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Dharmapala Vidyalaya

Coordinates: 6°50′37″N 79°57′11″E / 6.84361°N 79.95306°E / 6.84361; 79.95306
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Dharmapala College
ධර්මපාල විද්‍යාලය
தர்மபால வித்தியாலயம்
College Shrine Room
Address
Map
High Level Rd

Pannipitiya
,
10230

Sri Lanka
Coordinates6°50′37″N 79°57′11″E / 6.84361°N 79.95306°E / 6.84361; 79.95306
Information
TypePublic
MottoThumehi Kichchan Athappan (Buddhist quote from the Dhammapada).
Religious affiliation(s)Buddhist
Established8 December 1940; 83 years ago (1940-12-08)
FounderPatrick de Silva Kularatne
School districtColombo
PrincipalR. A. Maheshika Rupasinghe
Teaching staff653
Grades1–13
GenderCo-educational
Age range6–19
Enrollment8,500+
Schedule7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Color(s)Maroon and purple
   
AthleticsYes
SportsYes
RivalsRahula College
AffiliationMinistry of Education
AlumniPalians
Websitewww.dharmapalavidyalaya.org

Flag of Dharmapala College

Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya, established in 1942 and it is the largest CO-ED institution and the most populated suburban school in Sri Lanka, providing education and endeavouring to build well guided and well-mannered children. The school is situated on a land donated by the great Anagarika Dharmapala, the noble-minded Sri Lankan, in whose honour the school had been named. It is a leading buddhist school in Sri Lanka, which provides primary and secondary education.

The school has nurtured thousands of good citizens and a number of great intellectuals who have done a phenomenal services for the nation. The school was upgraded to the National School status in 1991.[1]

College

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Location

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Dharmapala College is located in the suburb of Pannipitiya in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. it occupies an area of 18 acre (73,000 m2) land along the Colombo - Batticaloa Hwy, bordered by Dharmapala Mawatha to the east, Arawwala Rd to the west and to the south residential area.

Donation of the land

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The land of the current school was originally owned by Anagarika Dharmapala. Later it was donated by the Don Hewawitharana Family to Mahabodhi Society and was allocated to Dharmapala College in 1940.[2]

History

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Founder - Mr. P De S Kularathna

In 1940 an English secondary school was established at Pannipitiya as a branch of Ananda College Colombo. This new school was named Dharmapala College. On opening day two major events took place: the opening of Sri Devamitta Dharmapala Thero Memorial building by the Minister of Health, W. A. de Silva, and the ceremonial opening of Dharmapala College by the General Manager of Buddhist Schools, Walter Wijeynaike.[2]

Dharmapala College was managed by the Buddhist Theosophical Society under the direct supervision of the principal of Ananda College, Colombo. It was a school for boys and girls and conducted classes from kindergarten to the matriculation form, in English. Dharmapala College began its work on 8 January 1941. Its founder was Patrick de Silva Kularatne and its principal was Dr. J. E. Jayasooriya. Mr. B.A.Hons a British gentlemen acted as the first principal of Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya and the following members joined the academic staff.

  • Mr. R.L.N.De.Zoysa -Intermediate In Arts, B.A
  • Mr. E.Flesinger - Trained Teacher
  • Mr. M.T. Peries - Trained Teacher
  • Miss. Soma Wijesinghe - Trained Teacher
  • Mr. D.D. Arangala - Intermediate In Arts
  • Mr. H.D.D. Gunasekara - Bilingual Trained (Gampaha)
  • Mr. D.A. Jayamanna - Certificated Sinhalese Teacher

The first male student who was registered would be Somabandu Vidyapathi who completed his education and moved onto to becoming a renowned painting and sculpting artist.

"ධර්මපාල විද්‍යාලය ආරම්භ වූ අවධියේ දී" සෝමබන්ධු විද්‍යාපති මහතාගේ රේඛා චිත්‍රයකි
Anagarika Dharmapala statue

During World War II a section from Ananda College- Colombo, along with the teachers, shifted to the Dharmapala College premises due to fear of war. To accommodate these students more cadjan sheds were built. Later six permanent classrooms were built for the Primary Section. The then-principal of Ananda College, P. de S Kularathna, led this project. With the exit of Jayasooriya, D. C. Lawris took over as principal in 1943.

The school registered as an independent institute and a Class 1AB school for higher education. Up to H.S.C, many more students started entering Dharmapala. With the help of many donors and with the money collected by the students, another five classrooms were built for the Primary Section.

By February 1947 there were 1,420 students and H.S.C. classes were started. D.C. Lawris left Dharmapala College to take over as the principal of Ananda College, Colombo.[3]

Important historical milestones

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  • 06.12.1941 1st anniversary celebrations together with the prize giving under the patronage of Sir Baron Jayatileke.
  • 06.06.1951 First soccer match in the newly build ground.
  • 28.10.1951 First cricket match in the ground against Mahinda College Galle.
  • 25.02.1952 Issuing the first school magazine “Dhampal Vidhuhal Sagarava”
  • 14.06.1962 Dharmapala College a was taken over by the government.
  • 06.09.1965 25 year anniversary celebration. His Excellency Mr. Wlliam Gopallawa – Governor-General of Ceylon participated as the Chief Guest.
  • 08.12.1990 Dharmapala College 50th anniversary official stamp issue.
  • 07.11.2010 Earning ISO 9001:2008 quality certification.
  • 28.02.2011 Inauguration of the Swimming pool by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse - the President of Sri Lanka.
  • 06.02.2012 First Big Match cricket encounter with Rahula College, Matara at the Uyanwatta stadium.[4]

Current facilities

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Ratio : 72:44 [Full Size], 18:18 [Logo Size]
Dharmapala College Main Hall
Dharmapala College Ground

The College, occupies a 18 acres (73,000 m2) site and accommodates approximately 8,500 students and employs 650 teaching staff.[citation needed]

It provides education for students from grade 1 to G.C.E advanced level with a range of facilities.[citation needed]

Dharmapala college has a rich history in the field of sports. It has produced international class athletes, cricketers, netballers and other sports men & women.

College Sports Facilities

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  • 5 acre international level cricket ground with 6 center turf wickets.
  • 1 acre ground which can play rugger or soccer.
  • Cricket nets
  • 25 meter swimming pool with spectator and changing room facilities
  • Badminton stadium
  • Basketball courts with flood lights.
  • Gymnastic gymnasium
  • Netball courts
  • Volleyball courts
  • Shooting range
  • Table Tennis

Houses

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1951 - Aerial view of Dharmapala College
College old buildings
Houses of the College
House Name House Colour House Emblem
Shakya House ‎ Red Colour ‎

 

Lotus Flower ‎
Maurya House Blue Colour

 

Peafowl
Soorya House Yellow Colour

 

Sun
Nanda House Green Colour

 

Parrot

Clubs and Societies

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There are over 40 active student organisations at the college.[citation needed]

Senior Western Band- Boys

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According to the concept of the former Principal Mr K.G.Wimalasena the Junior Western Band was formed in 2007. Now it has grown as a leading Senior Western Band among the other schools in Sri Lanka. Since 2007 the Senior Western Band has achieved many prizes and awards in Zonal, Provincial and All Island level competitions.

  • Won the 1st place in the all Island Western Music Competitions (Mixed instrument category) in 2013.
  • Won the 1st place in Ranaviru Sena Band competitions in 2014.
  • Won the 1st place in Rhythm of J’pura indoor competitions in 2014.
  • Won the 2nd place in all Island Western Music and Dance competitions in 2015. (Mixed instrument group)
  • Won the 2nd place in all Island Western Music and Dance Competitions in 2017.[5]

Cadet Union

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The students academic work in a subject is a bold and personality. The annual camps are arranged and the best known groups of the camps are also part of the “Herman Los” camp. Camping are conducted due to the serious physical instruction and self-esteem examinations. The task of maintaining student affairs is assigned by the Ministry of Defense.

  • Winning the ”Herman Los” cup at the highest achievement of the cadet crops.
  • Received the 3rd place in the final camp of the 19th batch of 40 schools in 2013.
  • The 3rd place was purchased from 2 championships and 12 official promotions.
  • There are 24 guard (Sammana Mura) for the occasion and for the 1st time in the history of the school.[6]

Sports

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Dharmapala - Rahula Big Match

Battle of Golden Lions

The annual big match, the Battle of Golden Lions (රුහුණු -මායා සටන), between Dharmapala College and Rahula College is the major sport event in the school. Battle of the Golden Lions is a great event that consists of high quality Cricket, a range of enjoyable social and networking opportunities and more importantly an opening to cherish the Olcott brotherhood.

As Olcott schools, both Rahula & Dharmapala colleges have great histories & stories to share. It is encouraging to note that the school communities have valued greater relationships over the last eight years and Both Schools are sure we can further strengthen these fruitful relationships to create a culture that transcends the existing big match the culture of the country. We are now able to create solid collaborations to build up innovative programs by bringing the shared strengths together to empower the future generations of both school.

The Henry Steel Olcott Memorial Cricket Tournament

The Henry Steele Olcott Memorial Cricket Tournament is an annual cricket tournament conducted among the past cricketers of eight premier Buddhist schools in honor of Col. Olcott, the founder of Buddhist education in Sri Lanka.[7][8]

Principals

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uyiyui
Prof. J. E. Jayasuriya - founder Principal of Dharmapala.
1946 - The teaching staff and students with the then Principal Mr. D. C. Lawris.

Prof. J. E. Jayasuriya - founder Principal of Dharmapala College Pannipitiya.

Prof. J. E. Jayasuriya service to education starts with being the founder Principal of Dharmapala College Pannipitiya in 1940. At the inauguration function of Dharmapala College, Mr. P.D.S. Kularatna introduced the pioneer principal thus: “A 22 year old energetic gentleman with the highest educational qualification has been appointed as principal of Dharmapala College. That fact itself I see as a good sign to the future development of Dharmapala College.” This prophecy has become true of Dharmapala College’s development as the premier mixed school in the island. Since he became Principal of Dharmapala all his efforts and energy were directed to bring up its education to the highest level and develop infrastructure facilities. With his able administration and dedication of the staff, within a short period Dharmapala College achieved a prestige not second to Ananda College.[9]

Principals of Dharmapala College
No. Name From To Special Notes
01. J. E. Jayasuriya ‎ 1940 ‎ 1943 ‎ Founder Principal of Dharmapala College.
02. D. C. Lawris 1943 1947
03. G. C. Edirisinghe 1947 1956
04. R. M. Abeywardhana 1959 1960
05. G. B. Bannehaka 1969 1971
06. B. S. Gunesekara 1971 1976
07. N. B. Perera 1976 1981
08. D. C. Danapala 1981 1983
09. R. T. Direcksze 1983 1985
10. G. R. W. G. Gunawardana 1985 1991
11. S. H. Kumarasinghe 1991 1994
12. R. S. Rajapaksha 1995 2004
13. K. G. Wimalasena 2004 2016
14. Oshara Panditharathna 2016 2020
15. K. G. Wimalasena 2020 2021
16. R. A. Maheshika Rupasinghe 2022 present

College Union

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The Past Pupils’ Association (PPA) formerly operated under the name Dharmapala Old Boys Association, It was founded on 04.02.1947 under the guidance of Mr. David Silva who was a teacher at the time. The first elected President of this association was none other than Mr. G C Edirisinghe who fulfilled his duties and responsibilities to the association until his retirement in 1959.

The Past Pupils’ Association (PPA) of Dharmapala College has grown rapidly over the years and become the strongest PPA in all the mix schools in Sri Lanka. It has currently a life membership of over 3200. PPA having motivated to help maintain good standard in both academic and other activities of the Dharmapala College, generously contributed in many ways.

Notable alumni

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See also: Category:Alumni of Dharmapala Vidyalaya
This article contains dynamic lists that may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Name Notability Reference
Ratnasiri Wickremanayake Prime Minister (2000–2001, 2005–2010), member parliament - Horana (1960–1977), Kalutara (1994–2010)
Kamal Gunaratne Major General, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (2019–present)
Oliver Ranasinghe Commander of Sri Lankan Air Force (1994–1998)
Rohan Daluwatte Commander of Sri Lankan Army (1996–1998)
M. P. Perera Vice Chancellor University of Kelaniya (1973–1974, 1983–1985) [citation needed]
Soma Edirisinghe Corporate Executive (chairman EAP Holdings), Film Producer, Philanthropist
Tissa Abeysekara Filmwriter, Director, Producer
Eva Wansundera Solicitor General (2011), Attorney General (2011–2012), Supreme Court Judge (2012–present)
Wimal Wickramasinghe Member of Parliament - Ratnapura (1989–1994), Deputy Minister of Finance (1989–1994) [10]
Asoka Wadigamangawa Member of Parliament - Puttalam (1989–2000), Deputy Minister of Lands (1989–1994) [11]
H. D. L. Leelaratne Member of Parliament - Seruvila (1977–1989) [12]
Chinthaka Jayasinghe former Sri Lankan cricketer
Rohana Weerasinghe Musician, Composer, Singer, Teacher
Thumindu Dodantenna Actor, screenwriter, Lecturer [citation needed]
Narada Warnasuriya Vice Chancellor University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2005-2008) [citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "dharmapala vidyalaya".
  2. ^ a b "History". www.dharmapalavidyalaya.org. Retrieved 7 February 2022.[non-primary source needed]
  3. ^ "Welcome to Dharmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitiya". Archived from the original on 17 December 2007. Retrieved 10 January 2008.[non-primary source needed]
  4. ^ "College history".
  5. ^ "Dharmapala College Western band".
  6. ^ "Dharmapala College Cadet Union".
  7. ^ Rahula host Dharmapala for 12th Battle of the Golden Lions today
  8. ^ https://stats.thepapare.com/cricket/match/rahula-college-vs-dharmapala-college-7th-battle-of-the-golden-lions rahula college vs-dharmapala college 7th-battle of the golden lions]
  9. ^ "Prof. J. E. Jayasuriya: the epitome of Sri Lankan Education Philosophy".
  10. ^ "Hon. (Dr.) Wickremasinghe, Govinnage Wimal Padmasiri, M.P." Directory of Past Members. Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  11. ^ "Hon. Wadigamangawa, A. H. M. Ashoka Premalal, M.P." Directory of Past Members. Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  12. ^ "Hon. Leelaratne, Hettiarachchige Don Lutus, M.P." Directory of Past Members. Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
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