In the times of 1971 the Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Premadasa Udugama at that time has took a bold step to build up three new Primary schools in the district of Colombo. His intention has put forward and the Mahnama, Sirimava & Asoka has put forward in line with the broader perspective. Though there were granted two lands with Buildings to both Sirimavo & Mahanama colleges, we receive only a bare land at Maradana, Colombo 10.
Maradana was yet another one of the busiest town on those days and the land we got was belong to a foreigner called “Stock” and used for collection of garbage in surround area. Not only that the area was occupied with all type of bad people. It was not at all easy at that stage commence a school in the given land with all this factors. Mr. V. Weerakoon, the Education Director at that stage, was searching for a person who have such dare to take that responsibility. Finally he found a person whom he think fit enough to meet this challenge. He named as Mr. M.P. Dharmaratne. By such time he worked as a education officer in Awissawella educational division.
Upon the request of Mr. Weerakoon to start a primary school, Mr. Dharmaratne has willfully accept the offer without any hesitation. This had been the first bold step he took to initiate the development of the school without having considered the surround environment and neighboring people. Nevertheless construction of Asoka Vidyalaya has begun.
It wasn’t that much easy since the land is full with garbage and thefts. But the constant ambition and the commitment of Mr. Dharmaratne and with the time left he received a handful support from all the civilians who stays nearby. The kovil which situated next to the school also attached to the school premises irrespective of the death threats received by Mr. Dharmaratne. Five months left since the construction were begun and the finally a building is constructed with 8 rooms. The next issue was to find few students to the school. Finally there was 260 students to start the school.
The beginning of January 3rd in 1973 was a blessed day to all in the school. Stockwatta Primary School has commenced its first day in the school history with the motto of “Asaw, Daraw & Hasirew”. School commenced with 9 teachers with 260 students. They were being the first members of the school. The school wasn’t restrict to 5 ½ hours. Teachers, parents and students all gat to gather and started develop the school through out all free time. School has nominated as a grade one in primary education in year 1974. It change its name to Asoka Primary Vidyalaya in year 1977. Few years later it started its higher education classes as well in 1980. Before that all students who completed upto the grade 5 were sent it to the neighboring Ananda Vidyalaya.
School start building its education as well as in sports and other extra curriculum activities. The time past gradually. The founder of Asoka Vidyalaya our principal Mr. Dharmaratne has declared his retirement after a 23 years immense and valuable service. That was being a one sad day to all past asokians including all the teachers and parents.
The next prinicipal and present principal Mr. D.M. Gunadasa assume his duty to fill the vacant position of the school in 24th Day of October 1995. He carried forward the principles and aspiration of Mr. Dharmaratne whilst serving the mother Asoka to date.
After his retirement in 2009 Mr. Prasanna Upashantha the present principal of Asoka vidyalaya assumed his duties fulfill the expectations of thousands of pupils with strong determination vigor and zest.