Ananda Balika Vidyalaya
A living heritage of education, Buddhist values, culture, service and generations of Sri Lankan women.
1925 — PRESENT
School Flag & Crest
School Flag & Crest of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya
The official crest and flag represent the identity, Buddhist values, discipline, and educational vision of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Crest
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya Flag
Hall of Principals
Honouring the visionary principals who guided Ananda Balika Vidyalaya through a century of academic, cultural, and spiritual leadership.
Mrs. Hilda Kularatne
Mrs. Dorin Yen Wickramasinghe
Principal
Mrs. Jude Cook
Principal
Mrs. Adlin de Seram
Principal
Mrs. Somi Keerthisinghe
Principal
Dr. Tilokasundari Kariyawasam
Principal
Mrs. Rupa Nanayakkara
Principal
Mrs. Rukmani Gunewardena
Principal
Mrs. Malani Ranawaka Herath
Principal
Mrs. Anoma Dahanayake
Principal
Mrs. W. G. B. Kumuduni
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya was administered as Mahabodhi Vidyalaya under the Mahabodhi Society
The Foundation Years
Ananda Balika Vidyalaya was established on 25 January 1925 in the Borella–Campbell Place area, on the land where the present Gothami Balika Vidyalaya stands. During the early period, classes were conducted from the primary level up to the London Matriculation examination.
During this period, students from Burma and Japan also received their education at the school. These formative years laid the academic and cultural foundation of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya before the school was temporarily closed during the Second World War in 1943.
The First School Song
During the period from 1932 to 1934, the first school song of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya was composed by Ananda Samarakoon, who served as the school's music teacher at the time.
The first school song was composed to a melody based on the Indian National Anthem, creating an important musical and cultural tradition in the history of the school.
The Wartime Years
The period from 1940 to 1943 represents the wartime chapter of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya. During the Second World War, the school was temporarily closed in 1943.
After the temporary closure, preparations were made to revive the school under new leadership, leading to its reopening in 1943.
Revival and Expansion
Following the wartime closure, P. de S. Kularatne requested Miss Somi Ratnapala, who was then serving on the teaching staff, to take responsibility for reopening the school. The school was initially restarted at the Mahabodhi School premises at Foster Lane.
As the number of students increased, the school was moved to the land that Anagarika Dharmapala had reserved for a Buddhist girls' school. On 12 May 1943, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya was re-established at its present premises with 20 students and 3 teachers. University Entrance classes were conducted by 1955, and all students who sat for university entrance for the first time gained university admission. Students showed a strong interest in writing, and the magazine 'Balika' was published during this period. In 1961, when schools were taken over by the government, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, which had been administered by the Mahabodhi Society, was also taken over by the state. Mrs. Somi Keerthisinghe's period is remembered as a revival era of the school. From an initial 20 students, the school grew to approximately 3,000 students and a teaching staff of about 80 by the time of her retirement.
Development of the School Library
A New Era of Development
Following the retirement of Mrs. Somi Keerthisinghe, Mrs. Tilokasundari Kariyawasam, who had served as Principal of Southlands College, Galle, assumed duties as Principal of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
During this period the school library was developed and several school societies were established. As the shortage of buildings had become a serious problem, a fundraising programme named 'Sankalana' was organised. English Literature was also introduced as a subject for Advanced Level classes.
1987 Art Day
Academic, Cultural and Sports Expansion
Mrs. Rupa Nanayakkara, who had served as Principal of Southlands College, Galle, was appointed Principal of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya. The Advanced Level Commerce stream was introduced during her period.
The Saukyadana Society was established in 1974 and gymnastics was introduced in 1985. The Debating and Discussion Society and the Student Welfare Society were also established during this period. Swimming was introduced to the school, and the first swimming meet was held in 1977 at the Ananda College swimming pool. In 1982, the major cultural programme 'Rasanjali' was staged at Tower Hall.
Swara Narthana Cultural Festival at Tower Hall
Growth of Aesthetic and Sporting Excellence
In 1988, Mrs. Rukmani Gunewardena, who had served as Principal of Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya, Borella, was appointed Principal of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya. During her leadership, the aesthetic section of the school achieved notable development.
A society named 'Kala Kendraya' was established, and the annual grand cultural festival 'Swara Narthana' was introduced to showcase the aesthetic talents of students. The event was held at Tower Hall. The school's sporting achievements also expanded, and the school hockey team received an opportunity to represent the school internationally at a hockey tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The year 2000 marked the school's 75th anniversary, with a Teachers' Felicitation Ceremony, a Felicitation Song composed by Acharya Sanath Nandana, and the donation of an official school vehicle through the Old Girls' Association. On 25 January 2001, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya was elevated to National School status by the then Minister of Education, Hon. Susil Premajayantha.
2009 Opening of the New Three-Storey Hostel Facility
Infrastructure, Heritage and Buddhist Service
Mrs. Malani Ranawaka Herath assumed duties as Principal on 2 October 2002. Her leadership delivered significant developments in infrastructure, religious activities, student welfare, and heritage preservation.
Key milestones included constructing a decorated Buddha shrine in 2006 for Sambuddha Jayanthi, opening a new three-storey hostel facility in 2009, converting historic Victor House into a museum, and commemorating the 85th anniversary in 2010 with the unveiling of the Anagarika Dharmapala statue.
Community Service Programme for Primary School Students in Digana
Innovation, Technology and Community Service
Appointed on 24 December 2014, Mrs. Anoma Dahanayake introduced the Advanced Level Technology stream and strengthened the school's modern educational facilities.
Her tenure included the restarting of the Cadet Platoon in 2015, publication of the 'Prabhaswara' literary journal, presentation of the 'Nada Nupa' dance festival at Tower Hall, and community service programmes for remote primary schools and differently abled individuals.
2026 Walk into School Heritage
A New Generation of Learning and Creativity
Beginning her tenure on 15 July 2021, Mrs. W. G. B. Kumuduni leads the present era of academic, cultural and creative development at Ananda Balika Vidyalaya.
Recent school activities include academic exhibitions, cultural programmes, drama events, traditional dance festivals, sports activities and literary programmes that continue the school's long-standing educational and cultural heritage.
Remembering the Past, Inspiring the Future
The heritage of Ananda Balika Vidyalaya continues through education, discipline, character, service, cultural identity and the memories of generations of students and teachers.