Tribute to Our
Past Principals
"Honouring the Visionaries Who Built Our Legacy."
For over a century, St. Michael's College National School, Batticaloa, has stood as a symbol of excellence in education, discipline, leadership, faith, and service. Behind every milestone achieved, every generation inspired, and every success celebrated stands the dedication and vision of the distinguished Principals who have led this great institution.
The Principals Board
St. Michael's College National School, Batticaloa

All old images reconstructed by Niwethushan.
Every Principal, Honoured
Each name represents a life dedicated to shaping the future of Michaelites.
| # | Name | Role | Period / Years | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr. Joseph Abraham | Head Master | Head Master 1876 – 1924 | "Labour of love, unswervingly given, for nearly fifty years…" |
| 2 | Fr. Charles Royer S.J. | Superior | Superior of Mission 1896 – 1903 | "Behold the dreamer cometh" |
| 3 | Fr. Gaston Robichez S.J. | Principal | Principal 1903 – 1916 | "The heart that gave the impulse and direction to the dream" |
| 4 | Fr. Ferdinand Bonnel S.J. | Principal & Rector | Principal 1914–1917 · Rector 1927–1930 · 1932–1938 | "The hand that made the dream materialise" |
| 5 | Fr. Charles Reichard S.J. | Principal | Principal 1917 – 1925 | "I looked into the sky… and the sons of the Eastern Sun shone more brightly all over the Island." |
| 6 | Fr. Maurice Bourey S.J. | Principal & Rector | Rector 1930–1932 · Principal 1927–1932 | "Be so short a while he achieved long life" |
| 7 | Fr. Santiago Marian S.J. | Principal | Principal 1933 – 1940 | "My son, I am proud of you" |
| 8 | Fr. J. Aloysius Mary S.J. | Principal | R.I.P. | |
| 9 | Fr. A. Emmanuel Crowther S.J. | Rector & Principal | Rector 1938–1948 · Principal 1948–1957 | "St. Michael's cross for the best" |
| 10 | Fr. Joseph V. Semmons S.J. | Rector | Rector 1948 – 1955 | "The witness that withstood the highest education wind" |
| 11 | Fr. Geo. H. Raymond S.J. | Rector & Principal | Rector 1955–1959 · Principal 1957–1959 | "Great things happened" |
| 12 | Fr. B. Harry Miller S.J. | Rector & Principal | Rector 1959–1960 · Principal 1959–1960 | "I worked, struggled, and squeezed for you" |
| 13 | Fr. J.W. Lange S.J. | Teacher & Superior | Teacher & Superior of Jesuits | |
| 14 | Fr. Vincent de Paul Gnanapragasam S.J. | Principal | Principal 1961 – 1962 | "The whisper that awakens memories of zest" |
| 15 | Fr. Paul N. Peiris S.J. | Principal | Principal 1963 – 1976 | "The mighty River that gave greater glory" |
| 16 | Fr. Frederick J. Leon S.J. | Rector | Rector 1970 | "Too late have I loved thee" |
| 17 | Mr. K.M.T. Somander B.Sc | Performing Principal | Performing Principal | "The Good Samaritan" |
| 18 | Br. A.M. Thomas S.J. | Principal | Principal – Centennial Year | "The spirit, that set the flame of centennial affairs" |
| 19 | Mr. T. Selvasargam | Performing Principal | Performing Principal – Centennial Year | "Nothing but duty matters" |
| 20 | Mr. S. Emmanuel B.A. | Performing Principal | Performing Principal – Centennial Year | |
| 21 | Fr. P.N. Peiris S.J. | Principal | — | |
| 22 | Fr. Alphonse Thiagarajah | Principal | — | |
| 23 | Fr. Peter Thurairatnam | Principal | R.I.P. | |
| 24 | Fr. Rex Schomolai | Principal | — | |
| 25 | Fr. Santiago Marian S.J. | Principal | R.I.P. | |
| 26 | Mgr. Jerome D'Su | Superior | — | |
| 27 | Fr. J.L. Daoud S.J. | Principal | — | |
| 28 | Fr. Lessen A. Seller | Teacher | — | |
| 29 | Fr. Francis M. Seller | Teacher | R.I.P. | |
| 30 | Fr. Raymond Arulanandam | Principal | — | |
| 31 | Fr. A. Lameras | Principal | R.I.P. | |
| 32 | Fr. Juvence Queste S.J. | Teacher | Teacher at St. Michael's | |
| 33 | Fr. J.L. Clarkson S.J. | Prefect | Prefect of Discipline, 1953 | |
| 34 | Fr. W.H. Macnair S.J. | Prefect & Bursar | Prefect of Discipline, 1953 | |
| 35 | Fr. J.J. Heaney S.J. | Teacher & Bursar | Teacher & Bursar | |
| 36 | Sr. Celina F.M.M. | Sister | — | |
| 37 | Sr. M. Angelina F.M.M. | Sister | — | |
| 38 | Sr. M. Mangalam F.M.M. | Sister | — |
This page is dedicated to honouring all our Past Principals, especially those who are no longer with us. Their commitment, wisdom, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student have left an everlasting mark on our school and the thousands of Michaelites who proudly call this institution their alma mater.
"A Principal is far more than an administrator. A Principal is a mentor, a guardian, a guide, a visionary, and an architect of the future."
Through years of faithful service, our Principals nurtured young minds, strengthened character, upheld traditions, embraced innovation, and ensured that St. Michael's College remained a place where excellence was not merely expected, but achieved.
Each Principal brought unique qualities, ideas, and leadership styles that enriched the life of the school. Some guided the College through periods of rapid growth and development. Others strengthened academic excellence, expanded sporting achievements, promoted cultural activities, enhanced spiritual life, or introduced significant improvements to infrastructure and student welfare. Regardless of the era in which they served, each one contributed to the remarkable story of St. Michael's College.
Their leadership extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. They inspired confidence, encouraged integrity, cultivated compassion, and instilled values that continue to guide Michaelites throughout their lives. Their influence can be seen not only in the achievements of the institution but also in the countless doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, scientists, public servants, clergy, artists, athletes, and community leaders who once walked the corridors of this College.
Many of our Past Principals dedicated decades of their lives to ensuring that every student received an education founded upon knowledge, discipline, faith, respect, and service to humanity. Their decisions shaped the traditions that continue to define our school today. Their unwavering commitment helped build an institution respected not only within Sri Lanka but by Michaelites living across the world.
Although some of these remarkable leaders are no longer physically with us, their legacy lives on in every classroom, every school bell, every sporting victory, every academic achievement, every cultural celebration, every act of kindness, and every student who proudly wears the College colours. Their memories remain deeply woven into the identity of St. Michael's College.
This tribute page serves as a digital memorial where present and future generations can learn about these extraordinary educators who dedicated their lives to shaping ours. Through photographs, biographies, historical records, achievements, and personal memories shared by alumni, staff, and families, we preserve their stories so that they may continue to inspire generations yet to come.
We invite every Michaelite around the world to join us in remembering these remarkable leaders. Whether you studied under their guidance, worked alongside them, or simply benefited from the strong foundation they helped establish, your memories form an important part of our shared history.
"Leadership is measured not merely by years served, but by lives transformed. The influence of a great Principal extends beyond examinations and classrooms, it shapes communities, inspires generations, and leaves a legacy that time can never erase."
Today, we bow our heads in gratitude and remember every Principal who has faithfully served St. Michael's College National School, Batticaloa. We honour their dedication, celebrate their achievements, and thank them for the immeasurable contributions they made to our beloved institution.
Their names will forever remain written in the proud history of St. Michael's College. Their vision continues to guide us. Their values continue to inspire us. Their legacy continues to live through every Michaelite.
What This Tribute Includes
A comprehensive memorial for each distinguished Principal
Biography
Achievements
Legacy Timeline
Alumni Messages
Historical Gallery
Memories & Testimonials
Awards & Recognition
Tribute Wall
"A school's greatest legacy is not its buildings, but the leaders who inspire generations to dream, learn, and serve."