Don Pedrick unique in education and extra-curricular activities
View(s):Horana Don Pedrick College is an excellent school among major schools in the district, which has an extraordinary history of more 
than 135 years. Today it holds a unique place in education and extra-curricular activities.
The school gained priority among schools inaugurated by Reverend Kothalawala Swarnajothi Nayaka Threro to stand against the missionary education which was spreading during the end 19th
College environment
century. At a period during which educational facilities were minimum the temporary inauguration of the school was of immense value and service to Buddhist and Sinhala Education in the area. After the passing away of Reverend Swarnajothi Thero in 1912 the administration was undertaken by Don Pedrick Hettiarachchi Esquire and at his own expense he constructed a building for the school, laying a permanent foundation for the development of the Vidyalaya.
From 1912 up to 1963 the school functioned as a Buddhist Mixed School. In 1960 the school was acquired by the government. From a Primary School, the school developed into a secondary school and in 1982 earned the name Don Pedrick Maha Vidyalaya.
The school has taken massive steps within its life span to enter through the gateway of status to carve the name in the plaque of
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achievements as a leading school in the district. At present the school shelters over 2300 Pedrickians enjoying educational facilities guided by a staff of about 97 teachers dedicated to the task of providing wisdom and assisting the students in the growth of skills and attitudes. The present principal Mr.H.P.Perera was appointed as the 8th Principal of the college. During his tenure, the school has developed rapidly and is competitive in sports and extracurricular activities whilst doing exceptionally well in studies as well.
The principal stated: “I’m proud to be the principal of this school as this is one of the oldest schools in the Horana area where the academic level is very high. Since I assumed duties on 01.09.2003, I was able to raise the standard of the school
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gradually. The school, which has a long history, has produced many important as well as important citizens who are now rendering valuable service to their motherland and they have helped us to uplift the level of the school in several ways”.
Under his management the Grade 5 scholarship cut-off marks has reached the level of 152 while the G.C.E.(O/L) results has increased from 67% to 84%. Annually they started enjoying some remarkable results in A/L as well. The university entrance level has increased up to 50 students per annum.
Don Pedricks offers an extensive range of opportunities for students to become
“Yahan Dekma” (Girls) “Sabaragamu Dancing Troop” which bagged first Place at the All Island School Dancing Competition- 2012
involved in different extracurricular activities. More than 20 Clubs and Societies Environmental Corps, Cadet Corps, Scouts, Girl Guides, St. John’s Ambulance Service, Computer Clubs, Health Clubs, Sinhala Literary Association, Buddhist Association, Science Association, Junior and Senior English Association are available to stimulate the talents and interests of the students.
Pedrickians have earned a great reputation in sports and aesthetic activities as well. Senior Individual (Boys) – “Sabaragamu Dancing” grabbed the 1st place at the All Island School Dancing and Ballet Competition in 2010 and “Yahan Dekma” (Girls) “Sabaragamu Dancing Troop” were placed first at the All Island School Dancing Competition – 2012. The Open Group (Boys) ‘Naga Gajaga Wannama’ – Sabaragamu Dancing troop was placed second.
G. Suraj Prasana Kulatunga, Prabhash Madusankha and Mahesh Muditha Sampath are three talented inventors who produced their new inventions at the ‘New Inventors’ Competition – 2011 conducted by the Association of Advanced by the Association of Advancement of Science and were
The college senior drama troop which took first place at the All Island School Drama Competition - 2012
able to capture First, Second and Third places respectively.
The college senior drama troop took first place at the All Island School Drama Competition in 2012 taking many awards such as Best Make-up Artist – Mrs. Thushari Vithanage (Teacher), Best Actor – Chanuka Prabhath, Best Assistant Actor – Amila Shantha, Best Stage Management – Dimuthu Akalanka, Best Choreography – Mrs. Thushari Vithanage (Teacher), Best Music – Mr. Chamath Athukorala (Teacher), Best Direction – Mr. Sujeewa Senevirathna (Teacher), Best Production – Don Pedrick Maha Vidyalaya, Acting – (Certificate of Merit) – Hasanka Chamuditha and Script Writing (Certificate of Merit) – Mr.Sujeewa Senevirathna (Teacher).
Pedrickians are famous for their drawing talents. Annually many junior and senior artist bag all island success in various art competitions.
Today, Don Pedrick College is moving ahead successfully with the mission of “Produce an excellent law-abiding citizen with knowledge, attitudes, skills and a well-balanced personality, who honours equality, capable to face the future challenges successfully and share social benefits with others without question”.
- Sujitha Miranda
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