NEWS & UPDATES
Broadcasted by official BCOBA crewIlluminating 107 Years of Nayakenz Excellence – A Tapestry Woven in Blue and Maroon
Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished national schools, proudly celebrates its 107th anniversary this week. The milestone, themed “Illuminating 107 Years of Nayakenz Excellence - A Tapestry Woven in Blue and Maroon”, marks over a century of academic leadership, discipline, and service to the nation.
Founded in 1918 as the Henarathgoda Seewali Buddhist School under its first principal, Charles Samarasooriya, the institution has undergone a remarkable transformation. From its early days as Henarathgoda Senior Secondary School and Kasagahawatta Maha Vidyalaya, it has evolved into the esteemed Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, attaining national school status in 1993. The school, which became a boys’ institution in 1985, now stands as a leading 1AB college offering a wide range of academic streams.
Over the decades, Bandaranayake College has built a strong reputation for excellence, producing generations of scholars, professionals, and leaders across diverse fields. Its motto, “විද්වාන් සර්වත්ර පූජ්යතේ” (Scholar is always honoured), continues to inspire students towards lifelong learning and integrity.
Discipline and leadership have also been defining hallmarks of the school. The Western Cadet Brass Band and Cadet Platoon, established as far back as 1927, have earned national and international acclaim, while sporting achievements and cultural contributions further highlight the school’s holistic vision for education.
A distinctive feature of Bandaranayake College’s success story is the unwavering support of its Old Boys’ Association. The OBA has been instrumental in developing infrastructure, funding educational initiatives, and guiding students, ensuring that the Nayakenz spirit remains vibrant across generations.
As the College steps into its 108th year, the anniversary celebrations pay tribute to the visionaries who laid its foundations, the teachers who nurtured its growth, and the students who carried its values beyond the school walls.
With its colors of blue and maroon flying high, Bandaranayake College continues to stand as a beacon of knowledge, discipline, and leadership - shaping future generations who will bring pride to both their alma mater and the nation.
