St. Mary's College, Negombo

St. Mary's College, Negombo ශාන්ත මරියා විද්‍යාලය, මීගමුව
File:SMC Negombo Logo.jpg
Location
Negombo , 11500 Sri Lanka
Coordinates	7°12′37.5″N 79°50′11.8″E
Information
Type	1AB (Provincial School)
Motto	"VIAM SAPIENTIAE MONSTRABO TIBI" (I will show you the way of wisdom)
Religious affiliation(s)	Catholic
Established	6 October 1871 (1871-10-06)
Founder	Rev. Monsignor John Vistarini
School code	SMCN
Grades	1 - 13
Gender	Boys
Age range	6 - 19
Enrollment	2,140
Language	Sinhala and English
Houses	Alles   Briton   Cazugal   Sebastian
Color(s)	Navy Blue and White and Gold
Alumni	SMC OBA

St. Mary's College, Negombo is a provincial catholic school in Sri Lanka. Located in Negombo of Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.

History

"Man Of God" sammanasu swamy in other words Angelic Priest was none other than Rev. Monsignor John Vistarini. He was the Parish of St. Mary's church, Grand Street Negombo from 1857 until his death in 1859. He was buried in the church itself. A life size marble statue of this saintly priest still stands to his day in front of the this church as if took all faithfull into the church to worship God Almightly. All Catholics of Negombo cherish his name with love and devotion. St. Mary's College, Negombo has all the resons to be proud of its founder, saintly priest .

As Ceylon ; since Sri Lanka was called then, was under the British Colonial rule. English Language being used as the official language, Rev. Monsignor Vistarini saw the necessity and the importance of English education. Thus he took steps to start an English school for the benefit of the youngsters of the Grand Street Parish. Such a school was first opened in the Mission House of the church.

Later he was instrumental in bulding such a school with generous contribution from the parishioners, most of whom were fisherman. When the school bulding was completed in 1871, it was handed over to Christian Brothers for the running of the school. Under the Directorship of Rev. Brother Thimothy F.S.C, Rev. Bross . Anniel, Peter William Stanislaus, Edward and Philip together with Mr. Benjamin Tissera pioneered the imparting of knowledge to the students of this school. Thus a new school emerged in Negombo for the youngsters of the parish of St. Mary's Church, Negombo Grand Street.

External links

• St. Mary's College, Negombo on Facebook