‘Vidyalaya Nalanda’ research book to be launched on November 1

It explores the 100 years history of Nalanda Vidyalaya in Colombo and encompasses historical aspects that have yet to be explored regarding Nalanda Vidyalaya

The launch ceremony for the research book ‘Vidyalaya Nalanda’, which examines the one hundred years history of Nalanda Vidyalaya in Colombo, is scheduled to take place under the chairmanship of Eastern Governor Prof. Jayantha Lal Rathnasekara on November 1, 2024,  at 2:30 PM at the Malalasekara Memorial Hall in Nalanda Vidyalaya.

According to a statement, the keynote addresswill be presented by Prasanna Gunasena, a neurosurgeon. Distinguished alumni of Nalanda Vidyalaya are also expected to attend the event. 

This research book has been authored by writer and critic Ajith Galappaththi and  published by the Old Nalandian 89’ group. He possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kelaniya and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of  Colombo, and he is currently working on his postgraduate research in Cinema. The author, who has previously published several research books and articles, has served on various juries and institutions associated with art and media. 

This book encompasses historical aspects that have yet to be explored regarding Nalanda Vidyalaya, which was initiated by De S. Kularatne who served as the Principal of  Ananda College in the early 1920s and subsequently transferred to Olcott Buddhist Theosophical Society. The circumstances that prompted S. Kularatne to select a group of the most gifted students from Ananda to establish the Ananda Branch College, and the decision to choose a location distant from Paranawaadiya in Maradana, where Ananda is situated are also examined in the book. In response to the collegiate culture prevalent during British rule, Kularatne founded this modern institution, naming it ‘Vidyala’ in both  Sinhala and English, and modelled this ‘Vidyala’ after Nalanda University in India. 

This book encompasses historical documents pertaining to the inception of Nalanda  Vidyalaya as a pioneering institution of Buddhist education in Sri Lanka. Along with rare photographs that have yet to be published, it features insights into the principals, including the inaugural principal Dr. Gunapala Malalasekara, as well as L. H. Mettananda and W. E. Fernando. Additionally, it addresses the buildings constructed acknowledges the contributions and the involvement of Buddhist leaders such as on the same site prior to the college’s registration under the name ‘Nalanda,’ and Dharmapala and Arthur V. Dias. The narrative explores the circumstances surrounding the registration of Nalanda College, which took  place on a Sunday holiday, November 1, 1925. It raises questions about Ananda - Nalanda’s first significant cricket match in 1924, prior to the establishment of the school, and investigates the connection between Olcott, who passed away in 1907, and Nalanda College. Furthermore, this study will delve into the pioneering contributions of P. S.  Kularatne, the founder of Nalanda, and the era in which he served. 

The course of researching the history of Nalanda Vidyalaya was done utilising the  archives of the Nalanda Museum, State Archives, and State Museum Library, in addition to several private libraries. Conversations were also held with former principals and senior Old Boys of Nalanda Vidyalaya, who shared their sources of information. The founder of Nalanda College, S. Kularatne. The author has also engaged with the principal and academic scholars to investigate the historical contributions of Ananda College, which  played a pivotal role in establishing Nalanda Vidyalaya, alongside S. Kularatne. This  book features a compilation of previously unpublished documents and photographs related to Ananda Vidyalaya, the institution that founded Nalanda Vidyalaya. The author has dedicated five years to conducting this research.

This book, comprising 66 chapters and 307 sub-topics, is published by Gunasena  Company Limited utilising modern printing technology. The price of the book is Rs. 7500,  and it will be available for pre-order, along with a special discount on the launch day.