Vidyartha College (Sinhala:විද්‍යාර්ථ විද්‍යාලය) (Tamil:வித்தியார்த்த கல்லூரி) is an all-male national school located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The college was founded in 1942 by the Vidyartha Society, and is currently run by the Government of Sri Lanka. The college has two sections: the primary section which includes grades 1–5; and the secondary section which includes students in grades 6–13.

History Although there were many educational opportunities for Buddhist children in the Central Province during the early 1900s, there was a lack of education in English. This deficiency led Sir Tikiri Bandara Panabokke to create the Vidyartha Society in 1939. Other contributors to this project were T. B. Panabokke, M. B. Panabokke, S. L. Ratwatte, A. C. L. Ratwatte, William Gopallawa (President of Sri Lanka), T. B. Ranaraja, A. B. Pinnawala, K. B. Wijekoon, R. Divithotawela, A. Rathnayake, G. D. A. Abeyrathne, Dr. L. B. Senevirathne, L. M. Koswatta, M. B. E. Senevirathne and M. B. Kulugammana. The Society eventually purchased a private school named King's College, which was located on a rise on Katugasthota Road. Later, the name was changed to Vidyartha College. The new college had forty students and six teachers, and the first principal was G. D. A. Abeyratne. On 1 August 1961, the government took control of the college and still maintains control today.

Development Vidyartha College quickly grew in popularity, with a hostel and main hall were added so that the college could accept more students; children in rural areas such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Monaragala being now able to attend Vidyartha.

In 1954, an Advanced Level of Examination was held at Vidyartha for the first time. The college has since added three programs: Science in 1958, Commerce in 1972, and Information Technology in 1994. Necessary steps were being taken to build up an English Medium A/L Section by the Former Principal M. R. P. Mayadunne. A notable achievement was made under the patronage of the current principal Sugath Srilal as the English Medium A/Ls for Maths Stream initiated in 2026.

A Colombo branch was formed in 1987 by C. K. Gajanayake, who was its first President. Major-General H. M. N. Krishnaratne RSP USP (Rtd) is the incumbent President of the Colombo branch and Ranjith Weeerasinghe functions as the Honorary Secretary.

When the college was first established, it only had a few buildings, a principal, and 8 teachers. Today, there are 2,900 students receiving their education in the college, with a teaching staff of more than 180.

Principals + Principals of Vidyartha College: 1942–presentPortrait Name Start End Notes G. D. A. Abeyrathne 1942 1948 First principal of Vidyartha College M. B. W. Mediwake 1948 1955 Served as the Minister of Local Government and Housing, Member of Parliament and Member of Senate of Ceylon. A. Athauda 1955 1967 D. B. Dissanayake 1967 1968 P. B. Rasingolla 1968 1971 T. B. Karunarathne 1971 1974 M. B. Pethiyagoda 1974 1977 P. M. L. Banda 1983 1986 T. B. Damunupola 1987 1991S. S. C. Wijesinghe19911992W. M. Bandaranayake19921995 W. B. Gunnepana19952006Specialist Trained in ScienceP. A. S. Alwis20062013D. M. A. Disanayake20132015Ranjith Rajapaksha20152018M. R. P. Mayadunne20182025Was transferred to Theldeniya due to an accusation.D. M. Senarathne 20252026Acting Principal Sugath Srilal2026Present Vidyartha Old Boys Association Vidyartha Old Boys Association is a supporting body for the college; its members work to improve the college's qualities and standards, as well as its reputation.

Clubs

Aflatoun Circle Esatblished in 2024, The Aflatoun Club at Vidyartha College, Kandy, is a student-led school club established as part of the global Aflatoun International Social and Financial Education initiative. Guided by the motto "Education is the Best Jewelry", the club focuses on empowering young Vidyarthians with practical life skills, personal responsibility, and financial capability. Visit their Official Blog at .

English Literary Association

Established in 2024, English Literary Association alias ELAVCK, they are dedicated to fostering a love for literature among students and the community. Their mission is to promote literary culture through a variety of activities, discussions, and workshops that inspire creativity and critical thinking. They believe in the power of literature to connect individuals. Through collaborative projects and events, ELAVCK seeks to engage students in meaningful dialogues that celebrate diverse perspectives and enhance their understanding of literary art. ELAVCK provides a platform for students to express themselves creatively. We encourage members to share their writings, whether poetry, fiction, or essays, and to participate in workshops that hone their skills and expand their literary horizons often featuring their Annual English Day "Excellora". Visit their official website at www.elavck.mystrinkingly.com .

Interact Club

The Interact Club of Vidyartha College, Kandy is a student-led service organization sponsored by the local Rotary Club (Rotary District 3220 - Sri Lanka & Maldives). It focuses on developing leadership skills, serving the local community, and promoting international understanding among students aged 12 to 18.

Science Society

The Science Society of Vidyartha College, Kandy is one of the most prominent academic organizations at Vidyartha College. Dedicated to fostering scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation, the society serves as a platform for young minds to bridge textbook knowledge with practical application.

Key Focus Areas & Activities

EXOR (Annual Science Day): The flagship event organized by the society. It brings together schools from across the country for a day of lectures, science exhibitions, and interactive demonstrations designed to spark passion for research and discovery. Sapientia Challenge Trophy: A national inter-school science quiz competition held alongside EXOR, testing participants on physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and current technological trends. Exhibitions & Projects: Members actively design models, conduct experiments, and present innovations that tackle real-world problems. Workshops & Seminars: Regular academic sessions and guest lectures featuring university professors and industry experts to keep students updated on modern scientific advancements.

The society helps prepare students for Advanced Level (A/L) examinations and future careers in medicine, engineering, research, and technology, carrying forward Vidyartha College’s tradition of academic excellence.

Technology Society

The Vidyartha College Technology Society is dedicated to fostering a community of passionate learners, creators, and innovators. They believe that technology is the ultimate tool for solving real-world problems.

Through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and engaging competitions, we aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing their members for the digital future. Visit their official website .

Alumni Jason Dissanayake – Sri Lankan rugby sevens player; represented Sri Lanka at the 2018 Asian Games Kosala Kulasekara – Sri Lankan cricketer and all-rounder; represented Sri Lanka in Test and ODI cricket (2011–2012) Ravi Seneviratne - Secretary to the Public Security Ministry, Former Senior DIG Roshan Ranasinghe – Politician, former Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Minister of Irrigation; Member of Parliament for Polonnaruwa District (2010–2024) Thiwanka Ranasinghe – Light flyweight boxer, 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist C. B. Rathnayake - Member of parliament, Nuwara Eliya (1994–2000, 2001–2024) Loku Banda Aluvihare - Mayor of Kandy (2006-2010), First President of the College OBA Manju Wanniarachchi – Sri Lankan boxer, 2010 Commonwealth Games bantamweight gold medallist (later stripped) Susith Weerasekara – Rear Admiral, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy (2009–2011) Nalin Wijesinghe – Sri Lankan rugby player and coach; former Vidyartha College captain and coach

College houses The college houses are: Parackrama : Blue Wickrama : Maroon Mahinda : Yellow Narendra : Light blue

Annual Big Match

Battle of the Babes is played annually between St. Sylvester's College and Vidyartha College since 1958 except for 3 years. As of 2025, 65 matches have been played and, Vidyartha College has won 3 matches while, 46 matches were drawn. Vidyartha College last won in 1967.

References

External links vidyartha.lk school website