Our History
Celebrating over a century of excellence in girls' education since 1919
The Foundation Story
Pioneering Buddhist Girls' Education in Southern Sri Lanka
In the first half of the 20th century, there was no English Buddhist Girls' College in Galle, for the students to receive English education with Buddhist values. Recognizing this gap, Hon. Francis Amarasiri Wickramasinghe Muhandiram took the initiative to establish the first Buddhist Girls' School in the South in 1919, based on an idea proposed by the then principal of Mahinda Vidyalaya, Galle.
Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya was first established at Wellawatta Oroppuwatta, Galle, and was later shifted to a beautiful 1.5-acre mountain range facing the Galle-Wackwella road. The school began with just six girls and American lady Mrs. Hay as its first principal.
Under her guidance, the school started with only four teachers, combining the primary section of Mahinda Vidyalaya with Sanghamitta Vidyalaya. From these humble beginnings with just a few students, the school soon grew to accommodate 150 students.
Historical Timeline
Foundation Year
Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya was established as the first Buddhist Girls' School in Southern Sri Lanka at Wellawatta Oroppuwatta, Galle. Started with just six girls and Mrs. Hay as the first principal.
Early Leadership
After Mrs. Hay, Mrs. Best, Mrs. Butlar, Eurasian lady Mrs. Vera, and Indian Mrs. Mascarence served as principals respectively. Ms. Neetha Perera became the first Sinhalese Principal of Sanghamitta.
25th Anniversary
Celebrated the glamorous 25th Anniversary, marking significant improvement within a short period of time.
Government School Status
Sanghamitta was declared a government school on January 1st, marking the beginning of a new era after previously being a private English Educational Institution.
Development Under Dr. Dahanayaka
Experienced wonderful development with construction of new buildings during Dr. Wijayananda Dahanayaka's tenure as Minister of Education. Dr. Dahanayaka referred to Sanghamitta as one of his "beloved elder daughters."
Academic Excellence
Under Dr. Thilokasundari Kariyawasam's leadership (1957-1970), Sanghamitta showed excellence by sending 105 students to university, becoming one of the most renowned schools on the island.
Golden Anniversary
Celebrated the golden anniversary with daughters who had achieved top levels in society, cementing Sanghamitta's reputation as the mother of the whole Buddhist female generation of the South.
Continued Growth
Under principals Mrs. G. Daniel, Mrs. Clarice Nanayakkara, Mrs. S. Wijethunga & Mrs. N. B. D. Senevirathne, the academic staff exceeded 105 and student numbers exceeded 4000. Computer section inaugurated and new buildings constructed.
75th Anniversary
After the 75th anniversary, Sanghamitta reached the pinnacle of development in physical resources, education, and extracurricular activities.
Modern Developments
Under principals Mrs. M. T. L. Amaradasa, Mrs. K. W. V. Wijerathne, Mrs. K. M. Dharmalatha & Mrs. Enderarachchi, new library and four-storied building added. Students increased to 5000 and academic staff to 185.
Centenary Celebration
Celebrated 100 years of excellence with more than 5800 students and 200 teachers under the leadership of Principal Mrs. H. Chandani Udakumbura.
Our Founding Visionaries
Hon. Francis Amarasiri Wickramasinghe Muhandiram
Founder & Visionary
Recognized the need for English Buddhist education for girls in Galle and took the initiative to establish Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya in 1919.
Principal of Mahinda Vidyalaya
Concept Originator
Proposed the idea of establishing a Buddhist girls' school, which led to the creation of Sanghamitta Balika Vidyalaya.
Mrs. Hay
First Principal
American educator who served as the first principal, guiding the school's early development with only four teachers and six students.
Our Enduring Legacy
Academic Excellence
Producing outstanding results with 105 university entrants in 1964 and consistently high performance in national examinations.
Leadership Development
Nurturing generations of Buddhist female leaders who have made significant contributions to Sri Lankan society.
Buddhist Values
Instilling Buddhist principles and values while providing modern education to generations of young women.
Pioneering Spirit
Maintaining the legacy as the first Buddhist Girls' School in Southern Sri Lanka while embracing educational innovation.
Historical Gallery
