The legacy of leaders, scouts, and mentors who shaped the 1st Panadura Horana Scout Troop.
← Back to HomeFrom a humble beginning in 1959 to one of Sri Lanka's leading scout troops.
At the request of Principal Mr. K.L.V. Alagiyawanna, teacher Mr. M.N. Fernando formed the scout troop with 24 members. This became the first scout troop registered with the National Scouts Headquarters representing the Kalutara District, registered under No. A-76 — the 1st Kalutara Scout Troop.
The troop was officially invested in the presence of Kalutara District Commissioner Mr. C.A. Devasabhagam and Field Commissioner Mr. Lionel de Silva, receiving the status of a Junior Scout Troop. Scouts trained at Lee Dassanayake (Mirigama), Pedro (Nuwara Eliya), Kiriberiya, and Horana before graduating as an experienced Senior Troop.
Janalal Rodrigo, the first Troop Leader, became the first recipient of the Queen's Award (now the President's Award). The presentation was held at the school grounds in the presence of Assistant Scouts Commissioner Gate Mudliyar V.L. Dahanayake.
The Panadura-Horana Scouting District was separated from Kalutara District on Brotherhood Day. The inauguration was held at Sri Sumangala College with Chief Commissioner Mr. E.W. Kannangara, Field Commissioners Mr. Lionel de Silva and Mr. Nihal de Mel, and Mr. Richard Salgado — the first Chairman of the new district. Our troop became the 1st Panadura-Horana Scout Troop.
Queen's Scout Janalal Rodrigo and Mahinda Senarathne represented the troop at the 11th World Scout Jamboree held in Greece — a singular honour for the troop.
A pack of Cub Scouts was started for the first time, led by teachers Mrs. T.M. Fernando and Mrs. N.R. De Mel. The investiture was held in the presence of Headquarters Commissioner Mr. A. Abraham. The group now consisted of Wolf Cubs, Junior, Senior, and Rover Scouts.
Mr. M.N. Fernando (later Deputy Principal) served as Leader of Scouts. The troop received invaluable guidance from Field Commissioner Mr. V. Nihal de Mel, who later became the National Training Commissioner.
Mr. N.B. Perera handed over responsibility to Mr. W.M.H. Dayarathne and Mr. P.A. Dayasiri — both Wood Badge holders. Mr. W. Dushmantha Fernando and Mr. Gamini Somathilaka served as Assistant Scout Masters. They brought great fame to the troop and the school.
Mr. Gamini Somatilleke earned his Wood Badge and led the Cub Scout Pack to become one of the leading packs in the Island. He later served as a full-time Field Commissioner and Headquarters Commissioner until 2000.
Mr. W.P. Mendis served as Master-in-Charge of Scouting while Mr. V. Nihal de Mel undertook training with such dedication that the troop became — and remains — one of the best in Sri Lanka.
Major W.D.V. Padmalal Perera, a former President's Scout of our school, joined as a teacher and ushered in the Golden Age of Scouting. He was selected as a Leader Trainer in the National Training Team and continues to serve as the District Commissioner of Panadura-Horana District.
Founded as a brainchild of Major Padmalal Perera, bringing together old scouts to support the troop's growth. Mr. Prasad Vithana, Mr. Saman Hemantha, Mr. Thanuja Salgado, Mr. Shamenu Dias, Mr. Ravindra Mahesh, Mr. Sujeewa Abeywickrema, Mr. Daminda Balawickrema, Mr. Pubudu Danushka Peiris, Mr. Wasantha Pushpakumara, and Mr. Hasaral Kamalanka served as Assistant Scout Leaders.
Sri Sumangala College celebrated its 100th Anniversary. His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremonially opened the newly constructed school (funded by the Government of Japan) on April 23, 2009. The Scout Group organized a grand Scout Day on July 5, 2009, with over 1,000 participants.
Today the troop has over 200 scouts and cub scouts under Principal Mr. Raveendra Pushpakumara and Group Scout Leader Mr.Gayan Ranjula Lal. The troop remains one of the leading Scout Groups in the country, with consecutive District Rally Championships and a proud tradition of producing President's Scouts and Gold Star Cubs.
Honoring the past, inspiring the future. Browse through our record of leaders and distinguished scouts.