Ratnapura Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya is situated in a pleasing environment enabling the students to flourish in its natural habitant.
This school was established in 1935 under the sponsorship of Ratnapura Buddhist Society with 76 students and its first principal was Mr. Richard Peiris. In 1960 the government took over the school. In 1968 it became a Maha Vidyalaya after 23 years. n 1989 the administration was given to Mr. D.M.Gunarathna’s hand. Since then he has endeavoured to bring the school to a high standard. The school has shown a rapid development into curricular and extracurricular activities. The New School song was composed during the same year due to his enthusiasm.
 At present the school is engaged in a wide range of facilities such as Bi-lingual Unit, Special Education Unit, IT Unit, Aesthetic Unit and a Science Laboratory.
Today there are about 1400 students obtaining education under the guidance of 60 teachers. The present principal of RatnapuraDarmapala M.V. is Mr.P.P.P.Kalubovila who is the Sri Lankan Representative of the World Mathematics Council. He has earned many degrees during educational tours worldwide.
“To make loyal, obedient, humanist, educated and skillful, dedicated, and an active set of students for the nation,” is the mission of the school.
Education is the deliberate effort of the administration. The grade 5 scholarship examination results always bring honour to the school with the good number of passes among the Sabaragamuwa Province. In 2011, Ishani Amanda Hemachandra scored 192 marks and obtained the 1st rank in the province and 12 others too accomplished the examination bringing credit to the school.
The G.C.E. Ordinary Level and G.C.E. Advanced Level results are the mirrors which show the quality of the education in the college. In G.C.E.(O/L) they always enjoy over 80% success. In 1961, the A/L Arts stream started in the school. Since then there has been a rapid development in their results. At present annually more than ten students get into the university..
 Ratnapura Darmapala M.V. students are skilled not only in their studies. They have done well in extracurricular activities as well. Nilantha Wijekoon is a gifted cricketer from the school. Presently he is playing in the Hong Kong League. The students are also engaged in scouting, cadetting and St. John’s ambulance activities to improve their skills.
The school is fortunate to have a talented art teacher who bagged an Excellency award in the State Art and Sculpture competition in 1999. Under his guidance H.A.Chari Supun won fifth place at the world environment art competition organized by UNEP. Painter R.A. Isanka’s work was selected for the calendar printed for the scouting centenary programme.
The students of Darmapala M.V. stand out not only in art. They are exceptionally good in dancing too. They won second place at the All Island Junior Dancing Competition in 2011.
The present principal Mr.P.P.P.Kalubovila stated: “I am proud to be the administrator of this school as this school has won the National Productivity award consecutively for three years since 2007. First I was a teacher at this school then Vice Principal and now I am the Principal. I have played several roles in this school. I am fortunate to see the school’s rapid development.”
“To become the best school by making educated, good quality persons to the nation” is the vision of the school. We wish them all the best in order to put the final touches for their vision in the near future.
-Sujitha Miranda |
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