Explore the Project
Restoring the Heart of Bandaranayake College
Since 1945, the Main Hall has been the heart of Bandaranayake College. RESTORING THE PRIDE is a community-led initiative to preserve this treasured landmark while preparing it for future generations.
Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.
College
Bandaranayake College, Gampaha
Established in 1918 · More than 108 Years of Excellence
Established in 1918, Bandaranayake College, Gampaha has shaped generations of young men through academic excellence, leadership, discipline and service. Today it stands among Sri Lanka’s leading national schools, developing confident, responsible students who excel in academics, sports, co-curricular life and community service. Its alumni serve across public life, business, medicine, engineering, education, law, the armed forces, sports and the arts, in Sri Lanka and around the world. The Past Pupils’ Association has long supported student welfare, infrastructure and scholarships. RESTORING THE PRIDE continues that legacy, preserving the Main Hall so future Nayakenz inherit the same heart of College life.
Our Heritage
More Than a Building
A Hall That Shaped Every Nayakenz
Heart of College life since 1945.
For generations of Nayakenz, the Main Hall has been at the heart of college life. Since its completion in 1945, it has hosted assemblies, prize-giving ceremonies, cultural events, examinations and countless occasions that have brought students, teachers and alumni together. More than a building, it represents the shared memories, traditions and spirit of Bandaranayake College.
Hall Story- Historical: nearly eighty years under one roof
- Educational: assemblies, exams and prize-givings
- Architectural: a recognised College landmark
- Community: students, teachers, parents and alumni
- Institutional: part of College identity and values
- Living memory: shared moments that bind Nayakenz
Restoration
Why Restoration Is Essential
After nearly eighty years of continuous use, the Main Hall now requires comprehensive restoration to ensure it remains safe, functional and structurally sound for the years ahead. Regular maintenance has helped preserve the building over time, but age, environmental exposure and increasing operational demands now require a more extensive restoration programme.
See the latest construction progress and site photographs on the Progress page.
- Age and weather exposure
- Structural soundness checks
- Electrical and safety upgrades
- Services beyond routine maintenance
- Heritage character to protect
- Modern operational demands
Scope
What the restoration includes
Developed after architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and quantity surveying assessments by qualified professionals. On completion, the Hall becomes a modern multi-purpose venue for education, leadership, culture, sport and community life, protecting architectural character while meeting modern safety and operational standards.
Structural
- Roof restoration and waterproofing
- Additional balcony seating and increased capacity
Architectural
- New Main Entrance and Lobby
- Stage refurbishment and modernization
- Acoustic ceiling and heritage finishes
Building Services
- Air conditioning and ventilation
- Modern lighting and audio-visual systems
Safety & Accessibility
- Fire, safety and accessibility improvements
Landscaping
- External landscaping and visitor access
Engineering
Engineering Excellence
Delivery is led by a multidisciplinary Engineering Consultant Team of Chartered Architects, Chartered Engineers, Chartered Quantity Surveyors and project professionals, working closely with contractors and the College. Recognised professional practices guide every stage, from structural inspection and design through site coordination and handover, so the programme upholds quality, safety and transparency. Guardians, the College and the wider community can trust that the Main Hall is restored to a standard worthy of its place in Bandaranayake College life.
Progress
Seeing the transformation
A side-by-side before and after comparison will appear here once paired site photographs are available. Until then, the architectural vision shows the intended outcome.
For live construction updates and site photographs, visit the Progress page.
Budget
Investment Summary
Indicative breakdown for planning and transparency. Figures below are dummy / illustrative until the Quantity Surveyor’s bill of quantities is locked by the Steering Committee.
| Work package | Share | Amount (LKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Structural repairs & roof | 22% | 15,400,000 |
| Interior, acoustics & ceiling | 18% | 12,600,000 |
| MEP: AC, electrical, ventilation | 20% | 14,000,000 |
| Stage, lighting & AV | 14% | 9,800,000 |
| Entrance, lobby & balcony works | 12% | 8,400,000 |
| External works & landscaping | 8% | 5,600,000 |
| Contingency & professional fees | 6% | 4,200,000 |
| Total (indicative) | 100% | 70,000,000 |
Campaign balance: 400 Legacy Places × LKR 100,000 = LKR 40 Mn. Dummy line items will be replaced when the committee publishes the approved budget.
Governance
Transparency and oversight
Clear structures keep delivery accountable, so Guardians can give with confidence.
- Governance
- Finance
- Engineering
- Risk
- Quality
- Reporting
Detailed governance frameworks are set out in the Campaign Governance Guide. Follow updates on News.
Legacy Places
One Hall. One School. One Legacy.
Every Guardian becomes part of the story of restoring one of Bandaranayake College's most treasured landmarks. Every Guardian stands equal. No VIP tiers.
Guardians are permanently recognised in the Pride Gallery, a dedicated legacy installation in the renovated Main Hall (12″ × 6″ granite, laser engraved). Choose your place on the Home gallery wall.
Who can become a Guardian
A Legacy Place may be secured by
- Alumni
- Families
- School Batches
- Corporate Partners
- Overseas Alumni
- Friends of the College
FAQ
Common questions
What is RESTORING THE PRIDE?
An alumni-led Main Hall restoration campaign of the Past Pupils’ Association, Bandaranayake College, Gampaha. It preserves heritage while modernising the Hall for future generations.
What does a Legacy Place cost?
LKR 100,000 per Legacy Place. Every Guardian receives equal honour: a 12″ × 6″ granite plaque, laser engraved, in The Pride Gallery.
Where do my funds go?
Legacy Place funds restore the Main Hall only. The Guardians campaign targets LKR 40 Mn of the indicative LKR 78 Mn project total; LKR 38 Mn is already secured.
When will works complete?
Construction has begun in 2026. Target completion is 2027. Follow Progress for site photos and News for updates.
How is the project governed?
A Steering Committee oversees delivery with Chartered Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors supporting financial management, quality assurance and compliance.
Can overseas alumni contribute?
Yes. Overseas alumni and alumni groups can secure Legacy Places and join as Guardians on equal terms with those in Sri Lanka. Reach out via the Alumni Network or reserve through the Pride Gallery.
Can a batch reserve multiple Legacy Places?
Yes. School batches can reserve multiple equal Legacy Places, and each place carries the same honour in The Pride Gallery. Coordinate as a group and choose your places on the gallery wall.
“Those before us built it. Our generation will restore it.”Guardians of the Pride
Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future.