History of School

Sri Dharmaloka College has created eminent beings which have been mounded to be ethical by virtue of the mere support and guidance of “Vidyalankara Pirivena” at Peliyagoda.The Hon. Chief Priesr of “Vidyalankara Pirivena”, Rev. Pandit Lunupokune Sri Dharmananda Thero perceived that the need of an English Buddhist College in Kelaniya. The Vision was rewarded with the dedication and the contribution given by Rev. Yakkaduwa Sri Pagnarama Thero and the pioneer Sir D.B. Jayathilake. The college was commenced on 2nd October 1938 and named as Sri Dharmaloka College to pay homage to Rev. Rathmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thero of Vidyalankara Pirivena, Peliyagoda. The sole aim and vision of late Sir. D.B. Jayathilake was to enlighten the youth of his native domain to the utmost as the founder of Sri Dharmaloka College. In history of Sri Dharmaloka College Mr. B.A. Kuruppu had been the first and foremost principal of the college. A prominent author, a journalist Mr. D.B. Dhanapala too served as a principal for 4 years ( 1942-1946), due to his irresistible effort, the land near Vedamulla “ Jasmin Walawwa” was reserved to set up the primary school was denoted by Madam Elina Jayawardhana the beloved spouse of the late President J.R. Jayawardhane. The principal who had been from 1947 to 1954 performed a commendable service during his period. He was the one who had initiated to set up the impressive building to mark the identity of the prestigious college. He paid his attention for both physical and educational development of the college. The former parliamentarian, the Financial Minister late Minister J.R. Jayawardhane donated the splendid hall which was opened by the 1st Sri Lankan Prime Minister Hon. D.S. Senanayake. Following Mr. H.M. Gunasekara, the principals who sacrificed their great service during the period of 1954-1973 were Mr. D.A. Weerasinghe, Mr. P.T. Fonseka, Mr. A.C.B.M. Monaragala, Mr. G.D. Bannehaka, Mr. D.A.M. Gunarathne, Mr. Sugathamuni Ghanasiri, Mr. K.C.P.S. Wijegunarathne, Mr. P.R. Premawardhane, Mr. D.T.Thewarapperuma and Mr. L.V.B. Jayasinghe. During the period of 1973-1982 Rev. Aththudawe Chandrasiri Thero performed an exceptional service. Regarding the physical, educational and spiritual progress of the college. Rev. Mawanane Devananda thero, Mr. D.G.W. Jayasinghe, Rev. Brahmanawaththe Seevali Thero, Mr. Piyasena Athapaththu, Mr. J.A. Karunarathna, Mrs. Godawaththa, Mr.G. Gunathileka an Mr.T.A.S.G. Jayawardhena had been the principals since 1983. Due to the request of the old Pupils’ Association and the advice of the late President, R. Premadasa, Sri Dharmaloka college has been classified as a Natiionla School since 25th of may 1993. By turning over a new leaf the present principal, Mr. A.G.Nimal Jayaweera has been functioning with his entire soul to promote a balanced educational environ in the college. He has launched programmes to upgrade education as well as extracurricular activities with the necessary physical resources to create social well being.