Kotte Sri Jayawardanapura M V celebrates 190th Anniversary

Secretary Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the chief guest at the 190th anniversary celebrations of the historic Sri Jayawardanapura Maha Vidyalaya, Kotte today (12th July).

The school was established in 1822 with 8 students and has over the years produced a number of eminent personalities such as Anagarika Dharmapala, John De Silva and Ananda Samarakoon.

After unveiling a commemorative plaque the Secretery Defence addressed the gathering. In his speech he said that the services of this prestigious historical school to the society are evident by the distinguished personalities it has produced in the past. He also said that under the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project old structures and buildings in Colombo are being replaced with modern ones and plans are afoot to make Colombo a more pleasant and beautiful city. He further added that he would assist in the development of the school through the Urban Development Authority.

He noted that at present the country is moving towards achieving its developmental goals in a peaceful environment and the students are being provided with many facilities and there are ample of job opportunities within a wider range of professional fields and stressed the need for the students to plan and manage their education in order to have a better future.

Later the Secretary Defence made an observation visit around the school premises.

A large number of distinguished guests including the former minister of external affairs Rohitha Bogollagama, Western Provincial Councilors Hector Bethmage and Keerthi Udawatte, Deputy Mayor of Kotte MC, officials of the zonal education office, parents and students were present at the occasion.

Courtesy: Defence