For over a century from 1925, Nalanda College has rendered an unparalleled service in taking the pride of Sri Lanka to the world. For one hundred years, Mother Nalanda has steadfastly fulfilled her noble mission of nurturing enlightened, patriotic individuals of strong character, guided by the unparalleled values of Sinhala Buddhist heritage. Today, she stands poised to continue this journey with renewed strength and purpose.

Across the globe, sons of Nalanda have distinguished themselves in every field — literature and the arts, science and technology, sports, business, administration, and beyond — leaving a lasting and honourable imprint. Their contribution to the enrichment and preservation of Sinhala literary tradition, in particular, remains invaluable.

Inspired by this proud legacy, and with the heartfelt intention of passing it on to the present generation of Nalandians, Nalanda Old Boys’ Association initiated a historic project to publish one hundred literary works authored by our own students and it is the first time in literary history, such a task has been undertaken to commemorate the centenary of a school.

This initiative was announced in March last year inviting all students of Nalanda College to submit their original literary works in any of the three languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English in four age- group categories: Grades 4–6, Grades 7–9, Grades 10–11, and Grades 12–13 (Advanced Level).

Two seminars and coaching sessions by renowned literary personnel , Ms Thanuja Ayagama and the panel of judges who were entrusted the task of selecting the best entries, were conducted for the benefit of students who showed interest in this project and hundreds of entries were received from the young writers of Nalanda by the closing date.

From the entries received, the best one hundred were selected by an expert panel comprising eminent literary scholars, all of whom are distinguished alumni of Nalanda College.The panel included: Janaka Ratnayake, Prasanna Hennayake, Janaka Inimankada, Dr. Uditha GayashanGunasekara, Tharaka Wickramasekera, Sham Ganewatta, Manorama Weerasinghe, Chathura Geethanath Bandara, Asiri Fernando, Samantha Indeewara, and Chamara Amarasuriya.Renowned writer and journalist Ama Vanniarachchi, daughter of a distinguished Nalanda alumni, also served as a member of the independent pane of judges.

Arrangements have now been made to conduct a special awards ceremony on 05th February at Nalanda Malalasekera Hall to felicitate the students whose works have been selected for publication.

Nalanda Keerthi Sri, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara – eminent Sinhala literary figure, visionary public intellectual will grace this occasion as the Chief Guestt. The Principal, teachers, parents of the students whose books are being published, and a large gathering of past students are also expected to be present on this momentous occasion, which would go down in the history of Sri Lankan schools as the first occasion where 100 books authored by students of a school celebrating its centenary will be published.

Nalanda OBA expects that this initiative will inspire many young authors from the College to emulate the great work by their predecessors who have shone as bright stars in the field of Sri Lankan literature.