Kegalu Vidyalaya steadily marching forward to the top
True to her motto; “As we sow – As we reap”, Kegalu Vidyalaya proudly placed in the heart of Kegalle District, surrounded by an aesthetic background in a beautiful range of mountains. It is one of the pioneer Buddhist schools in Sabaragamuwa province. The convenient location of the college makes it quite popular in the island. Today Kegalu Vidyalaya is stepping to a glorious era being enlisted as one of the best four schools in Kegalle district in Sabaragamuwa province which produces excellent results in G. C. E. O/L and A/L examinations
Opened on 14th February 1942 at 3.00 pm as a mixed school by Sir D.B. Jayatilake and Mr.A.F.Molamure, Kegalu Vidyalaya was originally named as “Kegalu Higher Buddhist English School” in the hope of providing an education system based on Buddhist principles and national culture. Kegalu Vidyalaya in deed was primarily opened as a branch of Ananda College Colombo which was pioneered by Sir. Henry Steele Olcott under the auspice and patronage of the “B.T.S”. Mr.Alagiyawanna became the first principal of Kegalu Vidyalaya. Dr.G.P. Malasekara, P.De.S. Kularathne, Hon. A.F.Molamure , Mr . S.E.De Silva and nearly 21 of Past Principals and dedicated teachers were some of the true sons and daughters of the soil who left their ever-lasting foot prints down the memory lane of Kegalu Vidyalaya.
Now, the present principal Captain W.M Darmapala who served the college for the past 5 ½ years with his invaluable service to uplift physical and human resource development of the college, is getting his retirement from the government service on 27th April 2015.
At the present, there are about 3700 students with a staff of 174, pursuing studies in a medium of their choice, either in English or Sinhala. There are classes from grade 1 to grade 13.
A deep analysis of the last year’s scholarship, ordinary level and advanced level examination results, witnesses the correct guidance provided by the present principal Mr W.M.Darmapala. As of the tireless efforts of the principal, Kegalu Vidyalaya recorded 35% passing rate at the year 5 scholarship Exam, 92% at the GCE O/L and 51% at the GCE A/L Mathes, 47% Biology, 61% Commerce and 65% Arts streams. They were able to secure many districts ranks in all the streams. A minimum number of 20 students to the Engineering faculty, 3 to the medical faculty along with more than 60 to different faculties of various universities have been recorded in year 2014.
These were not gained overnight. It is the fruit of the network of the principal, academic non academic staff, parents, many well-wishers, old boys and students for manyyears. Many inspiring programmes during school hours and after school, the various week days and weekend camps, cater to escalate results at all the government exams.
Undoubtedly, Kegalu Vidyalya is the leading boys’ school in Sabaragamuwa province which provides a balanced education to students by creating many extracurricular activities in a rich environment within the school. They have 25 different sporting activities and they mark their excellence by winning many national and international in Rugby, Throw ball, Cricket , karate, Badminton, Boxing, Whusu, Volly Ball, Table Tennis, Rugby, Swimming, Air Riffle, gymnastics, and athletic events. They were able to obtain Sabaragamuwa Province Team event Championship in 2014 under the guidance of Principal Mr. W.M.Dharmapala and dedicated Master in charge, teachers, coach- es and students.
The other notable factor during the period of the present principal is the establishment of many international relationships. Many international student exchange programmes were in progress for the past few years. As the result, lots of international tournaments were carried out under the patronage of the principal. The KOICA (Korean International Corporation) donated many physical and human resources to Kegalu Vidayalaya during the past few years such as construction of a “Esala Hall”, indoor stadiums and the completing of the playground, Establishing the school Car park. The indoor sports complex which costs Rs.187 lakhs and the almost completed playground which cost Rs.2800 Lakhs provide an international recognition for many games.
Education and sports singlehandedly do not shape up a balanced personality. To fill up the void, aesthetic subjects like Music, Drama and Dancing play a major role. Many students who excelled in the field of arts record many national and international level achievements each year. There are nearly 45 clubs, societies and Associations in the school which guide students to face the fast moving modern society.
Kegalu Vidyalaya provides opportunities for the students to learn five languages such as Sinhala, Tamil, English, Japanese and French. Some language competitions which are unique to Kegalu Vidyalaya provide opportunities for the students to try out their language skills and win many awards. “Basisuru pera Lakunu”, “Tharuketa waruna” and “Mini keta waruna” are few of them.
Kegalu Vidyalaya which began her enthusiastic journey seven decades ago is today marching forward, amidst many ups and downs, true to its vision and mission to becoming one of the top ten schools in the island in the year 2020.
Sujitha Miranda