Devians

Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya
Location
Kurunegala Sri Lanka
Coordinates	7.4827°N 80.3627°E / 7.4827; 80.3627
Information
Type	Public
Established	July 1946
Founder	Mrs C E V Fernando
Principal	Mrs K. A. Vajira Kumarihamy
Grades	Class 1 - 13
Gender	Girls
Age	6 to 19
Enrollment	4000
Colour(s)	Green & Yellow
Website	www.maliyadevabalika.slt.lk

Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya is a national Buddhist school in Sri Lanka situated in Kurunegala. Today it accommodates over 4000 students.

History

Founded on July 1, 1946, Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya at the beginning was formed only by two teachers, 69 students, guided by Mrs C E V Fernando as the acting principal. The school's strong bond with Maliyadeva College cannot be regarded slightly.

Maliyadeva College, which began in 1888, in Bodhiraja Mawatha, was developed as an afflicated academic institute to Athkanda Vihara and was also known as, "English Buddhist High School".This can also be considered as the beginning of Maliyadeva Balika as well.

In 1928, Maliyadeva College shifted to its present location in Negombo road. Mr Godphry Madawala was the owner of that land then. The main building was built in 1938 with the support of Sir John Kothalawala, the senate member of Kurunegala at that time. In 1941, Maliyadeva College was registered as a mixed school for there wasn't a buddhist girls school in Kurunegala.

The land in Colombo road, which Maliyadeva Balika is situated today was purchased in 1943 by Sir John Kothalawala, president of YMBA Kurunegala and it was owned by YMBA. It was decided to transfer the ownership of this land to government in order to build Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, at the annual meeting of YMBA. After this Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya was born on July 1, 1946, with only 69 students and under the guidance of Mrs C E V Fernando. But then, its primary sections was opened to both girls and boys.

External links

• Official Website of Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala