St Patrick's College (SPC) ( Punitha Pattiriciyār Kallūri) is a private school in Gurunagar, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It was founded in 1850 by Roman Catholic missionaries.

History

The Jaffna Catholic English School was established in 1850 by Monsignor Orazio Bettacchini, an Italian Roman Catholic missionary. The school was later renamed Jaffna Boys' Seminary. The school was registered as a High School in 1881 and renamed St. Patrick's College on 10 January 1881. Rev John Smythe, formerly a member of Ceylon Civil Services, was appointed as its first Rector. With a appointment of Brother Conway in 1862 as a Principal of the School, a new era of progress began in this institution. A numbers on roll expanded. A high sense of responsibility and discipline prevailed in the school. The students took up the challenge and did well in their exams. Teachers too were dedicated and fully committed. Under his direction College made great strides and was successful from 1862 onwards. The first local examination ever to be held in Sri Lanka showed remarkable achievement. Rev Charles Matthews, a Canadian University graduate had taught at St Patrick’s for the three years before succeeding Fr. Beaus as Rector, in 1906. He remained in office till 1936, except for a break of a short period and was indeed a chief architect of St Patrick's, having served the longest period. The achievement of the school during his time are too numerous to mention. He organized the College and introduce rules and regulations and strict discipline. Studies and game were systematised and became popular. At this time, the London Matriculation examination results, secured for three years by St Patrick’s were the best in British Empire. In sports the College won championship in Soccer, Cricket and Athletics for many years in succession. Rev Timothy Long (O.M.I) succeeded Fr. Matthews as rector in 1936, and was at the helm till 1954. Under his guidance the college rose to the height of glory academically as well as in sports and in almost every sphere of educational and social development. Most private schools in Ceylon were taken over by the government in 1960 but SPC chose to remain as a private and non-fee levying school. The school motto is ” Fide et Labore”. Latin words which mean “Faith and Work” Rev A.P. Thirumahan is the present rector of the college.

Big Match

SPC play Jaffna College in an annual cricket match known as the Battle of the Golds. The first match took place in 1917.

Rectors/principals

Notable alumni

Sources