ARCHITECTS

OF MALIYADEVA COLLEGE
Henry Steel Olcottfounder

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.

Anagarika Dharmapalaco-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.

Time Line

The journry though the years

1888

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

1908

Student enrollment reaches 100 under the leadership of Maha-Vidane Semenaries.

1909

1909

School relocated to Ethkanda Viharaya along the Kandy-Kurunegala road.

1922

1922

Management transferred to the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA), and Dr. H.K.T. Zilva became the new manager.

1927

1927

The school renamed 'Maliyadeva College' in honor of Arahant Maliyadeva, the last Arahath thero.

1931

1931

Maha-Vidane Semenaries retired after 43 years, handing over governance to Bandaranaike’s son. U.B. Wanninayaka appointed as Principal.

1934

1934

First batch of students appeared for the SSC Examinations (equivalent to current GCE).

1941

1941

P. De S. Kularatne turned the school into a mixed institution.

1942

1942

Due to WWII, the school buildings were taken over by the Army, and the school temporarily relocated back to Ethkanda Viharaya.

1944

1944

The primary section moved to a new location along Colombo-Kurunegala Road, forming Maliyadeva Girls' College.

1946

1946

Maliyadeva College became a Government-Assisted School. Boys moved back, and Maliyadeva Girls' College operated as a separate school.

1949

1949

The school upgraded to Grade 1 status. University Entrance (Arts) and SSC (Science) classes began.

1951

1951

T.B.H. Abeysinghe became the first student to enter university from Maliyadeva College.

1953

1953

University Entrance (Science) classes began.

1961

1961

The school became a fully Government-run institution.

1979

1979

D.B. Dissanayake retired after 14 years as Principal.

1985

1985

The school’s student population reached 3,000.

1985

1985

Maliyadeva College upgraded to National School status by the Ministry of Education.

GALLERY

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