Mahanama College, Colombo 03. Established in 1954, Mahanama College, Colombo, is a public school in Sri Lanka. The current principal is Mr. Prasanna Upashantha. N.
As a national school, it is controlled by the central government, as opposed to a Provincial Council. The school has more than 5,500 students on a campus spread over 10 acres (40,000 m2). The academic staff consists of more than 200 people. The institution was founded in 1954 by W.A.K. Gunawardana in Sri Wardanarama, Colombo, with just five students in the class. In 1958, the school was registered
as a government-assisted junior school. The number of students gradually increased to 163 with four staff members and, on January 1, 1960, J.D.A. Jayakodi was appointed as the first principal of the school. By 1969, there were 14 staff members and 373 students. With the rapid increase in student enrollment, the school moved to a nearby location, Valukarama. Primary classes were held in a nearby building, Thurstan College. In 1974, during T. Silva's time as principal, the junior school at Thurstan College moved to its present location, Mahanama College. In 1975, 130 students sat for the N.G.C.E. examination, and 107 students passed the exam. The government donated 7 acres (28,000 m2) of land as the school expanded. By 1976, the site contained several two-story buildings. During the early 1970s, principle N.E. Fernando, made improvements to the school's facilities, including the construction of a dental unit and additional classrooms, as well as the first two-story building. Principal K.N.P. de Silva retired on 5 February 1986, and was succeeded by D.G. Sumanasekera. Sumanasekera was the first SLEAS Class-1 principal to head Mahanama. During his four years in office, he laid the foundation for the present school. K.K. Rathnadasa became principal in 1990 and, during his time at the college, several three-story buildings were constructed, a computer section was established, and a children's park was created. The annual carnival 'Foot-Loose' was also organized during his tenure. In 1999, G. Liyanage became principal. He added a three-story building with an art gallery to the existing campus. During his tenure, the school laboratories and computer sections were improved and buildings renovated. The Battle of the Golds, the so-called "Big Match" between Mahanama College and its friendly rival D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo, was inaugurated. Rev. Vahalle Dhammananda (1954–1960)
J.D.A. Jayakody (1960–1968)
N.E. Fernando (1968–1974)
T.S. Silva (1974–1976)
K.N. P. de Silva (1976–1986)
D.G. Sumanasekara (1986–1990)
K.K. Ratnadasa (1990–1999)
G. Liyanage (1999–2003)
W.H. Pramalal Kumarasiri (2003–2012)
U.M. Prasanna Upashantha (2013–2016)
L.M.D.Darmasena (2017-2020)
A.C.Perera (2021-Present)
10/06/2026
Mahanama College Old Boys' Association
Mahanama Athletic Development Committee
🏅 Celebrating Excellence in Athletics! 🏅
The Mahanama Athletic Development Committee was delighted to recognize and appreciate our young athletes who brought honour and glory to Mahanama College through their outstanding performances at the All Island level in 2025.
Gift vouchers were presented to students who achieved notable successes in the High Jump, Long Jump, and 4 x 100m Relay events in recognition of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
Your achievements are a testament to the true Mahanama spirit and serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes. We congratulate all award recipients and wish them continued success in their sporting journeys.
Special appreciation goes to our coaches, teachers, parents, and well-wishers whose unwavering support has contributed to these remarkable accomplishments.
Together, we continue to nurture champions and elevate Mahanama athletics to greater heights.
06/06/2026
🏀 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 🏀
The stage is set for an exciting showdown as Mahanama College, Colombo takes on P. De. S. Kularathna College, Ambalangoda in the Finals of the All Island Under-16 Basketball Tournament 2026 – Division B, Tier 2, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association.
📅 Date: 07th June 2026 (Sunday)
⏰ Time: 8.00 a.m.
📍 Venue: Zahira College Indoor Sports Complex
Our young Mahanamian have displayed remarkable determination, teamwork, and resilience throughout the tournament to earn their place in the final. As they prepare for this decisive encounter, we invite all Mahanamians, parents, teachers, old boys, and well-wishers to come forward and cheer our team on.
Let us unite behind our boys and inspire them to bring glory to Mahanama College!
💛🩶🖤One Team. One Dream. Go Mahanama! 🏆🏀
29/05/2026
Mahanama College Old Boys' Association
26/05/2026
Proud moment for the black and gold!
Congratulations to the Mahanama College Under 16 Basketball Team on qualifying for the Finals of the 2026 All Island Schools Basketball Tournament.
Your hard work, determination, and team spirit have brought you one step closer to glory. Let’s finish strong!
June 7th | 7.00 A.M.
Zahira Sports Complex
22/05/2026
A warm welcome to the newly appointed Principal of Mahanama College Mr. Ravilal Wijayawansha.
Wishing you strength, wisdom and success as you begin this new journey of leadership. May your tenure bring continued growth, excellence, and new achievements to our beloved alma mater.
The entire Mahanama community stands with you and looks forward to supporting your vision for the future. 💛🩶🖤
26/04/2026
🔥 Battle of the Gold 2026 Official T-Shirts are now available at the Black & Silver Shop!
Don’t miss your chance to own the pride of BOG 2026. Grab your official tee before it’s gone! 👕
Get yours now and wear the spirit of the Golds with pride.