Saga of Mahinda College - (Mahinda Mahima) – 125th Anniversary
Mahinda College, one of the leading Buddhist Academic Institutions in the Island is undeniably a Historic National Asset as it is the one and only place where ‘The Sri Lanka National Anthem ‘was first sung. On 1st of November 1940 with the music teacher Mr.Ananda Samarakoon.
In the latter part of the 19th century that a Buddhist School was formed in Fort, Galle with the blessings of Buddhist Reverends, Colonel Henry Steele Olcott and well known Buddhist philanthropists Mr. Thomas de Silva Amarasuriya. Dr. Bowles Daly who had once been a Christian clergyman offered his services to Colonel Olcott for the Buddhist Theosophical Society’s work in Asia, re-inaugurated the Buddhist school with a new name “Mahinda College” on 1st March 1892. P. R. Gunasekera, the first Sinhala Buddhist Principal of note took over the head seat of the school in 1926. Today Mahinda, as a National School celebrating 125 years of remarkable academic excellence, having a student population of over 4000 and a tutorial staff of 180. The present Principal is Mr. P. M. G. Gamini Jayawardena has been steering Mahinda College towards the path of success with the full blessings of academic and nonacademic staff, parents, students, old boys and other well- wishers. Old Bo y s Association, Mahinda Club, OBA Colombo Branch, Association of Old Mahindians in the UK (AOMUK), UAE, Italy and USA are some of the strongholds to Mahinda extending their immense support to their Alma Mater.
The ‘Bushby Lions Swimming Complex’ a project of OBA is another great asset for all the schools in the Galle Education Zone. Historical masterpiece ‘Mahinda Mahima‘ the first ever DVD video documentation of its kind Directed by Veteran Lyricist Mr Bandula Nanayakkarawasam and produced by Mr.Senaka de Silva was another massive project of the OBA.
Raja Nanayakkara an Old Mahindian with his own funds had donated a three storied building for the Art section in the recent past. Another 3 storied Centenary building totally funded by Old Boys Association was vested on 13th July 2017. A New I ndoor Spor t s C o m p l e x , Administrative building and another 3 story building are being built under the coordination of Distinguished Old Mahindian and State Minister for State Enterprise Development Hon. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhane.
The Students have always been amongst the All Island and District Level Champions in both academic and sports fields. Those academic skills have passed on from generation to generation. Every year above 60% is evident in the number of University qualified students. In the years of 2000, 2001, 2005 and 2009 Mahinda Students had ranked the all Island First Positions in G. C. E. ( A/ L) Commerce Stream. In 2013 All- Island First Place in Grade V Scholarship Examination was won by Sandaru Thathsara Balahewa.
As a sports schools Mahindians have excelled in Athletics too. Navodya Sankalpa won a bronze medal in the boys’ 400 metres hurdles at the 2nd Asian Youth Athletics Championship held in Thailand this year.
Students “Do You Know Team” emerged as Champions in a number of leading Quiz contests such as Tokyo Cement Super Quiz, Sirasa Pentathlon and Olcott Memorial Quiz.
Students have proven their talent by bagging the Championship in All- Island School Sinhala and English Drama Competitions as well.
The first ever All- Island Inter- School Debating Tournament in memory of F.L.Woodward organized by a school debating circle is held annually. Senior & Junior Cricket, Chess, Table Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Elle, Carrom, Wushu, Karate, Gymnastics, Scrabble, Hockey, Rugby Swimming, Life Saving and Air Rifle shooting sports are for students to choose from. The Cadet corps, with a many wins of Hermann loos Trophy, the Western Cadet Bands Senior and Junior , the scout troop with many President Scouts passing out each year, St. Johns’ Ambulance Brigade, Traffic Controlling Unit, Orchestra, Western and Eastern Dance Group are also there for the students.. The Choir team emerged championship defeating all the fellow competitors in the All- island Western Choir Competition 2017, organized by the Ministry of Education held in July, 2017. They have also won the first place in AllIsland Western Dancing competition held recently. Under-12 School Rugby championship was also won by Mahindians in 2017.
The Buddhist Society, Web Team / Arch92/ Robotics Club, the All Island Winners of Sri Lanka Genius IT and Robotic contests and the pioneers in live web streaming of school events, The Debating Circle, Arts, Commerce and Science Societies, Mass Media Circle, Do You Know Society, Camera Club, Space Science Society, New Inventors‘ Club, Western and Eastern percussion bands and Drama teams are some of the most active societies for students.
Mahinda College organized 125 events including a WALK to celebrate its 125th Anniversary on July 2017 with a massive participation of Old Mahindians, Teachers, Students and Parents in the city of Galle.
Being a Centre of Buddhist Education Mahinda College will continue her saga producing well- disciplined citizens of higher echelons.