About Us

Our Legacy, Our Vision, Our Future

A Proud History of Education Since 1901

Bandaragama Central College, located in the heart of the Kalutara District, is a distinguished co-educational institution with a history that spans over a century. Established in 1901 as Weedagama Ladies College, the school has evolved into one of the most respected national schools in Sri Lanka, offering education from Grade 1 to Advanced Level.

According to historical records, the school began with just a few students and a strong vision for educating young girls. In 1922, a generous land donation of two acres by D.H.R.W. Kannangara (Thalgaspitiye Ralahami), a nobleman of Bandaragama, marked a turning point. The school was then renamed Junior Ladies College, Bandaragama. Under the leadership of pioneering principals such as Mrs. D.B.W. Kannangara, Mrs. D.C.D. Kulathunga, Mrs. W.P. Liyanage, and Mrs. T.G.K. Wijemanna, the school rapidly gained recognition as a center of educational excellence.

A National School on the Rise

Bandaragama Central College was elevated to Central College status on February 28, 1980, under the patronage of then-President Mr. J.R. Jayewardene. At the time, the school had 708 students and 43 teachers. With steady development, the school became a National School on March 24, 1999, marking a major milestone in its journey toward excellence.

Today, the college is home to over 2,300 students and supported by a dedicated team of 124 qualified teachers. The school offers Advanced Level streams in Science, Arts, and Commerce, and has consistently delivered outstanding results in Grade 5 Scholarship, GCE O/L, and GCE A/L examinations.

Leadership Through the Years

The school’s steady rise is credited to the vision and dedication of its past principals:

  • Mrs. L.K. Wickramasinghe (1977–1980, 1988–1990)

  • Mr. M. Karunapala (1980–1983)

  • Mr. Ariyasena Thanthirige (1983–1988)

  • Mr. M. Weedagama Arachchige (1991)

  • Rev. Kalawane Ananda Thero (1992–1993)

  • Mr. K.L. Premachandra (1993–1997)

  • Rev. Makuruppe Somalankara Thero (1998–1999, 2015–2020)

  • Mr. G.D. Ranjith Premasiri (1999–2009)

  • Mr. P.R. Premasiri Perera (2010–2015)

The tenure of Rev. Makuruppe Somalankara Thero is considered a golden era in the school’s history, where academic, cultural, and infrastructural development flourished under his visionary leadership.

Today and Beyond

The current principal, Mrs. Janaki Athukorala Chandrasena, assumed duties on February 26, 2020, and continues to lead the school with commitment and innovation. Her tireless efforts have brought Bandaragama Central College to new heights—making it a school that stands on par with other top institutions in Sri Lanka, both in education and co-curricular development.

Vision & Mission
Vision Statement

විශිෂ්ටවයේ අබිමුවට

Mission Statement

ගුණ නුවණින් සපිරි, රට දැය සමයට හිතැති, ජීවන මගෙහි අභියෝග විජයග්‍රහණය කළ හැකි, ලොවට වැඩදායක පුර්ණ පෞරුෂයකින් හෙබි පුරවැසියකු බිහි කිරිම බණ්ඩාරගම  ජාතික පාසල් මෑණියන්ගේ උදාර මෙහෙවරයි.