The Premier Buddhist School of Sri Lanka
Nurturing generations of national leaders, scholars, and sportsmen since 1886. An institution forged by visionaries to rekindle cultural sovereignty and intellectual eminence.
Paranawadiya, Maradana
Our Enduring Heritage
Buddhist Revival
Founded to impart English instruction steeped in Buddhist heritage.
OBA Formed 1908
Uniting generations of Anandians under solemn fraternity.
"To kindle in the hearts of youth the light of knowledge without severing their roots from motherland and Buddhist ethics."
The school traces its monumental lineage to the late 19th century revivalist movement led by American Theosophist Col. Henry Steel Olcott and the legendary orator Ven. Mohottiwatte Gunananda Thero. First established as the English Buddhist Academy at No. 61 Maliban Street, Pettah on November 1, 1886, it began humbly with just 37 students and a fearless devotion to intellectual sovereignty.
As student rolls burgeoned under pioneer principals like C.W. Leadbeater and A.E. Buultjens, the academy outgrew its initial home. In 1895, it transferred to its historic sanctum in Paranawadiya, Maradana, blossoming under the sacred name of Ananda College, after the venerable chief disciple of the Buddha.
Recognizing the critical role of fellowship in sustaining alma mater's welfare, the illustrious Old Boys' Association (OBA) was consecrated in 1908. For over a century, the OBA—including our dedicated Batch of 1996—has safeguarded Ananda's infrastructure, sports facilities, and philanthropic endowment funds.
Milestones Through Time
The transformative chapters that built the pinnacle of Buddhist collegiate education.
Founding of English Buddhist Academy
Opened in Maliban Street, Pettah under Col. Olcott and Ven. Mohottiwatte Gunananda Thero with 37 visionary students.
Relocation & Christening of Ananda
Moved to its permanent soil in Paranawadiya, Maradana and renamed after the venerable Arahant Ananda Thero.
Formation of the Old Boys' Association (OBA)
Established to mobilize alumni commitment, philanthropic infrastructure projects, and national leadership networks.
Unveiling of Fritz Kunz Memorial Hall
Consecrated in honour of legendary educationalist Fritz Kunz, cementing Ananda's architectural dignity.
The Glorious Batch of '96 Graduates
After years in maroon and gold classrooms, our batch stepped out into medicine, engineering, finance, commerce, and statecraft worldwide.
7,000+ Strong Leader in Ceylon
Commanding island-wide examination ranks, state-of-the-art STEM laboratories, and championship sporting teams.
Ananda Today
Three pillars upholding academic supremacy, sporting grit, and visionary civic character.
Scholastic Superiority
Dominating the G.C.E. Advanced Level island rankings, International Science Olympiads, and producing leading physicians, engineers, and researchers globally.
Athletic Mastery
Home of the famed Ananda-Nalanda Battle of the Maroons. Unrivaled track and field, badminton, swimming, and cricket lineages producing international test legends.
Clubs & Societies
Over 40 thriving societies from the Buddhist Society, Astronomical Association, to the Debating Circle—instilling civic accountability, ethics, and eloquence.
Institutional Portals
Connect directly with the governing institutions of our alma mater.