Founders

It was a dream which I had for a long time. I dreamt that the children of the rural town of

Embilipitiya would master the English language. A dream that they can be on equal footing with their

urban cousins and that one day they can stand up proudly and be recognized as citizens of the world.

On August 23 2002, that dream took one step closer to becoming manifested with the

opening of the Bodhiraja College in Embilipitiya. The idea of an English medium college in

Embilipitiya was inconceivable for many, as this area is populated mainly by small time farmers,

whose Sinhala Buddhist heritage remains strong and English language is a world away.

Armed with sheer determination and a firm conviction that the mastery of the English

language is a necessity for the progress of the rural population, the Sri Bodhiraja Foundation

undertook the formidable challenge of establishing the first English medium school in this area.

Working against all odds with limited financial resources, the Foundation bought over two

acres of land situated opposite the Bodhiraja temple. There were many teething problems; from

renovating the old hotel building, to finding qualified English speaking teachers and modifying the

school syllabus. There were many ups and downs but encouragement and trust of the local

community gave us strength to overcome all adversities.

Since 2002, the Bodhiraja College has grown from strength to strength. Beginning with a

student population of 50, there are now over 1000 students, from preschool to A/L. From a single

dilapidated hotel building, it has progressed to three modern constructions. The students have

proven themselves to be worthy in national competitions of different fields.

As we mark this 15th anniversary on the 01st October to 6th 2018, we have much to be proud of

what has been accomplished. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. On this special

occasion, it is timely to remind ourselves of the visionary driving force behind this endeavour and we

have yet much to achieve.

Over the years, I have reiterated that although the mastery of English is essential for the

development of our nation, "the English language is only a TOOL, and not a MASTER". In the process,

we must not become enslaved to Western ideas and culture.

Unfortunately in Sri Lanka, the English language has long been a status symbol of an elite

urban class and has been used like a hat which separates the rural poor from the urban rich.

Henceforth, with the handicap of the English language the rural poor lose out in many ways - work,

business or social opportunities. It was in response to these needs that Bodhiraja College was begun

to provide equal opportunities for children from our rural area with access to high quality education

enjoyed by their city cousins.

The hope is that they will build up attitudes, knowledge and skills and to cope with the

challenges ahead in a highly competitive international economy.

Sri Lankans have a rich Sinhalese legacy that dates back thousands of years. Sinhala is our

mother tongue. However increasingly traditional Sinhala Buddhist values which have been the

bedrock of our culture are being eroded and threatened by the media onslaught of Western ideas

and lifestyles. It is against this we should guard ourselves— not to promote a class of English speaking

"kale suddhas" who scorn at the use of their mother tongue as if it was a sign of being retarded. Ou

Buddhist heritage, and the values taught by the Lord Buddha must remain our guiding principles

the way we live our lives and how and what we teach our children.