Happy 160th Anniversary to St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena!
Celebrating a Legacy of Faith, Knowledge, and Character
On this momentous occasion, we extend heartfelt wishes to all Benedictines – past and present – as St. Benedict’s College marks its 160th Anniversary in 2025.
The roots of this esteemed institution stretch back to a time when the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka was laying the foundation for English education among the faithful. The journey began in 1834, when Ceylon was established as a new Vicariate Apostolic, having previously been under the jurisdiction of Cochin since 1557.
With the Colebrooke Reforms reshaping education and administration, the need for English education for Catholics became more urgent. Recognizing this, Governor Sir Robert Wilmot Horton in 1837 contributed £50 to the Vicar Apostolic to establish the first Catholic English College in the island. At that time, the Catholic Mission already managed 101 private vernacular schools.
On 15th May 1839, the ‘Roman Catholic Seminary’ at Wolvendaal Street, Colombo, was officially opened under the guidance of Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincente de Rosario, Bishop of Tamocene and Vicar Apostolic of Colombo. The seminary was led by Irishman Mr. M. Lennon as its first principal, starting with 80 students from diverse backgrounds — 68 Roman Catholics, 11 from other Christian denominations, and even one Muslim student.
With increasing demand for superior English education, the school continued to grow. By 1859, under Mr. H.F. Sales, the first Sinhalese principal, the student population had grown to 211. The growing number of students created the need for a more spacious and well-equipped facility.
This vision took shape when, on 13th February 1863, the cornerstone for a new school was laid beside St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Kotahena. The school — often referred to as the ‘Cottachina Seminary’ — was formally relocated and reopened on 11th July 1865 in a grand new building inspired by Italian architecture. With this move, the institution was renamed St. Benedict’s College and entrusted to the care of the Silvestrine Benedictine missionaries.
In 1868, a significant transition occurred when the De La Salle Brothers took over the administration of the College. Under their spiritual and academic guidance, St. Benedict’s College flourished, becoming a beacon of faith-based, holistic education in Sri Lanka. Over the decades, the College has nurtured generations of young men, instilling in them discipline, leadership, spiritual depth, and academic excellence.
A Tradition of Excellence
St. Benedict’s College has stood the test of time, adapting through centuries of social, political, and educational changes, all while remaining “True to Our God and True to All Men.” Its legacy is not only reflected in the historic architecture and tradition-rich halls but also in the countless Benedictines who have gone on to serve the nation with integrity, wisdom, and compassion.
Looking Ahead
As St. Benedict’s College celebrates 160 years of proud history, we salute the Brothers, staff, students, alumni, and the Catholic Church for their tireless commitment to shaping lives through education grounded in moral and spiritual values.
May the College continue to grow in strength and stature, fulfilling its noble mission of “Doing the Duty That Is to Do,” for the greater glory of God and the betterment of Sri Lanka.
Happy 160th Anniversary, St. Benedict’s College!
