Diamond Jubilee Building
At De Mazenod College, Kandana:
De Mazenod College is situated on a hill top in a tranquil
surrounding at Hapugoda, Kandana, which provides a favourable
environment for education. This leading private educational institution
managed by the Lasallian Brothers celebrated its 75th Diamond Jubilee in
2006.
To mark this important milestone of the school, construction of a new
four storied building was initiated by the then Principal of the College
Rev. Bro Camillus Silva, himself a past pupil of the College.
The building is now completed, which cost approximately Rs. 40
million. It will house the laboratories for Chemistry, Physics and
Biology, class rooms for the secondary school and the staff room. The
total number of rooms in this new building is 12 classrooms and three
laboratories spanning an area of 18,600 sq.ft. in the four floors.
The advanced level classes will be housed in this building which will
have all the modern facilities providing the students a conducive
atmosphere for studies. It is positioned and designed in a manner to
keep the class rooms cool using the natural draft keeping energy
conservation in mind.
The origin of De Mazenod College dates back to 1914. It was started
as a little English tutory with 87 boys in the area at the heart of
Kandana town. Later in 1918 Rev. Fr. Romould Fernando, OMI who had a
deep concern for the cause of education was appointed the Principal of
the school.
In 1925 the school received official recognition, which was then
named St. Sebastian's Boys' English School. As the student population
increased gradually, the management was faced with the problem of space,
teachers and other resources.
To expand the school to accommodate the students, Mr. D. C.
Jayasuriya, a great philanthropist of Kandana donated part of his land
to put up new buildings.
On 10th August 1931 the school was shifted to the current location by
Rev. Fr. Romould Fernando, the founder and architect of this institution
with 300-odd students and fourteen teachers. The new school was re-named
as De Mazenod College in honour of the founder of his religious
congregation.
The present Principal of the College is Rev.Bro. Bertram Perera, a
product of Lasallian Institution.
In his vision to develop the College further, in the spheres of
education, sports, aesthetics and infrastructure he has prioritised the
following areas: Upgrading the College library, Auditorium, Sports
Grounds modernization, Area for aesthetic studies, Car Park renovation,
toilet complex for students.
The Old Boys' Association and the School Development Society of De
Mazenod College are actively involved with supporting the Principal in
achieving his objectives.
The opening of the new Diamond Jubilee Building and the Computer
Centre is scheduled for Wednesday 30th April 2008 at 8.30 a.m. with Rev.
Bro. Thomas Johnson, FSC, Vicar General of The Institute of the Brothers
of Christian Schools as the Chief Guest and Rev. Bros. David Hawke, FSC,
General Councillor and Rev. Bro. Jorge Gellardo, FSC, General Councillor
as the Guests of Honour. |