== Jinaraja College – Old Boys Association (Old Jinarajians) ==
== Jinaraja College – Old Boys Association (Old Jinarajians) ==
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The Jinaraja College ”’Old Boys Association”’ (Old Jinarajians) is a distinguished alumni network that unites former students of Jinaraja Boys’ College, fostering lifelong connections and a spirit of service to their alma mater. Established with the aim of supporting the school’s educational, cultural, and sporting initiatives, the association plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of the institution. Through various programs, scholarships, and community projects, JBCOBA contributes significantly to enhancing the learning environment, while also promoting camaraderie, mentorship, and social responsibility among its members. The association stands as a proud testament to the enduring legacy and achievements of Jinaraja College’s alumni across Sri Lanka and beyond.
The Jinaraja College ”’Old Boys Association”’ (Old Jinarajians) is a distinguished alumni network that unites former students of Jinaraja Boys’ College, fostering lifelong connections and a spirit of service to their alma mater. Established with the aim of supporting the school’s educational, cultural, and sporting initiatives, the association plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of the institution. Through various programs, scholarships, and community projects, JBCOBA contributes significantly to enhancing the learning environment, while also promoting camaraderie, mentorship, and social responsibility among its members. The association stands as a proud testament to the enduring legacy and achievements of Jinaraja College’s alumni across Sri Lanka and beyond.
== References ==
== References ==
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Jinaraja Boys College – Gampola, Kandy
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Jinaraja Boys College (ජිනරාජ විද්යාලය) [1] is a Buddhist boys school which founded in 1915, which is located in the ancient Kingdom
| Jinaraja Boys College (ජිනරාජ පිරිමි විද්යාලය) |
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Sinhapitiya, Gampola Gampola , Sri Lanka , Central Province |
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| Coordinates | 7°09′40″N 80°33′26″E / 7.1610°N 80.5571°E / 7.1610; 80.5571 |
| Former name | Jinaraja Buddhist English School |
| School type | Boys National / Public 1AB |
| Motto | පඤ්ඤා , නරානං , රතනං (ප්රඤ්ඤාව මිනිසාට රත්නයයි) |
| Religious affiliation | Buddhism |
| Established | 1915 |
| Founder | M.B. Fonseka |
| Sister school | Jinaraja Girls College |
| School district | Kandy |
| Educational authority | Ministry of Education |
| Category | High School |
| Teaching staff | 150+ |
| Grades | 1 – 13 |
| Primary years taught | Grade 1 – Grade 5 |
| Secondary years taught | Grade 6 – Grade 13 (Advanced Level) |
| Gender | Male |
| Age range | 6 – 19 |
| Enrollment | 2,500+ |
| Language | Sinhala / English |
| Schedule | 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Houses | Vijaya / Gemunu / Thissa |
| Colors | Navy Blue & Deep Sky Blue |
| Athletics | Yes |
| Sports | Yes |
| Nickname | Jinarajians |
| Alumni | Old Jinarajians |
of Gampola, (Kandy District, Central Province), beneath the majestic Ambuluwawa Mountain and surrounded by an enchanting natural environment, Jinaraja Boys’ College proudly carries the name of Lord Buddha and it is a Buddhist boys’ school with around 2,000+ students. The school is spread over 14 acres. The school has earned a distinguished reputation for producing world-renowned athletes, sports personalities, doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants, and artists who have made significant contributions to the literary world and to the nation. Many proud sons of Jinaraja continue to serve mother Sri Lanka with dedication and excellence.
Situated in the Gampola Educational Zone, Jinaraja Boys’ College celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015, marking a legacy of academic excellence and national service.
[2] Around 1915, during the height of British colonial power in Sri Lanka, the Buddhist population faced severe hardships. Opportunities were limited, and even those who converted to Christianity and spoke some English were often restricted to lower-ranking jobs. During this period, tea and coffee plantations flourished in Gampola, leading to the establishment of numerous tea factories. These factories relied on transporting their produce to Colombo and receiving supplies through Gampola, making the town a key center of commerce.
Since modern transportation was not yet developed, bullock carts were the primary means of transporting goods. The owners of these carts became wealthy and influential. Among them was Mr. M.B. Fonseka, who owned more than 50 carts and was one of the most prominent figures in the area.
The Founding of the School
Recognizing the lack of educational opportunities for Buddhist children, Mr. M.B. Fonseka took the initiative to provide English education to them. On 18 June 1915, he rented a house in Keerapane, near Gampola, and established a school. On 9 October 1916, the school was officially handed over to Mr. M. Senanayake, who became the head teacher. Mr. E. L. De Silva succeeded him as principal on 15 June 1917.
On 6 June 1922, Mr. M. B. Nawarathne, an experienced educator who had worked in several other schools, was appointed as the principal. Under his leadership, the school opened its doors to Tamil and Muslim students, transforming from a Buddhist-only institution into a more inclusive educational establishment.
Buddhist Theosophical Society
The death of the founder, Mr. Fonseka, on 4 January 1924, created financial difficulties for the school, including issues with teacher salaries and rental payments. Seeing the school’s struggles, Mr. M. W. R. De Silva, a lawyer and the President of the Youth Buddhist Association of Gampola, sought assistance from the Buddhist Theosophical Society (BTS) which was established by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. Colonel Henry Steel Olcott (1832–1907), the co-founder and first president of the Theosophical Society, played a significant role in the revival of Buddhism and Buddhist education in Sri Lanka during the late 19th century.
Through the establishment of the Buddhist Theosophical Society (BTS), Olcott and his associates established and supported several leading Buddhist schools, including Ananda College, Colombo, Nalanda College, Colombo, and Dharmaraja College, Kandy. Mahinda College, Galle. Jinaraja College, established in the early 20th century by the local Buddhist community, was influenced by this educational revival movement initiated by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. Later, the Buddhist Theosophical Society assumed management of Jinaraja College, further strengthening its role in promoting Buddhist education and cultural values across the island.
Relocation and Early Challenges
With the support of Mr. De Silva, the school was relocated to Weegulawatta and established in a temporary wattle-and-daub building on 7 October 1926. The land was purchased for Rs. 2,000, and the Youth Buddhist Association pledged to construct a permanent building. Unfortunately, the temporary structure was destroyed by a flood on 8 June 1928.
The New School Building
Construction of a new school building began on 9 October 1928 with Rs. 5,000 in government funding and Rs. 20,000 in donations from well-wishers—both Buddhist and non-Buddhist. However, the funds were insufficient, and delays in receiving the government contribution further complicated the project. Demonstrating extraordinary generosity, the architect, Mr. Suwaris Perera, sold one of his own properties to complete the building.
The completed structure featured six classrooms, a central courtyard, and a two-story wing with a main hall. The official opening took place on 3 February 1930 and was graced by the Governor, Hon. Sir Herbert Stanley. In recognition of his remarkable contribution, Mr. Suwaris Perera was honored with a gold pound by the Youth Buddhist Association of Gampola.[3] [4] [5]
Jinaraja College – Old Boys Association (Old Jinarajians)
[edit]
The Jinaraja College Old Boys Association (Old Jinarajians) is a distinguished alumni network that unites former students of Jinaraja Boys’ College, fostering lifelong connections and a spirit of service to their alma mater. Established with the aim of supporting the school’s educational, cultural, and sporting initiatives, the association plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of the institution. Through various programs, scholarships, and community projects, JBCOBA contributes significantly to enhancing the learning environment, while also promoting camaraderie, mentorship, and social responsibility among its members. The association stands as a proud testament to the enduring legacy and achievements of Jinaraja College’s alumni across Sri Lanka and beyond.
- ^ “Welcome to Jinaraja College”. jinaraja.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
- ^ “Jinaraja Boys’ College, J. B. C sinhapitiya gampola, Gampola (2025)”. www.schoolandcollegelistings.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
- ^ “Jinaraja Boys’ College – Gampola, Sinhapitiya, Gampola (2025)”. www.govserv.org. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
- ^ “J YANS 4 EVER, Sinhapitiya Road Gampola, Gampola (2025)”. www.schoolandcollegelistings.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
- ^ “Gampola Jinaraja Boys’ College – Ambuluwawa Road, Sinhapitiya, Gampola, 20500, Sri Lanka – Cybo”. www.cybo.com. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
