THE FATHER OF FREE EDUCATION.

 

        Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara is regarded as the father of free education. He was an eminent Sri Lankan educationist who rendered a yeoman service for the development of education in our country. He became the Minister of Education in 1931. He made great changes in the education system. He worked hard. to bring about reforms in education. He realized that the educational system that prevailed at that time was not at all suitable. 

        The main objective of his educational reforms was to help the poor village children who lacked educational facilities. He saw that there were rural children who had inborn talents in various fields. He wanted to pave the way for these children to develop their talents to fulfill this requirement he started the system of scholarships. 

         Dr. Kannangara can be regarded as a national hero who paved the way for both urban and rural students to receive free education. The concept of Central colleges was his greatest contribution to the development of education in Sri Lanka. In 1940 there were nine Central Colleges functioning at Minuwangoda, Veyangoda, Akuramboda, Matugama, Weeraketiya, Kattankudy, Ibbagamuwa, Dickwella, and Marathugoda. By 1944 there were 22 Central colleges. This number was increased up to 50 by 1946. 

        These colleges produce bright students who step into the world as talented Administrators, Engineers, Doctors, Educationists, and Athletes.