Mahanama College
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| Mahanama College | |
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| Motto: | Vidvan Sarvathra Poojyate (Scholar always be reputed ) |
| Established: | 1954 |
| Type: | Public |
| Principal: | W.A. Premalal Kumarasiri |
| Location: | Colombo, Sri Lanka  |
| Colors: | Black, Gold and Silver |
Mahanama College, Colombo established in 1954 is considered to be one of the leading public schools in Sri Lanka. It is a National School and controlled by the Central government as opposed to the Provincial Council.
In its history Mahanama College has developed rapidly and holds a unique place in education and extracurricular activities. Today the school accommodates 5000 students on a campus spread over 10 acres. The academic staff of 150+ is led by the present principal, Mr W. A. Premalal Kumarasiri.
Over the years, Mahanama has produced notable alumni and thus contributed to Sri Lanka. In its brief history Mahanama has produced many renowned professionals in fields such as management, science, telecommunication and sports.
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[edit] History
In 1954 this institution began through the dedication of Mr. W.A.K. Gunawardana at Sri Wardanarama Colombo 04 with only 5 students in the class. In 1958 the school was registered as a government assisted junior school. The number of students gradually increased to 163 with 4 staff members and on January 1 1960 Mr J. D. A Jayakodi was appointed as the first principal of the school. In 1969 there were 14 staff members and 373 students on record.
With the rapid increase in the number of students, the school shifted to a place nearby, Valukarama. Primary classes were in a building near Thurstan College. In 1974, during Mr. T.N Silva's period the junior school at Thurstan College moved to its present location - Mahanama College. In 1975, 130 students sat for the N.G.C.E examination, and 107 students passed the exam. The government donated 7 acers of land as the school expanded at its present location.
In 1976, there were several two-story buildings. Through the dedication of Mr. K.N.P de Silva, the principal, and the support of the parents the school developed continuously. In 1981 one student who sat for the G.C.E A/L attained 8th place in the all island results and entered into the engineering faculty. Principal Mr. K.N.P de Silva worked hard to develop the school and retired on the 5th of February 1986 with the blessings of students, staff and parents.
The golden era of Mahanama was the time of the succeeding principal, Mr. D.G Sumanasekera, B.Sc., Dip. Ed., in 1986. During his tenure the school developed rapidly and became competitive in sports activities, extracurricular activities while performing exceptionally well in curriculum work also Mahanama was ranked among the best schools for its performances in G.C.E Ordinary Level examination, while gaining a position in G.C.E Advanced Level examination. By following discipline, punctuality and attire improved performance of students. This motivation resulted in a huge forward leap in standards of every thing from the morning assembly to the school closure in the evening. The college Cricket team played a one-day cricket encounter for the Milo Trophy [1]between President's College also the school's Rugby team completed a successful playing season. The Annual Concert for the Primary school students were held and the college Magazine was also published. The school emblem, colours and flag were standardised. Annual Prize giving and Sports Meet were heled successfully, in which President D.B Wijetunga was the chief guest for the 1989 Prize Giving. Mr. Sumanasekera was the 1st SLEAS Class-1 Principal to be appointed to Mahanama. During his 4 years at office he laid the foundation and expanded the school for its current status.
The next principal, Mr. K. K. Rathnadasa, worked hard for nearly 12 years continue to raise the status of the school further. During this period several three story buildings were built, a computer section was established and a children's park was created. The Annual Carnival 'Foot-Loose' was organized during his period.
The dedication and commitment to the growth of the school of the next principal, Mr. G. Liyanage, has to be praised. He has been instrumental in building a three story building with an art gallery. During this time the school laboratories and computer sections were imrpoved and buildings renovated. Mr G. Liyanage laid the foundation for the building of a full theater and auditorium for the school, which are symbols of the school's identity. With his efforts Mahanama has become the greener school of the island bringing in a pleasant environment to the school. The Battle of the Golds, big match between Mahanama College and its friendly rival D. S. Senanayake College,Colombo was inaugurated. It is one of the most awaited sporting event in school calendar.
Currently there are 20+ societies involved in extracurricular activities. All these societies are working to bring honor and pride to the school and the nation. Today Mahanama College has both the physical and human resources to face the knowledge race of the 21st century.
[edit] Principals
- Rev. Vahalle Dhammananda (1954-1960)
- J.D.A Jayakody (1960 – 1968)
- N.E Fernando (1968- 1974)
- T.S Silva (1974-1976)
- K.N.P de Silva (1976-1986)
- D.G Sumanasekara (1986-1990)
- K.K Ratnadasa (1990-1999)
- G. Liyanage (1999-2003)
- W.H.Pramalal Kumarasiri (2003- to date)
[edit] School Houses
Mahanama has four school houses named Metha, Karuna, Muditha and Upekha. The house names were derived from Buddhism. According to the Buddha these are four great human qualities.
A student is placed in one of the above houses by dividing his index number (which is assigned to each student when the student is registered at Mahanama) by four. The remainder after the division describes his respective house as listed below:
- 0 – Belong to Metha
- 1 – Belong to Karuna
- 2 – Belong to Muditha
- 3 – Belong to Upekha
The house teachers are selected in the same manner. Students from these houses compete with each other on varies sporting events annually. The house with the highest points in the end of the tournament is named the champion for the year.
[edit] Milo Trophy: One Day Cricket Encounter
[1] [2] [3] Mahanama College played a One day cricket encounter with President's College, Rajagiriya for the Milo Trophy. There were 15 matches played between 1988-2006. Presidents college lead the series with 8 - 7 wins. The cricket series was sponsored by prestigious Nestle Lanka Ltd.
[edit] School Motto
Vidvan Sarvathra Poojyathe, as mentioned in the logo is a Buddhist quote Which means "the scholer always be reputed".
Which in deeper means the good education is the path to reputation and fame. It also describe that the intellectual development of a person is more valuable than physical resources they have.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Jatila Karawita (2 April 2000). "A do-or-die battle for supremacy". Daily News Online Edition. http://www.sundaytimes.lk/000402/sports2.html. Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
- ^ Editor (March 28, 2005). "President's College retain trophy". Daily Mirror Online Edition. http://www.dailymirror.lk/2005/03/28/sports/05.asp. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
- ^ Editor (11, April 1998). "Praneeth Chamara steers President's College to victory". Daily News Online Edition. http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1997-98/SL_LOCAL/SCHOOLS/SL_SCHOOLS_11APR1998.html. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
[edit] External links
