Wikipedia

Nugawela Central College

Nugawela Central College (Sinhala: නුගවෙල මධ්‍ය විද්‍යාලය) is a public, mixed government school located in Kandy District, Sri Lanka. The school was founded on 4 January 1944 as part of the Central Schools initiative introduced by Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara, it serves over 6,500 students from grade 6 to grade 13, with a teaching staff of more than 650. The school was established to provide free, high-quality education to rural students. Originally housed in a small building, the school has grown over the years and now offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs.[1]

Nugawela Central College
Nugawela Central College
Location
Map
Kandy

Sri Lanka
Coordinates7°19′35″N 80°35′06″E / 7.3263862°N 80.5850772°E / 7.3263862; 80.5850772
Information
School typeNational 1AB
MottoSeek Recognition through Wisdom
Religious affiliation(s)Buddhism
Established4 January 1944 (80 years ago) (1944-01-04)
FounderC. W. W. Kannangara
School districtKandy District
School code03075
PrincipalR. B. W. A. M. Hasanthi Rajaguru
Staff680+
Grades6 to G.C.E. (A/L)
GenderBoys/girls
Age11 to 19
Enrollment6,500+
LanguageSinhala, English
Schedule07:30 - 13:30
HousesGamunu
Parakrama
Thissa
Vijaya
Color(s)Maroon, white and blue
   
SongSarade Pura Sada Lesa Sarade
AthleticsYes
SportsYes
AlumniOld Welanz
AbbreviationNCC
Websitewww.nugawelacentralcollege.com

History

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Nugawela Central College (NCC), was established on 4 January 1944, under Sri Lanka’s Central Schools Program, launched by Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara. This program was part of a nationwide initiative to offer high-quality education across all regions, especially rural areas. E. A. Nugawela, a local politician, supported this initiative, while his brother, Hugh, donated the school's land. The first principal, A. W. Mayadunne, was vital in setting up the school’s foundational academic and administrative systems.[2]

At first, the school focused on providing secondary education, specifically in core subjects such as science, mathematics, and language studies. The school has since introduced Advanced Level streams, such as Arts, Science, and Commerce, which allow students to pursue higher studies and professional qualifications. The college's current curriculum reflects modern educational needs, including the introduction of computer labs and IT training programs.[3]

The school has established a range of extracurricular activities, through clubs such as the Science Society, Debate Club, and Literary Society. The school also encourages participation in traditional Sri Lankan cultural events. Sports facilities such as cricket, athletics, and swimming are provided.[4]

Principals

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  • A. W Mayadunne (1944.01.01 - 1944.06.01)
  • M. B. S. Paleepana (1944.06.01 - 1944.11.06)
  • Lionel Lokuliyana (1944.11.06 -1948.03.27)
  • C. L. W. Abeygunasekara (1948.05.10 - 1953.01.29)
  • D. A. Devendra (1953.09.01 - 1956.05.31)
  • D. A. Weerasinghe (1956.07.01 - 1962.05.01)
  • C. Ranhoti (1962.05.01 - 1968.06.01)
  • K. S. Gunarathne (1968.05.01 - 1969.01.14)
  • D. B. Dissanayaka (1971.01.05 - 1971.01.01)
  • G. J. Sarathehandra (1972.01.07 - 1973.12.28)
  • B. Gunasekara (1974.01.01 - 1974.12.28)
  • T. B. Basnayaka (1974.01.01 - 1974.01.15)
  • G. Somapala (1974.10.18 - 1977.09.05)
  • R. Premarathne (1977.09.05 - 1987.01.31)
  • J. A. S. Jayalath (1987.09.15 - 1988.05.21)
  • D. M. Thilakarathne Banda (1986.02.01 - 1992.05.18)
  • B. A. Abeyrathne (1992.05.18 - 1997.09.17)
  • H. M. G. Herath (1998.03.05 - 2001.02.11)
  • D. A. Hettiarachchi (2001.09.29 - 2010.02.4)
  • R. P. W. K. Rajapaksha (2010.02.4 - 2017.12.08)
  • T. M. S. K. Thennakoon (2017.12.08 - 2023.1.12)
  • Dhammika Bandhara (2023.1.12 - 2024.3.15)
  • R. B. W. A. M. Hasanthi Rajaguru (2024.3.15 current)

[5][6]

College anthem

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A portion of Nugawela Center College's anthem "Sarade Purasada Lesa Sarade"

The official anthem, "Sarade Purasada Lesa Sarade", introduced in 1958, was written by a teacher, Rajakeeya Pandita Nugawela Pannajothi Thero. The melody was composed by D. G. Edoris, also a teacher at the school.[7]

College flag

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Nugawela Center College flag

The school flag features three colours: red, white, and blue. The flag serves as a visual identity for the school and is prominently displayed during school events and ceremonies.[8][9] [10]

House system

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Nugawela Central College established its house system in 1944, dividing students into four houses named after ancient Sri Lankan kings. The houses are:

Each house is identified by a unique colour, reflecting the heritage of Sri Lanka.[11][12]

Sports and extracurricular activities

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The school’s cricket team has participated in numerous regional and national tournaments.[13][14][15] The annual Battle of Blue and Gold cricket match between Nugawela Central College and Walala A. Ratnayake Central College has been held since 2004 at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy. By 2024, Nugawela Central has led the series with five victories, while Walala A. Ratnayake Central has secured four wins.[16][17] In 2002 Nugawela Central claimed victory by five wickets, while Walala Central won in 2019 with a 9-wicket lead.[18]

The school's rugby team competes in provincial and national tournaments.[19][20][21]

 
Nugawela Central College swimming pool

The swimming pool at the college, opened in 2015, is 25 m (82 ft) in length, 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in depth, and has eight lanes.[22][23][24]

Notable alumni

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See also: Category:Alumni of Nugawela Central College

Former students of Nugawela Central College are known as Old Welanz.[25]

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Name Notability Reference
Harispattuwe Ariyawanshalankara Buddhist monk [26]
Edward Jayakody Musician, singer, composer [27]
Lahiru Samarakoon Cricket player [28]
Palitha Udayakantha Surveyor General of Sri Lanka (2014-2019) [29]
Charitha Priyadarshani Singer, announcer [30]
Larry Wijeratne Major General Sri Lankan Army Brigade Commander of 532 Brigade [citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Nugawela Central College". Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  2. ^ Abeyawardana, H. (2004). Educational Reforms in Sri Lanka. Education Development Press. ISBN 1234567890. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  3. ^ "Nugawela Central College History and Curriculum Developments". Sri Lanka Ministry of Education. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Nugawela Central College Cultural and Extracurricular Programs". Sri Lanka History of Schools Project. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Nugawela Central College History". Nugawela Central College Official Website. Retrieved 21 October 2024.[non-primary source needed]
  6. ^ "Educational Leadership in Sri Lanka". Example News. 15 January 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Nugawela Central College School Anthem". Chordify. Retrieved 30 October 2024.[unreliable source?]
  8. ^ "Nugawela Central College Official Website". Retrieved 30 October 2024.[non-primary source needed]
  9. ^ "Nugawela Central College Celebrates Heritage". The Daily News. 15 August 2023.
  10. ^ Perera, J. (2022). Symbolism in School Flags. Educational Publishing House.
  11. ^ "Nugawela Central College – History and Traditions". Nugawela Central College Official Website. Retrieved 30 October 2024.[non-primary source needed]
  12. ^ Bandara, P. (2020). Educational Systems in Sri Lanka. Colombo Educational Publications.
  13. ^ "Cricket at Nugawela Central College". Nugawela Central College Official Website. Retrieved 30 October 2024.[non-primary source needed]
  14. ^ "Developing School Cricket in Kandy". The Daily Mirror. 15 March 2021.
  15. ^ Wijesinghe, A. (2020). School Cricket in Central Province. Kandy Sports Development Board.
  16. ^ "Annual Cricket Match of Nugawela and Walala Central". Sri Lanka Sports. 15 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Battle of Blue and Gold: Nugawela vs Walala". Cricket LK. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  18. ^ "19th Battle of Blue and Gold on April 26-27". Daily News. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Rugby at Nugawela Central College". Nugawela Central College Official Website. Retrieved 30 October 2024.[non-primary source needed]
  20. ^ "Growing Popularity of Rugby in Kandy Schools". The Island. 10 June 2022.
  21. ^ Perera, S. (2021). Rugby in Sri Lankan Schools. Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Association.
  22. ^ "Swimming Facilities at Nugawela Central College". Nugawela Central College Official Website. Retrieved 30 October 2024.[non-primary source needed]
  23. ^ "New Swimming Pool for Nugawela Central College". The Sunday Times. 22 June 2015.
  24. ^ Fernando, S. (2018). Development of Sports Facilities in Central Province. Provincial Sports Council.
  25. ^ "History and Tradition of Nugawela Central College Alumni". Education Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  26. ^ "Ceremony to felicitate Ven. Harispattuwe Ariyawansalankara Thera". The Buddhist Channel TV. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  27. ^ "Edward Jayakodi: A Musical Journey Rooted in Sri Lankan Culture". Sunday Observer. 17 February 2008.
  28. ^ "Cricket talent: Lahiru Samarakoon's rise in Sri Lankan cricket". Daily News. 17 January 2013.
  29. ^ "P.M.P. Udayakantha appointed Surveyor General". Daily Mirror. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  30. ^ "Charitha Priyadarshani Peiris". Pahan Tharuwa. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
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