Shasanawardhana Dhamma School (ශාසනවර්ධන දහම් පාසල)

ents were taught Buddhism, Pali and Sanskrit in a small shed in the temple premises covered with coconut branches. In beginning of this era the progress of the Dhamma School was not there as expected. Our Dhamma School had to face numerous embarrassments, as the rulers of the country were not willing the improvement of “Buddha Shasanaya”. Then it was most venerable Weweldeniye Medhalankara Maha Thero (the chief incumbent of Ramagngna Nikaya at present) who gave the rebirth to the Dhamma School. Medhalankara Thero strove to keep the Dhamma School in a higher position leading the ‘Tharunodaya’ organization. As a result of this many children from many villages around Mirigama area began to search for the warmth of our Dhamma School mother. Gradually she became the largest religious institute in Mirigama area. The increasing number of students in the Dhamma School made the space in the temple premises insufficient for the children to learn. For this Medhalankara Thero had to find a solution. Fortunately Medhalankara Thero could gain the permission from the former Prime minister Sir John Kothalawala to take classes to Duddley Senanayake Junior School which is situated next to the temple premises. Since then the Dhamma School has been continuing there. There was no any scarcity of distinguished guests for our annual prize giving since 1945. Hon. D.S. Senanayake and Mr. Duddley Senanayake were two of them who never missed our annual prize givings in their lifetime. Once Hon. Senanayake had told that, He would like introduce this prize giving ceremony as a national function. Also such a ceremony leaded the way for the establishment of D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya Mirigama, which was an idea of the most venerable Weweldeniye Medhalankara Maha Thero. There are lots of educated and respected people who have begotten from this great institution which is over 83 years old now. There are many old boys and girls from this great institution all over the world giving pride to our nation at present. The present vice Chancellor of the Kelaniya University, Prof. Thilakarathna Kapugama is outshining among them. The students of our Dhamma School have shown their accomplishments in Grade exams, District Competitions and also in All Island Competitions. Our students are also engaged in many social services such as “Poson Samadhi Gee Saraniya” (Songs of devotion) on Poson Poya day every year. Principals who did a priceless service for the development of our Dhamma School in the past
Mr. Wijesekara from Naththandiya
Mr. Wijedasa from Banduragoda
Mr. Wickramasinghe from Kandangamuwa
The present principal Mr. N.S.A.D. Senevirathne is also doing a great service to the Dhamma School. His service is distinguished. Kadiragama Sumanasara Thero, Madabawita Wijayasoma Thero, Muruthenge Pemalankara Thero, Pidume Vipulagnana Thero and Pidume Rathana Thero also sacrificed their labor in order to bring this huge institution to the present level. Including the most venerable Weweldeniye Medhalankara Thero, Seetha-eliye Chandrananda Thero, Ellawewe Sarada thero, Mr. Senevirathne and our talented and qualified staff are the strength of our Dhamma School at present. Our Dhamma School mother becomes happy as most of her past students are spending good lives in the society. Now a new generation is growing under her shade. She likes to see them also as a group of people with great humanity and good education. Let’s work together towards our spiritual freedom.