St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, stands as an epitome of excellence and a symbol of educational distinction in Sri Lanka, proudly celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2025. For generations, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from all walks of life, castes, and creeds in Jaffna have spoken with profound reverence of this institution, recognizing its immeasurable contributions to education, sports, and extracurricular activities. From its humble beginnings to its esteemed status among the country’s foremost academic establishments, St. Patrick’s College has not only shaped the educational landscape of the Northern Province but has also played a pivotal role in sculpting the cultural, social, and intellectual fabric of Sri Lanka. It has nurtured countless individuals who have gone on to become influential leaders, scholars, and change-makers, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Jaffna: The Heartbeat of Education, Heritage, and Resilience

The Jaffna Peninsula in Sri Lanka is renowned for its rich variety of mangoes, a tropical delight often hailed as the ‘king of fruits.’ Among them, the ‘Jaffna Mango’ stands out as one of the most luscious varieties. Its sweet tropical scent and distinctive taste have been savored by generations. Mango trees blossom and bear fruit throughout Jaffna, the capital city of the Northern Province, offering a heavenly gift that continues to delight people around the world.

The fragrance of the ‘Jaffna Mango’ may have even inspired the people of Jaffna in their quest for education. It is a testament to the fact that American, Anglican, and Catholic missionaries were more warmly welcomed in Jaffna than in other parts of the island, leaving a significant impact on education in the Jaffna Peninsula. The renowned historian K.M. de Silva noted that missionary societies were much stronger in Jaffna and its surrounding areas in the 19th century than elsewhere on the island, and their network of schools was managed far more efficiently.

In 1834, nearly 300 years after Ceylon became part of the Diocese of Cochin (India), His Holiness Pope Gregory XVI established Ceylon as a separate Apostolic Vicariate. Around 1839, when St. Mary’s Catholic Church (as it is now known) was under construction, the Catholics of Jaffna petitioned the Holy See to send European priests. This request led to the arrival of a small group of Italian priests, with Rev. Fr. Orazio Bettachini being the first to arrive in 1843.

In 1847, Dr. Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), sent another group, including Fr. Semaria, at the request of Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Orazio Bettachini, who by then was the First Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna. Thus, the origins of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, are closely linked to Bishop Bettachini’s leadership. In 1850, he founded the Jaffna Catholic English Boys’ School. Fr. Mauroit became the first manager, and Mr. Patrick Foy, an Irish gentleman, was the first principal. The teachers included Mr. William Marsh, Mr. W. Santiagupillai, Mr. G.S. Ariyanayagam Pillai, Fr. Xavier, Mr. MacDonnell, Mr. Paul, and Mr. Veeravagu.

In 1857, Rt. Rev. Dr. John Stephen Semaria, Bishop of Olympia, succeeded Rt. Rev. Dr. Orazio Bettachini. In 1860, the Ceylon School Commission, after representations made by Rev. Fr. Bonjean, granted an annual sum of one hundred and fifty pounds and renamed the school the Jaffna Boys’ Seminary.

In 1861, Bishop Semaria went to Europe and returned with, among others, Brothers Conway and Dowling. With Brother Conway appointed as principal of the Boys’ Seminary, a new era of progress began for the school, which now had a staff of ten. Brother Conway managed the school for eight years before passing away on 22 February 1870. Fr. Bonjean, who had succeeded Bishop Semaria as Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna, took a keen interest in the development of the Jaffna Boys’ Seminary.

In 1879, the Very Rev. Fr. Soulier, Visitor General of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), visited Jaffna. During this time, Bishop Bonjean had traveled to France for the General Chapter of the Oblate Congregation. Upon his return to Jaffna in 1880, Bishop Bonjean decided to merge the Preparatory Ecclesiastical Seminary and the Jaffna Boys’ Seminary under the new name of St. Patrick’s College. He then applied to the Department of Public Instruction to register the college as a full high school under the Revised Code.

The college, under its present name, was officially opened on 10th January 1881, with Rev. Fr. J.R. Smythe as the first principal. Rev. Fr. Smythe, the son of a Protestant clergyman, had been a Police Magistrate in Jaffna before converting to Catholicism. He was ordained on 8th December 1868. The foundation stone for the large College Hall, measuring 105 x 22 feet, was laid on Sunday, 4th December 1881.

Rev. Fr. Patrick Dunne, who arrived in Jaffna in April 1885 as Brother Dunne, became the 5th Rector of the college. Under his leadership, the college earned a reputation as the best in the island for its academic achievements. Fr. Dunne, in addition to his role as principal, invented a system of shorthand for Tamil and published a concise Tamil-English dictionary in 1900.

In October 1901, after 16 years of service, Rev. Fr. Dunne retired and returned to Europe. When the college decided to introduce a house system, it named the first four houses after prominent figures from its history—Abraham, Bonjean, Conway, and Dunne. Around 1951, Conway House was renamed Matthews House, and Abraham House was replaced by Long House.

Rev. Fr. C.S. Matthews joined the tutorial staff in 1905, and Rev. Fr. T.M.F. Long joined in 1920. Both men later became Rectors. Fr. Matthews, a Canadian university graduate, had taught at St. Patrick’s for three years before succeeding Fr. Beaus as Rector in 1906. He served as Rector until 1936, with a brief break, and was a key figure in shaping the college’s development. The Matthews-Long era (1905–1954) is considered the golden age of the college. During this period, St. Patrick’s achieved the best results in the London Matriculation Examination for the years 1932–1935 and 1937, outperforming all other schools in the British Empire. During this time, St. Patrick’s excelled not only in academics but also in sports, winning the coveted ‘Triple Crown’—championships in Cricket, Football, and Athletics—for three consecutive years among schools in the Northern Province.

In 1936, Rev. Fr. Timothy Long (O.M.I.) succeeded Fr. Matthews as Rector and continued in this role until 1954. Under Fr. Long’s guidance, the college excelled academically, in sports, and in various spheres of educational and social development. The most towering and colorful personality who dominated the religious, intellectual, and social life of Jaffna was undoubtedly Rev. Fr. T. M.F. Long. Under his leadership, St. Patrick’s blossomed into one of the island’s most prestigious educational institutions. Father Long’s contributions extended beyond education, as he also spearheaded the establishment of the Jaffna Public Library and played a major role in the conversion of the Military Airport of Palaly into a Civil Airport. In honor of his remarkable efforts, the Sri Lankan Government issued a commemorative stamp in his honor on 22nd May 1990.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Social Responsibility

In 1961, with the government’s “Takeover of Schools,” St. Patrick’s College chose to remain a private, non-fee-levying institution. As the missionary priests departed Sri Lanka, native sons, nurtured by the alma mater, stepped up to provide leadership and pastoral care. In 1954, the missionary era ended, and Rev. Fr. S.N. Arulnesan, a former student of the college, became the first indigenous Rector, serving from 1954 to 1960. After him, Rev.Fr. P.Jeevaratnam, Rev.Fr. T.A.J.Mathuranayagam, Rev. Fr. J.A.Francis have each in turn steered the College through days of changes and turmoil. 

St. Patrick’s College has weathered the turbulent ethnic-political and economic challenges that have shaped Sri Lanka’s history, particularly during the armed conflict and civil war years. Despite these hardships, the college remained unwavering in its commitment to providing a holistic education, nurturing some of the finest minds in the country. Former Rectors such as Rev. Fr. Francis Joseph, a witness of faith during the final stages of the war, Rev. Fr. A.I. Bernard, a staunch champion and formidable defender of human rights for the Tamil people along with Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin   

B. Gnanapragasam and Rev. Fr. Jero Selvanayagam, a visionary Rector, made invaluable contributions to the college. Their leadership, vision, and steadfast dedication to both education and justice have left an indelible mark on St. Patrick’s, securing its legacy as a beacon of academic and moral excellence.

Global Impact and Prominent Alumni

The alumni of St. Patrick’s College are found not only in Sri Lanka but also across the globe, including in Africa. Prince Kibuka, an alumnus who excelled academically and in sports, later became a wise and just ruler of his people—an example of the college’s far-reaching impact.

A Commitment to Unity and Progress

The college has always welcomed students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, playing a crucial role in bridging the divides that exist within Sri Lankan society. Among its notable alumni are Hon. Jaya Pathirana, Member of Parliament for Kurunegala and Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka; E. L. B. Hurulle, Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament, and Governor of the North Central Province; W. M. T. B. Menikdiwela, Secretary to the President and Divisional Revenue Officer; Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Perera, Former Bishop of Kandy, and Rev Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, who became an internationally recognized lay theologian.

St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, has made an extraordinary contribution to the Catholic Church, having produced 14 Catholic bishops over its long history. Rt. Rev. Dr. J. Emilianuspillai OMI, Former Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Dominic Vendargon, Former Archbishop of Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Perera, Former Bishop of Kandy, Rt. Rev. Dr. B. Deogupillai, Former Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Victor Gnanapragasam, Former Bishop of Queto, Pakistan, Rt. Rev. Dr. L.R. Antony, Former Bishop of  Trinco- Batticaloa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Soundaranayagam, Bishop Emeritus of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Fidelis Lionel Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop Emeritus of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Dr. Antony Selvanayagam, Bishop of Penang, Malaysia, Rt. Rev. Dr. Kingsley J. Swampillai, Bishop Emeritus of Trinco-Battialoa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph, Former Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Ranjith, Auxiliary Bishop of Arch Diocese Colombo and Rt. Rev. Dr.  Anthonypillai Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Mannar. 

We wonder if there is any other school in the world that has produced more than a dozen bishops. This remarkable achievement reflects the college’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering both spiritual and academic foundations, nurturing individuals who have gone on to lead the Church and inspire communities both locally and globally. The college’s emphasis on Catholic values, leadership, and service has played a pivotal role in shaping these influential figures, cementing its legacy as a pillar of both education and faith.

Furthermore, St. Patrick’s College plays an integral role in preserving the cultural identity of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Its emphasis on Tamil language, literature, and the arts has ensured that generations of students remain deeply connected to their roots while embracing modernity. Notable alumni such as Nallur Swami Gnanapragasar (O.M.I.), Rev. Fr. Xavier Thaninayagam, a Tamil scholar renowned for founding the International Association for Tamil Research (IATR) and organizing the first World Tamil Conference, often referred to as the “Roving Ambassador for Tamil” and Rev. Fr. H. S. David, a priest, scholar, and linguist, exemplify the college’s profound impact on the preservation and promotion of Tamil culture. Rev. Fr. David’s tragic death, after witnessing the flames engulf the Jaffna Library from his room at St. Patrick’s College, further highlights the deep emotional and intellectual connection he had with the cultural heritage of his people. These figures embody the college’s role as a custodian of Tamil cultural identity, impacting the broader community in Sri Lanka and beyond.

A proud alumnus, Rev. Fr. Nicholapillai Maria Saverimuthu, established the ‘Thirumarai Kala Manram,’ also referred to as the Christian Centre for the Promotion of Arts. This center plays a pivotal role not only in the Northern Province but also across the island, fostering and promoting Tamil traditional, cultural, and linguistic activities, particularly in art and drama.

St. Patrick’s College has always held deep respect and reverence for other religions, particularly Hinduism, which is practiced by many Tamils in the region. The college’s inclusive and harmonious environment fosters mutual respect among students of various faiths. One of the most prominent spiritual figures associated with the Tamil community is Jnana Guru Siva Yogaswami of Jaffna (1872–1964), a revered spiritual master. His influence transcended religious boundaries, as he was admired by Catholic and Buddhist devotees alike. His ability to unite individuals from different faiths exemplifies the college’s enduring spirit of interfaith respect and understanding, helping shape a culture of tolerance and unity within broader Sri Lankan society.

Over the years, St. Patrick’s College has produced numerous successful professionals who have excelled in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and politics. Among its distinguished alumni are Hon. H.A.P Sandrasagra, K.C, a Member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon; T. M. Sabaratnam, also a Member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon; Sir Chittampalam Abraham Gardiner, member of the Senate of Ceylon; Sir Sangarapillai Pararajasingham; G. G. Ponnambalam, Q.C., Leader of the All-Ceylon Tamil Congress and Member of Parliament, Jaffna; Kumar Ponnambalam, Leader of the All-Ceylon Tamil Congress; V. Dharmalingam, Member of Parliament for Uduvil; V. Navaratnam, Member of Parliament for Chavakachcheri; Alfred Thambiayah, Member of Parliament for Kayts; Sir Kanthiah Vaithianathan, Cabinet Minister, Member of the Senate, and Permanent Secretary; S. Sivapalan, Member of Parliament for Trincomalee; V. Yogeswaran, Member of Parliament for Jaffna; and R. Sampanthan, Leader of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi and Member of Parliament for Trincomalee, Bertram Bastiampillai – Professor of political science and history, Ombudsman/Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration  These individuals, along with many others, have contributed significantly to shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of Sri Lanka, underscoring the college’s lasting influence in molding leaders of national significance.

St. Patrick’s College has also made a significant contribution to the judiciary of Sri Lanka, producing distinguished judges who have served at the highest levels of the legal system. Notably, Justice Namasivayam Nadarajah, a respected judge of the Supreme Court, and Justice Jeya Pathirana, also a judge of the Supreme Court, are proud alumni of the college. Their exemplary careers in law and their commitment to justice reflect the high standards of education and values instilled at St. Patrick’s, contributing to the integrity and advancement of Sri Lanka’s legal system.

Champion for Justice

St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, has a proud history of spiritual leadership and a strong commitment to justice. It is important to acknowledge the contributions of our former Patron, Rt. Rev. Dr. B. Deogupillai, who was often described as a ‘man of sturdy faith and courageous leadership’ by Rev. Fr. S. J. Emmanuel. He is remembered for many remarkable achievements, one of the most significant being the establishment of St. Francis Xavier’s Major Seminary in Columbuthurai, Jaffna, which provided education for priests from the Tamil dioceses of Jaffna, Mannar, and Trinco-Batticaloa. In response to the ethnic tensions and concerns about the safety of Tamil students in Kandy, he advanced his vision for the future, meticulously applying the provisions of Canon Law to establish the Philosophate in Jaffna in 1981. This institution later became St. Francis Xavier Seminary, affiliated with the Urban University in Rome. Rt. Rev. Dr. Deogupillai was known for his outspoken and unwavering leadership. Even in the most challenging times, he boldly expressed his personal convictions and fearlessly voiced the grievances of the Tamil people during the war years.

The college’s commitment to justice is exemplified by its former Rector, Rev. Fr. G.A. Francis Joseph, and many other Catholic priests, including Rev. Fr. M. Mary Bastian, Rev. Fr. M.T. Sarathjeevan, Rev. Fr. T. Jim Brown, Rev. Fr. M.X. Karunaratnam (Fr. Kili), and Rev. Fr. M. Packiaranjith, who courageously stood up for justice during the turbulent wartime years. These individuals, with unwavering faith and moral conviction, became witnesses of justice and faith, advocating for the rights and dignity of the oppressed. Their acts of courage and compassion in the face of adversity not only reflect the college’s deep commitment to Catholic values but also solidified their roles as beacons of hope and integrity during one of Sri Lanka’s most challenging periods. We honor and remember them as witnesses of faith, whose actions continue to inspire generations.

The late Rt. Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph, Bishop of Mannar, was a courageous advocate for justice, particularly for the voiceless. During the final stages of the war and amid enforced disappearances, he remained a steadfast voice for the oppressed, standing firm in his commitment to human rights. Bishop Rayappu Joseph not only spoke out against the injustices faced by the Tamil community but also represented them on the global stage, particularly at the United Nations, where he called for transitional justice for the aggrieved party. His tireless efforts to seek justice for the victims of the war and his unwavering commitment to the dignity and rights of the Tamil people have left a legacy, inspiring generations to continue the fight for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

The above testimonies res ipsa loquitur, highlighting St. Patrick’s College and its outstanding contribution to society. In this context, the college has continued to flourish, steadfastly upholding its esteemed legacy under the visionary leadership of the current Rector, Rev. Fr. A. P. Thirumahan. His unwavering support and exemplary leadership have not only strengthened the bond between the college, its alumni, and the wider community but have also ensured that St. Patrick’s College remains a shining beacon of excellence for generations to come.

As St. Patrick’s College embarks on the next chapter of its illustrious journey, it remains steadfast in its mission to impart education grounded in discipline, moral principles, and academic excellence. May it continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations, inspiring them to uphold its cherished values while shaping the future of Sri Lanka and the world.

True to its motto, Fide et Labore, St. Patrick’s College continues to thrive and prosper in the years ahead. With its strong foundation rooted in academic excellence, a commitment to integrity, and a deep dedication to nurturing future leaders, we wish the institution even greater success in shaping the minds and hearts of generations to come. May it forever stand as an epitome of knowledge, faith, and service, empowering students to make a meaningful impact on the world and carrying forward the rich legacy of this distinguished institution.