Faith · Truth · Wisdom · Love
St. John Paul II International College, Wennappuwa, was founded on 10th September 2015 by Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe. The school was established with a clear and purposeful vision — to deliver the Cambridge curriculum, a globally recognised standard of education trusted by universities and institutions worldwide.
The College opened its doors with four dedicated teachers and twenty-five students, offering classes from LKG through to Primary II. From these humble beginnings, the passion for internationally recognised education grew steadily — and so did our community.
In 2023, a landmark moment was reached when our first cohort of Cambridge Ordinary Level students sat their qualifications — a proud testament to the College's academic journey and the dedication of our students and staff.
In 2025, St. John Paul II International College proudly celebrated its 10th Anniversary — a decade of inspiring learners, building futures, and serving our community with faith, truth, wisdom and love.
Founded by Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe with 4 teachers and 25 students. Cambridge curriculum adopted from day one.
Steady growth in enrolment as the Cambridge programme gained recognition across the region.
Cambridge Lower Secondary programme fully operational, expanding the academic pathway for our students.
First cohort of Cambridge O Level students sit their international qualifications — a landmark milestone.
10th Anniversary celebrated — a decade of faith, excellence and community at JPIC.
.webp)
Karol Józef Wojtyła was born on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Poland. Ordained a priest in 1946 and later Archbishop of Kraków, he was elected Pope on 16 October 1978 — the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years and the first from a Slavic country. His 26-year pontificate was one of the longest and most consequential in modern history, defined by his tireless advocacy for human dignity, religious freedom and peace across the world.
Canonised as a saint on 27 April 2014 by Pope Francis, St. John Paul II is venerated as a champion of youth, education and the family. His feast day is celebrated on 22 October. St. John Paul II International College takes its name and its inspiration from his life — his faith, his courage, and his belief that every person carries within them an extraordinary capacity for goodness.
“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”
— St. John Paul II · Homily at the start of his pontificate, 1978
We envision a world shaped by faith, compassion and integrity — where every graduate of JPIC carries with them a deep reverence for God, a respect for human dignity, and the knowledge and skills to serve their community and the world.
Our mission is to provide an education that nurtures the whole person — intellectually, spiritually, socially and emotionally — grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and delivered through the globally recognised Cambridge curriculum.
Four pillars that define who we are, how we learn, and how we serve.
Faith in God is our foundation, guiding us to treasure holiness and integrate these core values into our Catholic education, fostering spiritual growth and moral integrity.
Embracing truth and understanding reality are essential in our Catholic education, empowering students with knowledge, critical thinking, and a commitment to authenticity and integrity in life.
Realizing the importance of integrity in life, our Catholic education fosters wise decision-making, moral development, and ethical principles, shaping students into compassionate and responsible individuals.
Embracing love for God and fellow human beings, our Catholic education nurtures compassion, empathy, and a strong sense of community, fostering harmonious and meaningful relationships.
The Coat of Arms of St. John Paul II International College, Wennappuwa, serves as a sacred and educational emblem that visually expresses the institution's Catholic identity, spiritual mission, and commitment to the integral formation of young people in truth, wisdom, and love. Rooted in the rich heritage of Christian symbolism and Catholic tradition, each element has been carefully chosen to communicate the school's vocation to nurture students intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
The three stars appearing on the shield represent the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of the Church. In Catholic iconography, stars have long been associated with Mary under the title “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea), the guiding light who leads believers toward Christ. Traditionally, Marian symbolism also reflects her perpetual holiness and her role as an intercessor and model of discipleship. Within the context of the College, these stars signify the maternal guidance of Our Lady over the educational journey of every student, directing hearts and minds toward faith, virtue, and holiness.
Prominently displayed within the shield is the Chi-Rho (☧), one of the earliest Christograms in Christian history. The symbol is formed from the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), the first two letters of the word Christos (Christ). Used by the early Church and made famous through Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, the Chi-Rho became a symbol of Christ’s triumph and the victory of faith. Within the College Coat of Arms, the Chi-Rho signifies the centrality of Jesus Christ as the source of truth, salvation, and wisdom, affirming that education reaches its fullest purpose when illuminated by the Gospel.
The Holy Bible represents the Word of God and the institution’s dedication to academic excellence grounded in Christian values. In Catholic understanding, Sacred Scripture is not only the foundation of faith but also a source of divine wisdom and truth. The Bible therefore symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge that forms both intellect and conscience, reflecting the College’s mission to educate the whole person by integrating scholarship with faith, nurturing students who seek understanding with wisdom and learning with compassion.
The central cross, inspired by the coat of arms of Pope Saint John Paul II, carries profound theological significance. During his pontificate, Saint John Paul II adopted a distinctive cross with a displaced “M”, signifying the loving presence of Mary beneath Christ at Calvary and emphasising total devotion to Christ through Mary. In this College emblem, the cross reflects fidelity to Christ and the spiritual legacy of Saint John Paul II, whose life and teachings consistently called young people to become “builders of a civilization of love.” The cross stands as the ultimate sign of sacrifice, redemption, and hope, reminding the school community that authentic education is inseparable from service, faith, and human dignity.
The colours of gold and blue further enrich the symbolism of the Coat of Arms. Gold traditionally signifies divine glory, excellence, and truth, while blue has long represented heaven, wisdom, fidelity, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Christian art and liturgical tradition.
Finally, the motto “Truth • Wisdom • Love” encapsulates the educational philosophy of St. John Paul II International College. Truth directs the mind toward what is good and just, Wisdom enables discernment and understanding, and Love calls each person to live in communion with God and neighbour. Together, these virtues express the College’s mission of forming students who are academically competent, spiritually rooted, morally responsible, and inspired to serve humanity. Thus, the Coat of Arms stands not merely as a visual emblem, but as a living expression of Catholic faith and educational purpose, reflecting the enduring mission of St. John Paul II International College to form young men and women in the light of Christ.
The School Flag of St. John Paul II International College, Wennappuwa, serves as a sacred and educational emblem that visually expresses the institution's Catholic identity, spiritual mission, and commitment to the integral formation of young people in truth, wisdom, and love. Rooted in the rich heritage of Christian symbolism and Catholic tradition, each element displayed on the flag has been carefully chosen to communicate the school's vocation to nurture students intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
The three stars displayed on the flag represent the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of the Church. In Catholic iconography, stars have long been associated with Mary under the title “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea), the guiding light who leads believers toward Christ. Within the context of the College, these stars signify the maternal guidance of Our Lady over the educational journey of every student, directing hearts and minds toward faith, virtue, and holiness.
Prominently featured on the flag is the Chi-Rho (☧), one of the earliest Christograms in Christian history. Formed from the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ) — the first two letters of the word Christos (Christ) — the Chi-Rho became a symbol of Christ’s triumph and the victory of faith. On the College flag, it signifies the centrality of Jesus Christ as the source of truth, salvation, and wisdom, affirming that education reaches its fullest purpose when illuminated by the Gospel.
The Holy Bible displayed on the flag represents the Word of God and the institution’s dedication to academic excellence grounded in Christian values. Sacred Scripture is both the foundation of faith and a source of divine wisdom and truth. The Bible symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge that forms both intellect and conscience, reflecting the College’s mission to educate the whole person by integrating scholarship with faith.
The central cross on the flag, inspired by the coat of arms of Pope Saint John Paul II, carries profound theological significance. It reflects fidelity to Christ and the spiritual legacy of Saint John Paul II, whose life and teachings consistently called young people to become “builders of a civilization of love.” The cross stands as the ultimate sign of sacrifice, redemption, and hope, reminding the school community that authentic education is inseparable from service, faith, and human dignity.
The colours of gold and blue further enrich the symbolism of the School Flag. Gold traditionally signifies divine glory, excellence, and truth, while blue has long represented heaven, wisdom, fidelity, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Christian art and liturgical tradition.
Finally, the motto “Truth • Wisdom • Love” encapsulates the educational philosophy of St. John Paul II International College. Together, these virtues express the College’s mission of forming students who are academically competent, spiritually rooted, morally responsible, and inspired to serve humanity. Thus, the School Flag stands not merely as a visual symbol, but as a living expression of Catholic faith and educational purpose, reflecting the enduring mission of St. John Paul II International College to form young men and women in the light of Christ.
Every student belongs to a school house — a family within our community that fosters healthy competition, teamwork and school spirit.
St. John Paul II International College was founded under the patronage of His Lordship, whose vision and pastoral encouragement gave rise to a new chapter of Catholic education in Wennappuwa.
As the founding Bishop, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis blessed the establishment of St. John Paul II International College in 2015 — championing the vision of bringing the globally recognised Cambridge curriculum to Wennappuwa under a Catholic ethos. His Lordship now serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kandy.
St. John Paul II International College continues its mission under the pastoral leadership and guidance of His Lordship, the present Bishop of the Diocese of Chilaw.
His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Wimal Siri Jayasuriya serves as the present Bishop of the Diocese of Chilaw, under whose pastoral authority St. John Paul II International College continues to flourish. Committed to the advancement of Catholic education and the integral formation of young people, His Lordship provides inspired leadership to our school community, ensuring that the College’s mission remains grounded in faith, truth, wisdom and love.
Every great institution begins with a pioneer. Ours was guided by a priest whose dedication, courage and vision laid the very first stones of St. John Paul II International College.
In September 2015, Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe opened the doors of St. John Paul II International College with four teachers and twenty-five students. His pioneering vision — to offer a Cambridge International education within a deeply Catholic environment — set the course for everything our College has become today. We remain forever grateful for his foundational leadership and tireless dedication.
The Academic Council of St. John Paul II International College provides strategic academic oversight, ensuring the continued quality and relevance of our Cambridge curriculum and educational programmes.
Our schools are more than just institutions of learning; they are sanctuaries of faith, knowledge, and community.
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents, and Guardians,
As the Bishop of our cherished Catholic Diocese, it is with great joy and gratitude that I extend my warmest greetings to each member of our school community. Our schools are more than just institutions of learning; they are sanctuaries of faith, knowledge, and community. Rooted in the Gospel teachings and the rich traditions of our Catholic faith, our schools serve as beacons of light, guiding our students on their journey of spiritual and intellectual growth.
I am immensely proud of the dedication and commitment displayed by our educators, specially Rev. Fathers of our diocese whose unwavering passion for teaching not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures the hearts and souls of our students. Their selfless efforts in fostering an environment of love, respect, and compassion reflect the essence of our Catholic identity.
To our students, you are the future leaders of our Church and society. As you walk the halls of our schools, may you be inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ to embrace empathy, humility, and service to others. Your potential is boundless, and I encourage you to pursue excellence in all aspects of your academic, spiritual, and personal endeavors.
Parents and guardians, your partnership with our schools is invaluable. Your unwavering support and involvement in your child's education are integral to their success. Together, let us continue to uphold the values of faith, integrity, and community that define our Catholic identity.
As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance within our school community. By embracing our differences and celebrating our shared humanity, we can truly embody the message of love and unity that Jesus taught us.
In closing, let us entrust our schools, students, faculty, and staff to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, who guides us with His wisdom and grace. May His blessings continue to abound in our lives, and may we always strive to be beacons of light in a world that yearns for hope and compassion.
Our vision is to cultivate a culture of excellence in education and integral formation where students are inspired to reach their fullest potential and become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
Dear Parents, Students and Staff,
As the Principal of St. John Paul II International College, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to our school community. At our school, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where every student can thrive academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Our vision is to cultivate a culture of excellence in education and integral formation where students are inspired to reach their fullest potential and become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. We believe in fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and empowers students to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the Cambridge curriculum, renowned for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Through our partnership with Cambridge Assessment International Education, we are proud to offer a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving global landscape.
As we have embarked on this journey together, I am confident that our dedicated faculty and staff will provide the guidance, support, and inspiration needed to help each student achieve their goals. Our commitment to academic excellence is matched only by our dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and respected.
I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our programmes, extracurricular activities, and the rich array of opportunities available to our students. Whether you are a prospective parent, student, or member of our school community, we invite you to join us in our pursuit of excellence in education.
Thank you for choosing St. John Paul II International College as your partner in education. Together, let us continue to inspire, empower, and educate the next generation of leaders and innovators.
St. John Paul II we love you
St. John Paul II we acclaim you
We follow you
We cherish you
Be our inspiration
Open your hearts to Christ you said
And with the light of God you lead
You are the guiding star our patron
of our Alma Mater
St. John Paul II we love you
St. John Paul II we acclaim you
We follow you
We cherish you
Be our inspiration
Lead us to love to reach true wisdom
Help us to blossom in right direction
Be our strength and inspiration
of our Alma Mater