | 1995–2006 | W. B. Gunnepana |
| 13th | 2006–2013 | P. A. S. Alwis |
| 14th | 2013–2015 | D. M. A. Disanayake |
| 15th | 2015–2018 | Ranjith Rajapaksha |
| 16th | 2018–present | M. R. P. Mayadunne |
Vidyartha Old Boys Association
editVidyartha Old Boys Association [3] is the strongest supporting body for the college; its members work to improve the college's qualities and standards, as well as its reputation. The association holds an Annual General Meeting where projects are decided on and committees appointed.
Notable alumni
edit| Name | Notability | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Senarath Bandara | Major General, Chief of staff of the Sri Lanka Army (2021–2022) | |
| Susith Weerasekara | Rear Admiral, deputy Chief of staff of the Sri Lanka Navy (2009–2012) | |
| C. B. Rathnayake | member parliament - Nuwara Eliya (1994–2000, 2001–present) | |
| Manju Wanniarachchi | Commonwealth gold medalist (bantamweight boxing)[note 1] | |
| Kosala Kulasekara | international cricket player (2011) |
Notes
editCollege houses
editThe names of the college houses:
- Parackrama, colour : Blue
- Wickrama colour : Maroon
- Mahinda, colour : Yellow
- Narendra, colour : Light blue
Annual Big Match
editBattle of the Babes is played annually between St. Sylvester's College and Vidyartha College since 1958 except for 3 years.[5] As of 2023, 63 Big Matches have been played and, Vidyartha College has won 3 matches while, 45 matches were drawn.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Marikar, Hafiz (4 July 2020). "Vidyartha has produced top ruggerites and boxers". Dailynews.lk. p. 1. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ a b c "About Vidyartha College, Kandy, Sri Lanka | Vidyartha College, Kandy, Sri Lanka". Vidyartha.lk. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f "Vidyartha College OBA | Vidyartha College, Kandy, Sri Lanka". Vidyartha.lk. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
- ^ "Vidyartha College Sports | Vidyartha College, Kandy, Sri Lanka". Vidyartha.lk. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
- ^ "Sri Lanka Sports News | Sundayobserver.lk". 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Major honours for Vidyartha at 63rd Battle of the Babes". Print Edition - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. Retrieved 1 May 2023.