Holy Cross College, Kalutara
| Holy Cross College | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 6°34′36″N 79°57′49″E / 6.5766°N 79.9637°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Semi Government |
| Motto | In Hoc Signo Vinces - in this [sign] you will conquer - |
| Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Established | 1900 |
| Founder | Brohier (Burgher National) |
| Rector | Prasad Niranjan |
| Staff | 100 |
| Grades | 1 – 13 |
| Gender | Boys |
| Enrollment | 1800 |
| Houses | Robert, Heral, Croos, Britain |
| Colors | Purple & Gold |
| Alumni name | Crusaders |
Holy Cross College (Sinhala: සිරිකුරුස විදුහල) is a Roman Catholic boys' school in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Founded in the late 19th century, the college provides primary and secondary education.[1][2]
History
Holy Cross College, Kalutara, began in 1880 when Mr. Brohier started a private school managed by Rev. Fr. Wilkinson OMI near Holy Cross Church.[2] In 1890, it became a grant-in-aid school for boys and girls.[3]
In 1902, Rev. Fr. Leo Fernando officially founded the college on its current site to provide English education. By 1904, enrollment reached 75 students. Under Rev. Fr. Martin Herel (1905–1912), the college gained permission to enter students for Cambridge Examinations, promoted cricket—producing famous cricketer M.K. Albert—and built the Lady of Lourdes grotto. Between 1912 and 1930, the school introduced a library, science labs, cadetting, and was elevated to Senior Secondary School status. The college hall was inaugurated in 1927.[1]
Rev. Fr. Gaston Chaulieu’s tenure (1930–1946) marked a golden era with physical expansion, London Matriculation exams, and the introduction of the house system named after past principals. In 1935, the girls’ school separated as Holy Family Convent.[3] Post-independence, under Rev. Fr. Arthur Nicholas Fernando (1946–1948), the college acquired its own playground and was upgraded to an “A” Grade institution. The first Prime Minister, Don Stephen Senanayake, was chief guest at the 1948 prize-giving. The Golden Jubilee was celebrated during Rev. Fr. Benedict Pinto’s leadership, with Governor General Lord Soulbury attending.
In the 1960s, government takeover of denominational schools forced Holy Cross to become a private non-fee levying school, sustained by community and Archdiocese support. Cadetting was discontinued due to loss of facilities. The Marist Brothers took over management in 1978, led by Rev. Bro. Francis Silva, who initiated new buildings and secured government salary payments. Successors expanded infrastructure further, adding a brass band and new classrooms.[1]
As of 2025, the college serves about 1,800 students with 100 teachers.
Houses
- Robert
- Heral
- Croos
- Britain
Notable alumni
- Bradman Weerakoon – Sri Lankan civil servant (1930 – 2025)
- V. L. Wijemanne – Sri Lankan lawyer and politician (1909 – 1990)
- Jayantha Silva – former Sri Lankan cricketer
- Weerasinghe Sujan Perera – Sri Lankan footballer
- Praveen Jayawickrama – Sri Lankan cricketer
References
- ^ a b c Miranda, Sujitha. "Holy Cross College Kalutara is more than just a school | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka".
- ^ a b "Holy Cross Kalutara staging walk for new pool | The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka".
- ^ a b Weerasooriya, Sahan (2025-02-13). "Holy Cross-Holy Family joint sports meet to celebrate 125th anniversary".