St. Anthony's College, Kandy: A Legacy of Faith and Education

St. Anthony's College, Kandy, is a Roman Catholic school with a rich history deeply intertwined with the missionary efforts in Sri Lanka. From its humble beginnings in 1854, the college has evolved into a prominent educational institution, shaping the lives of countless students and contributing significantly to the nation's progress. The college's motto is Latin: Lux De Coelo(Light From Heaven).

Foundation and Early Years

The origins of St. Anthony's College can be traced back to the early 19th century when missionary activities began to take root in Kandy. In 1820, Vincent de Rozairo, the superior of all the Oratorians in Ceylon, arrived in Kandy and established a church on the grounds where the present Scots Kirk stands. However, the site proved to be too small, leading to the construction of a second Roman Catholic Church on a new site, which is where St. Anthony's Cathedral is located today.

Recognizing that churches alone were insufficient to foster missionary success, the order sought to establish schools. In September 1843, Orazio Bettacchini, an Italian Oratorian, opened a school in Kandy on the same premises. Although this school was short-lived, closing down the following year, it paved the way for future educational endeavors.

In November 1853, Felice Zoppi, a Franciscan missionary, was sent to Kandy to address issues related to the previous school. As a result, Zoppi opened two schools in January 1854, one for boys and another for girls, on the premises of St. Anthony's Cathedral. On 12 March 1854 Joseph Maria Bravi officially acknowledged the opening of both the schools. Zoppi, being a Franciscan, named the boys' school after St. Anthony of Padua.

Transition and Growth

Paul Poorey took over the administration of the boys' school from Van Twest in 1855, contributing immensely to the growth of the school during its formative years. Due to a lack of missionaries to take over the school, a succession of laymen administered the school until 1870. In 1867, St. Anthony's Boys' School was recognized as the "second best school in English" among all the schools established by the Missionaries.

In 1870, the Irish Christian Brothers briefly took over the administration, followed by laymen until 1875. In 1857, Hilderbrand Vanderstraaten became the principal, marking the beginning of the Sylvestro Benedictine legacy at St. Anthony's. Paul Perera succeeded Vanderstraaten in 1876, and boarding life was first introduced.

Benedictine Leadership and Expansion

In 1879, secular teachers managed the school, with R.P. Jansz as Head Master from 1880 to 1892, working with the Benedictine Fathers. In 1892, Leitan became the first of an unbroken line of Benedictine priest-principals of the college.

In 1894, the premises known as "Philips Coffee Store" became part of St. Anthony's. D. Philip Caspersz, a member of the teaching staff, succeeded Leitan as principal. The student population increased to 300 in 1908. The first College publication, St. Anthony's Manual, was released in 1908. In 1909, the newly equipped physical laboratory was dedicated.

In 1910, Basil Hyde, an alumnus and staff member, convened a meeting that led to the formation of the St. Anthony's Old Boys' Association (OBA). By 1912, the premises next to the cathedral had been fully developed, with the student population exceeding one thousand.

Relocation and Development at Katugastota

Representations were made for the transfer of St. Anthony's from the cramped precincts to more spacious grounds. In 1927, Lawrence Hyde shifted the junior boarders out of Kandy to Katugastota due to a plague outbreak. Renovations and reconditioning of the new premises began in 1927. On 16 January 1928, the junior boarders were installed at Katugastota.

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In 1935, the main building block of the school and its counterpart were completed. The hostellers, numbering around 150, had their dormitories upstairs in the main block. The Office, Hall, Library, and Chapel were on the ground floor. The playing field was gradually expanded to its present size.

World War II and Post-War Era

During World War II, the college was occupied by the British military for four years, sidelining sports activities. After the war, Wickramaratne was involved in the construction of other College buildings such as "The Rainbow Cottages", "The Tuck Shop", "The Chapel", "Mansion", "Villa", "Infirmary" and "The Refectory". Rosati reconditioned military huts into living quarters for the boarders. The student population grew to nearly 1,600 with a teaching staff of 70.

The Centenary Hall, funded by Alhaj Harideen of Madawala Bazaar, was opened in 1957. In 1961, the government took over the school.

Recent Developments

In 1977, St. Anthony's changed its identity when the school was handed over to the government by the then Bishop of Kandy. The hostel was run independently by the Benedictine Fathers.

In 1982, the Colombo branch of the OBA undertook to develop an Indoor Sports and Pavilion Complex at the Katugastota grounds. The project, the Bishop Leo Nanayakkara Sports and Pavilion Complex, was planned in three stages and completed in 2000.

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In 1989, Abraham celebrated his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee by building 25 houses for the minor staff, naming the complex "Anthony Gammana".

Academic Programs and Opportunities

St. Anthony’s student’s experience an intense academic, artistic and athletic curricula with a strong emphasis on Catholic values. Saint Anthony’s recognizes that true education is directed towards the formation of the whole person and, to be authentic, education must embrace a broad range of issues. Saint. Anthony’s High School is committed to nurturing the individual capabilities and unique talents of all members of the educational community and preparing them for the rapid changes of the information age.

Global Education with PaduaTeacher-led trips to international destinations enable juniors and seniors to explore class curriculum on a deeper level and become engaged global citizens.

College Council and Sports Council

The College Council, inaugurated in 1972, functions as the supreme body of decision-making. The Sports Council governs all matters relating to sports.

Old Boys Association

The Old Boys Association (SACKOBA), with branches in Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Australia, Canada, and England, provides financial support to the college.

Principals of St. Anthony's College

Under supervision of Parish Priests, the school had a succession of laymen who functioned as administrators during this period. They were: Messrs Poorey, Peiris, De Silva, Fernando, A. Irish Christian Brothers (Rev. Bros. W. J. Rev. Fr. D.H. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. R. P. Rev. Fr. D.H. Rev. Fr. M. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. D. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. D.I. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. D. Rev. Fr. Dom. Rev. Fr. Dom. Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr.

Sporting Traditions

Cricket was introduced in 1903, and a team known as 'St. Anthony's College Cricket Club' was formed. One of St. Anthony's notable rivals is St. Joseph's College, Colombo, and they compete for the "Murali-Vaas Trophy". The "Bede Gold Medal" is the highest award that can be bestowed upon an Antonian.

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