The Certified School in Pathana, Hikkaduwa, under the control of the Department of Southern Province Social Welfare, Probation, and Child Care Services, was established in 1952. It was located on a land of approximately 19 acres belonging to Mudaliyar William Harry Wanigathunga and was the first certified school in Sri Lanka. Initially, it was referred to as "Lake School," and the school's founding principal was J.V. Hill, an Englishman. Since then, various principals have overseen the construction of necessary buildings for the institution under the management of the Southern Provincial Council. This institution, established under Section 51 of the Children and Young Persons Ordinance No. 48 of 1939, admits male children aged 12-18 referred by the court after being subjected to social injustice. The age limit has now been extended to 22 years.

The services provided by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services include a range of opportunities for children institutionalized under the certified school, governed by specific standing orders and various ordinances. Under the supervision of a disciplined staff, including the principal, the institution offers children rehabilitation, vocational training of their choice, and continuous education. The certified school operates in direct collaboration with institutions such as the police, probation officers, the judiciary, the Department of Probation, and the National Child Protection Authority. It aims to transform institutionalized children into good citizens.