In the 16th century, when Sri Lanka fell under Portuguese control, Portuguese missionary groups set up a number of schools in Sri Lanka to promote Roman Catholicism. In the following century, when the Dutch captured the island, they introduced a Christian primary school system, which flourished for about a hundred years. The British took over the country in the late 18th century, and they proceeded to change the medium of instruction in Christian missionary schools to English language.

In Sri Lanka, many institutes were started due to religious purpose. Methodist Church, Roman Catholic Church, St Joseph’s Church and Anglican Church played an important role. These institutes started many schools in Sri Lanka. Highlands College is one such an institutes which is famous in Sri Lanka

In such manner Highlands College was started in Hatton, which is an ancient city in the upcountry. It was started by the Hatton Methodist Mission.

In Sri Lanka, railway service was commenced in 1858 and in Hatton in 1884 June 04th. During this Period Mr. Bait (W.M.O) was in charge of the Hatton Railway service and in a part of the railway building Hatton Methodist Church services were carried out. In1889, a separate land was bought by Hatton Methodist Mission and a building was constructed.

In 1892, Mrs. Bait started an evening / night school for small children and taught English for a few students. When time passed, the number of students increased, so she started a school in a nearby church. We understand that school work was carried out in the week days and church work was done during the weekends.

In the meantime, number of Tamil students increased, so it was inevitable to leave the church premises and build a separate Tamil school. Later it grew and became Highlands College.

Read more >>