Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, established in 1942 and it is the largest co-educational institution and the most populated suburban school in Sri Lanka. The school is situated on a land donated by Anagarika Dharmapala, whom the school is named after. The school was upgraded to National school status in 1991.

College

Location

The school is located in the suburb of Pannipitiya in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. It occupies an area of 18 acre, along the Colombo - Batticaloa Highway, bordered by Dharmapala Mawatha to the east, Arawwala Road to the west and a residential area to the south.

Donation of the land

The land was originally owned by Anagarika Dharmapala and was donated by the Don Hewawitharana Family to the Mahabodhi Society, who allocated it to the school in 1940.

History

In 1940 an English secondary school was established at Pannipitiya, as a branch of Ananda College, Colombo and 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. Dharmapala Vidyalaya 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 Vidyalaya commenced on 8 January 1941. It's founder was Patrick de Silva Kularatne and it's principal was Dr. J. E. Jayasooriya. B. A. Hons a British gentlemen acted as the first principal of the school and was joined by a number of academic staff, including. The first registered student was Somabandu Vidyapathi, who completed his education and later became a painter and sculptor. During World War II a section of Ananda College, along with the teachers, shifted to the Dharmapala 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. With the help of financial 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. Lawris left the school to take on the role as principal of Ananda College, Colombo.

Important historical milestones

Current facilities

The College, occupies a 73000 m2 site and accommodates approximately 8,500 students and employs 650 teaching staff. It provides education for students from grade 1 to G.C.E advanced level with a range of facilities.

Sports Facilities

Houses

Clubs and Societies

There are over 40 active student organisations at the college.

Senior Western Band- Boys

According to the concept of the former principal, 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.

Cadet Union

Sports

** Battle of Golden Lions ** The annual big match, the Battle of Golden Lions (රුහුණු -මායා සටන), between Dharmapala Vidyala and Rahula College is the major sport event in the 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.

Principals

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.

College union

The Past Pupils' Association (PPA) formerly operated under the name Dharmapala Old Boys Association, it was founded on 4 February 1947 under the guidance of David Silva, a teacher at the time. The first elected president of this association was G. C. Edirisinghe. The Past Pupils’ Association (PPA) of Dharmapala College currently has a membership of over 3,200.

Notable alumni