Mr. Patrick Foy (1850 – 1858)
When the school was founded, it was the only Catholic English school for boys in the North at that time. Its first principal was Mr. Patrick Foy, an Irishman. One of the first students P.O. Flanagan became a priest who later became the principal of the school.

Rev. Bro. John Joseph Brown, OMI (1859 – 1861)
He was one of the first two European Missionaries who came to serve on the staff of the school on appeal made by Dr. Samaria to the Oblate Provincial in England. He managed the school for two years and was succeeded by Bro. Conway.

Rev. Bro. Patrick J. Conway, OMI (1862 – 1869)
With the principalship of Rev.Fr. Patrick J. Conway there was noticeable change in the school. A more rounded education was envisaged and the school has reached a high standard. He died on 22 February 1969 after a short illness.

Rev. Bro. Michael A. Murphy, OMI (1870)
He joined the staff of the Catholic Boys’ English School in 1867 and acted as principal for a short time after Bro. Conway’s death. He led a campaign to collect funds for erecting more buildings for the school. He was easily accessible to everyone. The college anthem was written by Bro. Murphy. He was called to rest in Jan. 1887.

Rev. Fr. Patrick O’Flanagan, OMI (1870 – 1874; 1875 – 1880)
Fr. Flananagan was the first old boy to become principal of the school. He was under the guidance of Fr. Vistarian (Sammanasu Swami) and was one among the first batch of students to be enrolled at the Jaffna Boys’ School. After his retirement as Rector, he continued to be the manager of the school till his death on 28 Jan. 1889.

T.W. Mc Mahan, Esqr. (1874 -1875)

Rev. Bro. (Fr.) J.A.R. Smythe, OMI (1880 -1883)
In response to persistent demand from the Catholics of Jaffna for higher education facilities, the college under its present name ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE was founded on the 10th of Jan. 1881. Rev. Fr. J.A.R. Smythe was the first Rector of the new St. Patrick’s College. He was held in very high esteem by many of his contemporaries. His merits were so highly reported in Jaffna that during his period, there was a big rise in the number seeking admission to the school. He died on 4 May 1888.

Rev. Fr. Charles H. Lytton, OMI (1883 -1885)
He took an interest in the varied activities of the college. He introduced and propagated the devotion to the Sacred Heart among students. In 1883 the “Prize Giving” was held in the college for the first time. His kind and wise guidance has been greatly appreciated and acknowledged.

Rev.Fr. Jules Collin, OMI (1885 -1888: 1901 – 1902)
During his time through the generosity of Bishop Melizan 87 acres of land was received by the college. The Bishop also donated a lustrous brass band which consisted of seventeen instruments costing Rs. 900/=.

Rev.Fr. M. Dubreuil, OMI (1888 – 1889)
Health compelled Fr. Collin initially to relinquish his duties and Fr. Dubreuil took over the reins as Rector for a year till Fr. Patrick Dunne was appointed in 1890.

Rev. Fr. Patrick Dunne, OMI (1890 -1901)
During his period, the number on roll expanded and the college became one of the leading schools in the island. Students from all parts of the country came seeking for the admission. He introduced shorthand and book-keeping in the school curriculum.

Rev. Fr. Charles A. Beaud, OMI (1902 – 1905)
During the short period of his office, he made new additions to the college buildings. He had a sound knowledge of architecture and thanks to this; St. Patrick’s got a new suite of class-rooms and s study fall for the boarders.

Rev. Fr. Charles S. Matthews, OMI (1905 – 1921: 1924 -1936)
He was a Canadian University graduate. He remained in office till 1936, except for a short break of four years when Fr. Guyomar (later Bishop) was Rector from 1921 – 1924. Fr. Matthews was truly the chief Architect of St. Patrick’s Greatness for he had the longest tenure of office and during this period, practically in all spheres of school activity, St. Patrick’s attainments stood high. He organized the college and introduced rules and regulations and strict disciple. Studies and games were systematised and became popular. A hallmark of exceptional service by him is the pension scheme. He initiated it in the college long before such a scheme was introduced by the Government in 1912.

Rev. Fr. John A.Guyomar, OMI (1921 – 1924)
As a young graduate from Cambridge he had joined the staff in 1941. He was also director of the seminary when he became Rector. He was an eminently successful teacher and was Rector in 1922 when St. Patrick’s came first in the British Empire at the London Matriculation results. In January 1924 news arrived that the Rector was to be the New Bishop.

Rev. Fr. Timothy M.F. Long, OMI (1936 – 1954)
The Age of Fr. Long were years of Grandeur at St. Patrick’s. The magic personality of Fr. Long could make possible what seemed impossible. Fr. Long’s period was one of scintillating activity. It was the period of Carnivals, Exhibitions, Pageantry and open-air Passion plays. In sports, our teams emerged invincible on the playing fields. In studies, the brilliant feats of the earlier period remained untarnished. The Matthews Block will be a constant reminder of his hard work. He was the architect of an excellent library at St. Patrick’s and the driving force behind the Jaffna public library. In 1990 the Government of Sri Lanka recognized him as a “National Hero” and issued a stamp, enshrining the memory of his contribution to the society at large. In 1961 on the 30th of April he passed away to enjoy Eternal Glory.

Rev.Fr. S.N.Arulnesan, OMI (1954 -1960)
The first native Oblate Fr. Arulnesan as the worthy successor of Fr. T.M.F.Long studiously and scrupulously maintained the great and noble traditions of the college, especially in the matter of discipline set by his predecessor. He has been described as forerunner of a new age. At this time there were many changes in the sphere of education in Sri Lanka. Due to Swabhasha the medium of instruction changed from English to Tamil. He introduced an education based on Eastern ideals and culture. He laid a solid foundation for the Catholic Students Federation. Now Fr. Arulnesan is actively involved in youth ministry in Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.

Rev.Fr. P.J. Jeevartnam, OMI (1960 -1966)
Fr.Jeevaratnam who had been earlier the Rector of St. Henry’s Ilavalai and of St. Antony’s, Kayts, assumed duties as Rector of St.Patrick’s in 1960 and was Rector till 1966. He had to face all the problems that arose, when St. Patrick’s opted to become a Private Non-Fee-Levying school in 1961. He had to find the financial resources to run the college. He introduced the First Friday Mass and this has now become entrenched in the Patrician spiritual practice. He died on 14th March 1985.

Rev.Fr. T.A.J.Mathuranayagam, (1966 – 1976)
In the early years of his career he spent himself as Teacher, Warden, Prefect of Studies and Gen. Manager of the college. In order to foster greater interest and involvement of the students in college activities, he introduced the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with the novelty of classroom breakfast. In his period, the 125th Anniversary was celebrated with great favour and vigour. He led the college to great heights, true to the traditions of his predecessors and he left a rich heritage. He is now active in Pastoral Ministry in Vanni District.

Rev.Fr. John A.Francis, OMI (1976 -1979)
He held office for a short but rigorous of three years. He took over the reins at a very critical time of the school’s history. He had to shoulder the great responsibility of the school, after the demise of Bishop Emilianuspillai, while St. Patrick’s remaining the only Catholic school in Jaffna opting to continue private. Owing to his skill and faith in God, he overcame the difficulties.

Rev. Fr. G.A. Francis Joseph, (1980 -1992)
Fr. Francis Joseph had spent many years of his life at St. Patrick’s as a student, teacher and Rector. He first assumed duties as Prefect of studies of Middle school and Prefect of Games and Warden of the hostel. He served with zealous dedication till he retired in June 1992. Under his direction, the college became more systematized. Rules and regulations were framed, discipline more strictly enforced and a more all round education was envisaged. It is very appropriate to call him the “Architect of modern St. Patrick’s”. Old buildings were re-structured, new ones erected and the college ground was re-laid. The construction of an upstairs block for the Primary Dept., a beautiful Mathuram Square-open air stage, a fine staffroom, science lab, stadium and score board were some of his notable structures. Being a many sided personality every activity of the college received his golden touch.

Rev.Fr. A.I. Bernard (1992 – 2002)
He stood as a strong administrator and strict disciplinarian. He had the unique ability to bring out the best in everyone, be it student or teacher. When the Government introduced a new salary scale to the teachers in Government schools, it was a time of crisis. But his immovable faith and vast administrative experience helped him to overcome the storm, and establish a period of calm. The primary section of the college occupied a special place in his heart. He introduced many new innovations to this Dept., both musical and academic. During the mass displacement which occurred in 1995 the college had to function at Varany. He guided this institution under trying circumstances and acted bravely confronting many challenges.

Rev. Fr. Justin B. Gnanapragasam (2002 – to date)
After a very long tenure of office at St. Henry’s College, Ilavalai as teacher, Vice-Rector and Rector he became the Rector of St. Patrick’s College, his Alma Mater in 2002. Fr. Justin, a very capable administrator and intellectual who travelled far and wide is really a unique gift to the College. Academic performance of the students is his main concern. The college has begun to show its colours in all aspects. A new administrative block with class rooms and a conference hall is being put up and plans have been drawn to erect other necessary buildings. It is obvious that the college would flourish in every sphere under his Rectorship