Gankanda M. M.V. has reached great heights in Sabaragamuwa
Palmadulla Gankanda Madya Vidyalaya is situated in an eyecatching environment, and it is on a highly venerated educational precinct with an unblemished record of producing great academicians and professionals in the history of education in our country.
R e v . Haldanduwana Dammaratna Himiis the pioneer in the establishment of this school devoted himself to start a Buddhist school to provide Buddhist cultural education in the province. Three brothers c a l l ed , “Punchimahattaya Gankanda”, “Dingirimahattya Gankanda” and “Heenmahattaya Gankanda, the famous philanthropists started this school. Gankandegedara family members donated a part of their property to establish the school and the school was registered as Ganegama Buddhist Mixed School and was ceremonially opened by Sir. D.B. Jayathilaka in 1929 with 40 students and 4 teachers. The first principal was Mr. D. M. Sudasinghe. During the period of Mr. Sugadadasa Karunanayake, the school was promoted as a Madya Vidyalaya. In 1946 the school was named as Palmadulla Madya Vidyalaya Under the concept introduced by Dr. C. W. W. Kannagara. As the first development, the college science laboratory was opened in 1949.
In 1958 the college scouts were adjudged “the Second Best Scout Troop in the Island” which was a prestigious award for the college. 1981 was the golden era of the school as they were fortunate to have the presence of the former president J. R . Jayawardene for the opening of their new three storied building on July 19, 1981. In 1991 the college was named as a National School.
Presently more than 100 academic staff and 35 non-academic staff are providing their valuable services to more than 2000 students. Now the school has emerged as a major educational institution in Palmadulla with the leadership of the present principal Mr. Neil Dammika Watukarawatte who has been the pioneer in the present development of facilities such as Computer Unit, Media Unit, Science Laboratory, Music Unit and the Bi- Lingual unit are some of them. In March 2012, they constructed their stadium with the help of the Past Pupil’s Association.
The educational accomplishment of the school is so high compared to the other schools in the zone. In G.C.E. (O/L) they have always enjoyed more than 95% results and the English Medium results too has brought similar results. This year they are happy to announce that they got 96% with two 9A’s. At present the G.C.E. (A/L) annually brings in the highest number of successes with 3A’s and more than 30 students Advanced Level students have qualified for University education.
The college Cadet corps has brought fame to school for several years. Yearly they had obtained several places during the past years and in 2010 the National Cadet Corp was placed 4th in the National Championship. In 2011 S. Rukshan brought great honour to the college as he was elected as the Commander to the All Island Cadet Corp.
Gankanda M.M.V. students are highly trained in sports as well. In 1997 the school cricket team was selected as the best All Island Up-coming school team and in 1998 they emerged 1st runners- up in the all island cricket tournament (Second group). Madara Mahesh Sandaruwan obtained a silver medal for Pole Walt at the all island school athletics meet and kept a new ground record at the Sabaragamuwa Province in 2009. The college Wushu team made a tour to Thailand in 2012.
The Gankanda M. M. V. students have also done well in Language Day, Art, Band competitions and has brought Provincial and National level medals to the school.
Gankandam. M.V. is a school which has reaped a huge amount of success during a period of 84 years to enter through the gateways of status to reach great heights and inscribe its name in the plate of achievements as one of the leading school in Sabaragamuwa.