St. Joseph’s College

Have you ever wondered about the history of St. Joseph’s College? It is a symbol of education and Sri Lankan history, standing tall in Colombo. It was founded in 1896 by French missionaries, led by Rev. Fr. Christophe-Etienne Bonjean. St. Joseph’s College has a motto: “In Scientia et Virtute,” which means “In Knowledge and Virtue.” The college has a rich history, a mix of French and Sri Lankan traditions, and is known for its academic excellence and strong alumni network. The land was acquired from an Egyptian called Arabi Pasha, and the foundation stone was laid in 1894. The college was formally opened on March 2, 1896, with 211 students enrolled. Back then, St. Joseph’s College was the only Catholic school in a group of elite, mainly secular or Protestant Christian, private boys’ schools. The first building even had a clock tower, which symbolized its importance and its commitment to time and discipline. Many former students have played for the Sri Lankan national cricket team. It has been the leading Catholic school in Sri Lanka ever since its inception. The school has over 4,000 students and a staff of over 450, representing a long tradition of teaching excellence. It has also faced challenges like World War Two, when the college was closed and had to relocate to different locations. But despite the challenges, St. Joseph’s has never deviated from its mission of producing men of faith, knowledge and virtue. This is the story of St. Joseph’s College, a place that produces leaders for the present and for the future.