Although the National Building Research Organisation in Badulla informed the Uva Provincial Ministry of Education as far back as 2014 that the land housing Wewegama Maha Vidyalaya in Gampaha Korale, Uvaparanagama, is at high risk of landslides, parents allege that authorities have taken no steps to relocate the school to a safer site.

Parents fear that if the landslide reactivates during the rainy season, the lives of around 500 children studying up to the Advanced Level examination, as well as their teachers, could be placed in severe danger.

Key Points

  • Authorities were warned in 2014 that the Wewegama Maha Vidyalaya grounds face an acute landslide risk.
  • Around 500 students and their teachers are at serious risk as a result.
  • Although land was identified in the Adiyarawatta area for a new school, no construction has taken place for 12 years.

75-year history and the present situation

Around 75 years ago, this school was founded at the Wewegama Viharagoda Rajamaha Viharaya by the chief incumbent, the Most Venerable Wethalawe Dhammananda Nayaka Thera, for the children of Wewegama, Dimbulana and surrounding villages. Relocated between 1952 and 1954 to a small building on land donated by a philanthropist, it has since grown substantially into today's Wewegama Maha Vidyalaya.

Children here study arts and commerce streams among other subjects, achieving success at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and in national-level competitions. As a result, students travel to this school even from areas such as Walapane and Madulla in the Central Province.

Parents make urgent appeal

Parents point out that although a plot of land was identified in the Adiyarawatta area to rebuild the school, not a single construction project has begun even after 12 years.

With the danger of landslides escalating during heavy rains, parents urgently appeal that children and teachers be transferred temporarily to Dimbulana Vidyalaya, Maspanna Maha Vidyalaya or the pirivena at the Viharagoda temple until new buildings are constructed.

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