Maharagama Central College (Madya Maha Vidyalaya or MMV), in the Maharagama Education Division within the Sri Jayewardenepura Education Zone, has a unique and distinct history when compared to other educational institutions.
Maharagama Central College, established in 1936 as an affiliated educational institution at the location of the present Thurstan College, underwent a significant move following the Second World War. It then relocated to buildings constructed on the site of a former military camp, marking a pivotal transition in the college’s history.
After the relocation of the school to Maharagama on January 15, 1949, it was designated as the Maharagama Teachers’ College Practical School. This change in status and location marked a significant development in the school’s history, with an emphasis on practical teacher training.
In 1978, Maharagama Central College achieved a significant milestone by rapidly increasing its student enrollment from 157 to 750, which was considered a substantial number at the time. This remarkable growth can be attributed to various changes in the school system and the prevailing circumstances during that period.
Principal
N. D. C. Jayangani
As a result of these developments, the then Secretary of Education officially designated the college under the name “Maharagama Central College” recognising its expanded role and significance in the education landscape. This decision reflected the school’s evolving status and its contribution to education in the region.
Being the only Central School in the Maharagama constituency, the land area of this college is spread over three acres. At present the number of students in this mixed school is about 1,500.
The classes are held from 6th to 13th Grade and the Advanced Level consists of Arts, Commerce, Mathematics, Science and Technology. There is a special emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in all grades.
According to the official classification of the Ministry of Education, the Maharagama Central College is designated as a 1 AB school.
The history of the Maharagama Central College attests to its longstanding commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
From its inception, the school has boasted a highly qualified teaching staff capable of instructing both aesthetic and practical subjects. In addition, the presence of a theatre that can accommodate nearly 1,000 people sets the school apart from others in the Maharagama area, making it a valuable asset for external cultural and artistic endeavours as well, apart from school activities.
Multi-faceted approach
The Maharagama Central College plays an active role in supporting various college programs, Government initiatives, and the non-Government sector, contributing significantly to the broader community and the education sector. This multi-faceted approach underscores the school’s importance and its impact on local and educational communities.
In the language department of the Maharagama Central College, students have the opportunity to study not only Tamil, Sinhala and English but also foreign languages like Japanese.
Members of the media unit and traffic wardens with the teachers-in-charge
N. D. C. Jayangani serves as the principal of Maharagama Central College. Since assuming the role on September 27, 2017, she has been dedicated to advancing the students through educational activities, nurturing their sports skills, and facilitating various extracurricular activities.
Her position as an A-grade principal in the Principals Service underscores her experience and dedication to the school’s mission and the student’s overall development.
Under N. D. C. Jayangani’s leadership, the passing percentage of the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination has improved significantly.
The pass rate increased from 68 percent in 2017 to an impressive 88 percent in 2018. This remarkable 20 percent increase in the overall results contributed to the school’s achievements, and they were awarded the best school’s trophy in the Jayewardenepura Education Zone. This is a testament to her effective leadership and the dedication of the school’s staff and students.
Additionally, the overall Advanced Level results pass rate, which stood at 22 percent in 2017, saw a substantial increase to 74 percent by the year 2022. This remarkable progress allowed the school to secure the second position among the Advanced Level results in the Jayewardenepura Region.
In 2023, the school achieved the second position in the All Ceylon English Drama (Senior) competition among co-curricular activities, marking another significant accomplishment.
The school quickly adapted to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, turning to online lessons for all students, which enabled them to continue their education without any interruption.
In addition to its academic activities, the Maharagama Central College offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities for its students.
These include Junior and Senior Cadets, a school band, the Red Cross Society, Scouts Society, Conducting/Music Society, Media Unit, Inventions Society, Buddhist Society, Debating Teams, and a variety of sports such as athletics, volleyball, football, rugby, cricket, chess, badminton, karate and netball.
Many students display their talents and achievements in these areas. However, one notable limitation is the absence of a formal stadium or sports facility within the school. The school is striving to fulfill this objective.
The dedicated faculty and non-academic staff at Maharagama Central College play a pivotal role in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and creative skills of the students. Their commitment and expertise is a tremendous asset to the school’s progress and development.
Art and craft classes
As of now, the school offers art and craft classes in 32 classrooms for students ranging from Grades 6 – 13 with the guidance of 78 teachers and parents who are actively involved in supporting and nurturing the student’s artistic and creative talents. This collaborative effort contributes to a well-rounded education and the overall growth of the students.
The school is preferred by students in the area who excel at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, having earned a reputation for academic excellence.
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