St. John's College is a school in Panadura, Sri Lanka, that was founded in 1876. It is a National school with a student population of 3500 and staff of about 150

History St. John's College was initially known as 'Primary State English School' which had existed from about the middle of the 19th century. In 1876 it received land and endowments from Wasala Mudliyar Susew de Soysa (1809–1881) as well as Sir Charles Henry de Soysa and was named 'St. John's College' by the Anglican Bishop of Colombo, Reginald Stephen Copleston. It was ceremonially opened by the Governor William Henry Gregory on 14 June 1876 (along with the Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa).

In 1882, the headmaster, Cyril Arnold Jansz, was appointed as the first principal by the Bishop of Colombo of the Anglican church, at the request of the people of Panadura and has rendered an immense service for the upliftment of the school. Starting with 75 students the numbers raised gradually and in 1885 classes for girls began at St John's started by Mrs Jansz. The school celebrated the 125th anniversary during the year 2000.

Battle of Greens The annual big match is played between St. John's College and Panadura Royal College. It is known as the Battle of the Greens .

Notable alumni

The alumni of St. John's College are known as Old Johnians. Alumni include:

Name Notability Reference musician, composer playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist academic, diplomat Sir member State Council - Panadura (1931–1947) Sir member State Council, Senate, Mayor of Kandy (1949, 1954–1956, 1961–1962, 1968–1970) Gate Mudaliyar - Panadura, Kalutara philanthropist and member parliament - Matugama (1947–1956) independence activist, philanthropistLeslie Goonewardene independence activist and member parliament - Panadura (1956–1977) member parliament - Wellawatte-Galkissa (1947–1952, 1956–1960), Agalawatte (1970–1977) member parliament - Colombo (1989–1993) member parliament - Dehiowita (1947–1952), Senator (1959–1971) Chief Minister of Uva Province (1988), member parliament - Welimada (1965–1970, 1977–1988) international cricket player (1994–2001) international cricket player (2001–2002) actress

References

External links St. John's College Official Web Site Read this article in Sinhala Church of Ceylon - The Anglican Church in Sri Lanka Map in St. John's College