The Walewewatte Maha Vidyalaya school is situated in the Hambantota District. This school was opened in the 1950s by the then Minister of Agriculture, M.D. Banda.

Begun with only one building which was a wattle and daub hut and a cadjan thatched roof, the structure was constructed with the labour and money of the farmers in this colony. This structure was later converted into a larger school consisting of a few buildings with the assistance of the government.

During the 1970s the population in this school had risen to around 500- 600 students. In comparison to other schools in the area the Walewewatte Vidyalaya school  succeeded in producing very good results and even went on to produce an all island sportsmen,  doctor, engineer and a few nurses.

However, today the school and its administration has deteriorated to such an extent that only 232 students attend this institution. No progress is being made whatsoever and the inefficient administration, has led to poor management, decline in discipline and a lack of physical resources which are the main reasons behind its decline.

Even today, there are no proper desks, chairs or black-boards. The halls are drenched during the rainy season. There are no teachers for the three aesthetic subjects of Art, Dancing and Music. The lack of teachers for physical education, sports and IT and even for the administrative fields is a major drawback.

This school which celebrated its Golden Jubilee a few years back is now in need of proper toilets and sanitation facilities. These children have never seen laboratory equipment or computers. Although there is a school band it has very limited resources.

This school which is on the decline will be shut down in the near future. It is a common occurrence to see children, leaving to enter other schools daily.

Although parents and teachers have approached concerned authorities so far no solution has been found.  It is not a difficult task to bring this school back to its previous condition if the minimum facilities are met as well as a competent administrative body is appointed to this school. The fear within us is that, if this school is allowed to shut down, it is possible that another hundred prisons will have to be constructed instead.

If there is any possibility of providing these destitute children of the Walewewatte Maha Vidayalaya which is situated in the valley of the Walewe River, with the light of wisdom, I wish to remind you that you will aid the blooming of a generation that will serve this country.

P. Ratnayaka,

Walewewatte,

Ambalantota,