Maliyadeva Girls' College is a national Buddhist school in Sri Lanka situated in Kurunegala. Today it accommodates over 4000 students. Founded on July 1, 1946, Maliyadeva Girls' College at the beginning was formed only by two teachers, 69 students, guided by Mrs C E V Fernando as the acting principal. The school's strong bond with Maliyadeva College cannot be regarded slightly. Maliyadeva College, which began in 1888, in Bodhiraja Mawatha, was developed as an affiliated academic institute to Athkanda Vihara and was also known as, "English Buddhist High School". This can also be considered as the beginning of Maliyadeva Balika as well. In 1928, Maliyadeva College shifted to its present location in Negombo road. Mr Godphry Madawala was the owner of that land then. The main building was built in 1938 with the support of Sir John Kothalawala, the senate member of Kurunegala at that time. In 1941, Maliyadeva College was registered as a mixed school for there wasn't a buddhist girls school in Kurunegala. The land in Colombo road, which Maliyadeva Girls' College is situated today was purchased in 1943 by Sir John Kothalawala, president of YMBA Kurunegala and it was owned by YMBA.