Past Principals
The event that prompted four young men from Massachussets way back in 1816 to sail across the oceans half way round the world is indeed a divine call. When they arrived in Ceylon, the then British Governor, Sir Robert Brownrigg with typical diplomacy dispatched them to the arid north. This turned out to be the blessing to the people of the North. The American missionaries who arrived in Jaffna founded the Batticotta seminary in 1823, and the first principal was Rev. Dr. Daniel Poor. He was followed by Hoisington, Hastings and Howland. These men were responsible for laying the proper foundation and consolidation. They were followed by the ‘B’s Brown, Bicknell and Bunker. Rev. Brown gave the meaning of Jaffna College Colours Crimson and the Gold. Crimson depicts the colour of blood symbolizing hard work, sacrifice and service, Gold symbolizes solid, sterling qualities of character. Rev. Bicknell’s era from 1911 – 36 saw rapid expansion of the College where he started constructing bigger buildings, implementing better systems and broader education. He built new class rooms, houses for teachers, dormitories and sanitary blocks. The electricity was provided with the installation of a powerful generator. Rev. Bunker who followed Rev. Bicknell was an amiable personality who promoted local participation in the management of the college. Rev. Bunker was also responsible for staring the Under Graduate section of Jaffna College. When Rev. Bunker took over the undergraduate section Mr. Selliah was appointed as the principal of the College. His period was a Golden period where he steered the affairs of the college diligently. He was followed by Mr. S.V Balasingam who was regarded and respected. Mr. Rajan Kadirgamar took over as the principal from him. Rajan Kadirgamar was an efficient organizer and a good speaker. When he retired the mantle of principal-ship fell on Rev. Jabanesan. He was followed by Mr. Rajanayagam, Dr. Noel Vimalendran and Rev. Dr. Solomon.
( Excerpts from the articles of Mr. C.D. Chinnakone appeared in the Souvenir published by the Jaffna College Alumni – Colombo to mark the 175thanniversary of Jaffna College.)
Name of Principiles Years of Service Rev. Dr. Daniel Poor 1823 – 1836 Rev. Dr. H.R. Hoisington 1836 – 1849 Rev. Dr. E.P. Hastings Rev. Dr. S.W. Howland 1889 –1899 Rev. Dr. R.C Hastings 1899 – 1908 Rev. Dr. G.G. Brown 1908 – 1916 Rev. Dr. John Bicknell 1916 – 1937 Rev. Dr. S.K. Bunker 1937 – 1947 Mr. K.A Selliah 1947 – 1965 Mr. S.V Balasingam 1965 – 1968 Mr. Rajan Kadirgamar 1966 – 1988 Rt.Rev. Dr. S. Jabanesan 1988 – 1993 Mr. G. Rajanayagam 1993 – 2000 Rev. Anthony A. Paul 2000 – 2003 Dr. Noel A. Vimalendran 2003 – 2013 Rev. Dr. D.S Solomon 2014 –