Ananda College, Maradana, still stands tall at 131

“Ananda College imparted education to many men of action, who played a prominent role to uphold the interests of the people and country, religion and culture by infiltrating the slaves who embraced the alien culture then, and held in high esteem the worldly pleasure provided by them, than the freedom of the people and religion”, is quoted from a passage written by old Anandian and anti-imperialist freedom fighter Philip Gunawardena. The above passage clearly illustrates the reasons for the birth of Ananda College, Maradana, which is engaged in social service and walks majestically even today, after 131 years on Nov.1. Despite the fact that the Anandians were more proficient in the English language than the Englishmen, they stood by their principles without becoming slaves to it. Then Principal of Ananda College, L.H. Mettananda and the academics at Ananda College strongly voiced to grant the foremost place to the mother tongue, Sinhala Language and that, it should be the official language. In addition, when it was said that Science cannot be taught in Sinhala, the intellectuals such as then Ananda Principal M.W. Karunananda firmly expressed that Science could be taught in Sinhala, and engaged in writing and publishing the books needed in Sinhala. Hence, the contribution made by Ananda College in making Sinhala the official language is immeasurable. Ananda College laid the foundation for the establishment of many schools similar to branches spreading from a tree. As a result, glittering schools such as Dharmaraja College, Kandy, Mahinda College, Galle, Rahula College, Matara and Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala emerged. The main reason for Ananda College to march forward, even after passing a 100 years, is because Ananda College from its very inception did not have any differences or discordant views. Anandians who held their own ethnic group in high esteem, never displayed racism. While they showed due respect to Buddhism, they never displayed any differences or discordant views about any other religions. This situation was understood by many from the very beginning. Hence, Christian priest Rev Fr Leadbeater who was the 1st Principal of Ananda College, took steps to teach Buddhism, not only to the students, but also to the teachers, according to the vision of the College. Even though subsequent Principals Bultjens, Devies Moor and Fritz Kunz belonged to different ethnic communities and religions, they worked with firm determination from the day they assumed duties as Principals of Ananda College, to establish a future genera- tion of Buddhists following the right path. The endeavour made by the experts belonging to other ethnic communities such as T.B. Jayah, A.H. Sundararaman, V.T.S. Sivagurunathan and E.M. Selvaratnam in the Administrative Committee to attain the vision of Ananda College, was indeed a marvellous deed. Principals of Ananda College, irrespective of their status, dedicated their service considering the country 1st, and made gigantic efforts to create great personalities the country needed. That was indeed a stupendous feat. Among them, the services rendered by Sir D.B. Jayatillake, P. De S.Kularatne, Prof G.P. Malalasekara, L.H. Mettananda, M.W. Karunananda, Col. G.W. Rajapaksa, Col. V.S. Kudaligama , A.P. Gunaratne and Kithsiri Liyanagamage, to the country, should be held in high esteem. The vision of Ananda College to create dynamic personalities and achieving that task within a 100 years was indeed a matter to be proud of. Hence, incumbent Principal S.M. Keerthiratne and the Administrative Committee, the Old Boys’ Union, the students, along with the Buddhist populace, should be determined to forge ahead on the occasion of the 131st anniversary of Ananda College. Rukmal Vithanage Old Boys’ Union – 1993 Group