A Glorious Journey Through 80 Years of Excellence
Tholangamuwa Vijayaba Central College – A Beacon of Wisdom and Virtue
Founded on the noble principles advocated by the “Father of Free Education” in Sri Lanka, Mr. C. W. W. Kannangara, our college proudly celebrates its 80th year as a center of excellence in education and character-building. Today, it stands as a first-class national school under the Sri Lanka Educational Administrative Service, and is the only designated sports school in the Kegalle district.
Our Pillars of Strength
With a dedicated faculty of 190 qualified and experienced educators, our institution guides and nurtures nearly 3,000 students toward becoming individuals of wisdom and virtue. We are equally supported by 54 committed non-academic staff members, along with additional support staff including a teacher, relief guard, estate worker, and two sports coaches funded by the School Development Society.
A Legacy Rooted in History
The Humble Beginnings (1914–1929)
The school’s roots trace back to 1914, when it began as a simple village effort led by the esteemed Radawane Ralahami and local villagers. Initially held in an abandoned coconut thatched building, it operated as a private school until being taken over by the government in 1925 and becoming a vernacular school in 1926. The relocation to its present site on 14th February 1929 under Principal Mr. D. E. Mayadunne marked a significant turning point, heralding a new era as the Sinhala Mixed School, transforming the landscape of Tholangamuwa.
Interestingly, the name “Tholangamuwa” is believed to derive from “Thawalangamuwa,” a historical rest stop during ancient waterway travel. The spiritual and historical significance of the land is documented in the book “Deva Vansaya Saha Sinhala Raja Palapatha” by M. K. Jayasena, where it is noted that Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha, bearers of the Sacred Tooth Relic, once rested on these sacred grounds.
The Path to Central School Status (1930s–1945)
From 1942, the school operated as a Rural Mixed School under the leadership of Mr. D. M. Ranasinghe. With a focus on self-sufficiency, agriculture played a central role in the curriculum. Despite World War II, the local economy and lifestyle remained largely unaffected due to this self-sustained model.
By 1944, English was introduced as a second language, and the school began to evolve into a bilingual institution. Midday meals were also introduced through government support, marking a further step in student welfare and development.
Becoming Vijayaba Central College (1945 Onwards)
The most transformative moment came in 1945, under the Free Education reforms of Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara. With support from Mr. Dudley Senanayake, the school was selected to become a Central College for the Dedigama electorate. Land donated by philanthropist Wijesundara Ralahami made this possible, and on 22 October 1945, it was officially renamed Vijayaba Central College, in honor of King Vijayabahu III, ruler of the Kingdom of Beligala.
The appointment of Mr. K. A. Peiris as Acting Principal and later Mr. P. Thena Badu, an M.A. graduate, marked the beginning of an era of educational and extracurricular excellence that brought pride to the institution.
A Tradition of Academic Excellence
As the ultimate measure of a school’s quality, academic performance in public examinations has consistently affirmed our legacy. Our students have made outstanding marks in recent years, proving our commitment to academic rigor, character education, and holistic development.
Tholangamuwa Vijayaba Central College continues to thrive as a hub of knowledge, culture, sports, and discipline. Our journey from a thatched-roof classroom to a prestigious Central College is not just a story of educational progress—it’s a testament to the spirit, resilience, and vision of a community united by the noble goal of nurturing future leaders.
Would you like help formatting the exam results section or creating visuals (charts, tables, timelines) for this history?
Old Principals
| Name | ||||
| P.Thenabadu | ||||