Ananda College celebrates 120th birth anniversary

Col. Sudath Madugalle

Anniversary: The highest seat of Buddhist education in Sri Lanka and the centre of national revival Ananda College of Colombo celebrates its 120th birth anniversary on November 1. While all the Anandians spread throughout the world join in the celebrations, it is our bounden duty to remember Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Ven. Migettuwatte Gunananda Thera, Col. Henry Steele Olcott and other pioneers of Buddhist education with gratitude.

Sri Lanka underwent radical changes during the first half of the 19th century under the British regime. The colonial rulers wanted to create a group loyal to their culture. With that in view, they launched a frontal attack on Buddhism, Buddhist education, Sinhala customs and culture. In order to achieve their aim they used education as an effective tool.

Sinhala Buddhists learnt their culture, ethics, and customs through education received at the temple. The British rulers who understood the link between the Buddhists and the temple took measures to destroy it. As a result, the maintenance of temples and educational activities suffered immensely.

Meanwhile, British rulers opened their own schools and made them popular among the people. Those who were educated at schools run by foreign missionaries became a privileged lot who received high social status and well-paid government jobs. This resulted in such people converting themselves to Christianity. Sinhala Buddhists thus became Christians through English education.

In this situation created by the British rulers, Sinhala Buddhists could not get any government job. They also lost the opportunity of receiving education at the temple. It was at such a time when Buddhism and culture were deteriorating that Col. Olcott and other Buddhist leaders ushered in a period of revival, as a result, an educational system in accordance with Buddhist traditions came into being to the 1880s.

With the birth of Ananda College, there came into being a generation of Sinhala Buddhists well versed in English. Ananda College was the first Buddhist school that ushered in a resurgence in Buddhism and nationalism.

Are we not placed in a similar situation today? Although we are no longer a British colony, brown sahibs are doing the same thing under the neo-colonialism.

Education is one factor that decides a nation's destiny. Napoleon of France, Hitler of Germany and other warriors propelled their nations to war and destruction through education. They knew that education is not confined to subject learning.

Today's student enters society as an adult tomorrow. Therefore, his knowledge of languages and other subjects and his thinking should be of a very high standard. The role of education is to help people to gain an accurate knowledge and understanding of the world and its multifarious affairs.

Education should not only be an ornament but also a guiding light to lead a fruitful life. Modern society is embroiled in a meaningless life pattern.

This shows the hollowness of education the students have received. In the past morals were given the pride of place. However, today society is giving more prominence to money. Consumerism, comfortable vehicles, clothes house and property have become over-riding factors in modern society.

It is not easy to arrest the downward trend in society which worships Mammon. The nature of all societies following this trend is somewhat similar.

We have to remove these weaknesses from society. The path to a righteous society lies through education.

The growing up child should be educated and enriched with morality. Then he will become a useful citizen tomorrow. This shows the important role played by schools in the rehabilitation of social ethics. Educational institutes are not only centres for children but also for their parents.

Through this process the school is connected to society. Therefore the school is the best place to remedy all social ills such as destructive competition among in individuals and frustration. All Anandians are expected to be educated citizens who respect morals. Knowledge of subjects such as science, arts, commerce or administration should be imparted with a touch of humanism. Buddhism helps children to lead meaningful lives.

The principal, the staff and old Anandians have the onerous duty of passing on the 'Anandianism' to future generations. On the other hand, we have to safeguard our motherland.

In order to accomplish that task we are duty bound to produce a future generation of students who are well educated and well mannered. That is the highest tribute we can pay to our pioneers of Ananda College.

(The writer is Advisor, Old Anandians' Buddhist Association)