In the year 1924, Sri Lanka Bauddha Samithiya Ltd., was founded by Mr. Fernando as the Chairman with the objective of establishing a Buddhist school to uplift Buddhist Education in the Locality of Moratuwa. Stanley laid the foundation stone for the College on 24thJune 1929 . As an idea mooted by the founder Chairman Mr. Fernando the College was Ceremonially Opened at the auspicious time 8.05 on 19th January 1934 by reading Sinhala alphabet to students by Sir D.B. Jayathilaka and English alphabet by Hon. At the beginning 67 students were enrolled and Mr. Ediriweera functioned as the first Principal of the College. The Moratu Vidyalaya, a Buddhist College was declared open to day at 8.05 a.m by Sir D.B. Jayathilaka in the presence of a large gathering. The building was decorated for the occasion and Mr. Fernando, President of the Sri Lanka Bauddha Samithya, Moratuwa under whose auspices the school was Organized called upon Sir Baron to Perform the Ceremony. Sir Baron after thinking Mr. Fernando and the members of the Samitiya for inviting him to perform that ceremony said that he had great pleasure in declaring the college open. Sir Baron then cut a ribbon tied across the entrance and entered the building. Sixty seven children were then admitted to the school. After Pansil was administered by Rev. Malalankara Anunayaka of Koralawella, Sir Baron and Mr. Kularathna, Manager of the school, instructed the boys in Sinhalese and English respectively. About thirty Priests then chanted “Pirith” after which the names of the Children were entered in the register. Sir Baron entering the Particulars regarding the first boy, who incidently happened to be Claude Fernando, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fernando. Moratu Maha Vidyalaya is a Leading Buddhist School in Sri Lanka
celebrating its 75 years of excellence in education.
