Our History
Tracing our journey from a humble 1902 beginning to a cornerstone of education in Galle.
Origins and Foundation (1902)
The Ga/Hapugala Maha Vidyalaya stands as an institution of 117 years of proud history, situated in proximity to the Gin Ganga river, near Komaliya, in the Galle district of Sri Lanka. Its founding is inseparably tied to the philanthropic vision of a wealthy landowner of Galle, who approached Andyess George Jayasundara Mudalidu of Hapugala to establish a school for the village children.
On 2nd January 1902, Andyess George Jayasundara Mudalidu officially founded the school. The land, measuring 2 roods and 1 perch, had previously been used for coconut and areca nut cultivation. The school commenced operations in a newly constructed coconut-thatched shed with approximately two dozen students.
Succession of Principals
| Principal | Period of Service |
|---|---|
| Mr. Mendis | 1902 – 1920 |
| Mr. Hendy Jayasundara | 1920 – 1951 |
| Mr. L.D.U. da Silva | 1951.11.16 – 1963.06.15 |
| Mr. K.L.P. Dyas | 1963.06.15 – 1966.03.03 |
| Mr. Ansan Vikumasinha | 1966.03.03 – 1974.01.01 |
| Mr. Cha.Vha.S. (D.W.S.) Mendis | 1974.01.01 – 1978.03.28 |
| Mr. S. Pethangoda | 1978 – 1992 |
| Mr. Piyasena Game's | 1992 – 2000 |
| Mr. S. Kulasinha | 2000.06.20 – 2003.09.22 |
| Mr. Siril Kalansuriya | 2004.02.13 – 2010 |
| Mr. K.P.K. Wipul Milinda Padikkorale | 2010.09.03 – 2017 |
| Mr. M.A.P. Pushpakumara | 2018.06.06 – 2026 |
| Mr. Dinesh Hettiarachchi | 2026 – Present |
The Transformative Era (1978–1992)
Under Mr. S. Pethangoda, the school saw remarkable progress. Student enrollment surged to over 800, and the school expanded to Grade 13. The Arts and Commerce streams were introduced, marking the school's evolution into a fully-fledged secondary institution.
- Expanded to Grade 13
- Introduced A/L Streams
- Established Music Room
- 5 Parallel Streams
The Digital Age & Modernization
From 2000 onwards, under principals like Mr. S. Kulasinha and Mr. Siril Kalansuriya, the school entered the digital age. A Computer Unit was established, a modern library building was constructed, and infrastructure like the Buddha statue and new classrooms were added.
A New Era of Excellence (2010–Present)
The leadership of Mr. K.P.K. Wipul Milinda Padikkorale and current principal Mr. Dinesh Hettiarachchi has focused on holistic development. From all-island musical honors to high academic pass rates, the school continues to shine.
"That this school, which has for 117 years daily educated those who will inherit and carry forward the nation, will continue to do so for generations yet to come — this is our prayer."
Compiled from institutional historical records