Jayantha Alwis –Educationist who brightened career paths of millions of children turns 90
View(s):Jayantha Alwis, an eminent educationist, administrator, and social leader continues to shine as a guiding figure in the Gampaha community even as he celebrates his 90th birthday. My close association with him as a fellow member of the Gaveshi Sansadaya revealed not only his intellectual depth but also his warmth, humour, and unwavering dedication to public service.
Tall, dignified, and sharp-witted, Alwis served the nation for over 42 years in the Department of Education. His career began as a teacher and principal, culminating in his most impactful leadership roles as Regional Director of Education in Ampara, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Chilaw. His served at Gampaha/Hunupitiya Bandaranayake Vidyalaya—as Vice Principal and later as Principal for seven years.
A lifelong learner, he obtained both his Honours Degree and Master’s Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the University of Kelaniya, further strengthening his theoretical and practical foundation as an educationist.
One of the most defining chapters of his career began in February 1987 when he assumed duties as Commissioner of the Education Publication Bureau. At the time, the Bureau was widely criticized for chronic delays in distributing free school textbooks to more than four million children across the country. Alwis undertook a complete transformation of the Bureau’s operations. His disciplined leadership, methodical planning, and insistence on accountability enabled the unprecedented distribution of textbooks before the start of the 1988 school year. This won the appreciation of the public and the government while silencing political detractors.
Recognizing his invaluable service, successive ministers retained him in the Publication Bureau. He was also promoted to Director General of Education while continuing as Commissioner of the Publication Department—an exceptional acknowledgement of his competence, reliability and integrity.
During his tenure, he spearheaded the compilation and translation of educational books required for higher studies, helping expand access to quality learning materials in Sinhala and Tamil. He also served ex-officio on the Board of the State Printing Corporation and as Vice Chairman of the Books Development Council. As Chairperson of this council (2018–2019), he was instrumental in initiating Sri Lanka’s national book policy—an essential contribution to the country’s long-term educational planning. His expertise earned him advanced professional training in book publication in New Delhi, further enriching the national educational system upon his return.
After a decade of distinguished service at the Bureau, he retired upon reaching the compulsory retirement age. Then Minister of Education, Richard Pathirana, paid tribute to his outstanding contributions during the 1997 book distribution ceremony.
Retirement marked a new chapter of full-time service to community and religious development. Responding to an invitation from Ven.Seelagama Thera, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Ranmuthugala Maha Viharaya Foundation for over three years, contributing significantly to Buddhist educational and welfare initiatives.
Another major contribution came through his leadership as Chairperson of the Gampaha Young Men’s Buddhist Association from 2015 to 2018. Under his guidance, the remote village of Wellampelle Kuda Oya in the Ridimaliyadda Division underwent meaningful transformation. His efforts supported the provision of clean water, construction of a chaitya, and improvement of basic facilities for Subodaramaya Temple. These projects uplifted the spiritual and living conditions of many families in the area.
In his role as General Secretary of the Gaveshi Sansadaya, he strengthened the organization’s reputation as a hub for service-minded professionals.
Beyond his public achievements, Alwis remains a deeply respected family man. The unstinted support of his wife, Mrs. Chandrawathi Jayasekera, and their three sons—Hasitha, Ganusha, and Eranga—and their families has been an important pillar throughout his demanding career and continued service.
- Athula Ranasinghe
Gaveshi Foundation, Gampaha
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