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Lumbini College (officially Lumbini Vidyalaya) (Sinhala:කොළඹ ලුම්බිණි විද්‍යාලය) is a public school in Colombo. It is a National School, it's controlled by the Central government as opposed to the Provincial Council and provides both primary and secondary education.

Formerly known as "Havelock Town Senior School".

Overview


Having a glorious and memorable history, over 80 years, the Lumbini College, one of the leading schools in Sri Lanka, has got its fame and the good name with the victorious contributions towards the formal education, sports and games, moral conduct, disciplinary matters, upbringing of the aesthetic values and many more aspects. Lumbini College is well known for its capability of shaping up of the students physically, mentally, emotionally, morally, and socially. It fosters an environment designed to support students’ academic, social, cultural, and personal goals.

Founded in 1929 and named the Havelock Town Senior School. Lumbini College today has a student population of 2500. It is situated in Colombo 5.

Students take examinations conducted by the Ministry of Education and proceed to universities and higher educational institutes in Sri Lanka and overseas. The facilities at college include science laboratories, computer laboratories and libraries.

History
In the year 1929, 79 years back, a small school was started by the Sri Lankan government under the British rule. It was given the name, “Havelock Town Junior Mix School”, considering its situation at a little town called Havelock town, which was situated at the heart of Colombo City.

At the very beginning of the school, it was reported that there were only 114 students. Though the school was a mix school, only girls had attended. The first principal, Mr. T.R. Balasooriya, a well qualified principal, was provided with 3 teachers to run the school. Even without having proper physical resources to maintain the school, the principal and the three teachers took the responsibility of 114 junior level students. There had been just one building for the whole school. And it was not properly built with bricks and cement but with wooden planks. This cadjan – roofed building provided the space to nearly 100 students to do lots of activities in the school for many years. The rays of the sun had the glimpse through the big holes of the roof over the tiny kids, who were reading, writing and drawing by just sitting on the floor. Sometimes when the heavy wind took off the cadjans, which covered the roof, rain drops could easily come down on the slates and blackboards and wipe out all the things written and drawn on them. Though there were many difficulties and hardships, Havelock town junior school laid its foundation toward the success. Having situated in a wonderful and an ideal location, it gave the easy access to the children who lived in Colombo District in getting formal education. By that period, education was the privilege of the upper classes, and most of the children of the lower classes had no opportunity for formal learning. But this College did not close the gate for those who came from lower classes and never considered the background and wealth of a family in taking children to the school. Poor parents of the area were highly pleased with the conditions applied in the school and they send their kids to Havelock town junior school without any hesitation. And the school was considered as a Buddhist school. But it never rejected the students who belonged to the other religions, Hindus, Muslims and Catholics. This caused to build up unity among the citizens to some extent. Even today the school consists of the students who are belonged to many races and religions.

Later in 1932 school started to take the attendance of the boys for the primary classes. In 1935, according to the reports there had been about 120 students in the school though three years had passed from its commencement.

As the time passed, transfers, retirements and new appointments of the principals took place gradually. So far 19 principals had given their fabulous services for the betterment of the school. Though it was not remarkably noticed in the first few years, new students joined the school one by one. As a result of teacher training centers and institutions which were emerging in Sri Lanka, this particular school too was lucky enough to receive teachers under trained category. Most of them worked with enormous enthusiasm to devote their knowledge and experience to the improvement of the school. Teaching –learning process was highly observed and assessed by the white – skinned school inspectors in order to maintain quality of the education within the school.

The school curriculum was not much complicated one at the beginning. Media of the instruction was the mother tongue, Sinhalese. Apart from the basic skills, religion, folk arts, folk music, horticulture and agriculture, weaving, handicrafts were highly prominent in the school curriculum.

The most prominent dark era of the school was appeared during the World War ІІ. In the year of 1942, due to Japan’s bomb attacks, the school had to be closed. Later when the condition was normal, the government officials had decided to occupy the school premises and the building to conduct the primary section of another school. It was Royal College, a leading school in Colombo city, in which only the elite could attend. Due to that reason the students of Havelock Town Junior School had to attend another school nearby. That school was a Tamil medium school and they had their normal classes in the mornings. Having no enough room for the normal morning session, students of Havelock Town Junior School had to attend the classes in the evenings just for one or two hours. The students were simply idling rather studying. The enthusiasm of the teachers and the students was lost.

With the end of the World War ІІ, a good time came to the school. The school was re-opened at its original place in 1945. As a result of less popularity caused due to the displacement of the school, number of the students was very few. However, with the implementation of the new Educational Reform of 1946, Havelock Town Junior School was promoted to senior level, and was called Havelock Town Senior School from 01.10.1946. But with this promotion the junior section had to be closed in the same year due to lack of students. A new principal was appointed by the officials for the betterment of the School. The new principal, Mr. D.K. Jayewardene, working hard with the staff, was able to receive the fame and the glory back. Number of students was increasing gradually but the physical resources did not change comparatively and it was a problem faced throughout the history, at every occasion when the number of the students was increased. Mr. D.J Dias, an outstanding principal was appointed to the school at the end of 1948. Even today he is remembered often for taking actions for the development of the school. School disciplined was highly observed during his time and he was able to develop the student – teacher relationship positively and also had a good control over everything. Sports activities took place due to the supplement of sports facilities. The first Inter house and inter School athletic meets were held during this period and it was a glorious victory. The motto of the school “DISCIPLINE TAKES YOU TO SUCCESS” was an idea of Mr. Dias.

By 1948, the first permanent building of the school was under its construction. This can be considered as a victorious event that took place over the history of the school. By 1954 the building was fully completed and it took the shape of letter “P”. That building was consisted of an auditorium and many classrooms giving enough room and space for the students to do their studies uninterruptedly.

Mr. V.W. Halpe, an army captain by profession, was appointed as the principal of the school. He was able to make a real change in the school in every aspect. The significance of Mr. Halpe was that he was able to develop unity among the students, teachers and the parents. It made lots of positive changes of the school. Lots of extra curricular activities were taking place and the students were victorious and kept records continuously bringing much pride to the school and making it more famous.

By 1957, Havelock Town School was given a new name – Lumbini College. With the new name, the school became popular in every nook and corner of the country. In 1958 as a victorious event the school got the opportunity of starting Advanced Level classes in Arts stream, and the first set of A/L students sat for the University Entrance Examination.

By 1964, a new trend in education was emerged with the commencement of Commerce Stream in Advance Level classes in Sri Lanka. At the introductory level, only four schools of Sri Lanka were selected including Lumbini College. Soon the Lumbini College came up with excellent results in Commerce stream. This breakthrough created a big demand for the school. Every year a massive number of students send their application forms, having the intention of entering the school, after completing their Ordinary Level Examination. One of another victory of the school was the commencement of Bio-Science and Mathematics in Advanced Level classes in 1976.

During this period there had been students with mental and physical deformities in the school. In 1980 a project for the students who had hearing defects was started in order to develop their education level. A unit for the students who needed special education was commenced in 1990.

In 1995, a primary school which is situated near the Lumbini College was closed due to lack of Students. Officials of education ministry decided to restart the school as a combined school of Lumbini College considering the close proximity of the two schools. It was great chance to Lumbini College as the school was having a problem with the available space to build up newer buildings. The combined school came as a solution for the problem and soon the primary classes of Lumbini College were placed at the school gifted. Primary students of Lumbini College enjoy their education being at a spacious place today.

Throughout the history, Lumbini College aimed to give an understanding of the challenges and opportunities to strengthen the abilities in order to improve the quality of life tomorrow.

Principals
From 1929, nineteen principals had given their fabulous service to the school. They are as follow

01 	Mr. T.R. Balasooriya 	  - 1929-1931

02 	MR. H.A.M. Kalluarachchi  - 1931-1934

03 	Mr. W.T.S. Disanayake 	  - 1934-1937

04 	Mr. D.G. Munasinghe 	  - 1937-1941

05 	Mr. S.T. Vijedasa 	  - 1941-1944

06 	Mr. W.M.Fernando 	  - 1944-1947

07 	Mr. D.K.Jayawardana 	  - 1947-1949

08 	Mr. D.J.Dias 	          - 1949-1051

09 	Mr. A.W. Alwis 	          - 1951-1952

10 	Captain V.W. Halpe 	  - 1952-1959

11 	Mr. J.M.W. Kuruppu 	  - 1959-1962

12 	Mr. J.D.Sirisinghe 	  - 1962-1962

13 	Mr. J.H.S.Vangesel 	  - 1962-1969

14 	Mr. D.S. Weerasinghe 	  - 1969-1976

15 	Mr. L.S.Edirisinghe 	  - 1976-1979

16 	Mr. W.P.A. Perera 	  - 1979-1991

17 	Mr. G.L.D.W.G. Gunawareana - 1991-1992

18 	Mr. G Liyanage 	          - 1992-1999

19 	Mr.J.G.Amarajeewa 	  - From 1999

The Lumbinians are eagerly waiting to celebrate its 80th anniversary on 18.02.2009., under the proper guidance of present Principal Mr. J.G Amarajeewa and his staff. The world Famous Lumbini Theatre, the heart of the school, will show the talents of the students to the world, when it is celebrated next year.

Our Vision
The vision of Lumbini College is to reach the national goals of education through the implementation and completion of national curriculum, while facilitating the students to develop their skills to the maximum level, make them work independently, socializing them, discipline them to have a good moral conduct, make them aware of the cultural values and norms in order to  live in peace and harmony and make them resourceful persons, who are required by our nation.

Lumbini Theater
Having a world famous theatre of its own, a school may be extremely lucky. Out of the schools in Sri Lanka, only one school got this wonderful. By the year 1952, Lumbini College, which was known as Havelock Town Senior School, started to construct a new building. By 1954, the construction was over and it was ready to use. It was consisted of a main hall and the students got the opportunity to perform at a stage for the first time. Soon they were able to bring pride to the school by wining many drama, singing and speech competitions.

Sports
Sports And Games Of The School……

* Athletics * Cricket – Junior * Cricket – Senior * Rugby   – Junior * Rugby   - Senior * Football - Junior * Volleyball * Soccer * Basket ball * Table tennis * Elle * Netball * Scrabble * Swimming * Body building * Karate * Chess * Cadetting * Wushu

Societies

 * Buddhist Society
 * Commerce Society
 * Debating Society
 * Drama Society
 * Media Circle
 * Science Society


 * Environment Society
 * First Aid Unit
 * Traffic Control Unit


 * Prefects Guild
 * Information Technology Society
 * Scout Unit
 * Western Band
 * Eastern Band

Achievements
Unforgettable victories……

2003 - MILO TROPHY- Runners up. (Under 19 –Category C) 2006 – Champions – Under 17 Rugby Championship 2007- Champions – SINGER TROPHY- (Under 20 –Category C) Seven students from Lumbini College have represented the National Rugby Team and two students have represented Sri Lanka School Rugby Team so far. 2008 – Singer Trophy under 17.
 * Rugby (Started - 1976)

2002 -All Island Championship – MILO TROPHY-(Under 18 - category ІІ) 2002 & 2003 - BRAZIL TROPHY- Runners up- Western Province (Under 13) 2007- Champions – All Island Football Tournament. (Under 13) Representation at the VIETNAM FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Seven students of the College have represented The National Football team so far. 2008 – All Island Championship- Under 19- 4th place.
 * Football (Started -1962)

2000-2001 – Champions- LEMONADE TROPHY (Under 19) 2001–Equal Winners–50 Over LEAGUE TOURNAMENT 2001 -2002 – Champions – Six Aside LEMONADE TOURNAMENT –(Under19) 2001 – Champions - Soft Ball Cricket Championship organized by Ministry of Education. 2001-2002- Champions – LEMANADE LEAGUE TROPHY (Under 19)
 * Cricket (Started 1973)

2006 – Champions- All Island Chess Championship (Category B)
 * Chess

Champions – All Island Karate Championship – 2006 First Place – KATA Event – South Asian Triangular Series. Colours Award -2006 Sri Lanka School Sports Council – A.W. Sumudu Chaturanga. National Karate- DO championship – 2nd place (Black Belt Category) - A.W. Sumudu Chaturanga
 * Karate