Established in 1823 as the Nallur English Seminary St John’s College boasts a rich history. It began humbly with just seven students in Reverend Joseph Knight’s bungalow. This humble beginning is a far cry from the institution it is today.
The seminary moved to Chundikuli in 1845. It was renamed Chundikuli Seminary. The Church Mission Society acquired the old Portuguese St John the Baptist Church that same year. The school found a new home in a hall next to the church. The original church was later demolished and replaced in 1859. Reverend Knight’s contributions extended beyond education. He also helped translate an English-Tamil dictionary. A fascinating detail often overlooked.
The name St John’s College was adopted in 1891. The college’s resilience shone during World War II. When the British military commandeered Colombo schools St John’s opened its doors to displaced students. It provided refuge to many despite its limited resources. This act of generosity shows the college’s commitment to education.
Free education became government policy in 1945. St John’s initially remained a fee-paying institution. A unique family policy offered fee reductions for siblings. The youngest of three brothers even studied for free. In 1951 however St John’s joined the free education system. It remained private despite the 1960 nationalization of many schools. The Johnians themselves undertook fundraising efforts to maintain independence. This included selling mahogany trees on the college grounds.
The college faced further challenges. Communal disturbances in 1958 saw an influx of Tamil students from the south. The 1983 riots brought another wave of displaced students. St John’s again rose to the occasion. Additional classrooms were constructed to accommodate everyone. The tsunami of 2005 and the end of the civil war in 2009 tested the college’s strength. It provided education and support to affected children.
St John’s College stands as a testament to its enduring spirit. Its history reflects Sri Lanka’s tumultuous past. It stands as a beacon of hope and learning. A place where education is valued above all else.