Visakha Vidyalaya was founded on the 16th of January, 1917 by the late Mrs. Jeremias Dias as an institution of learning for the Buddhist girls of this land at a time when such institutions were rare.

Begun under the name of “Buddhist Girls’ College” in a house called “The Firs” at Turret Road, Colombo, it was moved to its present premises at Vajira Road on the 21st of November 1927 and named “Visakha Vidyalaya” by Lady Stanley, the wife of the then Governor of Ceylon. From humble beginnings, it has risen to the position of the most sought after school for girls in Sri Lanka, and the only girls’ school to be identified amongst the first National Schools in the Island.

Starting with just 20 students way back in 1917, she has about 4,000 students on her roll today, with an academic staff numbering 146. Today, Visakha stands unchallenged. It is at the top of all the schools in the Island for academic excellence and the prestige she enjoys is indeed a fitting tribute to her founder. Her records in sports and other co curricular activities are no less worthy of mention. Indeed, the most remarkable characteristic of Visakha is her ability to blend the best of the traditional and the modern aspects of life. An Old Girl is found leading the way in every field; be it academic, professional or aesthetics giving credence to the fact that the proudly uttered words “I am a Visakhian” mean so much.

The school owes its origin to the far-sightedness and philanthropy of her noble Founder, its development to the vision and leadership of the long line of Managers and Principals and its continued standard of excellence to the devotion and loyalty of its Teachers, Parents and Students, both past and present.

Visakha Vidyalaya was conferred with the Grade I status in 1947 and is the first national girls’ school in Sri Lanka. The school consists of a primary and a secondary school with classes ranging from Grade 1 to 13.

At present there are approximately 4500 students on roll with a qualified academic staff strength of 215. Students are enrolled to Grade 1, Grade 6 and Grade 12. Subjects are offered in the national language for all Grades and in English medium from Grade 6 upwards under the national curriculum.

 School Motto

The School’s Motto is from the “ALAVAKA SUTTA” in the Sutta Pitaka of the Tripitaka.When the yakkha Alavaka first confronted the Buddha, he threatened to exterminate him unless the Buddha answered all his questions. One of the questions he asked was

“Kathansu Parisujjhati?”

“How is one cleansed?”

And the Buddha replied…

“Pannaya Parisujjhati”

“By Wisdom is one cleansed”