A need of the era, in the British colonial period, an English education for the children of majority Buddhists of the country became a reality, when on 1st November, 1886, a daily English school was opened  at  No: 64, in  Maliban Street, Pettah, pioneered by  Ven. Hikkaduwe  Sri  Sumangala  Thero  and inspired by Col. Henry  Steele  Olcott, the founder of Buddhist  Theosophical  Society ( popularly known as BTS ). Starting with a mere student population of 37, it was soon re-located at Paranavadiya  in  Maradana,  where it blossomed into present day pristine glory, accommodating over 6000 students. Re-named “ Ananda  College “, after  Buddha’s  chief disciple Arahat  Ananda,   it earned  reputation as island’s Premier Buddhist Educational Institution for Boys. Ananda  College along  with many fee-levying Private Schools,  came under government’s control  in 1961. nationalistic, patriotic background is further enhanced by facilities available for Sports activities and co-curricular activities.

Nevertheless, it went from strength to strength offering Primary and Secondary education under Government curriculum.  It’s glamour as the main centre of attraction for those Buddhists  seeking  best education in a A school which rose to Nations security when  sovereignity  of the  State was at stake,  Ananda is proud of  having produced almost all Socialist Leaders of the pre-independence era. Incidentally, Paranavadiya is the point where brave Sinhala forces loyal to the Monarch has ganged –up against invasive  Portuguese  forces.

School anthem

Dina dina kitu gosa boovii - Vaejambenu ananda pa maataa
Sudilii - Jayavii - Lovehii
Saadaa diilaa Sipsata haa - Kala da vinee da pahadaa
Editara Sinhala daru kela sadalaa
Dina dina kitu gosa boovii - Vaejambenu ananda pa maataa
Lakehii boo anandee paturaa
Anada terun see loo vaeda salasaa
Peevii seevee nisaa veseevaa
Pamaada novemuu tiloona desusee
Dina dina kitu gosa boovii - Vaejambenu ananda pa maataa

School song 

Anandai anandai anande ada anandai
Samma sambudu sugatha thatgatha sambudu pilimaya abiyasadee
Kelesun Duruwee Athyugalesadee
Anandai anandai anande ada anandai
Silgath thani sudu nelum kusum lesa, pehedi,pibidi pirisindu wee Munidun namadimu ath yuga hisadee
Anandai Anandai Anande ada anandai

Medals and trophys

Fritz Kunz Memorial Trophy - This is the school's most prestigious life time achievement award given to the "Most Outstanding Anandian" passing out from the school each year.

Most Outstanding Sportsman(MOS)

Ananda Padma - Presented for outstanding achievement in Sports as a student

Ananda Pradeepa - Presented for outstanding Academic achievements in GCE(A/L)

Houses

The studentse are divided among four houses:

Parakrama
Colour - Red

Vijaya
Colour - Dark Green

Asoka
Colour - Dark Purple

Gamunu
Colour- Navy Blue

The houses are named after the four main ancient Sinhala kings of Sri Lanka.An annual Track and Field tournament among these houses is held at the beginning of the first term.