Tracing the Journey of Henegama Central College Since 1952
Henegama Central College was established in accordance with the concept of "Central Colleges" introduced under the Free Education Ordinance in Sri Lanka by Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara.
At that time, Mr. J.R. Jayawardena, the former and first Executive President of Sri Lanka, was the Member of Parliament for the Kelaniya electorate. While he was searching for a suitable location to establish the Central College allocated to the Kelaniya electorate, Mr. D.M. Rajapaksha, one of the noble donors of Henegama Village, donated a beautiful 11-acre plot of land for the purpose.
The Central College was initially started with 180 students and 6 teachers. The first principal of Henegama Central College was Mr. D.E. Rajapaksha.
The construction of the new school buildings was commenced by Mr. J.R. Jayawardena, the MP for the Kelaniya electorate at that time. The Prime Minister, Mr. Sir John Kotelawala, officially declared the school open on the 10th of January 1955, with facilities including boys’ and girls’ hostels, technical and aesthetic units. Furthermore, a two-storied building, chemistry and biology laboratories, and the Principal’s quarters were among the first buildings of the school.
Under the patronage of Mr. D.V. Rajapaksha and several other well-wishers of the new school, a new shrine room was added to the buildings of Henegama Central College.
Another classroom building was constructed with the support of the Teachers’ and Parents’ Association of the school. The government allocated funds for biological and botanical laboratories, a dental clinic, and an agricultural unit. Later, the Old Pupils’ Association of Henegama Central College built a new pavilion for the school.
Mr. B.L.S.K. Wickramasinghe served as the principal of the school from 1948 to 1968. This 20-year period was considered the golden era of Henegama Central College. Gymnastics, karate, and health societies were introduced as sports activities in the college during the tenure of Mr. R.P.S. Rajapaksha. At the same time, Henegama Central College was nominated as the sports school of the Gampaha District. It also became the cluster center for Henegama Mahabodhi Vidyalaya, Atikehelgalla Kanishta Vidyalaya, Uruwala Kanishta Vidyalaya, Neelammahara Kanishta Vidyalaya, Kirikiththa Kanishta Vidyalaya, and Ahugammana Kanishta Vidyalaya.
The school cadet team was established in 1961. During 1962 and 1963, the school cadets also won the district championship.
Henegama Central College was established with 180 students and 6 teachers, following the vision of free education by Mr. C.W.W Kannangara.
Prime Minister Mr. John Kotelawala declared open the new school buildings including hostels, technical units, laboratories, and principal's quarters.
The school cadeting team was established, winning district championships in 1962 and 1963.
Under Principal Mr. B.L.S.K Wicramasinhe, the school introduced gymnastics, karate, and health societies, becoming the sports school of Gampaha district.
The school expanded its curriculum to include Advanced Level classes in Science, Commerce, and Arts streams.
A new three-story main building was constructed, providing modern classrooms and administrative facilities.
The school introduced computer education with its first computer lab, preparing students for the digital age.
A modern sports complex with facilities for athletics, cricket, and volleyball was inaugurated.
The school transitioned to digital classrooms with smart boards and multimedia facilities.
During the pandemic, the school successfully implemented a comprehensive online learning platform.
Celebrating over 70 years of educational excellence with modern facilities and dedicated staff.
Father of Free Education
Architect of the free education system in Sri Lanka and the visionary behind Central Colleges concept.
Land Donor
Generously donated 11 acres of beautiful land in Henegama village for establishing the Central College.
First Principal
The founding principal who led the school with 180 students and 6 teachers at its inception.
MP of Kelaniya
Initiated the construction of the school building and played a key role in establishing the college in Henegama.
Principal (1948-1968)
Led the school through its golden era, introducing numerous sports and extracurricular activities.
Consistently ranked among top schools in the district with outstanding GCE O/L and A/L results since inception.
Nominated as the sports school in Gampaha district with championship-winning teams in multiple disciplines.
Served as cluster center for 6 neighboring schools, promoting educational excellence across the region.
Thousands of alumni excelling as doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders nationwide.
School cadeting team established in 1961, winning district championships in subsequent years.
Awarded "School of the Year" in the Gampaha District multiple times for holistic education.