History
Step into the enchanting history of Asoka Vidyalaya, a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education. In the year 1971, amidst the bustling landscape of Colombo, Mr. Premadasa Udugama, the visionary Secretary to the Ministry of Education, conceptualized a grand initiative to establish three new Primary model schools in the Colombo District.
From this ambitious vision emerged three beacons of learning – Mahnama, Sirimavo, and Asoka. However, the journey of Asoka Vidyalaya was distinct and carried an aura of determination, as the school was allocated a small plot in Maradana, a locality rife with challenges and occupied by undesirable elements.
The plot, once used for garbage collection and owned by a foreigner named "Stock," became the canvas for an extraordinary educational endeavor. The responsibility to transform this seemingly inhospitable land into a place of enlightenment fell upon the shoulders of Mr. M.P. Dharmaratne, an education officer with a proven track record.
Born on August 16, 1933, Mr. Dharmaratne, trained as a teacher in Maharagama during 1953/1954, fearlessly accepted the challenge. The initial stages were marred by difficulties, with pegs and threads disappearing overnight, and the air thick with hostility. Despite death threats, Mr. Dharmaratne's unwavering determination prevailed, and within five months, a remarkable building with eight classrooms emerged, rising from the very garbage-filled land that posed significant challenges.
On January 2, 1973, the school embarked on its journey as "Stockwatta Primary School," only to be reborn as "Asoka Primary Vidyalaya" in 1977. The subsequent elevation to a secondary school in 1980 marked a pivotal moment in the institution's growth. Initially struggling to attract students, the school evolved into a Grade One school in 1974, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.
Under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Dharmaratne, who served for 23 years, Asoka Vidyalaya flourished. The torch of progress was carried forward by subsequent principals, including Mr. D.M. Gunadasa, Mr. Prasanna Upashantha, and Mr. Y. Yasarathna who contributed significantly to the school's academic and extracurricular achievements.
The rich tapestry of Asoka Vidyalaya's history includes a brief tenure under Mr. Y. Yasarathna, paving the way for the current custodian of the school's legacy, Mr. Buddhika Aththanayaka. With unwavering commitment, he continues to uplift Asoka Vidyalaya as a leading, well-educated, and well-disciplined institution in the country, ensuring that the spirit of resilience and dedication lives on in every student who walks through its hallowed halls.
