76th Anniversary of Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya – By Dr Gamini Kariyawasam
The 76th anniversary of Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya, which has a proud history rooted in the educational and cultural heritage of the region, falls on July 1 this year.. Gurukula was founded in 1948, in association with Vidyalankara Pirivena, Peliyagoda. Professor,Rev. Praghnarama Nahimi of Yakkaduwa , was the pioneer in establishing the Gurukula. With the participation of a small group of fourteen lay and priestly students, the Gurukula began its journey.
Professor,Rev. Praghnarama Nahimi of Yakkaduwa
Initially, the school was established as an English school. Later, adapting to the national culture, it was oriented towards the Sinhala language medium. The main purpose of establishing the college was to produce a generation of scholars who would not be enslaved to imperialist attitudes and promote Buddhist values and ethics. The college’s motto is “Pranghna Udapadi,” which reflects the desire to improve our knowledge of wisdom.
Starting as a small institute, but due to its commitment to academic excellence and moral development, the Gurukula soon became a highly recognized institute in the country. The school began with an average number of students and teachers, focusing on primary education. Over the years, the institute has made a conscious effort to expand the curriculum by facilitating secondary education. Through a holistic approach to education, teachers’ emphasis on balancing academic subjects with cultural and religious teachings is also evident.
Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya has always been strongly inspired by Buddhist philosophy. Gurukula Vidyalaya’s efforts to inculcate moral and spiritual values in its students by promoting a lifestyle in harmony with Buddhist teachings is no small feat. This focus helps distinguish it from other educational institutions in the region.
As the school grew, so did its infrastructure. New buildings, classrooms, and facilities were constructed to meet the needs of the growing student population. The school also invested in libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities to provide quality education. Over the decades, Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya has produced many outstanding alumni who excelled in various fields such as administration, medicine, engineering, law, arts, etc. The school’s commitment to high academic standards has been one of the reasons why it has earned a reputation as a leading educational institution in the region.
As mentioned above, there are many intellectuals who have learned their craft from the Gurukula and sharpened their skills, rising to national and international levels. We remember our contemporaries like Malani Fonseka, Wimal Kumara de Costa, H.D. Premaratne, Donald Karunaratne, and Kusum Peiris in the field of cinema and media. Additionally, Pathiraja L.S. Dayananda, Premaweera Gunasekara, Nethali Nanayakkara, other cinematographers,Miulan Perera, Kusum Renu, Ratna Lalani, Nilmini Sigera, Giriraj Kaushalya, Mahesh Nishshanka, and Anura Srinath Hettiarachi are some of the other artists who have contributed to the country from this college. The Gurukula students of earlier days were fortunate to be inspired by singers like Edward Jayakodi, Marvin Perera, and Priya Suriyasena, who worked as teachers in the college faculty, and experts like veteran lyricist Amarasena Kankanam and announcer Seelarathne Senarath. We remember Karu Heinatigala and Thusitha Wijesena among the great businessmen born from Gurukula Vidyalaya. Mr. Sarath Lugoda, who held the post of Deputy Inspector General of Police, is also an alumnus of Gurukula Malani,Vimal Kumaara,Kusum,H.D.Premarathna ,Donaled Karunartna
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The school has played an active role in the local community. In the organization of national religious, social, and cultural activities, Gurukula Vidyalaya takes a leading position. Due to this engagement, Gurukula Vidyalaya has demonstrated an optimal ability to build a strong relationship with the community. In recent years, Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya has been adapting to the changing educational environment. Modern teaching methods and technologies are used to enhance the learning experience of students. Despite these differences, the school remains true to its founding principles with a strong focus on Buddhist values and holistic education.
Kelaniya Gurukula Vidyalaya’s history bears witness to its continued commitment to providing quality education rooted in cultural and religious values. Its evolution from a small school to a premier educational institution reflects its commitment to academic excellence and moral development. It is also important to consider the physical evolution of the Gurukula College. In 1961, Gurukula College became a government school. For 16 years, the Gurukula Vidyalaya was run in the premises of Vidyalankara Pirivena. On May 4, 1964, the college was relocated to Pattayam Waththa site ,Station Road. The college was promoted as a national school on July 26, 1996.
To improve the sportsmanship of the students, the school students have been gathered into four houses named Mayurapada (Red), Vijayaba (Green), Sunetra Devi (Yellow), and Pratiraja (Blue). Mr. Berti Fernando was the first principal who started the school in 1948. Until the year 2024, 14 principles dedicated themselves to the improvement of Gurukula School. T.G. Piyadasa, Amaradasa Weerasinghe, S.N.D.J.P. Mayadunna, H.Dhammawardana, W.J.Mendis, E.M.B.De Seram , Rev.Uduvavala Chandaananda, D.A. Ramanayake, H. Ghnathilaka, R.P.M.M. Rajapakse, Wimal Gunaratne, and Anil Geethalal Abeygunawardena illuminated the path of Gurukula Vidyalaya as principals. As Gurukula Vidyalaya celebrates its 76th anniversary, Dr. Kusala Fernando holds the position of Principal.
Gurukula Vidyalaya celebrates its 76th anniversary with many activities, including charitable works, to be held on July 1. All arrangements are ready for the celebration in the school premises.
It is also extremely important to guide current students studying art subjects to encourage them to follow in the footsteps of the experts in the field of cinematography from Gurukula Vidyalaya. To fulfill this expectation, it is planned to establish a cinematography unit in the college library on July 1. All the scholarly works that have been added to the Sinhala literary family about cinema will be donated to the proposed cinema book unit. As an alumnus of Gurukula Vidyalaya, I am donating cinematography books with the utmost determination to show my gratitude to the school. Actress Malani Fonseka will also attend the event.
Gurukula College theme song is here for you
