The father of free education
A great leader who was nicknamed the Father of Education, he was born on 13 October 1884 in the village of Randombe, located between Ambalangoda and Balapitiya in the Southern Province. His original name was Dr. Christopher William Wijayakoon. His father was Mr. John Daniel Wijayakoon and his mother was Mrs. Emily Wijesinghe. He received his primary education from the Randombe Wesleyan Missionary School. Later, he was given the opportunity to join Richmond College, Galle.
He was the first Minister of Education appointed during the British rule in Sri Lanka. His life, which started with a small stream, ended as a great river quenching the thirst of everyone. Also, Mr. C.W.W. Kannangara was the first Minister to wear the national dress of the Mahatma Council. He is also known as the Father of Education. He practiced law in Sri Lanka from 13 October 1884 to 23 September 1956 and later entered politics. He was elected to the Sri Lankan Legislative Assembly and the State Council in 1923. As the Minister of Education of Sri Lanka, C.W.W. Kannangara was also able to amend the Acts to provide free education to underprivileged children.
In July 1945, the Free Education Act was passed and came into force on 1 October of that year, fulfilling the aspirations of tens of thousands of children and their parents.

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