by the Education Department. In 1961 a large number of schools were taken over by the government and the town branch was registered as a separate school with a principal being appointed by the Education Department. A precedent was created to admit all the children who leave town branch after they passed the grade five test. In 1992 due to inclement weather the retaining wall of the Rankoth Viharaya collapsed damaging the main hall of the town branch. The school had to be kept closed for a few months. The Old Boys Association, parents and well wishers constructed 18 semi-permanent class rooms and the Town Branch was amalgamated to the main college. On 25 May 1993 the Ccllege was declared a National School by the Ministry of Education. On 26 December 2004 the tsunami which destroyed the southern and eastern coastal areas damaged part of the semi-permanent buildings of the college. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck during a school vacation so no injuries were recorded. All together 182 schools were damaged by the tsunami. Out of these damaged school the government has decided to re-locate 98 schools including Sri Sumangala College. Donor partner JICA granted a Rs. 330 million loan to build a completely new school with all the modern facilities. It is a coincidence of fate that the Sri Sumangala College has to be moved to a location five decades later that the Board of Management had initially planned on in 1942, before finally settling for the site in Nalluruwa. Founders Ven. Gnanawimalathissa Maha Thero (lived in Panadura Rankoth Viharaya ) Ven. Walpita Gunarathana Thissabidana Amarapura Maha Nikaye Thero Houses The college has four houses, named after kings of Sri Lanka. The four Houses with their associated colours are: Notable alumni Notable former students of Sri Sumangala College (known as Old Sumangalians), include: Principals Following is a list of past Principals of the Sri Sumangala College; Sri Sumangala College Old Boys The 'Old Boys'are know as those who have left the school and many join the Sri Sumangala College Old Boys Association also known as The Old Boys’ Association of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura (SSCOBA). The Old Boys Association was established on the 28th of October 1922. References External links Official Web site of Sri Sumangala College Old Boys' Association of Sri Sumangala College – SSCOBA Junior Old Boys Association of Sri Sumangala College – SSCJOBA ''Old Sumangalians