The Success Story of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10

Founded on 2nd March 1896, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 stands proudly as one of the leading educational institutions in Sri Lanka. Known as the Citadel of Education, it has shaped countless leaders from all walks of life, not just for Sri Lanka but for the world.

“Fruits of Virtue and of Knowledge, Here we gather, Peace and Power…”

It fills my heart with great pride and joy to share my thoughts about this Hall of Fame among educational institutions in our Motherland.

A Legacy of Service to Society and the Nation

Since its foundation, St. Joseph’s College has been committed to producing outstanding leaders who have made a significant impact in society. The College inspires students to face life’s challenges with courage, determination, and excellence. Guided by the motto “In Scientia et Virtute” (In Knowledge and Virtue), St. Joseph’s has always focused on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit through value-based education, emphasizing human and spiritual values.

A Glimpse into History

The visionary behind the College was the Most Reverend Dr. Christophe-Etienne Bonjean, the first Archbishop of Colombo. The first Rector was the Very Rev. Fr. Charles Collins. In just two years, through their dedication and the hard work of their staff, St. Joseph’s College had already become a shining beacon of education.

The College was built to provide Catholic students with the best education while also helping them grow in virtue and develop their God-given talents. Importantly, St. Joseph’s College welcomes students from all cultures, religions, ethnicities, and languages, promoting unity and harmony among diversity.

For 129 glorious years, the College has imparted education in its broadest sense, producing generations of proud Josephians who continue to serve Sri Lanka and the world.

Education for Life at St. Joseph’s College

Beyond academics, St. Joseph’s College has taught us the true meaning of “Education for Life.” Under the guidance of dedicated educators, we learned to uphold peace, harmony, forgiveness, brotherhood, and love. Our teachers nurtured in us compassion, discipline, determination, dedication, creativity, punctuality, teamwork, and respect for elders, teachers, and parents.

They helped shape our character, preparing us not just for careers but for meaningful lives.

Saluting Our Teachers and Mentors

I owe a great debt of gratitude to the wonderful educators who shaped me during my years at St. Joseph’s College. I especially wish to thank:

Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando, Rev. Fr. Neville Emmanuel, Rev. Dr. Stanley Abeysekera (Former Rectors), Ms. A. Thomas, Mrs. Rohini Gnanasekaran, Mrs. Therese Somanadhar, Mrs. L. Bastianpillai, Rev. Sr. A. Agnicia, Mrs. C. Karalasingham, Mrs. T. Murugesu, Mrs. Gnanatheepam (Gethsie) Shanmugam, Mr. Joe Perera, Mr. B. Thavanathan, Rev. Sr. Maria Goretti, Mr. J. Rodrigo, Mrs. C. Saverimuttu, Mr. Shirley Perera, Mr. Eladius Fernando, Mrs. Victoria Bestianpillai, Mrs. A. Florence, Mr. S. Srikanth, Mrs. Ratchel Douglas, Mr. G.N. Lucas, Mr. N. Jeyanathan, Ms. S. Sumathi, Mr. S.A. Kandiah, Mr. Siva Lokanathan, Mr. Ranjit Amarasinghe, Mr. D.C. Jayasinghe, Mr. Francis D’Almeida, Mr. Fairlie Dalpathado, Mr. Shirley Abeysena, Mr. Sisira Kumara, Mr. Reggie Solangaarachchi, and Mr. Boniface Perera.

I am also grateful to Mrs. Nimala Perera, Deputy Principal (Administration), and Mr. Merril Shantha Fernando, Upper School Coordinator, who continue to serve the College today with the same passion and commitment.

A Unique Achievement by My Mentor

I am proud to share that my mentor, Mrs. Gnanatheepam (Gethsie) Shanmugam, received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called the “Nobel Prize of Asia,” for her outstanding humanitarian work with widows and orphans in Northern Sri Lanka. Her achievement is a great honour to our College, our nation, and Asia.

Heartfelt Tributes to Our Leaders

We Josephians, both young and old, salute Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the 14th Rector of St. Joseph’s College, for his visionary leadership. Under his guidance, the College continues to uphold the highest standards in spiritual growth, education, sports, discipline, and character building.

We are deeply thankful to the Rector, the Priest Community, Deputy Principals, Assistant Prefects of Studies, Sectional Heads, Coordinators, Academic Staff, Club and Society Leaders, Coaches, and Administrative Staff for their tireless work and commitment. They have been instrumental in carrying forward the founder’s vision.

We must continue to honour our Alma Mater by building a better future for the generations to come.

A Message for the Future

Let us unite with Vision and Action to build a better nation and world.

May St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 – this Tower of Strength, Wisdom, and Mastery – continue to shine brightly for centuries to come, inspiring many more generations to live lives of virtue and excellence.

“St. Joseph dear, who never fails to aid us in every needy hour, we praise and thank thee.”

Maruthai Ravindhiran
Former Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Blue and White Newsletter Committee
Editorial Board Member, Blue and White Centenary and Millennium Magazine
Founder President, Josephian Group of ’88
Former Council Member and Deputy Chairman, Public Relations Committee, Old Boys’ Union
Former Member, Association of Josephian Blues
Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief and Media Advisor, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10.