Top 10 Schools in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka (2025 Rankings)
Gampaha District, the second most populous in Sri Lanka's Western Province, hosts over 500 schools emphasizing academic excellence, STEM focus, and extracurriculars like cricket and IT. With a literacy rate mirroring the national 93%+, these institutions feed into top universities via GCE O/A/L exams. Rankings for 2025, compiled from Ministry of Education data, Advice.lk, StudyWay.lk, and Wikipedia's school lists, prioritize A/L pass rates (90%+ for top tiers), university placements, facilities, and alumni success. National schools dominate due to free education and competitiveness via Grade 5 Scholarships. Private/international options add global curricula. Note: Rankings are composite; boys/girls schools reflect tradition.Of course. Here is the converted list in a clean, easy-to-read format.
Top 10 Schools in Gampaha District
1. Bandaranaike College Gampaha
Established in 1910, this is the **premier boys’ national school** in Gampaha District (1AB status). It consistently achieves 95%+ A/B passes at A/Ls, especially in science and mathematics streams. The school boasts state-of-the-art science labs, a fully equipped computer center, and a strong cricket tradition. Alumni include high-ranking government officials, engineers, and doctors. Its motto, *“Knowledge is Power”*, reflects its focus on discipline and academic rigor. With over 3,000 students, it remains the most sought-after school in the district via the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam.
2. Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya
Founded in 1953, this **leading girls’ national school (1AB)** is renowned for excellence in **bio-sciences and medical placements**. It records **92%+ A/L success rates**, with many students entering state medical faculties. The 20-acre campus includes advanced biology and chemistry labs, a robotics club, and an active debate society. The school promotes leadership through prefect boards and environmental projects. It is a top feeder for universities and a symbol of female empowerment in the region.
3. Yasodara Devi Balika Maha Vidyalaya
A **Buddhist girls’ national school** with a strong cultural and academic foundation since the 1960s. It excels in **arts, literature, and commerce streams**, achieving **90% A/L pass rates**. The school offers bilingual education and hosts annual drama festivals and literary competitions. With over 2,000 students, it emphasizes moral values alongside academics, producing well-rounded graduates in teaching, law, and public service.
4. D.S. Senanayake Model Primary School
One of the most competitive primary schools in Sri Lanka, this co-educational national institution is a direct feeder to top secondary schools. It boasts a 98% success rate in the Grade 5 Scholarship Exam, with many students securing places at Royal, Visakha, or Bandaranaike. The bilingual curriculum, modern classrooms, and early STEM exposure make it a launchpad for future academic stars.
5. Poruthota Maha Vidyalaya
Located in Ja-Ela, this **multi-ethnic, co-educational national school (1AB)** has been operational since 1900. It achieves **88% A/L pass rates**, with strong programs in **IT, engineering, and vocational training**. The school is known for athletic excellence, particularly in track and field, and hosts inter-school tech fairs. Its inclusive environment reflects Gampaha’s diversity.
6. St. Mary’s College, Katunayake
A **private Catholic girls’ school** offering a **hybrid IGCSE and A-Level curriculum**. With **85% of graduates gaining international university placements**, it caters to families near Bandaranaike International Airport. The school emphasizes ethics, leadership, and global awareness, with annual fees around **LKR 300,000**. It includes music, drama, and community service programs.
7. **Carey College, Ja-Ela**
A **private Methodist boys’ school** known for balancing academics and sports. It achieves **87% A/L pass rates** and has produced national-level rugby players. Proximity to the airport benefits aviation and business-focused families. The school promotes Christian values and community engagement, with modern facilities and extracurricular clubs.
8. Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya
Named after the world’s first female Prime Minister, this **girls’ national school (1AB)**, established in 1990, excels in **commerce and management streams** with **91% A/L success**. It offers leadership training, entrepreneurship programs, and debate competitions. The campus includes a large auditorium and digital learning centers.
9. Ave Maria Convent, Negombo (Gampaha border)
A historic **private Catholic girls’ school** (founded 1900) with a strong reputation in **arts, music, and literature**. It records **86% A/L pass rates** and prepares students for Oxbridge and Ivy League applications. Located near the coast, it offers a serene environment and annual cultural festivals. Fees are moderate for private standards.
10. Royal College – Minuwangoda
A **branch of the prestigious Royal College, Colombo**, this **national boys’ school** upholds the Royal legacy with **89% A/L pass rates**. It features advanced STEM labs, a strong cricket program, and direct pathways to university engineering faculties. It serves as a bridge between rural and urban education excellence.
Sri Lanka Postal Service: A Timeless Lifeline for Mail and Parcels
In an era dominated by instant digital communication, the humble postal service remains a vital thread connecting communities across Sri Lanka. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene hill country villages, Sri Lanka Post—officially the Department of Posts—stands as a beacon of reliability, affordability, and tradition. Established over two centuries ago, this government-run network not only handles letters and parcels but also weaves financial services into the fabric of everyday life. If you're searching for "Sri Lanka postal rates," "domestic parcel delivery in Sri Lanka," or "Sri Lanka Post services," this comprehensive guide dives deep into its history, offerings, and the latest on inland parcel rates as of 2025.
A Storied Legacy: The History of Sri Lanka Post
Sri Lanka's postal journey is a tapestry of colonial influences and national resilience, spanning more than 222 years. It all began in 1798 under Dutch colonial rule, when five post offices were set up in the Maritime Districts—Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Mannar, and Jaffna. A year later, in 1799, the Dutch East India Company issued the island's first postal regulations and rates, primarily for official use rather than public convenience.
The British era marked a transformative phase. In 1815, after gaining control of the entire island, the British reorganized the system, appointing Captain A. Kennedy as the first Postmaster General. By 1882, a permanent General Post Office (GPO) was established in Colombo, solidifying the service's footprint. The 19th century saw innovations like Asia's first mail coach service and the introduction of postage stamps in 1857, making mail accessible to the masses.
Fast-forward to independence in 1948, and Sri Lanka Post evolved into a cornerstone of the nation's infrastructure. Today, it employs over 17,000 dedicated workers across more than 4,500 post offices, serving a population of 22 million. From foot deliveries in remote hills to modern vans zipping through urban traffic, the service has adapted while honoring its roots. Fun fact: In August 2024, Sri Lanka Post unveiled the world's longest postage stamp, measuring 205 mm—a Guinness World Record that celebrates philately's enduring charm.
Keywords like "history of postal service Sri Lanka" or "Sri Lanka Post origins" often lead curious minds here, revealing how this institution has outlasted empires and embraced progress.
Core Services: More Than Just Stamps and Envelopes
Sri Lanka Post isn't just about sending letters—it's a multifaceted lifeline for individuals, businesses, and remote communities. Here's a breakdown of its key offerings:
1. Domestic Mail and Parcel Delivery
- Letters and Documents: Affordable options for everyday correspondence, with tracking available for registered items.
- Parcels: Ideal for e-commerce sellers and families shipping goods island-wide. Services include standard surface mail and express options via Sri Lanka Post Courier.
- Delivery Zones: Covers all nine provinces, with faster times in Western Province (Colombo and suburbs) versus outstations.
2. Financial and Remittance Services
- : Secure, low-cost transfers up to Rs. 100,000 (increased from Rs. 50,000 in 2022).
- Savings and Giro Accounts: Postal savings banks offer interest-bearing accounts, accessible even in rural areas.
- Pension Payments: Reliable disbursal for government retirees.
3. International Services
- EMS (Express Mail Service): Speedy global delivery with tracking.
- Air and Sea Mail: Budget-friendly for parcels abroad, with calculators available online.
4. Specialized Offerings
-Philatelic Bureau: Collectible stamps and souvenirs for enthusiasts.
- Cash on Delivery (COD): Popular for online shopping, ensuring payments upon receipt.
- Digital Integration: Track parcels via the SL Post app or website, and pay bills through e-channels.
For those querying "Sri Lanka Post tracking" or "postal services near me," the network's 4,500+ branches ensure accessibility. In 2025, amid economic recovery, these services remain subsidized, making them a go-to for cost-conscious users over pricier private couriers.
Domestic Parcel Rates: Affordable and Transparent (2025 Update)
One of the most searched aspects of Sri Lanka Post is its domestic parcel rates—key for small businesses, students sending care packages, or families relocating goods. Based on official tariffs (last major revision in 2022, with minor fuel surcharges possible in 2025), rates are weight-based and highly competitive. Weights are in grams (g), and costs are in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Parcels up to 20 kg are accepted, with volumetric weight rules for bulky items (Length × Width × Height in cm / 5,000).
The service splits into two main categories for inland parcels:
Surface Mail Parcels (Standard Delivery, 2–5 Days Island-Wide)
These are economical for non-urgent shipments. Rates follow a tiered slab system:

Source: Sri Lanka Post Domestic Parcelpost Rates (2022, effective with 2025 surcharges).* Additional fees: Rs. 50–100 for registration/tracking; COD adds 2% of value.
Express Parcels via Sri Lanka Post Courier (1–2 Days)
For time-sensitive needs, opt for this premium service. Starting rate: Rs. 200 for up to 250g (up from Rs. 100 pre-2022). Subsequent slabs follow surface rates + 50% premium. Example: 1kg express ≈ Rs. 375.
Pro tip: For "Sri Lanka inland parcel cost calculator," use the unofficial SL Postage Calculator app on Google Play for quick estimates. Always confirm at your local branch, as fuel surcharges (5–10%) may apply in 2025.
Compared to private couriers like Domex (Rs. 200–600/kg), Sri Lanka Post wins on affordability, especially for weights under 5kg.
Why Choose Sri Lanka Post in 2025?
In a digital age, Sri Lanka Post's charm lies in its trustworthiness and reach. It's eco-friendly (promoting reusable packaging), supports rural economies, and integrates with e-commerce platforms. Recent updates include expanded COD limits and app-based tracking, making it future-proof.
Whether you're a history buff fascinated by "postal heritage Sri Lanka," a shopper eyeing "cheap parcel delivery Sri Lanka," or a business owner optimizing "domestic shipping rates Sri Lanka," Sri Lanka Post delivers—literally. Visit slpost.gov.lk or your nearest branch to get started. In a connected world, sometimes the oldest ways are the best.
Rates and services current as of November 2025; subject to gazette revisions. For personalized quotes, call 011-2328301.*