Madhya Vidyalaya (English: Central College) in Sri Lanka is a type of government school. Originally established by the Hon. Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, Minister of Education in the State Council of Ceylon as part of his initiative in establishing free education in Sri Lanka in 1930s. He founded 54 Central Colleges between 1943 - 1947 period.
Since several other schools were granted status of a central college and at present most colleges are funded and administered by the local provincial council. While a few which have been designated national schools are funded and administered by the Ministry of Education (Srstry of Education).
In 2008, 54 schools which was found by Kannangara changed their names from "Madhya Maha Vidyalaya" to "Madhya Vidyalaya" in the purpose of having a separate identity from other Madhya Maha Vidyalayas.
Sri Lanka's First Central College was C. W. W. Kannangara Central College in Matugama. After that, Weeraketiya, Kattankudy, Mawathagama, Veyangoda, Dickwella are some of Cities that Central Colleges were situated.