Proud sons of Sri Summangala Panadura keep forging ahead
Sri Sumangala College, in Panadura is one of the oldest Buddhist schools in Sri Lanka, which is still rejoicing its centenary celebrations.
College Logo
The school was founded by Ven. Walpita Gunarathana Maha Thero and Ven. Gnanawimalathissa Maha Thero on March 3, 1909 at Rankoth Viharaya in memory of Ven. Weligama Sri Sumangala Thero, who played a vital role in Sri Lankan Buddhism.
The school was the first Buddhist English medium school in the area. It started with omly 11 students. In 1911, when the school was registered as an Assisted School, there were only 325 students with Thomas E. Gunaratne as the first principal. Due to the rapid expansion of the college, the Rankoth Viharaya premises become congested and as a result, the school was relocated in Nalluruwa in 1942. Later it was re-established as a complete educational institution in 1961.
Due to the Tsunami devastation in 2004, most of the school buildings and property were destroyed and the government decided to re-locate the school at Wekada in 2005 with financial assistance from the
Deputy Principal Admin. & Finance
Japanese Government, along with their Donor partner JICA who granted aid to build a new school with all the modern facilities.
In 1993, the college was declared as a “National School” by the Ministry of Education and now the sons have stepped to a period during which educational facilities are at its maximum. The school has started English Medium of instruction which augurs well for the institution. The administration of the school proposes to support the students excelling in their respective careers and wish for the continuation of its legacy for the generations to come.
The present principal L. W. Somathilake was appointed as the 29th principal of the school in 2002 and the
college has rapidly developed under his guidance not only in academic spheres but also in extra -curricular
Cadet Corp
activities. If not for him, the school would never have accomplished such exceptional heights. Ranjith Ailapperuma, the Deputy Principal keeps up a continuous struggle to uplift the educational standards of the school. He is a veteran in the Sinhala Language and Literature.
As one of the largest Buddhist Schools in Sri Lanka, it comprises of a student population of 4000 up to the13th grade. The current academic staff numbers 132. Teachers perform the benevolent task in inculcating moral values, discipline and changes in attitudes among children. With the helping hand of the non – academic staff along with the Old Boys’ Association, parents and well-wishes, the school has been uprooted as a giant tree giving many shades to young saplings.
Western Band
The college is a center of knowledge and modern technology. There are 3 well-equipped computer labs, 3 A/L Science Labs, a resourceful Library, an English Language Learning Center, 2 Maths Labs, etc.
Cricket, Swimming, Hockey, Table Tennis, Boxing, and Rugby are some of the popular games of the school. IT Club, Quiz Club, Buddhist Society, Environmental Club, Astronomy Club, Interact Club, etc motivate students’ talents to a great extent.
Every year nearly 50 to 60 students reap the harvest of being selected to enter universities in all streams. R. W. Esitha Asiri was placed 3rd in the island and the 1st in the Kalutara District in the Advanced Level 2011 examination in Bio Science.
Sri Summangala students have won many medals in National and Provincial level competitions. The School Debating Team won the All Island Debating Competition “Wag Prathibha” in 2012. Dilantha Dilshan became the Best Debater at All Island Debating Competition -
Principal L. W. Somathilake
“Arumesi Thepul”. Lasith Kaushalya Abesinghe won the Best Debater Trophy, “The Debater” Programme is organised by the Sirasa T.V. The Senior Dancing troop won 1st place at All Island Dancing and Ballet competition. Students of Drama and Theatre have bagged many places at the All Island Drama Competitions – 2012. Lukshan Mihirathne obtained 1st place in All Island Drama Competition (Miming-Western Province). B. M. Sangeeth Peiris was placed 1st in All Island Sitar Solo in 2012. Sahan Wijesinghe the young vocalist was placed 1st at the All Island Singing Competition. Janith Iresh was placed 6th in the Sri Lanka Robotics Challenge Competition. K. P. Chathumal was 1st in the All Island Inventors’ Competition – 2012. The college won the All Island Chess Championship and the Hockey Championship, under 15 conducted by the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation. Isuru Udara, Charith Kumara, Vikum Pushpitha and Jayan Upasara won the Table Tennis Championship, Under 14 (D – Division). Chathura Buddhimal, Pasindu Buddhika, Sheran Karunasena, Isuru Udara and Tharana Madhawa were the runners-up in the under 16 (D – Division).
The College Scouts are one of the leading groups in the Island and currently there are 60 scouts and 100 cub scouts. They have been
Sahan Wijesinghe the young vocalist placed 1st at All Island Singing Competition.
winning the District Championship for 10 years. Tharindu Saman Perera represented Sri Lanka at World Scouting Jamboree held in Pakistan.
The 12th Battalion of the college Cadet Corps, has been winning the championship from 2010 onwards and has qualified for the Hermann Loose National Competition. They were placed 4th in 2013. Sergeant Tharindu Sadaruwan has got the opportunity to go to India to pursue his higher education. The Western Band of the school was placed 3rd at the Western Band display – 2012 conducted by the Dept. of Education, Western Province. H. A. C. Roshan represented Sri Lanka at the World Junior Boxing Competition held in Armania. The boxing team won the championship in 2012, raking in 3 Gold Medals and a Silver.
College Environment
The Old Boys’ Association of SSC Panadura was established in 1922. Today it has expanded with the inauguration of many branches in Sri Lanka and abroad. Over the last century Sri Sumangala has produced thousands of distinguished personalities such as Prof. Nalin Fonseka, Prof. Rajendra Fernando, Vice Rear Admiral Thilak Senarathna, Thilak Rohitha De Silva Chairman – The Institute of Charted Engineers, Major General Palitha Fernando – President, Athletic Association of Sri Lanka, music composers, Pandit W. D. Amaradewa and Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa etc.
Green School concept has been implemented under the supervision of the president (OBA), Mr. Sanath De Silva. Accordingly Old Boys’ Medical Association, Past Cricketers Association along with the Junior OBA initiate tiring efforts for the betterment of the Young Sumangalians.
As the school Anthem symbolises, the college sees its vision, imparting cultural values with true patriotism and a blend of local flavour in their blood gazing at the far horizon.
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