Principal's Message

In February 2003, I assumed duties as the Principal of the Mahanama College. I was well aware that I was taking up the task of making a successful school into a more successful school while contributing to shape up the characters and futures of thousands of young children who would be the brain and heart of our country once they walk into the society from the school. Each student who comes to school is unique in his own way and possesses some kind of talents.

The duty of the school is to identify the talents of each student and develop them and help them to become balanced individuals and good and useful citizens to their motherland.In its history of 55 years Mahanama has been discharging this duty unfailingly. In a school, big or small, an atmosphere conducive to learning, physical infrastructure, human resources and healthy environment are vital for achieving the goal of disseminating education.  It would be pertinent to speak about various things that were done during the recent past to create such an environment for our students.

In 2003, we demolished the hut at the main gate and constructed a new entrance gate to enhance the first impression of the school. The access road to school also was developed by laying pre mixed tar and constructing a curb along the path.

The first sight that would catch the eye as one enters the Mahanama College is the lush green playground which is one of our many prides. This was an arid land full of dust and rubble before 2003. I piloted the project to cover the playground with green grass, of course, with the unstinted support of the O.B.A and financial assistance of the National Lotteries Board, The Department of Public Trustee and many other well-wishers.

As one passes the “Mahanama Rangahala” ,out theatre, and the statue of the Lord Buddha, one comes across the area of classrooms. When I assumed duties as Principal in 2003, the area around the classrooms was full of dust when its dry and turned mud when it rained. Clouds of dust were formed as thousands of students played during the school interval. It was undoubtedly a health hazard to the students which worried parents and teachers alike. Furthermore, the management of the school had been warned by health authorities of Colombo Municipal Council with regard to health risks that were breeding in the ground.  Finding a remedy for the issue was urgent considering both reasons stated above. We took measures to lay premixed tar in the area and suitable places were landscaped in order to add greenery and a better look. Now the environment of Mahanama College has become picturesque and makes pleasant environment which has brought tremendous impact on learning atmosphere of the school. Apart from this, a large area of the school premises has giant trees providing cool shade to the students and housing to birds and other creatures.  We are extremely pleased with this and consider that we have brought a piece of the nature into Colombo 3.

We can have excellent teachers who are well qualified and students with extraordinary brain capacity.  Still, we might not achieve results desired if required infrastructure facilities are not in place. That was another issue we had to address during the past few years.
A computer lab equipped was a long felt need of the Mahanama College. In 2003, there was only one room with ten computers stuffed in it. At present, the sons of Mahanama are blessed with well-quipped, air-conditioned computer lab with more than 50 computers which can easily cater for the needs of O/L and A/L students who offer Information Technology as a subject at their examinations.

A new laboratory for O/L students was constructed to facilitate studying science. Books could bring more wisdom than what could be taught in a period of few hours a day on a wide range of subjects than we teach in school.  We appreciated this fact and consequently the old library was shifted to a new building with better and modern facilities. In 2007, the office of the Principal was shifted to a new building with modern facilities ensuring that he is better placed to serve the school. Advanced Level Commerce building which was in a dilapidated condition was completely renovated to look better from outside and feel better while learning. Measures were adopted to supply purified drinking water for the students and all toilets were renovated guaranteeing better sanitary facilities.

For the first time in the history of Mahanama, we have introduced English medium classes from grade 6 upwards. Students of Mahanama have always achieved good results at their examinations and the trend continued with better results each year. After 2003,  Mahanama College recorded achievements not only in the academic field but also in co-curricular activities. There are more than 20 clubs and societies operating in the College providing invaluable exposure to the students to situations and opportunities. Most of these societies provide guidance to our young students helping to mould their characters according to the accepted value system in the country.

The students’ welfare society, established in 2003, offers monthly allowances to the needy students. The Welfare Society will take steps to look after the students if they sustain injuries or hospitalized for some reason. School canteen was refurbished with more modern amenities to create a better environment. The cool water plant installed in the canteen could be named as the best attraction to the students who are exhausted with mental and physical activities.
After breaking three year long silence in cricket, Mahanama College recommenced on a long journey in that sphere, in 2007.  The ultimate result was joining hands with D.S Senanayake College of Colombo in 2007 to play an annual Big Match and one day cricket match. Ending the backwardness in cricket, our Under 17 team became the runner up in the Lemonade Trophy Tournament.   The history of the Mahanama college Cadet platoon runs back to 1986. For the first time in the history of the College and after two decades the Cadet Platoon secured the first place for two consecutive years from 2007, by defeating leading national schools in the Western Province and qualified itself for the Herman Lose camps.

After 17 years of trial, the under 19 Rugby team, emerged victorious in 2008 and was promoted to the A division providing a reason for Mahanama rugby fans to rejoice. Basketball team of Mahanama won places at all island level securing a permanent position in the basketball arena in the country. Mahanama takes pride in gifting national level basketball players to the country.    Sports such as Football, Hockey, Karate, Wushu are games popular in the school. Carom and Volley ball were introduced in last year and were readily welcomed by the students.  We anticipate that our students will excel in them in time to come.