Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara was born on October 13, 1884 in Ambalangoda. He studied at Richmond College in Galle. He was an excellent all-round student, but he had to undergo many difficulties at a young age.
He served as a teacher first and became a lawyer in 1910. He entered politics in 1919 and became Minister of Education.
He introduced free education for all and setup central schools. He served for 16 years as the Minister of Education and there was a remarkable progress in the field of education.
He passed away on September 23, 1969 in Colombo.
He is known as the ‘Father of Free Education in Sri Lanka’.
D. Pasindu Maleesha
Narandeniya Central College
Kamburupitiya