A challenging beginning. That’s how Mr MP Dharmaratne described his first day at Asoka Vidyalaya. He was tasked with building a school on a garbage-filled plot of land in Maradana Colombo. This was in 1971. The land was owned by a foreigner and used as a dumping ground. The area was known for its unsavory characters.
Asoka Vidyalaya was to be one of three new model primary schools in Colombo District. Mr Dharmaratne an education officer from Awissawella faced an uphill battle. His first task setting out the foundation was sabotaged. Pegs and threads vanished overnight. This highlighted the challenges he faced. Despite death threats he persevered. He even sought to add adjacent land to the school grounds.
Undeterred by the hostile environment Mr Dharmaratne built a school with eight classrooms in just five months. He had the support of local civilians who helped guard the site during school vacations. Finding students proved difficult. Parents preferred established schools. Yet on January 3 1973 Stockwatta Primary School opened its doors to 260 students and nine teachers.
The school’s motto was Asaw Daraw Hasirew. Asoka Vidyalaya was not just about academics. Teachers parents and students worked together. They developed the school in their free time. In 1974 it became a Grade One school. In 1977 it was renamed Asoka Primary Vidyalaya. It became a secondary school in 1980.
Mr Dharmaratne served as principal for 23 years. He retired in 1995. His departure was a sad day for all. He oversaw immense growth and progress. Several principals followed Mr Dharmaratne. Each contributed to Asoka Vidyalaya’s success. The school has continued to thrive offering a high-quality education and numerous extracurricular activities. It stands today as a testament to the vision and determination of its founder. It’s a beacon of learning in Colombo a remarkable achievement given its humble beginnings.