The Sri Lanka Army has paid special tribute to twelve schools across the island that have made extraordinary contributions to the nation's defence forces. Among the most celebrated institutions are Ananda College, Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Kebithigollewa Central College, and Kegalu Balika Maha Vidyalaya, all of which were formally honoured for producing the highest number of currently serving officers and soldiers in the Sri Lanka Army. The recognition ceremony underscored the deep and enduring relationship between Sri Lanka's educational institutions and its national defence establishment.
A Landmark Recognition Ceremony
The honouring event brought together military officials, school principals, teachers, and representatives from across the education sector to celebrate the remarkable contribution these schools have made to national service. The Sri Lanka Army identified the twelve schools based on the number of their former students who are presently serving as active officers and enlisted soldiers within the armed forces. This milestone recognition reflects the Army's commitment to acknowledging the foundational role that schools play in shaping future defenders of the nation.
Senior military officials attended the ceremony and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school communities, emphasising that the values instilled within these institutions — discipline, patriotism, teamwork, and leadership — are precisely the qualities that define a capable and committed soldier. The event was seen as a powerful gesture of appreciation not only toward the schools themselves but also toward the families and communities that encouraged young men and women to serve their country.
The Schools That Stood Out
Among the twelve honoured institutions, Ananda College in Colombo stood out as one of the most prominent names. One of Sri Lanka's most prestigious boys' schools with a rich history spanning over a century, Ananda College has long been associated with producing leaders across various sectors of society, and its contribution to the military is a testament to its tradition of all-round excellence.
Devi Balika Vidyalaya, a leading girls' school in Colombo, was also recognised — a particularly significant honour given that it highlights the growing role of women in Sri Lanka's armed forces. The inclusion of Devi Balika among the top contributing schools signals a positive shift in gender representation within the military and reflects the evolving nature of national service in Sri Lanka.
Kebithigollewa Central College, located in the North Central Province, represents the contribution of rural Sri Lanka to the nation's defence. Schools in more remote areas have historically provided a significant proportion of military recruits, and this recognition shines a well-deserved spotlight on communities that have given much in service to the country.
Kegalu Balika Maha Vidyalaya, based in the Kegalle District of the Sabaragamuwa Province, was similarly celebrated. The school's recognition further demonstrates that the spirit of national service extends across every province and community in Sri Lanka, regardless of geography or socioeconomic background.
The Role of Schools in Shaping National Defence
The Sri Lanka Army's decision to formally recognise schools for their contributions to military recruitment and service is both symbolic and strategically significant. Schools are the first institutions outside the family where young people develop character, values, and a sense of civic responsibility. When schools foster an environment that respects and encourages national service, the impact on military recruitment and the overall quality of personnel can be profound.
Cadet programmes, physical education, and civic values education all play a role in preparing students who may later choose a career in the armed forces. The Army's recognition of these twelve schools serves as an encouragement to other educational institutions across the country to similarly nurture the values that lead young people toward a life of service and dedication.
Strengthening the Bond Between Education and Service
This honouring initiative also serves a broader national purpose. By publicly celebrating schools that have contributed significantly to the military, the Sri Lanka Army is strengthening the cultural and institutional bonds between civil society and the defence establishment. It sends a clear message that military service is a respected and honourable career path, and that the schools which produce such individuals deserve national recognition.
The ceremony is expected to inspire other schools to take pride in their alumni who serve in uniform and to actively encourage future generations to consider careers in national defence. It also opens the door for closer collaboration between the Army and educational institutions in areas such as leadership training, cadet development, and career guidance programmes.
A Nation That Honours Its Defenders
The recognition of Ananda College, Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Kebithigollewa Central College, Kegalu Balika Maha Vidyalaya, and eight other distinguished schools marks a meaningful chapter in Sri Lanka's ongoing effort to honour those who serve the nation. By tracing military strength back to its educational roots, the Sri Lanka Army has affirmed that the journey of every soldier begins long before enlistment — it begins in the classrooms, on the sports fields, and within the communities that shape who they are.