Established in 1954 Mahanama College stands proudly in Colombo. Its story began humbly. Ven Maawiththara Rewatha thero founded it in Walukarama Temple. Only five students attended the first classes.
Imagine the quiet dedication of those early days. The small group learning in a temple. This was the seed of what would become a significant institution. The school grew quickly. In 1956 it registered as a government-assisted junior school. By 1960 J D A Jayakodi became the first principal. The student population soared. More teachers were needed.
The college needed more space. It moved to Valukarama. Primary classes were held in a Thurstan College building. In 1974 under principal T N Silva the junior school moved to its current location. The government generously donated 28000 square meters of land. New two-story buildings rose.
Through the decades Mahanama College thrived. Principals like N E Fernando K N P de Silva and others contributed. They improved facilities added classrooms and even a dental unit. The college expanded. Three-story buildings appeared a computer section and a children’s park. The annual carnival Foot-Loose became a beloved tradition.
The 1990s brought G Liyanage as principal. He added a three-story building. This included an art gallery. School laboratories and computer sections received upgrades. The Battle of the Golds the annual cricket match against D S Senanayake College began in 1999. It is now a major event.
Mahanama College is a national school. It receives funding from the Ministry of Education. The school’s structure is like many other Sri Lankan colleges. It has primary middle and upper school sections. Each section has its own head. Prefects help maintain discipline. The college’s students are Buddhist and Sinhala. Sinhala is the main language. Students can choose Sinhala or English for higher education.
Mahanama College boasts many notable alumni. These include distinguished individuals from various fields. Among them are army chiefs international cricketers politicians and naval officers. The college’s media unit is also noteworthy. It was among Sri Lanka’s first school media units. It pioneered school radio and television broadcasts. Its website won a prestigious web design award.
Today Mahanama College stands as a testament to perseverance and dedication. From humble beginnings in a temple to its present size and prestige it is a source of pride for Colombo and Sri Lanka. Its legacy continues to inspire future generations. The spirit of the founders lives on in its students and alumni.