Dharmaraja Founder’s Day: Melbourne Alms Giving
About
Dharmaraja College Founder’s Day 2026: Melbourne Commemoration & Dana
Attahi Attano Natho" (Self is the Lord of Self)
Calling all Melbourne **Rajans**!
The **Dharmaraja College Old Boys’ Union (Melbourne)** cordially invites all past pupils, families, and well-wishers to a special **Almsgiving (Dana)** to commemorate the **Founder’s Day** of our beloved alma mater.
Every year on the **30th of June**, Rajans across the globe pause to honor the visionaries who built the "Hill Country Castle."
This year, we gather in Melbourne to pay our respects, share in merit-making, and reconnect with our brotherhood.
South East Melbourne (Venue to be confirmed shortly)
* **Program:**
* **10:00 AM:** Commencement of religious observances
* **11:30 AM:** Offering of the Mid-day Dana (Alms)
* **12:30 PM:** Transfer of Merit to our Founders
* **01:00 PM:** Fellowship and refreshments for all attendees
### 🏛️ **A Legacy Built on Courage: About Founder's Day**
Dharmaraja College, Kandy, was founded on **June 30, 1887**, originally under the name "Kandy Buddhist High School." It emerged during a pivotal era of Buddhist revival in Sri Lanka.
* **The Visionary:** The college owes its existence to **Colonel Henry Steel Olcott**, the American philanthropist and founder of the Buddhist Theosophical Society, who sought to provide a high-quality English-medium education rooted in Buddhist values.
* **An Act of Devotion:** History recalls the bravery of
**Wadugodapitiya Punchirala Korale**. When British authorities refused to allow a sacred Bo tree to be felled for the school's construction, he removed the tree in a single night to ensure the school could open on schedule.
* **From Humble Beginnings:** On that Thursday morning in 1887, the school opened with just **one teacher (Principal Andiris de Silva)** and **12 students**. Today, it stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious institutions, home to over 4,500 students.
# 🤝 **How You Can Participate**
We welcome contributions for the Dana (dry rations, fruits, or monetary donations). Most importantly, we welcome your presence as we gather in our Maroon and Light Blue spirit to honor the heritage that shaped us.
**RSVP / Contact for Contributions:**
* [Ruwan]: [040 100 8020]
**"May the sun of Dharmaraja shine forever!"**
Date
Sunday 28 June 2026 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (UTC+10)Location
To be confirmed