Ananda Sastralaya, Matugama

Coordinates: 6°31′20″N 80°6′52″E / 6.52222°N 80.11444°E / 6.52222; 80.11444

Ananda Sastralaya Matugama^[1] is a school in Sri Lanka. It was established on 22 February 1942. Daya T. Pasqual was the founder of Matugama Ananda Sastralaya. He later became a parliamentarian and also a deputy minister. This school was started due to the prevailing war situation in Colombo City during World War II. At that time schools were closed in Colombo. Kotte Ananda Sastralaya was also closed due to the war situation and it was converted into an army camp. Eleven students from Matugama attended Kotte Ananda Sastralaya. Most of them were from Pasqual families. They had to come back as their school was closed. Daya T. Pasqual was among them. At that time he was a teacher. He decided to start a branch of Kotte Ananda Sastralaya in Matugama. His uncle Brampi Pasqual, Munasinghe, Wijegunawardanea and Dr E. W. Adikaram, principal of Kotte Ananda Sastralaya, helped him to start this school.

In the evening of 22 February 1942 Hon. Minister of Education C.W.W. Kannangara was the chief guest of the opening ceremony at Sri Sudarshanaramaya temple Matugama. Dr E.W.Adikaram also attended the ceremony.

At the beginning there were eleven students and three teachers in the school. Pasqual was also among them. School manager was Brumpy Pasqual.

Sports

The following sports are currently available:

• Cricket
• Volleyball
• Netball
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Football
• Chess

Houses

All the students of Ananda Sastralaya are divided into four houses. Those are:

• Anura
• Vijitha
• Tissa
• Rohana

Scout Group

It was established on 16 January 1963. D.A.Weerakoon was the founder of School scout Group and at present, it has 45 President Scouts 11 Gold Star scout & One BP Scout.

Wood Badge Leaders

• Mr.D.A.Weerakoon
• Mr.K.D.Premadasa.(3rd President Scout in School & Kaluthara District)
• Mr.A.V.Somasiri.
• Mr. J.R.C.Jayalath (17th President Scout in School)
• Mr.Sajeewa Wijesundara (21st President Scout & 1st BP scout in School)

School Anthem

Sriiyena nenasara manditha panditha hela viruwan
Nimala nanaluven dalwu pahanin
Alokaya oba we - - -
Anandaya oba we, Alokaya oba we - - - //
Ounage pahasin opauna me maga
Apa gena yana sath sala oba we - - -
Anandaya oba we,Alokaya oba we - - - //
Akampithawa oba karana meheyan
Didulen diyathama eliya wate
Piligena owadan thabamin apa hisa
Yamu alokaya atharin nosali
Samavita oba apa peramune siti- - -
Anandaya oba we,alokaya oba we - - - //

Distinguished alumni

• Prof. W. W. L. Keerthipala: engineer and academic
• Col. V. S. Kudaligama:^[2] Former principal of Ananda College
• G.D. Mahindasoma: Former Chief Minister, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
• Nirmala Kothalawala: Minister of Education Services
• Milinda Tennakoon: Member of IESL

Notes and references