Sri Jayawardenepura Maha Vidyalaya
Sri Jayawardenepura Maha Vidyalaya is a government school in Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Sri Jayawardenepura Maha Vidyalaya | |
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Location | |
Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte | |
Information | |
Former names | Cotta Institute (1822-1855) CMS Boys' School (1855-1934) Christian College (1934-1964) |
Type | Public |
Motto | PERSEVERANDO VINCIMUS |
Established | 1822 |
Principal | D.A.D.Wanaguru |
Color(s) | Maroon and silver |
History
It was formerly known as Christian College until 1964 when the administration of the school was taken over by the government. The school traces its roots to 1822 when the Cotta Institute was established as a seminary for young Ceylonese of which the first principal was Rev. Samuel Lambrick.
The third principal of the Academy was Rev Joseph Marsh, who later became the first Head Master of Colombo Academy present Royal College Colombo in 1835.[1][2][3] From 1855 to 1934 it was known as the Church Mission Society (CMS) Boys' School at Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. In 1934 it was called Christian College, which was a very popular school in the island. The CMS Boys' School was a training institute for young Ceylonese, inclined to teach the gospel. The last principal of C.M.S. Christian College [1959-1963] was Samuel Louis Alexander Ratnayake. Himself an old boy of Christian College, he added new buildings and organised many colorful activities, such as drama festivals, sports and carnivals in addition to prize givings and sports meets. The school community was a rich mix of different ethnic groups and religions all working in harmony to improve the quality of the future generations.
Battle of Kotte
The annual Big Match played between Sri Jayawardenepura Maha Vidyalaya and St. Thomas' College, Kotte is called Battle of Kotte.
Notable teachers
- Joseph Marsh - founding headmaster of Colombo Academy
Principals List
Major. D.A.D.Wanaguru
Notable alumni
- P.D. Premasiri - professor specialising in buddhist ethics and philosophy at the University of Peradeniya
- Anagarika Dharmapala
- John de Silva
References
- About Royal
- Brief History
- Battle of the Blues A brief history of Royal College Archived 21 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine