M.A., Ph.D. (Oxon)
History in Brief...
S. Thomas’ College at Gurutalawa was a serendipitous outcome of World War II (1938-1945). In the East, when the threat of war shifted to the Indian Ocean with the advance of the Imperialist military forces of Japan, Ceylon as the Island was then known, and Trincomalee harbour, became strategic objectives under imminent attack. The College at Mount Lavinia was consequently requisitioned by the British forces and on the 9th of April 1942 Dr. R.L.Hayman, the Sub-Warden was sent to Gurutalawa to prepare a branch for the school, but days before, on the 5th of April, Colombo was subject to an air raid and a Japanese plane had actually crashed in the College premises at Mt.Lavinia.
From the Headmaster's Desk...
Welcome to S.Thomas’ College Gurutalawa.
Gurutalawa is our smallest school and yet our largest residential School. For most of our boys this campus will be their second home.
Another distinct characteristic of Gurutalawa is its environment. Its scenic location and the natural beauty of its surroundings are a bonus. Use the environment for the growth and development of the whole child in our care. Encourage outdoor activity. Re-introduce the outward bound course that was synonymous with Guru. Organise hikes and Camping and Cross Country runs. Rebuild the reputation of the past that the boys from Guru were respected for their resilience and toughness. Our location is also an invitation to develop an environment friendly Campus. The advice of environmentalists and work towards becoming a model for caring for the environment.