Maliyadeva College · Kurunegala
The beginnings, the people and the milestones that shaped our college.
Architects of Maliyadeva
founder
Henry Steel Olcott, the visionary founder of Maliyadeva College, Sri Lanka, established the institution in 1888. A distinguished educationist and co-founder of the Theosophical Society, Olcott's commitment to fostering holistic education left an enduring legacy, shaping the school's ethos and contributing to its prominence in the region.
co-founder
Anagarika Dharmapala, a pivotal co-founder of Maliyadeva College in 1888, played a crucial role in shaping the institution's values. A prominent Buddhist revivalist, Dharmapala's dedication to education and cultural resurgence greatly influenced the school's foundation, emphasizing Buddhist principles and fostering intellectual growth.
Milestones
1888 — 1934
1888
Founded as Kurunegala Buddhist Institution by the Buddhist Theosophical Society, led by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott and Maha-Vidane Semenaries A. Bamunu-Arachchige.
1908
Student enrollment reaches 100 under the leadership of Maha-Vidane Semenaries.
1909
School relocated to Ethkanda Viharaya along the Kandy-Kurunegala road.
1922
Management transferred to the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA), and Dr. H.K.T. Zilva became the new manager.
1927
The school renamed 'Maliyadeva College' in honor of Arahant Maliyadeva, the last Arahath thero.
1931
Maha-Vidane Semenaries retired after 43 years, handing over governance to Bandaranaike's son. U.B. Wanninayaka appointed as Principal.
1934
First batch of students appeared for the SSC Examinations (equivalent to current GCE).
1941 — 1953
1941
P. De S. Kularatne turned the school into a mixed institution.
1942
Due to WWII, the school buildings were taken over by the Army, and the school temporarily relocated back to Ethkanda Viharaya.
1944
The primary section moved to a new location along Colombo-Kurunegala Road, forming Maliyadeva Girls' College.
1946
Maliyadeva College became a Government-Assisted School. Boys moved back, and Maliyadeva Girls' College operated as a separate school.
1949
The school upgraded to Grade 1 status. University Entrance (Arts) and SSC (Science) classes began.
1951
T.B.H. Abeysinghe became the first student to enter university from Maliyadeva College.
1953
University Entrance (Science) classes began.
1961 — 1985
1961
The school became a fully Government-run institution.
1979
D.B. Dissanayake retired after 14 years as Principal.
1985
The school's student population reached 3,000.
1985
Maliyadeva College upgraded to National School status by the Ministry of Education.
From the archive
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