History of School

This college was established as a bilingual school in 1886 in the premises where the present Divisional Education Office is situated in the Kelani river bank. Later under Dr.C.W.W.Kannangara's Central College concept it became the Hanwella Rajasinghe Central College. This was one of the 54 central schools established under the Theme of educational opportunities to all. The first principal of the school, consisting of 500 students, was Mr. Evan Ediriweera. The president of the Parent Teachers Association formed for the development of the school was Mr. D.P.R.Gunawrdhana, the father of Mr. Pillip Gunawardhana who was known as Boralugoda Lion. As the land on the river bank was not spacious enough school buildings were built in land called Lancia Meru Godella and the school was shifted to that place. The opportunity of perchasing this land of 13 acres was due to the great efforts and commitments of the Parent Teachers Association. A sum of Rs. 12000 which the Parent Teachers Association collected with great effort, was paid to Mrs. Wimala Wijewardhana and later transferred to the government. This land is called Lancia Meru Godella is situated in Hanwella. The principal Mr. Evan Ediriweera was appointed the president of the Parent Teachers Association Mr. D.S.Kasturi Arachchi as the secretary and Mr. D.L.Welikala Appuhamy as the Treasurer. Foundation for the new building was placed by Capt. D.S.Gunasekara in 1952 and the two stored building was duly opened by the then Prime Minister Hon. Dudly Sennayaka in May 1953. It was well known that Mrs. Kusuma Gunawardhana, the H.P. for Avissawella contributed greatly for the success of this effort. Later all classes from the 6th standard upwards were shifted to the new building at Lancia Meru Godella from the premises situated in the Kelani river bank. As time passed on and the school kept on improving Mr. Bogoda Premaratne was appointed the principal in 1954. it should not be forgotten the services rendered by the late Mr. Somaweera Gunasekara Attorney-at-Law. In 1957, with the appointment of the principal Mr. H.R.Perera, inactive Parent Teachers Association was revived and a new set of office bearers were appointed to the Parent Teachers Association. The art teacher Mr. Dhanapala Welikala was appointed as the secretary. Mr. Welikala Appuhamy became the treasurer and 21 committee members were appointed. Due to the great efforts of the committee another 40*20 building was erected and handed over to the school. As a result two sessions classes were abolished and one session was started. The school that started with 500 students, now have 2500 students. Now there are about 100 teachers in the school who guide the studentsin the correct path. At present school teaches subjects in Science, Art and Commerce. The successful functioning of the Mechanical and Fine Art Sections and the Computer Section and the Sport Center are respectfully regarded. From Colombo district only 3 schools are donated sport centers. Our school is one. This Central School is regarded as heart of Seethawaka City, it was renamed Hanwella Rajasinghe Madya Vidyalaya.