Gratefully remembered is the service rendered by the late Mr. David Wanigasekara,and Rev.Naranda,Wajiraramaya of Bambalapitiya who took great efforts to obtain proposed Central College to Telijjawila.
Accordingly, the government Central school was established on the 17th January, 1946 at Telijjawila junction. It was a humble beginning with 200 Students and 3 Teachers in Palm -thatched halls.The pioneer teachers were Mr.D.H.Wickramasekara and Miss U.A.Podinona.The first principal was Mr.H.L.Wimalasuriya from gnanodaya Vidyalaya at Kalutara.Speaking on the occasion ,he said that he could remember establishing the college without lightnining the traditional oil lamps, with no pedals or traditional drums.Wickramaratne Walawwa was used as the boys’ hostel and Girls’ was established at Samarasinghe walawwa Bibugodella watta.Medium of instruction was English till 1956.
Amidst Shortage of buildings and other facilities the school, in no time, became well-known and one of the best schools in Ceylon, Owing to principals versatility and perseverance. To encourage healthy competition among the pupils they were categorized into three clanks shakya,Mayura, Nanda and Wimalasuriya era was decorative with concerts ,Sports meets ,Essay Competitions and prize-givings.The College stood par with every high school in sri lanka when left on the 31st of May ,1948 as the principal of Tissa central college ,Kalutara North.
His followers were Mr.Edmond Dias (8 months).Mr.M.S.de Silva (2 Years),Mr.Tantrigoda(7 months) and Mr.H.L.Ratnapala (10months).
Buildings and other facilities were needed for a Central school and provisions of these facilities was started in 1948.Twelve acres were taken over the government owned land called “Gallanda Kuttiya”at Akurugoda,Telijjawila. Later, three more acres were added for the playground. The Foundation Stone was laid by the Minister of Transport and Works, Late Sir John Kotalawala, on the 17th of March,1952.The other participants were the then Minister of Education Major E.A.Nugawela and Mr.David Wanigasekara.
New building complex was erected consisting of an administrative block, an assembly hall, crafts rooms, classrooms, principal’s quarters and two hostel blocks. The school so far conducted at Telijjawila junction was shifted to the new premises during the period of Mr.D.A.Vedage who was a disciplinarian and very broad minded educationalist as well. He was able to create an environment where discipline was well maintained simultaneously with teaching learning process. He held his office as the principal till 24th April, 1955.
The school was declared open during the tenure of principal Mr.R.B.Gallella,i.e.on the 15th of July,1955,by the then Hon. Prime Minister Sir John Kotalawala.Mr.Ivan Dassanayake,acting Minister of education, and Mr.D.D.Jayasuriya,then Director of Education were among other participants.
Mr.Gallella was a democrat who felt the necessity of students and resultantly he was very popular among students. He was keen on improving the educational abilities as well as extracurricular activities of Students.Inter-house meets, religious and literary associations were his main interests. He was the master of the boy’s hostel, too. He left the college for Maho central college to take up duties as acting principal on the 18th February, 1957.
- 1956-1967
- 1967-1976
- 1977-1986
- The provisions of Qualified Teachers,
- Facilitating the proposed Schools with buildings, Water ,Laboratories and playgrounds,
- The provisions of every possible learning facilities in the areas of Science,Mathematics , Arts, Agriculture,Home-Economics,Wood work and
- The provision of fully equipped Libraries ,Audio-Visual instruments , Computers and Language Laboratories.
The prominent figure of the era was Mr.L.H.P.de Silva, the 8th principal of the college. His main Duty was the longest duty rendered in the history of the college, commencing from 01.02.67 to 30.09-1968 completion of laboratories, Science Students’ entry to the Universities in for the First time, Teaching commerce in Sinhala medium consecutive Victories in musical and Ballet Competitions at all island level were some of the memorable incidents in this period .The Shrine room , which gives an outsider a feeling on Buddhist Background of the college was opened on the 09.02.67.It was Donated by the PTA of the School. The records depict many compliments of the college in this era.Mr.L.H.P.de Silva’s Service is thankfully remembered by its past and present students
The school became more and more popular resultantly increased up to1100 approximately, staff strength was 48.Principals in this period were Mr.U.A.F.Dharmasiri, Mr.N.G.K.Samarasekara ,Mr.R.A.Mathos and Mr.N.A.Gunadasa. Opening of the 100×20 building, erection of a building for social sciences are the pre-Dominant incidents during this period. The records encounter for educational and extra-curricular activities of the college. Even Mr.I.M.R.A.Irigalla, the then minister of Education complimented the progress of the college thus; it is a great pleasure for me to learn that the Central College has made remarkable progress in every Sphere of Education.
Number of students in the school rapidly increased during this era. They were classified into 32 classes. The Teaching Staff consisted of 64 teachers.Mr.C.K.Waidyaratne, Mr.P.V.P.Wickramasinghe, Mr.M.K.Sirisena, and Mr.N.Jayawardena were the principals during this period. In the former part of the era, the college acquired good results in academic and other activities, though in the latter period there was a Drop.
Opening of the two-Storeyed building (by Late Mr.Keerthi Abeywickrama, MP for Akuressa, Mr.Philip Senaratna, Director of Education) and the completion of the playground are prominent in this period.
Under the programme, titled “Improvement of Selected Madya Maha Vidyalaya and Maha Vidyalaya , devised by the Ministry of education, Cultural affairs and Information, this college has been proposed a national School. A rapid change can be expected because the afore said programme aims at:
The history of the college has proved that the college can produce the personnel’s the country can be proud of. The fulfillment of these long felt needs will help the school to serve the nation effectively and efficiently.