Type National school Established 1876 Grades Class 1 – 13 | Motto NIHIL AMANTI DIFFICILE Principal Mr. M.N.H.T.P De Silva | |
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Founder Head Master Cyril Arnold Jansz | ||
St John’s College is a prominent school in Panadura, Sri Lanka, that was founded in 1876. It is a National school with a student population of 2000 and staff of about 100.
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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 (1809–1881) 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 (along with the Prince of Wales' College, Moratuwa).
In 1882, the Headmaster Mr. Cyril Arnold Jansz was appoined 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 has a proud history of more than 100 years and celebrated the 125th anniversary during the year 2000.
School anthem
Nihil Amanti Difficille
Is our motto bold
The green-silver-green
Our noble flag
Proudly we unfold //
Our Alma mater well beloved
To thee we bring this song
All thy children far and near
To honour thee we throng
Nihil Amenti Difficille
Is our motto bold
The green-silver-green
Our noble flag
Proudly we unfold
On bended knee we bow to thee
Johnians since of your
May the rampant eagle
Fly for ever more //
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: