Nalanda College Old Boys’ Association – South Australia (Nalanda OBA SA) was founded through the vision and dedication of Nayan Perera, together with the support of Sampath Wijesinghe. Recognising the need for a united community for Old Nalandians living in South Australia, Nayan initiated the formation of the association and became its inaugural President, while Sampath Wijesinghe served as the first Treasurer.
The association’s first Secretary was Duminda Kottachchi.

The very first meeting of Nalanda OBA SA was held at the residence of Dr. Lalith Gamage, marking the beginning of a strong and supportive brotherhood rooted in the spirit of Nalanda.

From its inception, Nalanda OBA SA was created with several core objectives—principles that continue to shape who we are today:

1. A Home for All Old Nalandians in SA

To create a warm and welcoming space where all Old Nalandians in South Australia can gather, reconnect, and celebrate the brotherhood nurtured at Nalanda College.

2. Supporting the Wellbeing of Our Community

To look after the welfare of our members and their families—offering support, care, and a sense of belonging.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the association discreetly supported members who were experiencing difficulties, reflecting our commitment to compassion and unity.

3. Assisting Newcomers to South Australia

To help newly-arrived Old Nalandians settle into life in South Australia by guiding them with rental accommodation, employment opportunities, and any other support needed to start their journey here. Many members have benefited from this hands-on, community-driven support.

4. Supporting Nalanda College

Where possible, the association contributes towards projects that benefit our alma mater—continuing the proud tradition of giving back to the school that shaped us.

5. Accessible, Inclusive Membership

Understanding the financial responsibilities many face in Australia, the association was established without paid membership fees.
The only requirement to join Nalanda OBA SA is simple: being an Old Nalandian.
In the early days, members agreed to share expenses on an ad hoc basis to keep the association running without financial pressure.

6. Sustainable Fundraising

Although the association does not charge membership fees, we recognised the need for a reliable way to raise funds. This led to the development of events and activities that allowed us to build and maintain a strong financial foundation over the years.

A significant milestone in our history was the establishment of the Battle of the Maroons in South Australia, initiated through discussions between Nalanda OBA SA and the then Ananda OBA SA President, Kapila.

During the early conversations, many members from both schools expressed concerns about playing leather-ball cricket due to limited practice. To encourage wider participation, the two associations agreed on conducting two matches:
• A 10-over softball match
• A T20 leather-ball match

This inclusive approach allowed more Old Boys, regardless of skill level, to proudly represent their schools.

The initial event was jointly organised in a collaborative spirit. To make the day more exciting and family-friendly, the main encounter was set as a T20 match instead of the traditional 40- or 50-over format.

From the second year onwards, Nayan proposed a rotational hosting model:
Each year, one school would take full responsibility for organising the event, covering expenses and retaining any profits. This model significantly strengthened the association’s financial stability and enabled Nalanda OBA SA to build a healthy bank balance without charging membership fees.

Nalanda OBA SA has been shaped by the dedication of many committed individuals.
Among them, Pradeep has played a major role in the success of the association by providing extensive financial support for numerous events and offering invaluable employment opportunities to many newcomers.

Thanks to the collective commitment of our members, Nalanda OBA SA continues to thrive as a strong, supportive, and united community.

From a small gathering at Dr. Lalith Gamage’s home to a vibrant organisation today, Nalanda OBA SA stands proudly as a pillar of unity for Old Nalandians in South Australia.
Old photos of our first meeting—still circulating among members—serve as a reminder of how far we have come and the brotherhood that continues to inspire us.

Together, we remain committed to upholding the values of Nalanda and supporting each other, both here in South Australia and back home in Sri Lanka.

During the period of British colonial rule, Buddhists in Sri Lanka faced limited access to education that reflected their own cultural and religious values. As a result, many Buddhist parents were forced to send their children to missionary schools. In response, distinguished foreign supporters such as Sir Henry Steel Olcott, Madame Blavatsky, and Miss Marie Musaeus Higgins came to Sri Lanka to support local Buddhist leaders in their efforts to revive Buddhist education and preserve cultural identity.

The founding of Ananda College in 1886 became a turning point for Buddhist education in Sri Lanka. The institution quickly gained recognition and attracted students from across the island. By 1923, the rapid increase in student numbers made it clear that existing facilities were no longer sufficient.

At the time, Ananda College’s playground was located at Campbell Place, Colombo. Adjacent to it was a one-acre plot of land which was leased by the then principal, Mr. P. de S. Kularathne. Several junior classes were moved to this site, where the first classrooms were simple mud structures.

This new wing operated under the supervision of Mr. E. W. Perera, an efficient and disciplined administrator. His leadership ensured a well-maintained and orderly environment, earning the admiration of the Director of Education, Mr. Robinson. As a result, the institution received official approval.

Encouraged by this success, Mr. Kularathne later acquired an additional four acres of adjoining land at a cost of 55,000 rupees. A permanent building consisting of sixteen rooms was constructed soon after. The foundation stone was laid in 1922 by Sir Gregory Thompson, the then Governor of Sri Lanka.

The new building marked a major advancement in facilities. Two rooms were designated as laboratories, two served as the staff room and principal’s office, and the remaining twelve were used as classrooms. Academic oversight was provided by Mr. L. H. Meththananda, with Mr. E. W. Perera appointed as Headmaster. The Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maithriya Thero became the first Dharmacharya of the institution.