Old Duthians Sports Club (ODSC)
Badulla Dharmadutha College, the most reputed boys’ school in Badulla. Sri Lanka which Completes 120 years of yeoman education service in 2011 has a remarkable history.
Col,Henry Steel Olcott an Amarican who converted him self to buddhism became an ardent Buddhist after his conversion. His broad thinking gave birth to the theosophical society in Sri Lanka. He became the First president of this Buddhist theosophical society.
Due to the activities of this movement a great awakening towards Buddhism took place. The efforts of this theosophical society resulted in the establishment of several Buddhist Schools such as Ananda College – Colombo, Dharmaraja College – Kandy, Maliyadeva College – Kurunagala and Mahindha College – Galle. All these Schools wer founded by Col.Henry Steel Olcott.
In 1886, Two Years before Maliyadewa College Kurunagala Came into being, a Sinhala hero, Muhandiran D.C. Kothlawale Migrated to Badulla, the capital City of Uva province from Raigam Korala.Col, Henry Steel Olcott, too paid a Visit to Badulla in 1886. The meeting of these two philanthropists in Badulla gave birth to the theosophical society in Uva.
The movements of this society encouraged Muhandiran D.C Kothalawela to establish Badulla Dharmadutha College on 21st August 1891.
Late Mr. William Jayasinghe had been fortunate enough to be the first Head Master of this reputed Dharmadutha College Badulla. This was started to give a good English medium education to Buddhist Boys.As time went on late Mr. R.H. Gunawardhana an old boy of the College qualified him self as a trained teacher to hold the principal post. Hence, he was appointed the Principal of the College in 1921. This was a turning point in the School history.
After Sometimes Mr. R.H. Gunawardhana Opened the doors of the college to all communities. Then Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim pupils joined the School in large nombers. Mr.R.H Gunawardena promoted football,Hocky and Other games among pupils. Very soon the college became very famous for these games . Even now this college has strong soccer and Hockey teams.
Mr. R.H. Gunawardena formed the College OBA and with the help of the oldboys started a fund raising project to develop the college and also to put up the club house.A series of carnivals Known as Dhutha Mela and Dutha Reveals were held during the Vesak Season for this project.
From the funds collected Mr. R.H. Gunawardena used some money to develop the college. This broad thinking gentleman took steps to start the Old Dudhians’ Sports Club without a club building on 21st August 1946.
In March 1954 late Mr. Mr.D.D.Jayasinghe became the president of the club he was assited by late Mr.W.A. Jinadasa as Secretary.
After Mr. R.H. Gunawardena retired late Mr.S.K.Gnanamutthu a well qualified gentleman from Jaffna was appointed the principal of the college. Late Mr.S.K.Gnanamutthu was lucky enough to join hands with late Mr.D.D.Jayasinghe to start the construction work of the present club house. This work was started with the funds collected from carnivals.15th june 1957 was a red letter day for old Dudhians’ as the club building was ceremonially opened by sevaral distinguished guests such as late Mr.Gladwin Kothalawela,(Member of the parliament) Mr.S.K.Gnanamutthu, Mr. R.H. Gunawardena, Mr. Mr.D.D.Jayasinghe, Mr.W.A. Jinadasa, Mr.K.D.N. Gunarathne (former Junior Minister of Health) and Mr. W.V.W. Welgolla.
After the club house was opened a great link between the present boys and the old boys developed.This is seen even at present.
In Uva,only the old boys of Dharmadutha College possess a club house.
We are Proud to mention that the Old Dudhians’ Sports Club had been able to produce very talented football and hockey players in the past. Most of them represented national level teams. We have been able to produce national level and international level referees and umpires.
In August 2011 the Old Dudhians’ Sports Club completes 65 years of continuous social service to the nation.
Plans are under way to convert the old club house building in to a well equipped storeyed building , Once it is completed the youths in Badulla. would have better facilities to develop their skills in football, Hockey, badminton, tennis and other indoor games and outdoor games.
Compiled by Duthian D.N.Karunadasa.