Moratu MV is marching forward confidently
“Produce a true citizen of the soil who bears a healthy Buddha Dhamma” and its cultural ethics, to face the changing social challenges and demands successfully, efficiently and fruitfully, so richly deserving to be loved by the dear Alma Mater” says the mission of Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, a reputed government school in the Pilliyandala Zone.
People who devote their time and energy for the well being of others are born in this land from time to time. Among them is the late Mr. M. J. C. Fernando founder of Moratu Maha Vidyalaya who should be admired in the history of the school.
During the time of British rulers the Christian missionaries started their schools all over the country to spread their religion . Although Buddhists wanted to start Buddhist schools they had no power to do so. Mr. M. J. C. Fernando felt the need to start a Buddhist school. He purchased seven acres of land where Moratu Maha Vidyalaya is presently situated now after mortgaging one of his rubber estates. He later summoned a few of his friends to his residence and formed the Sri Lanka Buddhist Society on May 11, 1924 with the intension of building a conference hall and a school for Buddhists on the land donated by him to the society.
The school building came up very soon amidst many obstacles and was opened on January 19, 1934 by Sir D. B. Jayathileka with 65 students on roll. Three months later, the student popula- tion rose up to more than 250. Very soon the school became the most recognized Buddhist school in the area. With the coming up of the science laboratory and other facilities the school became a Senior Secondary School in 1935.
At Moratuwa a Buddhist Hall, later a Buddhist English School was erected on this land. The school was maintained by the society until the school was handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka, in keeping with the policy for education in Sri Lanka.
In 1999 Moratu MV was fortunate to get the first computer under the guidance of Dr. Venerable Paragoda Wimalawansha Thero. Mr. Ranjith Gamanayaka who was an old student of the school contributed to purchase a computer. In the year 2000, G. L. Peiris Foundation donated six computers to the school. Today the school operates a well equipped computer lab. As a result of this the school enjoys the best results in ICT examinations.
The present administration is headed by Mrs. K. G. Jayalath Manike and a teaching staffs of 90 are on duty to educate the children. The school observes the government educational curriculum in Sinhalese mediums for more than 2400 students.
At present, the school is in an excellent place to study as the results of G. C. E.( O/ L) and G. C. E( A/ L) are well ahead in comparison to other schools in the Zone. Annually quite a number of students enter national universities. The teachers dedicate themselves to encourage the students to produce the highest achievements in public examinations.
The students have brought in victories in co- curricular activities as well. The college senior quiz team was placed first in the Moratuwa Division and sixth in the island at the Inter School Quiz Competition organized by the Lions Club of 306 A1. Sanju Dilshan De Mel was selected into the best 200 in the New Invention – “Sahasak Nimewum” compe- tition.
Extracurricular activities play a dominant role in the zone. Moratu MV is famous for its cricketing talents. It has shaped past pupils of excellent repute and also outstanding sportsmen such as Lakshman de Alwis, Nimal Fernando, Gamini Perera, Bernard Perera and Sarath Fernando.
Ajantha Mendis is also a product of Moratu MV. The best product of the school is Mohanlal Fernando , a Doctor of Medicine, a star athlete and a fine crick- ete as well. The 1st Intercontinental Asia Wuko Karate Champion who won the Welfare Cup in 2008 is also a product of Moratu MV.
Recently Sajith Chathuranga Obesekara bagged fourth spot at the All Island Schools Super 30 Chess tournament.
With the Motto of “Go forward and forward forever”, Moratu Maha Vidyalaya is surging forward with the target of reaching the top in the island.