St. John's College, Panadura


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 2500 and staff of about 100.

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 endowments from Wasala Mudliyar Susew de Soysa as well as Sir Charles Henry de Soysa and was named 'St. John's College' by the Bishop of Colombo Rt. Revd. Dr. Reginald Stephen Copleston. It was ceremonially opened by the Governor Sir William Henry Gregory on 14 June 1876.
In 1882, the headmaster, Cyril Arnold Jansz, was appointed the first principal by the Bishop of Colombo 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.

Big match

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

Notable alumni

The alumni of St. John's College are known as Old Johnians. Alumni include:
NameYear/degreeNotabilityReference
musician, composer
playwright, novelist, poet, literary critic, essayist
academic, diplomat
Sir member State Council - Panadura
Sir member State Council, Senate, Mayor of Kandy
Gate Mudaliyar - Panadura, Kalutara
member parliament - Dehiowita, Senator
member parliament - Matugama
independence activist, philanthropist
Leslie Goonewardeneindependence activist, philanthropist and member parliament - Panadura
member parliament - Wellawatte-Galkissa, Agalawatte
member parliament - Colombo
Chief Minister of Uva Province, member parliament - Welimada
international cricket player
international cricket player