Our Rich Heritage
128 Years of Dedication, Excellence, and Service
"Cor Unum, Anima Una"
One Heart, One Soul
The Founding Pioneers
Five brave Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary from Belgium who traveled across the world to light the lamp of education in Southern Ceylon
Rev. Sr. Amelie Louise Maria Janssens
Nationality: Belgian
Rev. Sr. Alberta Julienne Ann Donny
Nationality: Belgian
Rev. Sr. Mary William Charlotte Josephine (Brennan)
Nationality: Irish
First Principal
Rev. Sr. [Additional Sisters]
Nationality: Belgian
These pioneering women answered the call of Mgr. Joseph Van Reeth, the first Bishop of Galle Diocese, whose sister Mother Bernadette was the Superior General of the Sisters of Charity in Belgium. Their sacrifice and dedication laid the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Southern Sri Lanka.
Historical Photo Archive
Rare photographs from the Heritage Centre of Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, Belgium
Sacred Heart Convent at Mount Calvary - Early Days
The Original School Building
Students and Sisters - Early 20th Century
School Chapel and Religious Activities
Group Photo of Students and Sisters
Historical Classroom Scene
School Community Gathering
Large Group of Students and Sisters
Photos courtesy of Heritage Centre, Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary, Belgium
Journey Through Time
A chronological journey of our school's remarkable history
The Beginning of a Vision
Mgr. Joseph Van Reeth, a Belgian Jesuit Priest, was appointed as the first Bishop of Galle Diocese. Concerned about girls' education in the Southern Province, he contacted the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in Ghent, Belgium.
Journey to Ceylon
Five Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary departed from Belgium for Ceylon (Sri Lanka). They traveled with hope and determination to establish a mission dedicated to educating young girls.
Arrival in Galle
The five Reverend Sisters arrived in Galle and were greeted enthusiastically by a crowd at the station. They were led to Mount Calvary through an archway adorned with the Belgian flag. The path was lined with children who would become the first students.
Foundation Day
Within a week of arrival, the Sisters started teaching in a mixed school on Mount Calvary with 36 students. This marked the official founding of Sacred Heart Convent. The first girl enrolled was Mabel Abeysundera.
First Principal Appointed
Rev. Sr. William Brennan was appointed as the Head Mistress of the school, becoming the first Principal of Sacred Heart Convent.
School Named and Expanded
The Sisters started teaching in the convent. Sr. William named the institution 'Sacred Heart Convent' after the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. On the first day, eleven girls were present. A separate girls' school was established in August 1897.
Move to Present Location
The school was moved to its present premises and became a girls-only convent. The boarders, whose numbers increased from 4 to 30, were housed in the Convent on the hill.
Era of Foreign Missionaries
For 82 years, the school was administered by foreign missionaries under the aegis of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, maintaining the highest standards of education and discipline.
Handover to the State
Sacred Heart Convent was handed over to the state and became a fully-fledged government school, while maintaining its Catholic traditions and values.
Centenary Celebration
The school celebrated its 100th anniversary with grand celebrations. A main hall was built to commemorate this milestone. The event was hosted jointly with Saint Aloysius College Galle.
Quasquicentennial - 125 Years
Sacred Heart Convent celebrated its 125th anniversary, marking a glorious journey of empowering women through education. The Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in Sri Lanka also celebrated their 125 years of service.
128 Years and Counting
Today, Sacred Heart Convent has over 2,200 students and 115+ teachers, continuing its legacy of excellence under the leadership of Rev. Sr. Sandya Rani Fernando. The school remains a beacon of education in Southern Sri Lanka.
Our Enduring Legacy
From a small school with 11 girls in 1897 to a thriving institution with over 2,200 students today, Sacred Heart Convent has remained true to its mission of empowering women through education, faith, and service.