PREFECTS BODY – ST. PETER’S COLLEGE – By: Upali Obeyesekere – Josephian-Peterite News Network
Source: Josephian-Peterite News Network
The history of St. Peter’s College Colombo has been chronicled many times over in numerous write-ups over the last ninety-nine years, since 1922. I will not dwelve into all the logistics involved in establishing St. Peter’s College but would only salute the utopian founder of the school – Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc (hereinafter called, “Fr. Le Goc”).
Fr. Le Goc arrived in Ceylon (Sri Lanka now) in 1914. He was appointed to St. Joseph’s College (Founded in 1896) as head of the School’s Science Department. In 1919 Fr. Le Goc was appointed the Rector of St. Joseph’s College. While being the Rector he was also a teacher of science – especially botany, biology, zoology and astronomy.
Within a year or two he saw school admissions escalating at a fast pace and foresaw overcrowding at St. Joseph’s, futuristically. He decided Colombo needed a second seat of learning in the south of Colombo. Through his untiring efforts Fr. Le Goc courageously undertook the task of setting up a new school in the south of Colombo. Rest is history!
We salute Fr. Le Goc for his god given vision that eventually led to the founding of St. Joseph’s College South in 1922, that was re-branded as St. Peter’s College in 1927. Good leaders have vision and inspire others to help them turn vision into reality. Great leaders have vision, share vision, and inspire others to create their own. It is this virtue of Fr. Le Goc that led to the appointment of the first Rector of St. Peter’s College Colombo, Rev. Fr. D.J. Nicholas Perera, OMI (Pictured herein) who provided stewardship from 1927 – 1943.
Fr. Nicholas Perera complimented the visionary work of Fr. Le Goc. He got down to business fast and set about installing fundamental components of the school infrastructure such as sports, union for alumni, and a body of prefects comprising of students who brought leadership skills to the table. The inspired leadership of Fr. Nicholas saw St. Peter’s College take off to a flying start and in less than a decade the school was making a name in academics, sports and leadership.
BODY OF PREFECTS
The investiture ceremony of the first batch of Prefects at St. Peter’s College was held on 24th May 1927, by its rector Fr. Nicholas Perera. This exercise that started 94 years ago continues to thrive at college. It has become fortified over the years with help through students who strive to uphold and preserve discipline and standards of the school. ‘The Perfects’ are a minor but prominent part of the discipline board and play a major role in every event within the school premises.
Since Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo took office as Rector, St. Peter’s College the following have been appointed Head Prefects”.
2019/2020 batch – Dian De Silva
2020/2021 batch – Ovindu Athukorala
HEAD PREFECTS OF THE PAST
Norman Paternott was the first Head Prefect of St. Peter’s College Colombo. He was appointed in 1927, by Fr. Nicholas Perera.
Norman Paternott was a legend during the formative years of St. Peter’s College. From what we read in the archives, his student years were glazed with accomplishment as captain of the cricket team, athlete, and head prefect. He showed a proven commitment to excellence in all these areas from what we know.
APPEAL TO OUR READERS!
Can our readership help this forum in naming the Head Prefects of St. Peter’s College since 1927? If you are not sure of the year, name the Head Prefect and we will find the year. Thanking you in advance.
WE WILL START OFF WITH A FEW NAMES OF HEAD PREFECTS (SUBJECT TO CORRECTION):
1927-1929 – Norman Paternott
1957/58 – Clarence Mendis
1958/59 – Roger Wright
1959/60 – Ranjit Weerasena
1960/61 – Adiel Anghie
1961/62 – Thomas Cruz
1962/63 – Nihal Amarasinghe
1963/64 – Stephen Alagaratnam
1964/65 – Fidelis Machado
1965/66 – Emil Balasandiran
1966/67 – Chandru Mirchandani
1967/68 – Richard Vandendriesen
1968/69 – Asoka Tilakawardena
1978/79 – Dushantha Gunewardene
1983/84 – Tissa Perera
1988/89 – Mario Motha
Can you help us with more names?
Name/Year of Head Prefects of St. Peter’s College during your years in school?
Thank you!
