St.John's College – Jaffna. Principal Events in the Past

March 1823   

Rev.Joseph Knight - inaugurated the Nallur English Seminary with Seven students with classes held in his Bungalow. The Bible was made the most prominent subject of study along with a good secular Education.

1824    The number of students increased to 13 Rev.William Adley arrived in Ceylon and joined Rev.Knight in the Teaching.

1825    Rev.Adley took charge of the Seminary.

1826    Rev.Adley baptised four of his pupils. There were 30 students in the Seminary.

1928    Rev.Adley attended the Annual Conference of the Church Missionary Society with three of his pupils. Rev.John Hensman admitted as a student.

1831    The Bishop of Calcutta visited the Seminary and examined some of the classes of the Seminary with which he appeared to be well pleased.

1834    Mr.Adley comments - "A vast change has lately taken place in the native mind generally on the subject of education. The advantages of which are so evident that establishments on the Principle of the seminary might be filled to almost any extent to which our means may enable us to open them".

1839    Mrs.Adley died and Rev.Adley left for England. He returned in 1841 but was not attached to the school. Rev.F.W.Taylor took over from  Rev.Adley and was in charge of the Seminary.

1845    The English Seminary was transferred to Chundikuli and school was carried on in rented premises. The school was now named The Chundikuli Seminary. Rev. J.T.Johnstone was appointed Principal and Mr.John Hensman as Head Master. The Old Portuguese Church of St. John the Baptist at Chundikuli was handed over to the C.M.S and services were held in the Church by Rev.Johnstone and the students of the Seminary attended these services.

1846              Johnstone went to U.K on furlough due to ill health and Rev.Robert  Pargiter was appointed Principal. Rev.Pargiter shifted the school from the rented building and temporary buildings put up by Rev.Johnstone, to a large hall adjoining the east end of the old church.

1848-53     Mr. John Phillips was Head Master.

1851    The seminary was divided into 06 classes

1853    Mr. Robert   Williams was   Head Master. He continued as Head Master till 1866.

1859    The Old church was demolished and the present one put up.

1861    A new school building was put up by Rev. Pargiter. Part of the land was given by Mr.P.A.Dyke the Government Agent.

1862    Government Grant in aid was relinquished by the CMS as restrictions were placed upon Scriptural instruction. For the next 10 years school was maintained by fees, grant from the C.M.S and private support. The school continued to maintain its high standards. The Principal requested the Government Inspector to inspect the school who was of opinion that School was maintained on the proper lines and that good work was being done.

1865    School presented for first time students for the Matriculation Examination of the Madras University. Those who sat were Mr. Jeremiah Evarts who later became Head Master. Mr.Arumugam who later became Secretary of the Jaffna Kachcheri and Mr.Annamalai who became a Government Surveyor in the Straits Settlements. Other students during this period were Mr.J.M.Hensman B.A., an educationalist in South India and who retired as Principal of Kumbaconam College. Mr. Casipillai who later functioned as Crown Proctor. During this period  the school gained a proud position in the life of the community.

1866    Robert William died of Cholera. Mr. Pargiter retired. He later became Association Secretary of the C.M.S and for the next 20 years Vicar of a Parish near Oxford from which he retired in 1906. He died in 1914 in his 99^th year.

1867    The school was in charge of Mr.Jeremiah Evarts. Rev.Thomas Good who arrived in February 1867 had general superintendence of the school. The only two candidates who passed the Matriculation Examination of the Madras University were from this school.

1 874   Rev.David Wood was appointed Principal.

1876    Rev.D.Wood bought an additional piece of land on which in 1888 Evarts House was erected.

1878    Rev.D.Wood was transferred to Colombo and was succeeded by Rev.E.Blackmore who died on 24^th October 1878. Rev.G.I.Fleming took charge. Work was started to prepare pupils for the Cambridge University Examination

1885    First time Seminary presented candidates for the Cambridge junior – C.A..Aseervatham, K.Subrumaniyam, Issac Thambyah and  M.Seudder passed the Cambridge Junior Exam.

!886     Head Master Jeremiah Evarts died.

1889    Permanent Boarding house was constructed with funds from old boys to perpetuate the memory of Mr.Evarts.

1889    Mr.Charles Handy B.A was appointed Head Master. Mr.Fleming was transferred to Colombo. Mr.Handy was appointed Acting Principal.

1890    The Seminary was made a centre for the Calcutta University Examination - six sat for the Matriculation Exam and three passed in 1891.

First    school    Library    Association    was formed.

1890    Mr.Handy was ordained Deacon and later ordained Priest in 1893.

1891    The school celebrated the Jubilee of its work at Chundikuli and to mark the occasion was given the name ''St. John's College”. The number on roll was 250. First time a Prize Giving is mentioned.

1892    Rev.J.W.Fall was appointed Principal.

1893    The school was affiliated to Calcutta University as a Second Grade College.

1893    The college presented two boys for F.A.Exam of the Calcutta University -Mr.G.Philippiah passed and later joined the staff.

1894    Prize Giving Report refers to Cricket and Athletic sports as forming part of the educational life of the school.

1895    Rev.Fall was transferred for work in the Tamil Cooly Mission and was succeeded  Rev. J. Carter M.A (Trinity College Cambridge)

1896    Mrs.Carter the wife of the Principal started a school for English girls in Jaffna with eight pupils - five were boarders lodged in the Principal's Bungalow.

1896    First person to graduate from the College - Mr. William Wadsworth

1899    The C.M.S handed over Management of Kopay English School to the Principal

1899    Death of Mrs.Carter and departure of Rev.Carter - succeeded by Mr.Ryde. October 13^th roof of the main building collapsed. Repairs were affected with assistance from parents of the students.

August 1890. Mr.Ryde was appointed Principal of Trinity College.

1900    Rev.Jacob Thompson M.A (Corpus Christie College Cambridge) appointed Principal. Rev.Thompson took steps to appeal for funds for rebuilding the school.

February 1901      A new    hall   with   four   classrooms was formally opened by the Bishop of Colombo. Dr Copleston.

March 1901    Three wings of the boarding House was ready for occupation. A major portion of the fund required were collected from Old boys and friends and Rev.C.C.Handy raised a large sum from old boys in Malaya. The course at the college were extended to the Cambridge Senior. In December one student Mr.Subramaniyam passed the Cambridge senior.

18^th  April 1904     The Old Boys Association was formed. 

4^th June 1904 The Old Boys Association South Ceylon formed.

September 1904   Mr.Thompson went on furlough and handed over temporary charge to Rev. W.J.Hanan, The Boarding House with Mr.G.Phillippiah as Boarding Master was fully established. Number of Boarders was 60. An athletic Club and a Tennis Committee were formed. In order to raise the standard of class work in the school and to assist poor boys Scholarships were founded in 1904. The College Magazine was published in July. Mr. Isaac Tambyah being the first Editor.

1906    The Library Association and the College Y.M.C.A were re-organized. Hockey was introduced by Mr.A.J.R.Vethavanam who joined the Staff after graduating from Calcutta University. Botany was introduced as a subject with Mr.A.M.Nathaniel as Teacher.

1908    The College Crest introduced - with the Eagle of St. John representing the College - a Shield carried in its talons to represent the Christian shield of Faith, a Palmyrah to represent Jaffna and a torch to represent the diffusion of light through knowledge of Christ. Beneath words used by St. John. The design was drawn by Horace Thompson son of the Principal.

May 1908 The Headmaster    Rev.C.C.Handy died and was succeeded by Rev.T.H.Crosette, M.A.. F.R.Hist, Calcutta and Allahabad Universities.

1909    Introduction of the Prefect System into College life. First time college students acted a play of Shakespeare with Mr.W.A.Walton as the Producer. The old boys raised funds to extend the playground to commemorate Mr.Handy's memory. Principal's Bungalow - foundation laid. The grounds of St.John's were extended in memory of the late Rev.C.C.Handy, headmaster from 1889 to 1908. The Handy Memorial Library was later built on this land.

March 1910    Principal went on furlough handing over the Management to the Headmaster. Mr.T.H.Crosette. The Teaching of Chemistry. Physics introduced along with the setting up of a Laboratory.

1911    Mr.T.H.Crossette the Headmaster was appointed Vice Principal. Urumpirai CMS School was opened with the Principal, as Manager.

1912    Year marked by splendid results at Public Examinations - Cambridge Junior - 21 passed our of 25 - R.R.Crossette Tambyah obtaining 2nd Class Honours with Distinction in History and English. Cambridge Senior - 15 out of 20 A.M.K.K.umaraswamy obtained 1st Class honours with Distinction in Mathematics.

1913    The Handy Memorial Library was built and donated to the College by DrJ.M.Handy.

1914    Mr.T.H.Crossette. Vice Principal went to Strait Settlements and F.M.S, on a Collection tour which helped in building the Robert Williams Hall.

July 1914  Robert Williams Hall was completed. The Prefects Guild was formed.

1915    Formation of the Social Service Union.

1916    St. John's College forms the first Scout Troop in Jaffna. Five old boys of the College - Horace and Denton Thompson (sons of the Principal). Richard Aiyadurai. I.C.Eliathamby and Rev.Leembruggen enlisted in the Army in 1^st World War against Germany.

1917    T.H.Crosette left St. John's to become Principal of Manipay Hindu College. Rev.Thompson went to the Settlements and received generous contributions towards the College Extension Fund A "New Dormitory in memory of Rev.G.T.Fleming was built on his return. Twynam Museum Collection handed over to the College.

1918    Mr.Thompson relinquished his duties due to poor health and returned to U.K. and later was appointed Rector of Grafton Regis, Stony Stratford. Rev.K.C.McPherson M.A.(Kelele College Oxford) was appointed Acting Principal. The Play, Manohara was staged to collect funds for Social Service Work. The introduction of the Cadet Corps. Drill made compulsory for all students. Old Boys Association was revived.

The Fleming House was built in memory of the late Rev.G.T.Fleming. Principal 1880 -1887, with funds supplied by Dr.J.M.Handy Mr.Mc.Pherson was transferred in October 1919 as Chaplain to the Bishop of Madras and Mr.A.M.Nathaniel     was appointed Acting Principal.

28^th May 1920      Rev.Henry  Peto  M.A arrived at  St.John's and assumed the Principalship.

Inaugurated the College Assembly in the Hall.

In addition to punctuality a higher standard of conduct, class work, attendance and fee payment was required.

Prefect Body was re-organized.

A literature club and a Historical Society were formed.

The Y.M.C.A was re-organized and called the St. John's College Christian union. Old Boys association re-organised.

Through the generosity of Mr.W.H.Figg, the compound was enlarged and a new playing field added.

1921    Mr T.H.Crossette returned to St. John’s as Vice Principal.

January 1921  The   upper   Third   Form   was   formed by which better boys in the second form could pass in one year to the Cambridge Junior.The Masters Association was revived. Five new classrooms erected during 1921. Mr.K-Nesiah   won  Second  Prize  in  British Empire Senior Essay Competition.

Inter-House   Sports were held for the first time.

The Thompson Boarding House was purchased.

1921    Was the 80^th Anniversary of the College in Chundikuli and an Extension Fund was opened.

Mr.A.M.Nathaniel left to become Principal of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda.

Mr.William Wadsworth, a student of the college and who after a brilliant career was appointed District Judge of Colombo, died during this year and college was closed for his funeral.

1921    The college Blazer came into existence.

The oratorical contest with the Arulpragasam Gold Medal given by Mr.C.Arulpragasam was inaugurated.

1923    Donation of Rs 25.000/- to the college by Rev.W.H.Figg decided to include the Girls college premises with St. John's College compound and transfer the Girls College to Nallur.

The Masters Guild was formed with Principal and Vice Principal as members.

13^th & 14^th June 1924

The Centenary Celebrations were held and an appeal was launched to collect Rs.60000/-   towards the Building Fund, Rev.W.S.Senior, Sir Anton Berbram (Lord Chief Justice) and Rev.W.Meston, (M.A., B.D) were present at the Celebrations.

1924    Mr.T.H.Crossette appointed as Acting Principal during Rev.Peto's furlough.

1925    Shakespeare's Play "Twelfth Night'' staged by the College.

1^st Dec 1926    Rev.Henry Peto and Mrs.Peto returned from their  furlough  and   were  received  at the Jaffna   Railway   Station  and conducted   in procession to the College.

1926    The House System established with 8 school houses Knight, Pargiter. Adley, Jonnstone, Williams, Evarts, Handy, Thompson.

29^th Nov 1928 Mahtma Gandhi and Mrs.Gandhi visited the College. 

1929    Rev.J.A.R.Navarartnam appointed Chaplain of the College.

18^th Dec 1929 Mr.T.H.Crossete retires. St. John's reverts to the Four House System.

1931    Mr.A.M.K.Cumarasamy   appointed as  Vice Principal

1932    Mr.A.M.K.Cumarasamy appointed Acting Principal and Mr.J.C.Handy, acting Vice Principal and Bursar during the absence of Rev.H.Peto on furlough.

Dec 1932  Rev.H.Peto returns from furlough.

1935    C.M.S. Delegation consisting of Prebendary Cash, the General Secretary of the C.M.S in London, Sir Cusack Waiton and Dr.Cook Rs.21,0007- was collected for the Thompson Memorial Fund. Visits by the Chairman of the Church Schools Commission, the Rev.G.T.Selvyn, Rev.A.G.Fraston of Trinity, Negro Delegation, the Student Christian Movement of America and Dr.Stanely Jones took place during this year.

1936    Rev J.T. AruIanantham   appointed   as   Vice Principal.

2^nd Nov 1936  St.John's takes over the old Chundikuli Girls' College grounds. Visits by the Hon.Mr.Srinivasa Sastri, Dr.Saito General Secretary of the Japanese Y.M.C.A and Student Christian Movement.

1938    The Principal, the Rev.Henry Peto, the Vice Principal, the Rev.J.T.AruIanantham and Mr.E.M.Ponnudurai visited the old boys in Malaya during the Easter vacations.

13^th June 1940      The death   of the   Rev.Henry   Peto.   The Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev.R.W.Stopford, Manager of St.John's, Miss.Opie, Principal Ladies' College, Miss Carter on behalf of the C.M.S and Mr.E.T.Dyson, (Government Agent) were among those who attended the funeral and tributes were paid to the life and work of Mr.Peto. The Rev.J.T.Arulanantham appointed Principal.

1941    Work on the Robert Williams' Hall and a new Dining Hall was completed.

Mr.P.C.Gaussen appointed Vice Principal.

Jul 1941    Foundation for the Centenary Science Block laid by Dr.Ivor Jennings, Principal of the University College. The Cottage system in the Boarding House introduced.

Sep 1941   The 25^th Anniversary of the College Scout Troop.

25^th Jul 1942   The Centenary    Science Block opened by Prof.A.Kandiah,   Dean   of the   Faculty of Science.

1943    The   Rose   Walton   Memorial Sick   Room Built.

1945    St. John’s opts to remain outside free scheme of Education.

1948    The 125^th Anniversary celebration held on a grand scale.

            New Iron Gate for the entrance gifted by Dr. C. Candiah (J.P)

1949    St. John’s won the All Ceylon Collegiate Volley Ball Championship – Captain S.Panchalingam

Nov 1949  Mr. S. Sivaprakasam appointed Vice Principal

1950    New Block for Junior School.

1951    St. John’s joins the free education system.

1952    Death of Mr. J.H. Crossette  and Mr. A.M. Nathaniel

1953    Station (Tamil) School amalgamated with St. John’s. The property adjoining Fleming House was purchased.

1954    The Mahendra Theatre was purchased by the C.M.S for Rs. 65,000/= and lent to the College for the use as a hostel named “Peto Hostel”   

3^rd Jun 1954    The   Jubilee   Celebrations   of   the   Old   Boys' Association  took  place  both   in   Colombo  and Jaffna.    Foundation for a Hostel laid by Mrs.A.Rajasingham towards the construction of which, her husband had donated Rs 30.000/-.

1954    College   won   the   Northern   Province   Inter Collegiate   Boxing   Challenge   Shield   for the second year in succession Captain. K. Yathukulasingham.

May 1957 The.Rev.J.T.Arulanantham retires and is succeeded by Mr.P.T.Mathai, Mr.A.W.Rajasekaram appointed Vice-Principal.

May 1957 Mr.P.T.Mathai retires and Mr.A.W.Rajasekaram appointed Principal. Mr.J.T.Chclliah appointed Vice-Principal.

1960    An Advisory Committee set up to advise the Governing Body. St.John’s opts to become a Private and Non-Fee-Levying School, mainly due to the energetic action taken by the Old Boys' Association.

1963    Mr. J.C. Handy appointed Manager of the College.

Oct 1963   St John's wins out station Tarbet challenge trophy at the Public School Meet- Missed the Public School Championship by 2 points.

Dec 1966  Mr.A.W.Rajasekaram retires as Principal.

Mar 1967  Mr.K.Pooranampillai assumes duties as Principal.

Nov 1967  The Board of Governors for Educational institutions founded by the C-M.S. Ceylon, decides to set up a joint Committee to advise the Governing Body in matters concerning the College with the proviso that the joint Committee in due course develops into a Governing Body for St.John's College and the Jaffna Academy.

1969    Death of Mr.A.W.Rajasekaram

1970    Mr.C.E.Anandarajan    appointed    Co-Vice-Principal.

1972    Death of Mr.J.C.Handy, Manager of the College.

1973    Ter Jubilee of St.John's. Ter Jubilee Souvenir published

Jan 1973   J.F.Sigmaringam teacher died under tragic circumstances.

1974    The Governing Body accepts in principle the setting up of a separate Board of Directors for St.John's College and takes action to draft constitution based on the drafts submitted by the Old Boys' Association and the Joint Committee.

150^th Anniversary   celebration   held   on   a large scale. Opening of Ter Jubilee Hall and the Peto Memorial Hall.

Dec 1974  Mr.J.T.Chelliah retires as Vice Principal

1975    Mr.C.E.Anandarajan returns from U.K after Post Graduate Studies

Feb 1976   Mr.K.Pooranampillai retires as Principal

Mar 1976  Mr.C.E.Anandarajan appointed as Principal.

Nov 1976  Mr.V.R.Amarasingham and Mr.S.P.Panchalingam appointed as Co-Vice-Principals.

Feb 1977   Mr.M.W.Rajasingham and Mr.M.Wiyayaratnam gift cricket score board to College.

1978    Mr.V.R.Amarasingham  and  Mr.S.Pancnalingam Jubilarians.

1979    75^th Anniversary of the O.B.A.

1979    College Model farm opened at Nallur by Australian High Commissioner.

1980    Mr.V.R.Amarasingham    retires    as    Vice-Principal Mr.T.Gunaseelan succeeds him.

1980    St.John's won all island Quiz Championship.

1980    Vocational Training institute for automobile engineering opened.

1981    Leo Club inaugurated at St. John's.

1981   G.C.E (A/L) results best in the island.

1981    Mas. Nirthanan Selvanayagam wins 1st prize in all island short story competition conducted by Sri Lanka English Association of Writers and Playwrights.

1981    J.T.Arulanantham Block opened.

1982    Dr.David Peto son of Rev.Henry Peto Visits St.John's hosted to dinner by Jaffna O.B.A.

1982    Tamil Debating team runner up in all island competitions.

1983    Part II of the history of St. John's released due to the untiring efforts of Mr.S.M.V.Tissainayagam.

1983    Rt.Rev.Lakshman   Wickramasinghe   Bishop of Kurunagala passed away.

1983    College won first place in the Mahaweli quiz contest semifinals scoring maximum possible points of 100.

1983    Lal Samuel all island under 13 badminton champion.

Aug 1983  More than 300 students affected by  ethnic disturbances    in    the    South admitted to St. John’s

1983    Opening   of   A.W.Rajasekaram   Block   by Dr.Devanesan Nesiah

1984    Un-beaten 1^st eleven cricket team selected as best team in the North.

Mar 1985  Opening      of     K.Pooranampillai Block, P.T.Matliai    block    and   E.M.Ponnudurai pavilion.

26^th Jun 1985  The   sudden   and   sad   death   of   Principal C.E.Anandarajan

1985    Mr.T.Gunaseelan succeeds him as Principal.

1985    Mr.V.Thuraisamy head master of Primary School retires.

Jan 1986   Mr.S.Thanapaian appointed as Middle School Supervisor.

1986    Mr.S.P.Jeevanatham appointed as Primary School Head Master.

Dec 1986  Mr.J.N.Ponmah    appointed    as    Co-Vice Principal.

1985    Annual Prize Giving not held.

Feb 1987   Prize Giving held as an internal function.

Mar 1987  Mr.Gunaseelan retires due to ill health,. Mr.K.Pooranampillai   performs   Principal's duty.

Jun 1987   Newly consecrated Bishop Rt.Rev.J.J.Gnanapragasam visits St.John's.

Sep 1987   Mr.S.Panchalingam retries as Vice-Principal.

Oct 1987   I.P.K.F Operation, Oct-Dec College not in a position to function. Extensive damage toCollege due to shelling.

Jan 1988         Dr.E.S.Thevasagayam assumes as Principal.

Feb 1988   Installation of Principal.

Jun 1988   Mr.S.Thanapalan   appointed   as   Co-Vice- Principal.

1988    Laying   of   foundation   for   new   science complex.

Sep 1988   Mr.S.Thanapalan leaves for U.K. for further studies.

1988    Car bomb blasts near St.John's one student died and five others injured.

Feb 1989   Mr.K.S.E.Xavier teacher and coach passed away.

Aug 1989  Vice    Principal    Mr.S.Thanapalan    returns from U.K. after post graduate studies.

Nov 1989  Mr.J.Ponniah retires as Vice Principal.

1989    Mas.N.Subanesan (One of the injured in the car bomb blast gets an aggregate of 351 and was placed first in the order of merit in the all island G.C.E. A/L 1989 Bio results.

Jul-Oct 1990   College couldn't function normally.

Mar 1990  Dr.E.S.Thevasagayam    goes    on    medical leave.

Aug 1990  Mr.S.Thanapalan     appointed     as     acting Principal.

Aug 1990  Mr.K.P. Sivarajah commerce teacher died due to aerial bombardment.

Jul 1991          S.Kanapathippillai  and   Mr.K.Ganesalingam appointed as Co-Vice Principals.

1991    Mr.S.Antrionypillai   appointed as middle school supervisor.

Dec 1991  Mr.S.P.Jeevanantham retires.

Jan 1992         Mr.N.J.Gnanaponrajah appointed as Primary School Head Master

Apr 1993   Dr.E.S.Thevasagayam retires and Mr.S.Thanapalan succeeds as Principal.

Jun 1993   Mr.S.Thanapalan installed as Principal.

Aug 1993  Mr.D.J.Thevathason    appointed    as    Head Master Primary School.

Sep 1993   Mr.N.J.Gnanaponrajah  leaves for U.K.  for further studies.

Feb 1994   Social service forum of College celebrates its Silver Jubilee

1995    Principal S.Thanapalan completes 25 years of dedicated service.

1995    College manager Dr.T.W Jeyakularajah awarded  prestigious "Mahara Yarl" by Kamban Kazaham.

Oct 1995   Exodus of Jaffna Population.

13^th Nov 1995 Principal Vice-Principals and some teachers leave for Vanni.

17^th Apr 1996  Opening of pocket schools comprising of students from St.John's College and Chundikuli Girls College, in Point-Pedro, Chavakachcheri and Kilinochchi. The first two closed after two days due to military operations. The Kilinochchi School continued till July. Bishop Kenneth Fernando visited it and was highly impressed.

27^th Apr 1996  Principal    moves    into    school    premises. Severe   damage   to   school   buildings   and movables due to military operation.

13^th May 1996      School re-opened with 434 students and 23 teachers.

17^th May 1996      Hon.     Richard     Pathirana Minister of Education and Higher Education, his deputy Prof.Visvawarnapala        and        Provincial Director Miss.T.Periyathamby visit College. With G.A.Mr.C.Pathmanathan.

May 1996 Mr.N.J.Gnanaponrajah ordained priest in the Anglican Church.

Jun 1996   Bishop Rt.Rev.Kenneth    Fernando    visits College with Chairman Dr.E.S.Thevasagayam & Archdeacon RevJ.Sarvanantham.

Sep 1996   Asia Foundation contributes 430 volumes to College Library.

31^st Oct 1996        His     Excellency     David     Tatham     High Commissioner for U.K in Sri Lanka visited the school and surveyed the damages.

Dec 1996  Mr.S.Kanapathippillai     retires     as     Vice-Principal

1986    Two  eminent  Bishops   Rt.Rev.D.J.Ambalavanar (an old boy)  and   Rt.Rev.J.J.Gnanapragasam passed away.

1997    Bishop     of     Colombo     rt.Rev.Kenneth Fernando Chief Guest at Prize Giving.

Mar 1997  Dr.E.S.Thevasagayam Chairman Governing Body visits College.

1997    Almost all damaged buildings repaired. Peto Memorial Hall given a new look.

1998    175^th Anniversary of College. Celebration held in Jaffna on 7^th, 8^th and 9^th.

      Important events: release of Commemorative stamp on 7^tn. Opening of new Science complex and another block of class rooms, laying of foundation stone for new administrative block. College Prize Giving. Mr.S.Sivathasan was the Chief Guest.

16^th May 1998      Colombo O.B.A had a gala dinner to mark the occasion. Tamil Vizha held in Colombo.

16^th May 1998      Old Boys in New Zealand Celebrated the occasion.

28^th Jun 1998        O.B.A in U.K had a thanksgiving service followed by lunch.

Aug 1998 The   Old   Boys   in   Melbourne, Australia celebrated the event. Principal Mr.S.Thanapalan   was present on the occasion.

Sep 1998   Past pupils of St.John's North American chapter celebrated the event with a thanks giving service and dinner dance.

1999        Bishop of Jaffna the Rt Rev Dr E Thomas Savundaranayagam Chief Guest at Prize Giving.

The Administrative Complex funded by the Norwegian Government was declared        open by His Excellency Jon Westborg, Ambassador for Norway in Sri Lanka.

1999 Sept 28^th      Canadian High Commissioner Her Excellency Ruth Arcibald visits St.John’s.

The Rev N J Gnanaponrajah appointed Sectional Head for Collegiate Level.

1999 June 24^th      The College Day was held for the first time. From 2000 onwards it has been celebrated on May 6^th which falls on St John the Evangelist Day.

2000 Jan 1^st    Mr.J.Amalaseelan was appointed Vice Principal.

2000 Feb 25^th  Foundation stone for the Primary School Block was laid by Mr.S.Sivathasan.

2000 June 5^th – July 27^th  St.John’s with Chundikuli functions at Jaffna College, Vaddukoddai due to displacement.

2001    A property at Kandy Road was purchased

2001 Feb 1^st    Mr.K.Ganeshalingam, Vice Principal retires from service.

2001 March    The Rev N J Gnanaponrajah appointed Vice Principal and Mr P Sriharan Sectional Head for Collegiate Level.

2001 March 31^st   Mr.S.Kathirgamathamby retired from service and Mr A Pirapaharan appointed as Sectional Head for Senior Secondary.

2001 March 15^th   The General Secretary, World Council of Churches the Rev Conrad Raiser visited St John’s and opened the Computer Unit donated by Dr Srikanthy Handy in memory of her father Dr G R Handy.

2001 April 22^nd     Former Principal Mr K Pooranampillai passed away in UK

2001 Dec Former Vice Principal Mr J N Ponniah passed away.

2002    Rev N J Gnanaponrajah was appointed Area Dean for the Jaffna Archdeaconry, Church of Ceylon.

2002 April 10^th      The Deputy  High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Sri Lanka Mr Peter Hughes, Director of the British Council Ms Susan Maingay and the Deputy Director Anna Searle visit St.John’s.

2002 July 20^th Bishop of Colombo the Rt Rev Duleep de Chickera was Chief Guest at Prize Giving.

2002 June 3^rd  The College Hostel was revived after it was closed in October 1990

2002 July 22^nd      The Governing Body meeting was held in Jaffna for the first time after two decades.

2002 Sept 13^th      The Primary School Building was declared open by Dr E S Thevasagayam (Principal Emeritus and Chairman Governing Body)

2003 Jan   English Medium (Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Health & Physical Education) in grade six was introduced.

2003    A limited Over Cricket Match was played against Jaffna Central for the first time.

2003    Mini Tennis was introduced in the Primary School.

2003 June 16^th      The Primary Library was reopened after a lapse of eight years.

2003 July 19^th Bishop of Kurunagala & the Chairman of the Governing Body the Rt Rev Kumara Illangasinghe was Chief Guest at Prize Giving

2004 Nov 1^st   Mr Muthiah Muraleetharan, Sri Lankan Cricketer, visited the school on a World Food Programme

2004 March    St. John’s celebrates the Triple Centenary Celebrations - Centenary of the Big Match, Old Boys’ Association and the College Magazine.

            The OBA Centenary Souvenir was released by OBA South Ceylon.

            The Big Match was played three days for the first time.

OBA Centenary Hymn “Lift up! Lift up! Your voices” was composed by the Rev A J C Selvaratnam

2004 March 22^nd The foundation stone was laid by the Rt Rev Kumara Illangasinghe for the Teachers’ Quarters (OBA Centenary Block). The archive was declared open by the Archdeacon of Jaffna the Ven S P Nesakumar; the Exhibition by the OBA Vice President Mr N Kugathasan and the Trade Stall by Dr S Thirunavukarasu, Vice President OBA.

            Renaming Buildings:

            J T Arulanantham Block by Dr Karunyan Arulanantham

            P T Mathai Block by Dr Royce Arasaratnam

            C E Anandarajan Block by Mr Niranjan Navaratnam

            T Gunaseelan Block by Mr T Sithamparanathan

2005 Jan         The Rev N J Gnanaponrajah completed 25 years

      2005    Limited over Cricket Match against Kandy Trinity College. St John’s won the match.

2005 April 11^th      Foundation stone for new Staff Room was laid by the Archdeacon the Ven S P Nesakumar.

2005 April 25^th      Former Vice Principal Mr J T Chelliah passed away in Canada.

2005    Foundation stone for the new library was laid by Mr S Sundarakumar, Consultant Engineer

2005 May 21^st      St John’s had twinned two schools RCTM School Manalkadu, Vadamaradchi and GTM School Kallapadu, Mullaithivu on a response to Tsunami.

2005 Oct   The Rev N J Gnanaponrajah was one of the three Sri Lankans selected by the American Centre to participate in the South Asia School Collaboration Project held at Nova Southeastern University, Florida, USA.

2005 Nov 7^th   New Staff Room was declared open by the Ven S P Nesakumar, the Archdeacon of Jaffna.

2005    T Tharshan won the 2^nd place in 110 m Hurdles (Under 17) at the All Island Schools Games and also won the National Colours. He was awarded “Johnian Eagle”

2005    OBAs inaugurated: 

            Nov 9^th      Maryland, USA Convener: Dr Jehan Canagarajah

            Nov 11^th    Northern California - Convener: Mr S Aravinthan

                              Los Angeles - Convener: Dr Karunyan Arulanantham

            Nov 16^th    Chicago – Convener: Dr T Wigneswaran

            Nov 24^th    Buffalo – Convener: Mr Gobinath Amarasingam

            Nov 26^th    New Jersey – Convener: Mr S Kamaleshkumar

            Nov 27^th    New York – Convener: Dr Suresh Canagarajah

            Nov 29^th    Boston – Convener: Mr D Jebaratnam

            Dec 3^rd      Norway – President: Mr Angelo Snell

                              Secretary: Mr Jeikishan Jegatheesan

                              Treasurer: Mr Prabaharan Kumarasamy

            Dec 4^th      Denmark – Convener: Mr Noel Thevarajah

2006                9^th Period – Activity Period was introduced

2006 Feb         400 m Track inaugurated on the 11^th of February, 2006 by the late Principal Mr. S. Thanapalan. The first event – 400 m Hurdles U-19.

2006 July 31^st Reconstructed Library was declared open on 31^st of July 2006 by the Bishop of Colombo the Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera. Karunyan Arulanantham Stand declared opened by Mr V Sivasubramaniam; Staff Room (Ladies) by Mr S Navarathnarajah

2006 July 31^st Principal Thanapalan retired from service.

2006 Aug 1^st    The Rev N J Gnanaponrajah was appointed Acting Principal.

2006 Aug 1^st    “Oath for Students” and “Oath for Teachers” were introduced.

2006 Aug         H Solomon Rajaram won the 1^st Place in Creative Writing (Grade 7) at the  National Level English Day Competitions-2005 held in Aug 2006.

2006 Aug 15^th Principal Emeritus Mr S Thanapalan passed away.

2006 Oct 1^st    Christian Formation Programme was inaugurated.

2006 Oct 16^th English Language Development Programme for School Leavers under Vocational Training commenced.

2006 Oct 18^th “Oath for Old Boys” was introduced at the Teachers Day Celebration.

2006 Nov 1^st   The Rev N J Gnanaponrajah was appointed Principal.

2006 Dec 2^nd Former Vice Principal Mr S Panchalingam passed away in Colombo.