S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia

Celebrating 175 Years of Faith, Tradition & Excellence

STC@175 – Our Journey

S. Thomas' College, was founded in 1851 by the First Bishop of Colombo, the Rt. Rev'd James Chapman D.D. in Mutwal. Our Founder at the laying the foundation of the school (1849) is recorded to have said . . .

"In building for God, in working, in spending for God, we run no venture, we hazard no loss, we cherish no vague or uncertain hopes. Though unseen, when grounded on true faith, hope is never unreal. Enduring works are often of humble beginning."

The school continued in Mutwal for 66 years before it had to be transplanted by the then Warden, Rev'd William Arthur Stone in 1918 to Mount Lavinia, where it has stood to date.

Interestingly, Mount Lavinia had been Bishop Chapman’s first choice as a location for his School when he had been looking for a suitable location in 1849.

As we mark our 175th anniversary, we honour the past and look to the future through a year-long series of initiatives and celebrations. We strive to maintain the highest standards - preparing children into adulthood; to be strong, independent, responsible and future-ready citizens of our country.

Upcoming Events of STC@175

All Island Schools English Essay Competition - Completed

28 June 2025 – A celebration of thought and expression for students across Sri Lanka.Prize winners to be announced

All Island Schools English Oratory Competition - Applications Closed

Competition Finals 14th September 2025 - Honouring a Thomian tradition of oratory and reasoned debate

All Island Schools Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition

November 2025 – An opportunity for student inventors and entrepreneurs to shine.

Gala Banquet & Lifetime Achievement Awards

28 February 2026 – A grand evening to honour those who’ve shaped the legacy of our College.

Full Events Calendar

Date	Event	Location
5 February 2025	Thanksgiving Choral Evensong	Christ Church Mutwal
22 - 24 April 2025	Three peak challenge (Summitting the 3 highest peaks in Sri Lanka in 3 consecutive days)	See Post
28 June 2025	All Island English Essay Competition	College Hall
13–14 September 2025	English Oratory Competition - Finals	College Auditorium
November 2025	Innovations & Start-up Showcase	College Hall
January 2026	Joint Musical Drama Production with Bishop’s & Ladies College	Bishop's College Auditorium
3 February 2026	Anniversary Day – Chapel Service & Foundation Stone Laying	College Campus
28 February 2026	Gala Banquet & Lifetime Achievement Awards	Hilton Hotel Colombo
12–14 March 2026	Royal–Thomian Cricket Match	SSC Grounds
June 2026	400 Voice Choral Celebration	BMICH
July 2026	Teacher Conference and Workshops	College Campus
26 August 2026	Sports Carnival	College Grounds
August 2026	Special Leadership Residential Programme	STC Gurutalawa Campus
September 2026	STC@175 Pentathlon Challenge	Mount Lavinia & Environs
October 2026	Anniversary Oration	TBD
November 2026	OBA Dinner Dance	Shangri-La Hotel Colombo
6 December 2026	The Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols	Chapel of the Transfiguration
December 2026	Musical Fiesta Celebrating Thomian Talent	College Hall

For all enquiries, contact 175years@stcmount.lk

The Senior Quadrangle Project

Designed by Deshamanya Ashley de Vos, the Senior Quadrangle Project was envisioned as a bold step forward, evolving the College into a university-style campus where all ALevel streams, local and international, converge in a single, collaborative space. With classrooms connected by a central access spine, reconfigurable learning areas, and a landscaped courtyard at its heart, the design fosters cross-disciplinary learning and daily interaction.

The 1st Phase - which currently houses the College Form Arts Section - became a reality thanks to the generous donation by the Gnanam brothers in memory of their father A.Y.S. Gnanam. The building was declared open in 2014 under the stewardship of Warden Indra de Soysa.

The 2nd and 3rd Phases - which comprise of the International A/Levels classrooms, an Auditorium, Laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and IT and a Performing Arts Studio in memory of the Late Mr. Vinodh Senadeera, were declared open in 2016 and 2022 respectively under the stewardship of the then Warden Rev'd Marc Billimoria.

Funds for these two phases were raised through donations by the OBA, Old Boys, various class groups and other well wishers.

The 4th and final phase of the project will be to connect with the Science section, thus completing the vision for the A/Level sections to be a collaborative space for all. This final phase comprises three transformational elements. Access Prospectus

1. Academic Core – Two upper floors (Levels 2 and 3) of the Phase IV building, will house purpose-built classrooms and laboratories for Technology, Vocational, Foundation, and Tertiary streams. Facilities include three AI- and robotics-ready labs, IT suites and flexible, open spaces with workstations designed to support hands-on, interdisciplinary learning for innovation.

2. Dining Hall – The ground floor of the Phase IV building, will feature a double-height dining hall with a modern kitchen and a shared service yard, providing elegant, efficient infrastructure for students and staff.

3. Student Life Hub – At the heart of the Senior Quadrangle, the fully landscaped courtyard will offer a vibrant space for student interaction, community gatherings, and special events.

MILESTONES

June 2025 – Final design & tender
August 2025 – Ground‑breaking (foundation milestone)
November 2026 – Laboratory block hand‑over
February 2027 – Official opening & plaque unveiling

The total estimated cost for the 4th phase is Rs.450 million and we need your support to make this project a reality. By partnering on Phase IV, you are not just funding construction, you are entrusting your name to an institution that has demonstrated 170+ years of fiduciary discipline and principled stewardship. It is an investment not just in education, but in trust itself.

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