Rev. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, assumed duties as Rector of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna on 9th September 2002. He is an old boy of St. Patrick’s College Jaffna where he had his secondary education, joined the seminary and was ordained a catholic priest on the 24th of April, 1974. He also holds a Masters Degree from University of Hull, U.K. and a PhD, in Education from University of Southampton. U.K.

He brings with him tremendous experience, having been the Rector of St. Henry’s College, Jaffna (a Catholic School) and simultaneously playing an active role as member and chairman of various councils and committees at the University of Jaffna. As an educationist par excellence his work at St. Henry’s College was ranked as one of the best performances of any Rector of St. Henry’s since its inception.

Fr. Justin has taken the rectorship at a time when he not merely has to follow a policy of consolidation and expansion, but first has to re-build, resuscitate, and reorganize the College from its dilapidated state as a result of the North-East war. His task is to convert a one time refugee camp into a school that was St. Patrick’s. Rev.Fr. Justin’s greatest strength lies in his ability to harness the human resources at his disposal - in particular his students, teachers, old boys, parents and well-wishers - in all his endeavours. He is a master builder.

Having taken tight control of the main administration, he has produced successes in studies, sports and other co-curricular activities, which has quickly brought St. Patrick’s College to the forefront of Public Schools in Sri Lanka.

Under the Rectorship of Rev.Fr. Justin Gnanapragasam St. Patrick’s College would reach its zenith and, at no distant date, be one of the greatest Educational Institutions in the island.