Sri Devananda College is a co-educational school in Ambalangoda in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The current principal is M. Upul Jaya Sri de Silva.

History

Foundation

In the 19th century, education in Sri Lanka was dominated by the Christian missionary societies. Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu children had little choice but to study in Christian schools; such an education was the best qualification for a job because of government preference for Christian schools. There were some vernacular schools and, although they were funded by government grants and supported by philanthropic neighbours, they were limited in number and resources. In 1836, the Colebrooke–Cameron Commission recommended that a ministry be appointed to manage education. As a result, the government took over the provision of education and Colombo Academy was founded in the capital. The late 19th century saw the founding of several new independent schools, mostly linked to the Anglican church, but provision for education of non-Christian, non-English-speaking children remained patchy.