Eheliyagoda NS is a bright spark in the Sabaragamuwa Province
Eheliyagoda National School has the inheritance of a proud history of almost 108 years. They bring forth educated and intelligent children, who are beneficial to the society and bring q special illumination not only to the Eheliyagoda area but also to the whole Sabaragamuwa Province.
Since the inception in 1904 by Mr. Piyadasa Romnachandra, Eheliyagoda Central College has been a leading central college in Sri Lanka. While going through the history of the college, they gave its first name as t h e Kendangamuwa Boys’ School. Until 1946 it was a junior school and in 1948 it became a Senior School. The first school logo was designed in 1962. The year 1968 marked a milestone to the institution as it was re - n a m e d Eheliyagoda Central College. In 1993 the Central College became a National College once again.
Today the school has a student population of approximately 2800 and employs almost 150 academic staff. The present principal is Mr. E.S. Gamini Rajadasa. The dedication and the devotion of this administrator shot the school to the forefront to be a famous school in the Ratnapura District. The facilities at the College ranges from a computer unit, a modern science laboratory, a commerce unit, a home science unit to a well equipped library with a wide range of books and magazines. As a result of this, the students are achieving high academic success- es in their public examinations. Academic Excellence is the primary goal of Eheliyagoda N. S. The dedicated team of administrators and teachers give of their very best in order to produce rich dividends. The G.C.E. (O/L) is the most successful area where they have enjoyed 100% results consecutively for four years with so many ‘A’s. This year they have achieved more successes in their results as the students have brought Twenty Four (24) ‘A’s which is really an academic feat.
Along with their public examinations, students of Eheliyagoda N. S. participate in various academic based competitions as well. Mudith Nirmala Vitharama (Under 16) bagged the eighth place at the All Island Olympiad competition with a tour to Indonesia this year and H. M. C. N. K. Bandara (Under 13) was given a tour of the Philippines.
The Advance Level Arts section commenced in 1959 and all the other sections were started in 1973. Since then several thousands of students have entered leading universities. In 2011, 85 students from the Science stream, 68 students f rom Commerce stream and 16 students from Arts stream entered university while U .D .S .A . Samarapalao btained 3A’s in the science stream. A m ay a M a h a Thanthilais is another other brilliant student who has emerged from the school which took third place in the Island in 2010.
Eheliyagoda N.S. owns a major part of its School’s reputation in extracurricular activities. The students have done well in Language Day Competitions, Dancing, Music competitions and has brought provincial and national awards to the school. The college “Inginalu” junior dancing group won the 2nd place in the All Island School dancing competition, 2011. The drama troop captured third place at the All Island Drama and Theatre competition in 2010.
As the education level of the school develops day by day, their sport talents too have increased and they have produced good sportsmen to the nation. Sameera Lakshan Dissanayakapalced was placed third in the Javelin throw at the All Island School Athletics Meet in 2010.
The Old Encogians Association of Eheliyagoda N. S. is a huge strength to the school. They organize various activities to help in the development of the school. “Enco 12” Educational Exhibition and Trade Fair organized by the Old Encogians Association was graced with the presence of Secretary to the Ministry of Defense and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on its concluding day on January 14this year. The theme of the “Enco 12” Educational Exhibition and Trade Fair was named “Today for the Future”, and was held with the objective of raising funds for further enhancing the physical resources of the College and strengthening the OBA. The exhibition was one of the biggest events held during 107 years of its history and held was held from January 12 to 14.
Bandula Gunawardhane, Minister of Education participat- ed as the chief guest at the opening ceremony. The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gotabhayarjapaksha, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksha and Minister Basil Rajapaksha Minister of Economic Development was also present on the other three days as chief guests. Minister of Youth Affairs Mrs. Pavithra Wanniarachchi accompanied the Secretary to the event. The OBA has also launched its website, www.oldencogians.lk to coinside with the exhibition.
With the Mission of “Secure the optimum possible support and co- operation of the past pupils has grown under the shade of Eheliyagoda National College presently serving here and beyond our shores to assist and enhance the management of the institution while achieving unity for maximum development of all Encogians”, the Eheliyagoda N.S. is striding ahead to bring forth more and more faithful citizens to the nation.