Principals of Richmond College

1st May, 1876, a day to be remembered in the history of Education in Sri Lanka. Richmond College was inaugurated on that day, as the Galle High School. Rev. Samuel Langdon was our first principal. He undertook to lead the school through numerous hardships in those early years, towards victory...Show More

Rev. Samuel Hill succeeded Rev. Langdon as principal of Richmond College. During his tenure, the academic standards of the school rose significantly, with students excelling in public examinations. It was on his recommendation that the school was renamed Richmond College. He later served as principal of Wesley College and passed...Show More

Rev. Wilkin expanded the school curriculum and introduced Cambridge examinations to Richmond College. He added shorthand and woodwork to the curriculum and improved hostel facilities. Born in England in 1849, he served Richmond with distinction before returning to England in 1888.

Rev. Arthur Triggs was known for strengthening college publications and improving infrastructure. He constructed classrooms, expanded hostel facilities, and personally edited many school magazines. His period is remembered as a golden era for publications at Richmond.

Rev. Horatius Hartley introduced several administrative innovations, including maintaining teacher records and displaying prize winners. Most notably, he was responsible for forming the Richmond College Old Boys’ Association, which remains a vital part of the school.

Rev. James Horne Darrell was one of the greatest principals in the history of Richmond College. Serving from 1896 until his death in 1906, he introduced major educational reforms including the prefect system, cadet corps, and modern teaching techniques. A brilliant scholar and compassionate leader, he personally designed many school...Show More

Rev. W. J. T. Small was the youngest principal appointed to Richmond College and one of its longest-serving leaders. A Cambridge scholar and gifted teacher, he emphasized discipline, teacher training, sports, and national consciousness. He played a major role in shaping Richmond’s academic and cultural identity and remained closely connected...Show More

Rev. Alec A. Sneath was a trained educationist who modernized teaching methods at Richmond College. He strengthened agriculture, science, music, and extracurricular activities while promoting child psychology over punishment. Many new facilities were built during his tenure, and Richmond celebrated its 50th and 60th anniversaries under his leadership.

Rev. John Dalby served a brief but meaningful term as principal of Richmond College. A former principal of Wesley College, he later devoted himself fully to missionary work. He remembered his short time at Richmond as one of the most important periods of his life.

Mr. E. R. de Silva was the first Ceylonese principal of Richmond College. Leading the school through World War II and the transition to free education, he maintained high academic and sporting standards. His firm discipline, administrative skill, and close relationship with the Old Boys’ Association helped consolidate Richmond’s achievements.

Mr. A. S. Wirasinghe was an old Richmondite and former Head Prefect who became principal in 1957. Known for his cultured and gentle leadership style, he encouraged literature, music, sports, and creativity. He later became a renowned English scholar and media personality before his passing.

Mr. D. G. Welikala was the first principal of Richmond College under state management. His visionary leadership enabled the school to expand rapidly while preserving its traditions. He introduced technical, agricultural, and commercial education, oversaw major infrastructure development, and set a foundation for future principals.

Mr. Sugathadasa Kariyawasam served as principal during the post-nationalization era and the Centenary year of Richmond College. A former Head of Science and Vice Principal, he maintained academic standards and discipline while guiding the school through an important historical milestone.

Mr. B. Suriarachchi, an old Richmondite, led the college with stability and commitment from 1979 to 1986. His administration focused on discipline, academic excellence, and student leadership during a period of educational change in Sri Lanka.

Mr. S. Illayperuma served as principal for nearly a decade, guiding Richmond College through steady academic and institutional development. An old boy of the school, he upheld its traditions while strengthening curricular and co-curricular standards during a period of growth and transition.

Mr. W. N. R. P. Daniyas served as a Principal of Richmond College, Galle, contributing to the school during a period of continuity in its long educational tradition. As an experienced education administrator, he focused on maintaining discipline, academic standards, and the orderly functioning of the institution. His tenure reflected...Show More

Mr. G. V. S. B. Shanthasiri served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle from 2004 to 2008. During his tenure, he emphasized strengthening school traditions, enhancing academic performance, and supporting co‑curricular activities. He was involved in projects that preserved and improved campus facilities, including heritage structures like the Scouts Den,...Show More

Mr. E. M. S. Ekanayake served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle from 2008 to 2015, leading the school through a period of academic development and growth. A seasoned educator with extensive experience in school administration, he focused on strengthening academic programs, supporting co‑curricular activities, and maintaining high standards of...Show More

Mr. Sampath Weragoda served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle beginning in 2015, leading the school through a period of academic, co‑curricular, and sporting achievement. He holds a Diploma in Mathematics, a BSc, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management, and joined the Sri Lanka government education service in 1997....Show More

Mr. Thilak Waththuhewa served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle around 2020–2021, leading the school during a transitional period in its recent history. An experienced education administrator, he has held senior roles in the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education and led other top schools — including Nalanda College, Colombo —...Show More

Mr. W. P. Niluka Dilruk Weerasinghe served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle from 2021 to 2022, guiding the school during a transitional period in its modern history. His leadership focused on supporting academic achievement and co‑curricular activities while preserving the school’s strong traditions of discipline and excellence. As a...Show More

Mr. P. S. Pushpakumara has served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle since 2022. He is a senior Sri Lankan education leader with professional qualifications including MSc, BSc, and PGDE, and holds the rank of SLEAS I in the education service. During his tenure, he has supported both academic excellence...Show More

Mr. R. S. N. Maddumahewage (Rusira Maddumahewage) has served as Principal of Richmond College, Galle since 2025, leading the school during its 150th anniversary celebrations and beyond. A seasoned education leader with qualifications including MEd, BSc, PGDE, and NCOE, he continues Richmond’s tradition of academic excellence, discipline, and holistic development....Show More