Anuradhapura Central College, which is considered as the heart of Anuradhapura, is situated in Anuradhapura, the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was established on 21 July 1947 under the initiative of R. L. N. de Zoyza in Rathmale area where the Rathmale Tissa Vidyalaya is situated today. It was established to provide free education by the Minister of Education, Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara. It is among the first 54 Central Colleges. De Zoysa was the first principal and there were only seven teachers and twenty students in the school. The school was later moved to its present location. In 1993 the school was promoted to a National School under the leadership of the then principal E. R. Erathna. In 2014, H. M. Abeykoon was appointed as the principal of the college, with a staff of 190 teachers and 4,800 students.
School traditions
The College motto is "Asamu Daramu Haesirmu", meaning "Harken Memorise Act" in Sinhala.
School Anthem
"Namadimu baethi gee kusum puda" is the school song, which is sung at the start of the school day and on important occasions.
Houses
The students are divided in to four houses, which are named after four great arahant theros. An annual track-and-field tournament among these houses is held during the first term.
Ananda
Mahinda
Seewali
Rahula
Past Pupils Association (PPA)
The Past Pupils Association is the oldest active association of Anuradhapura Central College. The college PPA has established several branches island wide including branches of Anuradhapura, Colombo and Kandy. Also two international branches in Australia and UK. The college PPA plays the main role in sponsoring Annual prize giving and colors’ day ceremonies. School day celebration is helped by the PPA and special medical clinic is held for the teaching staff on that day.
Emeralds Club (EC)
In 2015, young past pupils of the college were gathered and found a new association for conduct an annual event for the college day which falls on 21 July. In 2016, Emeralds Club promulgated their strength by making a committee with representatives from each year that EC have members.
Parade of Emeralds
In 2015, Emeralds Club conduct a parade for school day with the theme of 'prevent from alcohol and smoking' as a support for the president's National Drugs Prevention Program. It was published in all media and president Maithreepala Sirisena's special thank was also received.
Notable alumni
Anuradhapura Central College has produced graduates in many fields such as engineering, medicine, law, politics, education, administration, mass-media and entertainment, including:
