Draft:Loyola College Negombo

Loyola College Negombo is a Catholic School in Negombo, Sri Lanka. Sebastian de Vincent Fonseka founded it in 1949. Loyola College has a 75-year history that began as an institute in a Cadjan hut and has since developed into a well-reputed Catholic school in the Negombo area, managed by the Archdiocese of Colombo.

History

Loyola College, founded on February 2, 1949, by Late Mr. Sebastian Vincent Laus Fonseka and his brother Mr. J. Anthony Fonseka, began with a noble mission of nurturing virtuous Christian generations. The school started in two small cadjan sheds in Periyamulla with 32 students and 7 teachers. The institution’s humble beginnings caught the attention of His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Cooray, who invited the Fonseka brothers to relocate the school to the Periyamulla Church premises. There, Mr. S.V. Fonseka became the first principal and led the school for 38 years, earning a reputation for his dedication to improving children’s education while living a simple life.

In 1979, Rev. Bro. Clifford from the Marist Congregation took over as principal for a year. The All Ceylon Teachers' Union assumed the administration in 1987, under a board of trustees led by Mr. J.E. Noel Dabarera, the second principal. 1994 the administration was transferred to the Archdiocese of Colombo, and Rev. Fr. Leo Perera became the first rector. In collaboration with Rev. Bro. Thilakasiri Fernando, Fr. Perera played a crucial role in re-establishing the school in its current location, which had once been an oil mill, on September 27, 1995.

The college saw further growth when Rev. Fr. Trevor Martin was appointed as the second rector in January 2000. His leadership led to significant developments, including new buildings and educational reforms aimed at enhancing both education and discipline. In 2003, a major milestone in the college's history occurred with the introduction of Grade 1 English medium classes, paving the way for a bilingual education system. The same year, Loyola College expanded by opening a branch school in Bopitiya, extending its services to students in that area.

In 2014, after Fr. Martin's departure, Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi briefly held the position of rector, before Rev. Fr. Sudath Gunetileke assumed leadership in May 2015 as the fourth rector. Fr. Gunetileke focused on expanding the college’s infrastructure, purchasing adjacent land to grow the school’s footprint. He relocated the chapel to a more accessible spot, enhanced the primary school play area, and refurbished several key facilities including the college entrance, sports complex, staff rooms, and the S.V. Fonseka Hall. He also introduced a modern canteen, upgraded washrooms, and gave the college chapel a complete facelift with picturesque paintings.

Rev. Fr. Sudath also emphasized student wellness by modernizing the medical unit and adding a dental chair for students. During his tenure, the auditorium and the audio-visual room were renovated to accommodate conferences and meetings. He also created a dedicated Scouts Den to keep the Scout group organized.

In 2022, Fr. Sudath was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Kennedy Perera, the current rector. Fr. Kennedy continued the work of enhancing the college by renovating the basketball court, giving it a modern look, and beautifying the school entrance with new statues. He also constructed a Sports Pavilion, Cadet Billet, and a Technical Unit to benefit the students. Additionally, he transformed the badminton court into a chapel dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola for the Primary Section, while expanding the Primary Section with a new building that includes the 'Pope Francis Differently Abled Unit,' providing special care for students with disabilities.

Under Fr. Kennedy’s leadership, the college has continued to make strides in both education and infrastructure. Today, Loyola College boasts a student body of 2,277 and a faculty of 135 teachers. The school, now celebrating its 75th anniversary, stands as a proud institution of academic excellence and moral guidance for future generations. The continued efforts of its rectors, principals, and staff over the decades have transformed Loyola College into a beacon of learning and a source of pride for the community.

Past Rectors & Principals

Name		Status
Mr. S.V Fonseka		Principal
Mr. Noel Dabarera		Principal
Rev. Fr. Leo Perera		Rector
Rev. Bro. Thilakasiri Fernando		Principal
Rev. Fr. Trevor G. Martin		Rector/Principal
Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi		Rector/Principal
Rev. Fr. Sudath Gunathileke		Rector/Principals
Rev. Fr. D.M. J. Kennedy Perera		Rector/Principals

Loyola College, Negombo
Location
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Information
Motto	In Truth to Light and Life.
Religious affiliation(s)	Roman Catholic
Established	2nd February, 1949.
Founder	Mr. Sebastian Vincent Fonseka
Rector	Rev. Fr. D.M.J. Kennedy Perera.
Website	www.loyolacollege.lk