E. W. Adikaram


Kalutara Koralalage Don Edward Winifred Brito Adikaram was an educationalist, writer, social activist and a philosopher in Sri Lanka. In 1931 he obtained an M.A degree from London School of Oriental Studies and in 1933 a PhD on the thesis "Early History of Buddhism in Ceylon" from the University of London.
After returning to Sri Lanka he started to teach in Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte and in 1934, he became the principal of the school. He was a prominent non-violent activist in Sri Lanka.

Early life

Adikaram was born on 5 March 1905. Educated at Wesley College, Colombo and succeeded to Colombo University College to study Chemistry. Due to financial problems, he was unable to receive sufficient science education, then he started to follow BA Degree after he completed his degree he join to Ananda Shasthralaya Kotte as a teacher. Adikaram won a Scholarship to London University to pursue MA and Phd, then he sailed to England. During the days at England he was with some other Ceylonese youths who became leading politicians like Dr.N.M.Perera and Dr. Colvin R. De Silva. He wrote several Sinhala-language science related books, magazines and newspaper entries.

Institutions founded

  • Schools: Anula Vidyalaya, Ananda Balika Maha Vidyalaya Kotte 1971 ;Ananda Sastralaya, Matugama; Vidyakara Vidyalaya, Maharagama; Nigrodha Vidyalaya, Gangodawila and branches of Ananda Sastralaya at Ruwanwella and Malabe, now known as Madhya Maha Vidyalayas. All of these are state-run schools at present.
  • Krishnamurti Centre, Sri Lanka, belongs to the network of study centres in various parts of the world, run by people who are interested in the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti.
  • Taruna Sitivili Samajaya or Young Thinkers Forum, for the discussion of contemporary social, religious, ethical and ecological issues. At one time it had over 8000 members, mostly youths, drawn from all parts of Sri Lanka. Defunct since Dr. Adikaram's death.
  • Sri Lanka Vegetarian Society, Colombo and Matara. The Colombo society was defunct between 1987 and 1997. It was revived and re-vamped in June 1997.

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