The History of
St. Benedict's College

Before St. Benedict's College: The Birth of Catholic English Education in Ceylon

The story of St. Benedict's College begins with the growth of Catholic education in nineteenth-century Ceylon, during a period when English education was becoming increasingly important under British colonial administration. The need for a well-organized English school for the Catholic community was recognized early by several prominent figures, including Sir Alexander Johnston, the former Chief Justice of Ceylon, who strongly encouraged the establishment of an institution that would provide quality English education while preserving Catholic values.

However, significant progress towards this goal only became possible after Ceylon was elevated to the status of a new Apostolic Vicariate in 1834. The creation of the Colombo Vicariate brought renewed energy and organization to Catholic missionary activities. At the same time, the educational reforms introduced following the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms encouraged the expansion of English education throughout the island. These developments created a strong demand among Catholics for an institution that could provide a superior standard of education while remaining faithful to Catholic traditions.

Recognizing this need, Sir Robert Wilmot Horton, the Governor of Ceylon, generously donated £50 in 1837 towards the establishment of the first Catholic English school in the country. This contribution became an important milestone in the development of Catholic education in Ceylon.

On 15 May 1839, the Roman Catholic Seminary was officially opened at Wolfendhal Street, Colombo, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincente de Rosario, the first Vicar Apostolic of Colombo. This institution, which would eventually develop into the present-day St. Benedict's College, was established with the vision of providing an excellent English education combined with moral and religious formation.

The Seminary functioned under the guidance and support of several dedicated clergy members, including its vice-patrons Rev. Fathers Sebastian Pereira and Caetano Antonio. A school committee was formed to manage the institution, with J. P. Misso serving as President and J. Sansoni as Vice President.

The first Principal of the Seminary was Mr. M. Lennon, who was assisted by Don Domingo and J. Andriesz. At its beginning, the school had a modest staff of three teachers and an enrollment of approximately eighty students. Despite its small size, the institution offered an impressive curriculum for its time, including English, reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, history, geography, chronology, Greek, Latin, and Sinhalese.

The Seminary welcomed students from different religious backgrounds and respected their individual religious traditions while promoting Catholic values and moral education. Through dedication and commitment, the institution gradually gained recognition as one of the leading centers of English education in Colombo.

The efforts of the Roman Catholic Mission resulted in the steady growth of the school, with increasing numbers of students joining each year. The foundation was thus laid for an educational institution that would later become one of the most respected Catholic schools in Sri Lanka.

The Establishment of St. Benedict's College

The transformation from the Roman Catholic Seminary into St. Benedict's College began during a period of significant change within the Catholic Church in Ceylon. During the interregnum period, plans were made to establish a permanent institution that would serve as both a center of learning and a religious community.

The foundation stone for the new institution was laid with the vision of creating a school that combined academic excellence, religious formation, and the traditions of the Benedictine order.

The architectural design of the new college buildings was entrusted to the Sylvestro-Benedictines, who designed the structure based on the style of an Italian Benedictine monastery. The building reflected the simplicity, discipline, and elegance associated with Benedictine traditions.

The structure consisted of a rectangular design surrounding a central courtyard, with classrooms and living quarters arranged around this open space. The design allowed the building to function both as a monastery and as an educational institution. It was designed to accommodate between two and three hundred day scholars along with a smaller number of boarding students.

While construction was progressing, Fr. Sillani travelled to Kottar in India, where he received his episcopal consecration from Dr. Valerga. Upon completion, the new buildings were officially opened in 1865.

In 1866, Rev. H. F. Sales transferred the Seminary students into the newly completed premises. The new institution immediately became a significant center of education, housing 368 boys and 170 girls from both the English and Sinhalese schools. The teaching staff included four Sinhalese teachers who assisted in providing education to the growing student population.

The establishment of this new institution marked a new era in Catholic education in Ceylon and prepared the way for the arrival of the De La Salle Brothers, who would play a historic role in shaping the future of St. Benedict's College.

The Arrival of the De La Salle Brothers

A major turning point in the history of St. Benedict's College occurred in December 1866 with the arrival of three De La Salle Brothers—Brother Hidulphus, Brother Ulfin Daniel, and Brother Hermelard Leo.

These Brothers were members of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded by John Baptist de La Salle, an order dedicated to providing quality education, especially for young people.

The three Brothers were returning to France from Mangalore when they stopped at Galle and later visited Colombo. During their visit, Bishop Sillani recognized their experience and dedication as educators and persuaded them to remain in Ceylon to take charge of St. Benedict's College.

The Brothers had already gained valuable teaching experience in various parts of Asia, including Calcutta, Malabar, and Burma. Their arrival introduced a new educational approach based on discipline, systematic teaching methods, and a strong emphasis on character formation.

The Brothers informed Bishop Sillani that another Brother, an Irishman, was expected to arrive soon and would be capable of serving as the “Professor of English.”

Brother Hidulphus became the first Director of the De La Salle community in Colombo and also served as the Headmaster of the College. He officially announced the institution, which he referred to as “St. Benedict’s Institution,” through an advertisement published in the Colombo Examiner on 16 January 1867.

On 1 May 1868, a new group of De La Salle Brothers, led by Brother Pastoris, Provincial Superior for the Far East and temporary Director, officially assumed responsibility for the administration of St. Benedict's College.

According to the admission register of that period, the College had 204 registered students. The new teaching community consisted of Brothers Cyprian, Aloysius, Peter, Frederick, and Benedict.

By 1868, St. Benedict's College had developed into a well-structured educational institution with seven classes. The average age of students ranged from fourteen years in the senior class to ten years in the junior classes.

Monthly school fees varied between three shillings and one shilling, making education accessible to a wider section of society. The average daily attendance reached approximately 309 students.

The curriculum included Latin, English, reading, writing, grammar, history, geography, algebra, mensuration, and Catechism. The teaching staff consisted of the De La Salle Brothers together with two lay assistants, Gabriel Silva and Marcel Rodrigo.

The First Official Director

After Brother Pastoris returned to France on 10 October 1868, Brother Modeste Marie became the first official Director of St. Benedict's College.

Brother Modeste Marie was a German-born La Sallian missionary who had arrived in the East in 1856. His leadership helped establish the traditions of discipline, academic excellence, and religious formation that would become the defining characteristics of the College.

Under the guidance of the De La Salle Brothers, St. Benedict's College continued to grow in reputation and influence, becoming one of the leading educational institutions in Ceylon.

The Journey of Growth and Excellence

By 1880, Brother Gabriel Archangel, a Frenchman, became Director of the College. During his administration, significant improvements were introduced, including the construction of additional classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students.

His leadership also brought academic success, with students achieving remarkable results in public examinations, including success at the Cambridge Junior Local Examination. These achievements strengthened the reputation of St. Benedict’s as an institution committed to academic excellence.

In 1887, Brother Maurice Josephus, the first American Director of the College, succeeded Brother Gabriel. His period of leadership marked an important stage in the College’s history. During his administration, the institution officially adopted the name “St. Benedict's College.”

The College achieved its first successes at the Cambridge Senior Examination, demonstrating the strength of its academic programme. In 1888, Brother Maurice organized special religious celebrations to commemorate the Beatification of John Baptist de La Salle, strengthening the spiritual identity of the College community.

Brother Joshua, an outstanding assistant, contributed greatly to the spiritual life of the College through his promotion of the Marian Sodality, encouraging students to develop devotion, discipline, and service.

Brother Maurice Josephus continued his distinguished leadership until 1908, beginning an era of strong American influence within the College.

In 1909, Brother Camillus Eugene, a dynamic French educator, became Director. He further enhanced the reputation of St. Benedict’s, particularly in the fields of Science and Mathematics, producing excellent academic results.

Brother Wultan James, M.A., who served from 1921 to 1923, introduced forward-thinking educational ideas. He promoted vocational training and agricultural education, recognizing the importance of preparing students with practical skills for the future.

From 1923 to 1931, Brother Claude Marie led the College. Under his administration, Catholic student enrollment increased significantly, while examination results continued to maintain a high standard.

Brother Luke Gregory became the first Ceylonese Director of St. Benedict's College in 1931. His leadership marked a significant milestone in the history of the institution. During his tenure, a three-storey building was constructed, and plans were initiated for the development of a proper playground.

When he returned as Director in 1943 after the challenges of the Second World War period, Brother Luke Gregory played a crucial role in reorganizing the College and restoring its educational traditions.

He continued to uphold the ideals of St. Benedict's College, represented by its historic motto:

“Religio, Mores, Cultura”
Religion, Morals, Culture

These three words continue to represent the foundation upon which generations of Benedictines have been educated—faith in God, strength of character, and appreciation of culture and learning.