The former provincial Minister of Education Mr. Suranimala Rajapaksha had the intention of commencing a new school as an alternative to the growing population of the area and the increasing demand for a good school. As a result with the consent of the former member of the Parliament Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe the constructions were started on 20th of June 1990.

This school was inauguraly opened on 25th of March 1991 with 171 little Vishakians. But legally the date was recorded as 1st of April 1991. The staff consisted of two teachers and there was just a two story building in a land of one acre. The land was given by a retired principal Mr. Gamage. In addition to that Ms. M.D. Punnyawathie, Mr. S.K. Shrikantha, Mr. N.D. Perera, Mr. I.G. Sujitha Perera and Ms. M.D. Ariyawathie contributed by selling their lands to a sum of 80 lacks with the involvement of the government.

Rev. Banagala Upathissa Thero has been supporting for the progress of the school as a well wisher from the very beginning. He took the initiative to construct the main hall of Vishaka Vidyalaya by spending nine hundred thousand rupees. As an honor the main hall is named as “Banagala Upathissa Hall”. Rev. Banagala Upathissa Thero never forgets to inquire about the school as soon as he gets a relief from his duty by being the chief incumbent of Japan. The founder Principal Madam D.L. Padmasheeli was giving her committed active and clever leadership to guide the Vishakians. Her commitment to the service has contributed a lot for the enlistment of the school. The way Vishakians reached was not a comfortable path. We achieved this goal and reached the vision through a lot of inconveniences and using and following various successful guidance. We succeeded in spreading the name and fame not only in the Kelaniya zone but beyond it with the help of the accurate management and the vigorous leadership of the honorable Madam Principal.

Mrs. D.L. Padmasheeli.

First Log Entry

WP/KE Vishaka College Sapugaskanda was ceremonially inaugurated today at the auspicious time 11.33 a.m. This occasion was graced by the presence of the following dignitaries; Mr. K.M. Jinadasa, Deputy Director of Education-Biyagama, Mr. C. Wimaladharma, Assistant Director of Education-Biyagama, Mr. A.J. Sirisena. Mr. P.P.D.T. Aquinaz and Mr. V.K. Ruparathne, Divisional Secretary of Biyagama. The occasion was also attended by Mr. Keerthi Atapattu, the O.I.C. of Biyagama Police Station, Mr. M.W. Gamage, the philantherpist who donated the land and Mrs. Malani Fernando, the Engineer in charge of constructions, parents and students. The ceremony was arranged by Principal Mrs. D.L. Padmasheeli and staff. Mrs. K.G. Jayamanike and Mrs. K.M. Kavithilaka were appointed as school teachers and K.L. Anuruddika, was admitted as the 1st student. Mr. Rathnasiri Gamage, who got pension under circular 44/90, also works as a temporary staff member. It is pleased to conduct the opening ceremony as hoped.

“My one and only wish to become this school as one of the most popular schools in Sri Lanka”

Suranimala Rajapaksha

Vocational, Youth Affairs, Labour and Education Minister of Western Province.

25th March, 1991.