On 18th September 1918, this school was established as “Henarathgoda Seewali Buddhist School” at the place where GM/Yashodara Devi Balika Vidyalaya is situated at present. Then it was transformed as, “Henarathgoda Senior Secondary School” and in 1949, it was established as the “Henarathgoda Secondary English School” at this magnificent location. Finally it was transformed to “Bandaranayake Vidyalaya Gampaha”.
Mr. Charles Samarasooriya was the first Principal. On 13th February 1923,
1923
• Achieved 75% results at the J.S.C. Examination.
• Achieved 75% results at the J.S.C. Examination.
• Junior Cadet Troop started.
1924
• Inauguration of school library.
• Achieved 86% results at the J.S.C. Examination.
1925
• Mr. W.P. Samarasooriya was appointed as the Principal.
• During that era the new library building was completed and opened in June 1926.
1936
• Electricity facility was launched.
• After 18 years The School achieved its heights in Education and many extra-curricular activities such as Sinhala and English Literature Associations, Athletic Association, Cadet Group, Rifle Association, Debating Team, Drama Association, School News Unit, Agriculture and Environmental Association.
• During this time the students were encouraged to cultivate the entire six and half acres which belonged to the school.
1948
The number of students increased to 592 and the staff was 20. The Principal was Mr. M.A.R. Cooray.
1949
The school was brought to the present place under the name of “Henarathgoda Senior Secondary English School”.
1958
The main hall was opened by the Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranayake.
1963
Started the school Band with the guidance of the music teacher Mr. D. Thirimanna.
1965
• 21 students out of 37 who sat for G.C.E. A/L Examination entered to the University.
• Mr. G. Munasinghe who dedicated his invaluable service to the school was appointed to “Siyawasa Service” on 07 May 1968. His successor was Mr. S.W. Subasinghe.
1971
• The school library became a complete library with all facilities.
• The Education Minister gave his fullest cooperation to the school.
1972
Mr. D.N. Rajapakshe was appointed as Principal.
1973
• Won All Island Senior Volleyball Trophy.
• British Broadcasting Service televised the “Teaching of English” in a class of the school, In recognition of high standard of English Language at Bandaranayake College. On the same day an upcountry dance trained by Mr. Wimal Wayanarda and the school band trained by Mr. Thirimanna were also televised.
Registered the school Cadet Troop.
1975
Won the All Island Volleyball Trophy.
1976
Minister of sports commended the school band which was adjudged as the best performance.
1978
• Mr. D.P. Jayasinghe gifted a Shrine Room.
• Since Mr. D.N. Rajapakshe was appointed as the Chief Education Officer of Minuwangoda, Mr. Dharma Sri Gunapala became the Principal.
1980
Mr. Edward Jayanetti was appointed as Principal.
Mr. A.J. Kolitha Jayasundara was appointed as Principal.
1983
• Mr. Premasena Udugampla Became the Principal of the school when the number of students was 2068 while the staff was 78. The school consisted of 57 classrooms.
• Started the junior library.
1985
• Won medals in All Island Athletic meet.
• The Senior Cadet Troop won. Priority certificates by demonstrating special skills.
• Won all Island Badminton trophy.
• The Saukyadana movement which started in 1974 expanded its services to Traffic control, First Aid services, and blood donation campaigns.
• 1st place in “Buddhi Pradeepa” an Inter School contest which was organized by the Education Department.
• The largest Scout group of Gampaha District was established.
• Debating team, Inventor circle, Science society showed best performance.
1986
• The school band participated in national day celebration.
• H.R.N. Amarasinghe was the silver medalist at the all island school athletic meet.
• The school purchased 42 perches of land for a playground from Gampaha Municipal Council.
1988
Mr. P.G.D.T. Aquinas was appointed as the principal.
1991
Mr. S. Mallawarachci was appointed as the principal.
1992
Two scouts of Bandaranayake College acquired “Wood Badge”.
Mr. R.M. Sumanapala was appointed as the Principal.
1993
The School was upgraded to a National School.
• 75th Anniversary of the school was celebrated grandly and for the 1st time, an F.M. Channel was launched by the students during the exhibition.
• Obtained 1st place in All-Island Arts Competition.
1994
• 4 President Scouts and Master in Charge Mr. Daya Ranjith participated in school Jamboree which was held in Pakistan.
• “Shilpa Denu Mai” Magazine was published.
1995
• A Computer Unit and a Dental facility were introduced to the school.
• At this time, numbers of President Scouts
were 13.
A School Colors Night was held. The Chief Guests were President Chandrika Bandaranaike and Education Minister Mr. Richard Pathirana.
1996
• Science Library was started.
• Won the 1st place in “Sithivili Sri Lanka”.
• Won the 1st place in the All Island Art Competition.
• Some students received foreign scholarships.
• “Ape Lokaya” art exhibition, organized by school aesthetic section was held in Colombo Kala Bhavana with cardinality of Hon. Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Education Minister Mr. Richard Pathirana.
1997
Sanjaya Mendis won the Gold Medal in All-Island Art Competition.
1999
• “X-Ban ’99” Educational Exhibition and the carnival were held to celebrate school’s 80th Anniversary. From the income of this exhibition OBA was able to buy a new bus for the school.
• A New office for OBA was opened.
2000
Mirihagalla, a student of Math Section got the All-Island 3rd Place.
2001
Mr. M.J.M.H.W. Ranjith was appointed as the Principal. He worked hard to develop the school in every discipline. This is a time that the school achieved highest positions in almost every field.
2002
Mr. W.M. Jayantha Wickramanayake became the Principal. During his era school was developed into a high standard with the initiation of the following.
• Commencement of English Medium Class.
• Playground was renovated and a fence was established around it.
• OBA donated a new computer lab for the school.
• School Rugby team was qualified to A Division.
• 11 Hockey players were selected to participate in the “PINAC PESTA” competition in Malaysia.
• Organized a six side cricket tournament.
• Organized a swimming meet for the 1st time.
• Eastern cadet band became the runners-up in Rantambe Camp and Seargent. Hathurusinghe became the best commander.
• Inaugurated a branch of B.O.C. “Rankakulu” in school.
2004
Mr. Priyantha Srilal Nonis was appointed as the Principal.
Annual Prize giving and colors night were held. Chief Guest was Minister Dinesh Gunawardana.
2005
Blood donation campaign and Religious Observances was organized for the 87th Anniversary.
• “Wes Thabeeme Mangalya” was held for 16 dancing students.
• Eastern Band, Western Band won 1st and 4th places respectively in All-Island Band Competition and Cadet Platoon won the 4th place in Hermon Lorse Competition.
• Annual Prize Giving was held.
2006
• Prefect Board and Buddhist Society organized a campaign to help the soldiers in war.
• Annual Prize Giving was held.
Rev. Labuthale Sudassana Thero became the Principal.
2007
Annual Prize Giving and Colors Night were held. Chief Guests were Minister Pandu Bandaranaike and National School Director Mr. Srilal Nonis.