Gurukula started on July 1, 1948 with 14 students at Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena. The first classroom was started in the Shastra building. Yakkaduwe Sri Praghgharama Thero was the main leader for this. Sri Dharmaloka Vidyalaya, which was run in Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena, to solve a crisis at that time, the then Member of Parliament Mr. J.R. Jayawardena moved the school to Mrs. Elena Jayawardena's land in Waragoda area of Kelaniya. About ten years later, a new school named "Gurukula" was started at the same place as a result of the unwavering dedication of Sri Pranjarama Mahimipa of Yakkadu. 

According to the Act of taking over the schools in the legislation that existed at that time, Gurukula Vidyalaya became a government school on 15th November 1960. Until then, the Ɵtle of manager of the college was held by Professor Most Reverend Kotahene Prajakirthi thero.

In 1996 July 26 Gurukula College became a National School.