Who We Are
Overview & MissionThe Jesuit Institute of Higher Studies in Galle has been a cornerstone of English education in Sri Lanka's Southern Province since 1982. Founded on the Jesuit principles of service, excellence, and care for the whole person, the Institute has grown from a modest pre-novitiate into one of the most trusted educational institutions in the region.
For nearly four decades, the Institute has consistently adapted to national needs — particularly the growing demand for English proficiency — becoming one of the most reliable English education centers south of Colombo. Its mission aligns with core Jesuit values: providing quality education where it is most needed, not where it is most profitable; supporting the poor and marginalized; and accompanying the youth on their path to a dignified future.
Today, officially affiliated with Aquinas College of Higher Studies, Colombo, the Institute offers recognized Diploma courses in English Language & Literature, TESL, and certificate programs — making formal English qualifications accessible to students who would otherwise have to travel to the capital.
Our History
1982 – 2020Foundation & Early English Programs
Fr. Lloyd Lorio, S.J. was appointed to organise the pre-novitiate in Galle. Recognising the region's growing demand for English education, he launched some of the earliest structured English classes in the Southern Province — General English taught by Fr. Lorio alongside Mr. Percy and Mr. Walter Rupasinghe — and introduced the Aquinas Preliminary and Intermediate Level courses, sparing students the long journey to Colombo.
Southern Technical Institute Established
The Southern Technical Institute was formally established under Fr. Lorio's leadership, broadening the Academy's scope beyond English into technical and vocational training for southern youth.
Inclusive English Education
Determined to leave no learner behind, Fr. Lorio introduced Special English classes for Muslim girls and created the innovative "Pre-Preliminary Level" — specifically designed for students who scored below 35 on placement tests, ensuring that even the weakest learners had a pathway into structured English instruction at a time when most institutions simply turned them away.
Post-Tsunami Outreach
Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Academy partnered with the Italian Magis organisation to fund English course fees for 300 students across three batches. This represented one of the largest-scale free English education initiatives ever undertaken by the Institute, directly serving communities in rural Galle, Hiniduma, Gonapinuwala, Hapugala, and surrounding villages affected by the disaster.
Modernisation Under Fr. Jayasinghe
Under Fr. Bernard Jayasinghe, S.J., the Academy took a major technological leap forward with the introduction of DynEd Multimedia English Language Learning — a computer-based self-study system running on a 35-computer network, bringing modern English-learning technology to rural learners. In 2011, Mount Calvary High School was established as a full English-medium school with the local syllabus, significantly expanding English-based schooling for children in the Southern Province.
Aquinas College Affiliation
A landmark achievement: Fr. Tharanga, S.J. successfully affiliated the Jesuit Academy with Aquinas College, Colombo. For the first time, students in Galle could pursue formally recognised Aquinas English Diploma courses without leaving the Southern Province — a transformative step for employment prospects and university entry.
Continued Mission Under Fr. Perera
Fr. Stephen Perera's return as Director renewed the Academy's commitment to English education alongside its broader academic and technical programmes, reaffirming the Institute's role as the primary Jesuit English-learning hub in the entire Southern Province.
Our Impact
Key Contributions to the Southern ProvincePioneering English Access
Introduced some of the earliest structured English classes in Galle connected to national Aquinas College standards, long before widespread provision existed in the South.
Serving the Marginalised
Provided inclusive English education for Muslim girls, low-scoring students rejected elsewhere, and hundreds of tsunami-affected youth — reaching communities no urban institution served.
Modern Learning Technology
Brought DynEd Multimedia English Learning to rural Galle through a 35-computer network — a major technological advance for students who lacked access to modern learning tools.
English-Medium Schooling
Established Mount Calvary High School (2011) as a full English-medium school with the local syllabus, creating an English-language educational pathway for the region's children.
Recognised Qualifications
Secured official Aquinas College affiliation (2015) so that students can earn formally recognised Diploma-level English qualifications in Galle — directly improving employment and university prospects.
Regional Upward Mobility
Over 40 years, created upward mobility pathways for Southern Province youth in a district with rapidly growing demand for English proficiency in tourism, IT, and service sectors.