Vidyartha College, Kandy.

Type:- Government school
Motto:- "Vidhya Sarwasya Bushanam"(Meaning for “Education is the Best Jewelry”)
Established:- 1942
Color(s):- NavyAquaGoldWebsite:- www.vidyartha.lk

Vidyartha College is a leading boys' school in Sri Lanka. And Located in most central district Kandy. Anyone can find it at the map of Sri Lanka in central province.

The college was established in 1942. People of Ceylon struggled, right from the beginning of the 20th century,to free themselves from being subject peoples they had lived for over four centuries . Patriots understood that it was the education of the younger generation which was the base of revival of the nation and worked hard towards spreading schools .In keeping with the system of the time only missionary schools had gained place in the society and it was also a quite few in number. By the middle of the 20th century although there were a few Buddhist schools in the upcountry for children of Buddhist peasants, opportunities for English education for them were not adequate. It was under this circumstance that the Vidyartha society was originated in 1939 on the initiative of some elite headed by Sir Tikiri Bandara Panabokke, with the noble determination of educational betterment of children of upcountry peasants.In this initiative contribution made byT.B.Panabokke M.B.Panabokke, S.LRatwatte A.C.L.Ratwatte, The First President of Sri Lanka sir William Gopallawa, Advocate T.B.Ranaraja A.B.Pinnawala,K.B.Wijekoon.R.Divithotawela,Former senator A.Rathnayake, G.D.A.Abeyrathne, Dr.L.B.Senevirathne, L.M.Koswatta,M.B.E.senevirathne, and M.B. Kulugammana Esqrs, should be remembered with honour. In order to satisfy the need then existed, of an English school, Vidyartha society purchased the private school called king’s college which was located and functioned on a rise on katugasthota road, and formed Vidyartha college with 40 students and six teachers. The college was God- send to many children of Buddhist peasants in both Kandy and outstation.

Vidyartha College is one of the leading Buddhists' schools in Sri Lanka. Vidyartha College is now run by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Vidyartha College has two sections - The Primary and The Secondary. Where Vidyartha College Primary serves students from Grade 1 to Grade 5 while Vidyartha College serves students from Grade 6 to Grade 13.

History

Vidyartha College was initiated in 1942 as a result of the great effect of 'Vidyartha Society'. It was started in 1932 by the leadership of Hon T.B.Panabokke, Mr.M.B.Panabokke, Mr.S.L.Ratwatte, Hon William Gopallawa (the first president of Sri Lanka), Lawyer P.B.Ranaraja, Mr.A.B.Pinnawala, Mr.K.B.Wijekoon, Mr.R.Thotawela, Mr.A.Ratnayake, Mr.G.D.A.Abeyratne, Dr.L.B.Senaviratne and Mr.M.B.Kulugammana. The main purpose of starting the Vidyartha College was to start a leading school in the hill capital for children of Buddhist parents. 'Vidyartha Society' purchased the 'Kings College' private school and started a new English Medium school there as 'Vidyartha College' with 40 students and 6 teachers. The first principal of Vidyartha College was Mr.G.D.A.Abeyratne.

Vidyartha College Today

About Vidyartha College

Vidyartha is a premier boys' school situated in the hill capital of Sri Lanka. It has produced many outstanding scholars in various fields. Vidyartha has achieved many victories in its history. Currently it has over 5000 of student population and a well qualified academic staff over 180.

Development of Vidyartha College

Because of the development of Educational and extra-curricular activities, in a short period Vidyartha College became a popular school in Sri Lanka. By the time a Main Hall and a Hostel was built in Vidyartha. After Hostel facilities were developed in Vidyartha College, children in rural areas such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Monaragala were able to become 'Vidyarthians'. In 1959 Vidyartha was named as a 1st Grade School in Sri Lanka. In 1978 it was named as a '1A' Grade school. On 1 August 1961 Vidyartha was undertaken by the government. Since then Vidyartha was managed by the government. In 1954 Advanced Level Examination was held at Vidyartha for the first time. Science Section of Vidyartha College was started in 1958.In 1972 Commerce Section was started. The IT Section of Vidyartha College was started in 1994.

The reputation of a school depends mainly either on its physical resources or its teachers and students or educational standards or extracurricular activities and sports. There are however very few schools which could boast of a mix of all the said qualities. Vidyartha College Kandy is proud to be in this category, while inheriting a rich heritage of excellence in the past 65 years of its existence. The school came into being as a result of the Buddhist hierarchy in Kandy deciding to purchase the buildings of the former Kings College which closed. At this time Dharmarajah College was the only Buddhist school in Kandy in addition to a few Catholic institutions. The primary intention of the Buddhist hierarchy was to establish a second Buddhist school in Kandy . We respectfully remember the untiring efforts of the Buddhist leadership in Kandy of the likes of Sir. T.B.Panabokke Adigar, former President of the Senate, Hon: A. Ratnayake and Mr. M.B. Kulugammana who made this a reality.

The College when first established had only a few buildings with Mr. GDA. Abeyratna as its first Principal assisted by a staff of 08 teachers. Presently there are nearly 5,000 students receiving their education in the College, with a teaching staff of around 180. The College has an enviable reputation not only in the academic fields but also in sports activities as well. The College boasts of several Vidyarthians who have represented Sri Lanka in Rugby, Football, Hockey, Boxing,Chess and Table Tennis. The College reached its peak during these 65 years which excelling in all aspects of academic and sports achievements.

Thousands of old boys who have passed out from the school since its inception have continually extended their fullest assistance to the school as brothers of one family. They have proved to be a great strength in maintaining the high standards of the school. When the history of Vidyartha is examined, it shows that the OBA. has been the main instrument for the bond of fellowship between the old boys.

The President of the mother OBA. in Kandy is the present Mayor of Kandy, His worship L.B. Aluvihare. In addition to the mother association, a Colombo branch was formed 20 years ago in 1987 by Senior D.I.G Mr.C.K.Gajanayake who was its first President, while the writer was the Hony. Secretary. The creation of the Colombo branch gave an opportunity to old boys resident in Colombo and its suburbs and many others who were employed or otherwise engaged in activities in Colombo, to meet each other and renew old friendships. Major-General H.M.N. Krishnaratne RSP USP (Rtd) is the incumbent President of the Colombo branch while Mr. Ranjith Weeerasinghe functions as the Honorary Secretary. The OBA Colombo Branch holds an annual Get-together which is extremely popular among the old boys and their families as they eagerly await this occasion. This year the-Get together will be held on 29 December from 7.30 p.m. onwards at the Taj Samudra Hotel at Galle Face. A distinguished sportsman of the collage Mr. YGR.M. Lafir Deputy Inspector General of Police & Mrs. Lafir will be the chief guests at this function. The committee of the OBA Colombo branch wishes to remind the old boys to attend the Get-together with their family members as before & make it both a colorful & unforgettable occasion for all.

School Anthem

DESHA PREMI ABHIMANA SUPUJITHA WEERA SISUN BIHIWEWA //

VIDYARTHA VIDYALAYE NAAMAYA LOWA DASA ATHA PATHIREWA PATHIREWA PATHIREWA SAWBHAGYA ITIHIREWA //

DALADHA HIMI METH KELUM PRABHA LEBA KANDUKARA SISILEN NAAWEE //

SHASTHRAA LOKAYA DASATHA PATHURAWA VIDUHAL MAWA PIBIDEWA....
PIBIDEWA PIBIDEWA VIDUHAL MAWA PIBIDEWA..

DHEERA VEERA GUNA DHAMA VIRAAJITHA JAATHI MAANA ATHI BAARA....
BHAKTHI PREMAYEN NAMI BARITHA UNA VEERA PUTHUN BIHIWEVA.....
BIHIWEWA BIHIWEWA VIDUHAL MAWA PIBIDEWA..

DESHA PREMI ABHI MANA SUPUJITHA WEERA SISUN BIHIWEWA//