About Nalanda

Ananda College was established in 1886, it attracted the attention of many Buddhists. Thus in no time students were drawn in from all corners of the island, craving for education catered to suit their own culture. As a result by the end of 1923, it was quite conspicuous that the infrastructure that was present could no longer cope, with the ever-increasing demand. Mr. Kularathne registered this off shoot of Ananda as a separate school on the 1st November 1925. The day was so chosen because it was the 39th Anniversary of Ananda and Mr. L. H. Meththananda became the first principal of Nalanda. Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maithriya Thero was allotted the task of finding a name and a motto for this new school. He named it 'Nalanda' and chose 'Apadana Sobhini Panna' meaning 'wisdom beautifies character' as the motto. The Pali word "Nalanda" means "the place which gives strength". History will teach the next generation that the land they walk on is rich with the blood & sweat of our brothers and that Nalanda was the strength of independent Sri Lanka. Nalandians old and new have lived up to it; and will strive to do so in future as well.