Newburgh Tamil Maha Vidyalaya moves forward with strict discipline
Though Newburg Tamil Maha Vidyalaya was inaugurated as an estate primary in the Uva Province, today it is one of the leading Tamil medium schools in the Bandarawela Educational zone. It is a 1C school, situated on the Bandarawela - Passara main road between the Namunukula Mountain range and the Rawana Ella falls, turning from the Kumbalwela junction.
The school was named Newburgh Tamil Maha Vidyalaya in 1929 as it is situated in Newburgh estate which covers a large area. On 08.06 1977 this estate school was taken over by the government and was considered as a primary school with 100150 students and two or three teachers.
Eight principals namely F. Steephan, A. Vedhamani, C. Gunalingam, E. Thambirajah, C. R. Pragasam, M. H. M. Razeed, S.Nadarajah and S.Rajamanickam has served the school so far and Mr. Rajamanickam the present principal was appointed as an acting principal in 09.01 1993 in order to solve a problem which arose in the school at that period. His first duty was to solve the problem which had continued for two months and he was able to handle it tactfully to brought it to an end. With his presence, the number of students increased up to 585 and six teachers.
On 10.27 1998 the G.C.E.(A/L) Commerce and Arts streams commenced due to the untiring efforts of the present principal. At first, there were only 22 stu- dents in both the streams. When these students got through the examination with flying colours, from 2000 to 2003 the amount of qualified advanced level students increased to 45. The noteworthy feature was that the upcoming estate school was able to produce 3A passes by 2 students in the Arts stream to produce the first University entrants.
Until 1993, none of the students got through the O/L Examination. From 1992 to 1997 only one student was able to pass the exam. With new educational plans and the dedicated services of the principal and the teachers, gradually the passing rate increased. Today, more than 68 students qualify in the G.C.E. (A/L) education while 5 - 10 get through the Grade 5 Scholarship examination. In 2013 and 2014 six students got through the Grade 5 scholarship examination. Seven got through the university entrance examination and two of them entered the Management faculty in 2013
Furthermore, annually many students qualify for the College of Education and they obtain teaching appointments in various provinces.
Newburgh Tamil Maha Vidyalaya was able to win special awards in JICA project. In 2006 they were able to become the best 1- C school in Tamil medium and the principal Mr. Rajamanickam was honoured with the “Vidya Vijayakeerthy” award f rom Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa the then First Lady of the country. They were able to obtain third place in the National Level Productivity and won special awards in 2012/ 2013.
Sports play major role in Newburgh Tamil Maha Vidyalaya. The hardball cricket team always shows their colours at provincial level tournaments. The U- 17 and U- 19 volleyball teams have emerged champions at Provincial tournaments.
Students have bagged many awards in aesthetic, language, and extra- curricular competitions.
Along with perfect discipline and the untiring efforts of the principal, staff, parents and the well- wishers Newburgh Tamil Maha Vidyalaya is moving forward towards success.
- Sujitha Miranda