Richmond College
Encyclopedia
Richmond College is a primary and secondary school
in Galle
, Sri Lanka
. The school was established in 1814 by Christian missionaries. Richmond College is now a well established institution with a reputation as one of the finest schools in Sri Lanka. Approaching the end of its second century as a school, it has produced many prominent citizens, including two in the highest political positions, namely the current President, and a former Prime Minister.
In 1857 the Rev, Joseph Rippon, who was then stationed in Galle, with daring foresight persuaded the Mission to purchase 17 acres of land at Kumbalwella, two miles to the north of Galle Fort. This block consisted of five contiguous allotments of a land called Mount Seymour or Seymour Hill. The original owner of this land was, Doctor Robert Seymour Sillery M.D., Under Sillery it became known as “Dostara Kanda” or “Doctor's Hill”. After the Mission purchased it the missionaries started living there and the people began calling it “Padilikanda” or the “Hill of the Padres”.
Rev. Rippon probably had his theological training at Richmond College in Surrey. This institution which is situated on the banks of the Thames is famous for the grandeur of the scenery round about. Rev. Rippon either out of love for his old College or because of the scenic splendour of the local counterpart renamed this place Richmond Hill.
Wesleyan Mission did not go in for what is called "higher education" till long after the jubilee in 1864. It devoted all its powers to elementary teaching, the preaching of the Gospel, translating the scriptures and in building up congregations. The time came, however, for the establishment of High Schools and Colleges, and the Mission started several superior institutions for the imparting of higher education in few large cities.
In 1864 the Rev. George Baugh succeeded Rev. Rippon. Almost from the beginning he pursued the idea of establishing a "superior" English School on Richmond Hill. Rev. George Baugh's reasons were mainly that the standard of English of the local Theological students was not satisfactory and that the energies of the missionaries and local ministers were going to waste because the children of the Church were attending non-Methodist English Schools in Colombo. For these reasons he and his fellow-workers made frequent representations to the Foreign Missions Committee of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in England about the necessity for such a school.
Wesleyan missionary Rev. George Baugh is credited with changing the name of the school that was existing from "Boys' Anglo-Vernacular School" to Galle High School which was later renamed in 1882 as Richmond College as it was sited on Richmond Hill, which began its existence on 1 May 1876. Rev. Samuel Langdon was its first principal. He is also credited with having a proper school organized. The School began with a staff of 8 and with 104 pupils on the roll. Thus the school was opened for enrollment of the public in 1876 which up until then had a restricted enrollment.
Latin, Mathematics, Science, Arts and Religion were included in the curriculum, and children were trained to sit for British public examinations. A prize giving was held in its very first year, and a library with 500 books was opened in 1878.
From these facts, it is evident that from the beginning, Richmond College was conducted as a comprehensive educational institution. The school which was known by different names since 1814 was named "The Galle High School" in 1876, and six years later in 1882 was renamed "Richmond College".
The first College magazine was published in 1887. It was only the second occasion that a school in Ceylon had produced a magazine. The same year, the English Literary Union was formed and cricket was started in the school. In 1894, under the principal-ship of Rev. Hartley, the Old Boys' Association was formed. Another important occurrence during that year was the establishment of the College Cadet Corps.
Rev. James Horne Darrell assumed duties as principal in 1896. The school experienced both physical expansion as well as qualitative growth. During his period, Richmond rose to be recognized as one of the best schools in the island. At the local Cambridge Examinations of 1905, Richmond earned top position among assisted schools and second place among all schools in Ceylon. The same year, the Richmond - Mahinda Match
was played for the first time, with the two Principals, Rev. Darrell of Richmond and Mr. F. L. Woodward of Mahinda, officiating as umpires. Rev. Darrell sacrificed his life for the college nursing the pupils who were afflicted 'Typhoid' when there was an outbreak in the country and was buried at the Dadalla Cemetery, Galle. Rev. W. J. T. Small became principal following the death of Rev. Darrell.
Commerce was introduced as a subject in 1912. This was also the year in which Football was started at Richmond. In 1915, the 2nd Galle (Richmond) Scouts Group was established. Scouting at Richmond College enjoyed remarkable success from the beginning. The first two King's Scouts in the island were produced by Richmond. In 1916, Ceylon 's first Cub Pack was started at Richmond College.
A notable event during Rev. Small's period was the formation of the National Association at Richmond in 1915. It was in effect a forum within the school for the emerging nationalist movement.
In 1922, Rev. Alec Sneath took over the principalship of Richmond College. He was responsible for many measures which brought refinement and qualitative development to the school.
In 1926, a well equipped library was established in a new building. The Science Society was started the same year. In 1931, the Sinhala Literary Union came into being.
In 1940, the last of the missionary principals left, leaving the school in the hands of local graduates.
Mr. E. R. de Silva, an old boy(alumni) of the school, had the distinction of becoming the first Ceylonese principal of Richmond College. This was a period which saw major changes in the educational structure of Ceylon. The Free Education Scheme which was devised by Mr. C. W. W. Kannangara, an illustrious old boy of Richmond College, was being implemented, and the school had to be geared to suit the changes.
In 1962, Richmond College, which was owned by the Methodist Mission, was nationalised. Mr. D. G. Welikala, the first head of Richmond College under state management, was also its first Buddhist principal. With the take over, the Methodist Vernacular School on Richmond Hill was amalgamated with Richmond. This school was referred to as the "Kaha Iskole" by some and "Pin Iskole" meaning free school by others, has been in existence from the time the Missionaries established a learning seat on Richmond Hill.
During this period, considerable expansion and change had to take place to cater to the new situation. Richmond College faced the challenge of transition so successfully that the then Minister of Education commended Richmond on several occasions, describing it as a model institution among nationalised schools.
Richmond College was one of the first schools in the island to start the teaching of Agriculture as a subject. In 1969, it became the first school in the country to start an Agricultural stream for the Advanced Level.
In 1976, the College celebrated its centenary as "Richmond College" although in reality it was 162 years in existence. In terms of the provisions of the White Paper on Education, Richmond College was named as a National School in 1986.
Baseball
Chess
Table Tennis
Cricket
Football
Hockey
Rugby
Swimming
Western Choir
Media Unit
Scouting
Cadets
Traffic Unit
Saint Jones First Aid Unit
Adventure Club
Cub Scouting
Photographic Society Exceptionally, one of the best photographic societies in Sri Lanka,
Current Office Bearers are as follows,
Patron - The Principal, Mr. E.M.S. Ekanayake
MIC and Chief Instructor - Mr. Deepal Jayawardane
President - H. Ruchira Poomudu Jayaweera
Vice President - Matheesha Weerasekara
Secretary - Thilina Pabasara Gamage
Vice Secretary - A.T.K. Buwaneka Ranmal
Treasurer - Mahasen Okanda Wickramarachchi
Vice Treasurer - Sehan de Silva
Committee members -
N.A. Lahiru Pramuditha
S.M. Naveendra Jayasinghe
G.K. Nishendra Chamara
Do You Know Circle
Newspaper and Magazine club
Science Society
Commerce Society
Philatelic Society
Art Society
United Nations Study Circle
Buddhist Society
Islamic Society
Environmental Pioneer Brigade
It is one of the first pioneer brigades in Sri Lanka which was established under Central Environmental Authority. It carried out research projects and many progarmmes which were appreciated by the society. Richmond environmental pioneer brigade produced first silver medalists and first gold medalists in the whole country. Mr. Cecil Surasena (then Master -in- charge) was awarded the Environmental award from Sri Lanka Association for advancement of science -SLAAS).
Battle ever for the right and with all your might
Never mind a knock or two never fear the fight
Get upon your feet again for Richmond’s honour bright
Chorus
Richmond, for ever boys, let the air resound,
Richmond to the fore boys, let the cry go around
Dear to us is Richmond’s honour, we will never say die
All for Richmond, none for self, shall be ever our cry
Richmond expects that you will ever play the game
In the field or in the hall, honour Richmond’s name
Richmond stands for manliness, and for honour bright
Be a man and honour Richmond by upholding right
Richmond’s dear memory cherish when you men become
In the greater field of life strive to overcome
Fight against all wrong and evil and you shall not fail
Remembering Richmond’s motto you will ever prevail
Lyrics by Mr J.V Mendis
Download College Anthem (Singhala)
Download College Anthem (English)
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Galle
Galle
Galle is a city situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the capital city of Southern Province of Sri Lanka and it lies in Galle District....
, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. The school was established in 1814 by Christian missionaries. Richmond College is now a well established institution with a reputation as one of the finest schools in Sri Lanka. Approaching the end of its second century as a school, it has produced many prominent citizens, including two in the highest political positions, namely the current President, and a former Prime Minister.
History
The history of Richmond College is in a special way connected with the pioneer Wesleyan Missionaries who landed in Ceylon on the 29th of June 1814. The sailing ship in which they came made port at Galle. One of the boats that brought two of the party owing to a monsoon gale eventually landed at Weligama Bay. Of the party, "the Rev. Benjamin Clough remained in Galle and opened the first Wesleyan School in all Asia in the up-stair house of Mr. E. R. Gunaratne (a Mudliyer by rank) in Dickson Road, Galle." this was the precursor to current Richmond College. The Jubilee Memorials of Wesleyan Mission written by Rev. Robert Spence Hardy (printed in 1862) on page 210 states that first school started by the mission was in Galle. This is irrefutable evidence that Richmond was started in 1814. Further, in support of the 1814 claim in a letter by Rev. Langdon who became the Principal of Galle High School which later was named Richmond, sent to the synod in UK states that the schools was started with 100 boys with 45 boys from the former school standing in the same spot. This was written in 1877 and now there is no doubt that a school or schools of sort existed from the inception in 1814. Unfortunately most schools in Ceylon did not have any distinct names and such names came in to being much later. Most schools were then called Wesleyan Boys or Girls English School. No amount of name changes can alter the birth date of an institution or a person.In 1857 the Rev, Joseph Rippon, who was then stationed in Galle, with daring foresight persuaded the Mission to purchase 17 acres of land at Kumbalwella, two miles to the north of Galle Fort. This block consisted of five contiguous allotments of a land called Mount Seymour or Seymour Hill. The original owner of this land was, Doctor Robert Seymour Sillery M.D., Under Sillery it became known as “Dostara Kanda” or “Doctor's Hill”. After the Mission purchased it the missionaries started living there and the people began calling it “Padilikanda” or the “Hill of the Padres”.
Rev. Rippon probably had his theological training at Richmond College in Surrey. This institution which is situated on the banks of the Thames is famous for the grandeur of the scenery round about. Rev. Rippon either out of love for his old College or because of the scenic splendour of the local counterpart renamed this place Richmond Hill.
Wesleyan Mission did not go in for what is called "higher education" till long after the jubilee in 1864. It devoted all its powers to elementary teaching, the preaching of the Gospel, translating the scriptures and in building up congregations. The time came, however, for the establishment of High Schools and Colleges, and the Mission started several superior institutions for the imparting of higher education in few large cities.
In 1864 the Rev. George Baugh succeeded Rev. Rippon. Almost from the beginning he pursued the idea of establishing a "superior" English School on Richmond Hill. Rev. George Baugh's reasons were mainly that the standard of English of the local Theological students was not satisfactory and that the energies of the missionaries and local ministers were going to waste because the children of the Church were attending non-Methodist English Schools in Colombo. For these reasons he and his fellow-workers made frequent representations to the Foreign Missions Committee of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in England about the necessity for such a school.
Wesleyan missionary Rev. George Baugh is credited with changing the name of the school that was existing from "Boys' Anglo-Vernacular School" to Galle High School which was later renamed in 1882 as Richmond College as it was sited on Richmond Hill, which began its existence on 1 May 1876. Rev. Samuel Langdon was its first principal. He is also credited with having a proper school organized. The School began with a staff of 8 and with 104 pupils on the roll. Thus the school was opened for enrollment of the public in 1876 which up until then had a restricted enrollment.
Latin, Mathematics, Science, Arts and Religion were included in the curriculum, and children were trained to sit for British public examinations. A prize giving was held in its very first year, and a library with 500 books was opened in 1878.
From these facts, it is evident that from the beginning, Richmond College was conducted as a comprehensive educational institution. The school which was known by different names since 1814 was named "The Galle High School" in 1876, and six years later in 1882 was renamed "Richmond College".
The first College magazine was published in 1887. It was only the second occasion that a school in Ceylon had produced a magazine. The same year, the English Literary Union was formed and cricket was started in the school. In 1894, under the principal-ship of Rev. Hartley, the Old Boys' Association was formed. Another important occurrence during that year was the establishment of the College Cadet Corps.
Rev. James Horne Darrell assumed duties as principal in 1896. The school experienced both physical expansion as well as qualitative growth. During his period, Richmond rose to be recognized as one of the best schools in the island. At the local Cambridge Examinations of 1905, Richmond earned top position among assisted schools and second place among all schools in Ceylon. The same year, the Richmond - Mahinda Match
Richmond–Mahinda Cricket Encounter
The Richmond–Mahinda Cricket Encounter is an annual cricket big match played between the first XI cricket teams of Richmond College and Mahinda College in Galle, Sri Lanka. It is one of the longest cricket match series in Sri Lanka, having been played for 106 years. The match is also known as the...
was played for the first time, with the two Principals, Rev. Darrell of Richmond and Mr. F. L. Woodward of Mahinda, officiating as umpires. Rev. Darrell sacrificed his life for the college nursing the pupils who were afflicted 'Typhoid' when there was an outbreak in the country and was buried at the Dadalla Cemetery, Galle. Rev. W. J. T. Small became principal following the death of Rev. Darrell.
Commerce was introduced as a subject in 1912. This was also the year in which Football was started at Richmond. In 1915, the 2nd Galle (Richmond) Scouts Group was established. Scouting at Richmond College enjoyed remarkable success from the beginning. The first two King's Scouts in the island were produced by Richmond. In 1916, Ceylon 's first Cub Pack was started at Richmond College.
A notable event during Rev. Small's period was the formation of the National Association at Richmond in 1915. It was in effect a forum within the school for the emerging nationalist movement.
In 1922, Rev. Alec Sneath took over the principalship of Richmond College. He was responsible for many measures which brought refinement and qualitative development to the school.
In 1926, a well equipped library was established in a new building. The Science Society was started the same year. In 1931, the Sinhala Literary Union came into being.
In 1940, the last of the missionary principals left, leaving the school in the hands of local graduates.
Mr. E. R. de Silva, an old boy(alumni) of the school, had the distinction of becoming the first Ceylonese principal of Richmond College. This was a period which saw major changes in the educational structure of Ceylon. The Free Education Scheme which was devised by Mr. C. W. W. Kannangara, an illustrious old boy of Richmond College, was being implemented, and the school had to be geared to suit the changes.
In 1962, Richmond College, which was owned by the Methodist Mission, was nationalised. Mr. D. G. Welikala, the first head of Richmond College under state management, was also its first Buddhist principal. With the take over, the Methodist Vernacular School on Richmond Hill was amalgamated with Richmond. This school was referred to as the "Kaha Iskole" by some and "Pin Iskole" meaning free school by others, has been in existence from the time the Missionaries established a learning seat on Richmond Hill.
During this period, considerable expansion and change had to take place to cater to the new situation. Richmond College faced the challenge of transition so successfully that the then Minister of Education commended Richmond on several occasions, describing it as a model institution among nationalised schools.
Richmond College was one of the first schools in the island to start the teaching of Agriculture as a subject. In 1969, it became the first school in the country to start an Agricultural stream for the Advanced Level.
In 1976, the College celebrated its centenary as "Richmond College" although in reality it was 162 years in existence. In terms of the provisions of the White Paper on Education, Richmond College was named as a National School in 1986.
Incumbent Principal of Richmond College
The incumbent Principal is Mr. E.M.S Ekanayake a former Deputy Director of Education, North western province. He is a university graduate, and obtained his MSc at Malaya University in Malaysia. He has done further studies in USA, Japan and National institute of Education of Malaysia. Mr Ekanayake has 24 years experience in the field of education.Past principals
The following are the heads of the school after 1876. During the period 1814 to 1876 the Heads of the school were the Superintendents of the Mission in Galle.- Rev. Samuel Langdon (1876–1879)
- Rev. Samuel Hill (1879–1882)
- Rev. Samuel R Wilkin (1882–1888)
- Rev. Arthur Triggs (1888–1893)
- Rev. Horatius Hartley (1893–1896)
- Rev. James Horne Darrell (1896–1906)
- Rev. W J T Small (1906–1922)
- Rev. Alec A Sneath (1922–1939)
- Rev. John Dalby (1939–1940)
- Mr. E R De Silva (1940–1957)
- Mr. A Shelton Wirasinghe (1957–1961)
- Mr. Claude Ivor de Silva (1961)
- Mr. D G Welikala (1962–1971)
- Mr. J Munasinghe (1971–1973)
- Mr. S Kariyawasam (1973–1977)
- Mr. N P G Amarakeerthi (1978–1979)
- Mr. B Suriarachchi (1979–1986)
- Mr. S Illaperuma (1986–1994)
- Mr. W N R P Daniyas (1995–2007)
- Mr. E M S Ekanayake (2007–present)
Games
BadmintonBaseball
Chess
Table Tennis
Cricket
Football
Hockey
Rugby
Swimming
Clubs & Societies
Astronomy clubWestern Choir
Media Unit
Scouting
Cadets
Traffic Unit
Saint Jones First Aid Unit
Adventure Club
Cub Scouting
Photographic Society Exceptionally, one of the best photographic societies in Sri Lanka,
Current Office Bearers are as follows,
Patron - The Principal, Mr. E.M.S. Ekanayake
MIC and Chief Instructor - Mr. Deepal Jayawardane
President - H. Ruchira Poomudu Jayaweera
Vice President - Matheesha Weerasekara
Secretary - Thilina Pabasara Gamage
Vice Secretary - A.T.K. Buwaneka Ranmal
Treasurer - Mahasen Okanda Wickramarachchi
Vice Treasurer - Sehan de Silva
Committee members -
N.A. Lahiru Pramuditha
S.M. Naveendra Jayasinghe
G.K. Nishendra Chamara
Do You Know Circle
Newspaper and Magazine club
Science Society
Commerce Society
Philatelic Society
Art Society
United Nations Study Circle
Buddhist Society
Islamic Society
Environmental Pioneer Brigade
It is one of the first pioneer brigades in Sri Lanka which was established under Central Environmental Authority. It carried out research projects and many progarmmes which were appreciated by the society. Richmond environmental pioneer brigade produced first silver medalists and first gold medalists in the whole country. Mr. Cecil Surasena (then Master -in- charge) was awarded the Environmental award from Sri Lanka Association for advancement of science -SLAAS).
College Anthem (English)
Play up boys of Richmond all as one uniteBattle ever for the right and with all your might
Never mind a knock or two never fear the fight
Get upon your feet again for Richmond’s honour bright
Chorus
Richmond, for ever boys, let the air resound,
Richmond to the fore boys, let the cry go around
Dear to us is Richmond’s honour, we will never say die
All for Richmond, none for self, shall be ever our cry
Richmond expects that you will ever play the game
In the field or in the hall, honour Richmond’s name
Richmond stands for manliness, and for honour bright
Be a man and honour Richmond by upholding right
Richmond’s dear memory cherish when you men become
In the greater field of life strive to overcome
Fight against all wrong and evil and you shall not fail
Remembering Richmond’s motto you will ever prevail
Lyrics by Mr J.V Mendis
Download College Anthem (Singhala)
Download College Anthem (English)
Presidents, Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers and Prominent Legislators
- His Excellency Mahinda RajapaksaMahinda RajapaksaPercy Mahendra "Mahinda" Rajapaksa ; ; born November 18, 1945) is the 6th and current President of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. A lawyer by profession, Rajapaksa was first elected to the Parliament of Sri Lanka in 1970, and served as prime minister from April 6,...
- The current President of Sri Lanka - Hon. Dr Wijeyananda DahanayakeWijeyananda DahanayakeWijeyananda Dahanayake was a Sri Lankan political figure. He was the Prime Minister of Ceylon from 1959 to 1960.-Early Life:...
- Former Prime Minister of Ceylon - Hon. Dr C. W. W. Kannangara - Former Minister of Education and "Father of Free Education" in Sri Lanka
- Hon. Sir D Henry Kotalawala - former Legislative Council Member
- Hon. Vincent Stuart Wikramanayake - former Legislative Council Member
- Hon. Chamal RajapaksaChamal RajapaksaChamal Jayantha Rajapaksa is the current Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and former Cabinet Minister of Ports, Aviation, Irrigation and Water Management. He hails from a well known political family in Sri Lanka. His father, D. A...
- The current Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Former Minister of Aviation & Shipping - Hon. Montague Jayawickrema - Former Minister of Transport
- Hon. Sir Cyril de ZoysaCyril de ZoysaSir Cyril de Zoysa was a Sri Lankan industrialist, Senator and a philanthropist. The President of the Senate of Ceylon from 1960 to 1965, he was a leader in the Buddhist revival movement in Ceylon in the 20th century...
- former Senator - Hon. Premalal Kumarasiri aka K. P. de Silva - former MP
- Hon. D.M Rajapaksa - State Councilor, Parliamentarian
- Hon. D. A. RajapaksaD. A. RajapaksaDon Alwin Rajapaksa was a Sri Lankan politician and Member of Parliament, who represented the Beliatta electorate in Hambantota district from 1947 to 1965...
- Former Parliamentarian [Father of the current President of Sri Lanka and the Speaker of the Parliament] - Hon. P. H. William de SilvaWilliam de SilvaPeduru Hewage William de Silva was a 20th century Ceylonese politician with Marxist/Trotskyist leanings.P. H. William de Silva was born at Kahatapitiya in Batapola, Ambalangoda, Ceylon, to a wealthy land-owning family...
- Former Minister of Fisheries - Hon. Dr. W. A. de Silva - Former Minister of Health
- Hon. D. D. Gunesekera - former Minister of Cooperatives
- Hon. P. de S. Kularatne - former MP
- Hon. Keerthi Abeywickrama - former MP
- Hon. Sumanadasa Abeywickrama - Former MP for Akmeemana
- Hon. Vasudeva NanayakkaraVasudeva NanayakkaraVasudeva Nanayakkara is a veteran left-wing Sri Lankan politician, Member of Parliament and a former presidential candidate.-Politics:Nanayakkara joined the Lanka Sama Samaja Party as student in 1958...
- Parliamentarian and Minister - Hon. Hemakumara NanayakkaraHemakumara NanayakkaraHemakumara Wickramathilaka Nanayakkara is a Sri Lankan politician, a former member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and a former government minister.-References:...
-Former Minister of Agriculture - Hon. M.W.H. De Silva - Former Minster of Justice
- Hon. Amarasiri DodangodaAmarasiri DodangodaAmarasiri Dodangoda was the Cabinet Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs of Sri Lanka from April 2004 until 2005. He served as Chief minister of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka for one term from 1993 to 1994 and another term in 1994. He represented Galle district in parliament...
- Former Minster of Justice & Legal Reform - Hon. V.T.Nanayakkara - Former Parliamentarian
- Hon. George Rajapaksha - Former Minister of Fisheries
- Hon. Lakshman Rajapaksha - Former Parliamentarian
- Hon. Norman Widyaratna - Deputy Speaker of Parliament
- Hon. Mr. Sanjaya - Deputy Speaker of Parliament
- Hon. Ananda Abeywickrama- Former Parliamentarian
- Hon. Ramesh Pathirana- Parliamentarian
- Hon. V.K Indika - Parliamentarian
Prominent Jurists
(Only Superior Court Judges names are given here)- Hon. Justice G. P. S. de Silva - Former Chief Justice (1991)
- Hon. Justice Percy Collin Thome - Former Supreme Court Judge
- Hon. Justice M. W. H. de Silva KC - Former Supreme Court Judge, Solicitor General
- Hon. Justice Jagath Balapatabendi - Former Supreme Court Judge
- Hon. Justice D. S. C. Lekamwasam - Judge of the Appeal Court
Prominent Educationists
- Prof. A. S. Dissanaike - Emeritus professor of Parasitology, University of Colombo and former Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Colombo
- Prof. D. M. de Z. Wickramasinghe - former Professor of Oriental Languages, London School of Oriental Studies and an ephigraphist
- C. W. W. Kannangara - Former minister of Education & "Father of Free Education" in Sri Lanka
- Ediriweera SarachchandraEdiriweera SarachchandraEdiriweera Sarachchandra was an Sri Lankan playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist and social commentator. Considered Sri Lanka's premier playwright, he was a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya for many years and served as Sri Lankan Ambassador to France .- Early...
- playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist and social commentator, Chancellor of the University of PeradeniyaUniversity of PeradeniyaThe University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
, Ambassador to France. - Prof. E.F.C. Ludowyk - Professor of English, University of PeradeniyaUniversity of PeradeniyaThe University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
, who made yeoman contributions to modern English theatre in Sri Lanka - Prof. P.V.J Jayasekera - Professor of History, University of PeradeniyaUniversity of PeradeniyaThe University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
, Darrell Medal (1954) - H. A. I. Goonetilleke (Ian Goonetilleke) - Bibliographer and Librarian, University of PeradeniyaUniversity of PeradeniyaThe University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
, Darrell Medal (1941) - Dr. Gamini Haththotuwegama - Professor, Universities of University of PeradeniyaUniversity of PeradeniyaThe University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
& University of KelaniyaUniversity of KelaniyaThe University of Kelaniya is a state university of Sri Lanka. Situated just outside the municipal limits of Colombo, in the ancient and historic city of Kelaniya, the University has two major campuses, seven locations, six faculties and four institutions....
, "Father" of Street Drama, writer, film critic - P de S. Kularatne - Former Principal of Ananda College
- L. H. Mettananda - Former Principal of Ananda College
- Prof. George DissanaikeGeorge DissanaikeGeorge Alexander Dissanaike was an Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He was also a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, and a former President of the Institute of Physics....
- Formerly Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Physics, University of PeradeniyaUniversity of PeradeniyaThe University of Peradeniya is a world renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission...
, and Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences - Mr. Albert Dias Jayasinha - former Headmaster at Mahinda College when Mr. Woodward was the Principal of Mahinda.
- Kenneth M. de Lanarolle - former Principal of Kingswood, Carey and Wesley
- A. Shelton Wirasinghe - Former Principal of Richmond College and Wesley College
- Mr. S. Thomas de Silva - former Principal St. Thomas' College, Matara and founder of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda
- Prof. Nimal De Silva - Dean, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa
- Prof. Thilak Weerasooriya - Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhuna University
Prominent Civil Servants
- Mr. Cyril L. Wickramasinghe - the first Ceylonese Government Agent and former Land Commissioner
- Mr. V.L. Weerasinghe - Former Civil Servant and former Commissioner of Elections
- Mr. Walter David Jayasinha - former Ceylon Civil Servant
- Mr. Walter Elvin Shedden-Goonawardhane - former Assistant Conservator of Forests and later headed the Timber Corporation
- Mr. Jasenthu Liyana Nanadasiri de Silva aka Mr. Nanadasiri Jasentuliyana or J. L. N. de Silva - Deputy to the Director-General, UN Office at Vienna, Director, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA); Political Affairs Officer, Department of Political and Security Council Affairs, UN; Executive Secretary of the UN Conference on Nuclear Energy (UNPICPUNE), Executive Secretary of the UN Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE), President, International Institute of Space Law (IISL); Member, Board of Trustees of the International Space University (ISU); Member, Board of Directors of the International Institute of Air and Space Law, Faculty of Law, University of Leiden; Programme Officer, Asia Foundation; Attorney at Law
- Mr. Austin Fernando - former Secretary Minister of Defence
- Mr. Gamini S. Senerath - Addl. Secretary to HE the President and Chief of Staff
- Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam - a Career Diplomat
- AVM Ravindra 'Ravi' Aruthavanathan - Asst. Secretary, Ministry of Defence
- Dr. Fredrick Abeyratne, International civil servant, UNDP
Prominent Musicians and Dramatists
- Prof. Ediriweera SarachchandraEdiriweera SarachchandraEdiriweera Sarachchandra was an Sri Lankan playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist and social commentator. Considered Sri Lanka's premier playwright, he was a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya for many years and served as Sri Lankan Ambassador to France .- Early...
- playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist and social commentator - Prof. E.F.C. Ludowyk - Professor of English, University of Peradeniya, who made yeoman contributions to modern English theatre in Sri Lanka
- Dr. Gamini Haththotuwegama - "Father" of Street Drama, writer, film critic
- Mr. Hubert E. Weerasooriya - a former Archaeological Commissioner wrote "This Other Lanka"
- Mr. H. C. N. de Lanerolle - playwright of "Well Mudliyar" and "The Senator"
- Dr. Lionel Edirisinghe - musician of repute
- Mr. Yasapalitha Nanayakkara Film Direcor of Record Box Office Hit "Thusara" and others.
- Mr. Saranaguptha Amarasinghe - The lyricist of the Sinhalese School Song of Richmond "Pembara Richmond"
- Mr. Udeni Chandrasiri - Dramatist & Actor
- Mr. Rathnasri Wijesinghe - Award winning Lyricist
- Mr. Bandula Nanayakkarawasam - Award winning Lyricist
- Mr. Udayakantha Warnasuriya - Film director
- Mr. Pubudu Chathuranga - Actor
Prominent Sportsmen and sports administrators
- P.H.D. Waidyatilaka - International Technical Official (ITO) of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
- Champaka RamanayakeChampaka RamanayakeChampaka Priyadarshana Hewage Ramanayake is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who played in 18 Tests and 62 ODIs from 1986 to 1995....
- Former Sri Lankan cricketer and current bowling coach of Sri Lankan Cricket team - Athula Russell - National Chess Champion
- Chamila GamageChamila GamageChamila Gamage is a Sri Lankan cricketer...
- Former Sri Lankan cricketer - Suranga LakmalSuranga LakmalSuranga Lakmal is a Sri Lankan international cricketer. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batsman. He was first included in the national squad for the tour of Pakistan in 2008-2009 and was reported to have been injured in the attack on the Sri Lankan team by terrorists...
- Sri Lankan fast bowler - Yashoda Lanka - Former captain of Sri Lanka u19 team
- Dhananjaya De Silva - All Island Best Allrounder 2011, Schoolboy Cricketer of the year 2011-runner up,All Island best batsman 2011-runner up
Scientists and Medical Personnel
- Dr Sarath Gamini de Silva - Consultant Physician National hospital of Sri Lanka
- Dr Mahendra Perera - Consultant Oncologist, Cancer Hospital Maharagama
- Dr. Nishantha Nanayakkara - Scientist and lecturer in University of Moratuwa.
- Dr. Nandana Atapattu - Treatment Veterinarian.
- Dr. Ariyasena U. Gamage - Community Health specialist.