Nalanda College, Colombo, one of Sri Lanka’s leading Buddhist educational institutions, is set to celebrate its centenary with the much-anticipated Nalanda Walk 2025 on July 20, marking the return of the iconic event after a 13-year pause.
Established on November 1, 1925, Nalanda College began as an extension of Ananda College to meet the rising demand for Buddhist education in the capital. It later became an independent institution, with the name ‘Nalanda’ bestowed by the respected Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero. Staying true to its motto, “Wisdom adorns character,” Nalanda College has played a vital role in shaping individuals who have gone on to serve both the nation and the world.
To commemorate this milestone, several centenary initiatives are underway, most notably the construction of a Technology Laboratory and Indoor Sports Complex, a project valued at Rs. 600 million, aimed at enhancing academic and sporting infrastructure.
The Nalanda Walk 2025, organized by the Nalanda Old Boys’ Association, the Nalanda Junior Old Boys’ Association, and the Old Nalandians Sports Club, will start near Malalasekera Hall at Nalanda College. The route will cover Punchi Borella, Maradana, Deans Road, Eye Hospital Junction, Public Library, Tennis Association Tennis Courts, and the National Museum, before concluding at Green Path.
A media briefing on the event was held on June 17 at Nalanda College, attended by a number of distinguished guests, including:
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Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development
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Dr. Prasanna Gunaseena, Consultant Physician
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Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela, Diyawadana Nilame
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Dr. Senesh Bandara Dissanayake, Chairman, National Film Corporation
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Mr. Amila Karunanayake, actor and alumnus of Nalanda College
Speaking at the event, Principal Mr. U.D. Iran Champika de Silva said:
“Today, Nalanda College has reached a historic milestone—100 years of excellence in education. Over the decades, we have led an educational transformation, excelling in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. The upcoming Nalanda Walk is not just a celebration but a call to all past pupils to unite and reflect on our shared legacy.”
As Nalanda College approaches its centenary on November 1, 2025, the walk is expected to be a symbolic and unifying event, bringing together generations of Nalandians to honor a century of wisdom, service, and national pride.
