Eppawala Sri Siddhartha Central College has overtaken many landmarks
Eppawala Sri Siddhartha Central College is a leading school in the North Central Province. According to historical evidence it has a long history which dates back to the year 1873. Sri Siddhartha Central College was among the four schools which commenced in 1873. Mr. A.P. Pinhami was the first principal of the school. During the journey of 142 years, Mother Siddhartha has gifted many worthy citizens to the country who provides a great service in administration, education, political arena, mass- media and in the health sector to the country.
Over the centuries the school has passed many landmarks. In 1958 it was upgraded to a Maha Vidyalaya and the science section of the school was started in 1964. The school was shifted from the level of Maha Vidyalaya to Central College in 1986 and was established as a National School in 1996.
Since 1922, 48 principals have administered the school. Mr. H. P. Upali Wickramasinghe, who is a graduate of Kelaniya University, is the present principal of the school. He is supported by 110 academic staff and 20 non academic staff.
Siddharthians have performed well in both curricular and extracurricular activities. The school recorded best results at both G.C.E O/L and A/L examination than the national average level. To gain this output, the government has facilitated the school in a considerable manner with fully equipped science laboratories, a well-functioning computer unit, Mahindodaya Technical laboratory and also a Faculty of Technology. Under the guidance and advice of the principal, special morning classes are conducted to facilitate O/L students at the examination this year.
The School English Unit, Prefect Guild, Sports Association, Cadet corps, Scout Association, Girl Guides Association, Aesthetic Association, Science Society, Photographic Society, Environmental Club and Young Inventors Club are some clubs and associations well functioning in the school which help to shape and mould the sons and daughters of the school.
The School netball team has brought many glorious successes to the school. So far, this year they have won under 15/17/ and 19 provincial level championship and have been selected for the national level competitions. Sachini Shavindiya and Aloka Indeevari of the school netball team have been selected to the Sri Lanka Junior Netball Pool.
Members of the young inventors club have won many awards at both provincial and national level competitions. Some of them have obtained patent certificate for their innovations. The Art section of the school has presented 6 competitors for the national level art competition which was held recently in Nuwara Eliya. The drama “Mata Hithena Heti” produced by the college drama section won the provincial level 1st place and national level 2nd place with 6 awards at both levels including best actor, costume and music and stage background. Milan Prageeth of the school dancing section has participated at the All Island dancing competition under grade 10- 11 category. Y. M. Sajani Chamika has shown exceptional performance in the Sinhala literary day competition and won the 1st place at the national level poetry composing competition.
The Prefects Guild of the school has been engaging in a tremendous service for both the school and the community. 120 prefects are usually selected from grade 11 and 12 classes to help in the administrative function of the school as well as in co-curricular activities. Through their annual Vesak card Project, they have been able to build a school notice board and renovate the school communicating system. During every Poson season they carry out a community programme to make public awareness about protecting environment in the Anuradhapura area. This year the programme was implemented in Mahameuna Uyana in Anuradhapura.
The new shrine room and newly constructed school entrance are fine good examples for the support given by the wellwishers and the school community. The support of the parents and entrepreneurs for the school development in every ways and means should be appreciated.
Sujitha Miranda