Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara Honoured as Asia’s Leading School Principal
In an era where education has increasingly become a commercial enterprise, where value is often measured in metrics and margins, Trinity College Kandy stands apart — not as a commercial entity, but as a mission. A mission rooted in values, tradition, and above all, the unwavering commitment to the holistic development of every child who walks through its gates.
Today, we celebrate a historic moment in that mission.
Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, Principal of Trinity College Kandy, has been honoured with the prestigious “School Leader of the Year – Asia” award, presented at a global education forum in London. This award not only recognizes his exceptional leadership but also marks a turning point in Sri Lankan education — one where a not-for-profit, School established by the Church Missionary Society redefines what it means to offer world-class education with integrity, purpose, and compassion.
For years, international education in Sri Lanka — particularly under Pearson Edexcel — has often operated within conventional private-sector frameworks. Trinity College, under Father Araliya’s stewardship, has presented a new model. By introducing globally recognized qualifications such as the International GCSE (IGCSE) and International Advanced Levels (IAL) within a national school ethos, he has proven that academic excellence and national identity can thrive side by side.
His efforts weren’t merely administrative — they were transformative. Implementing the HubMis Student Management System, a hallmark of top-tier UK institutions, Father Araliya empowered parents, students, and teachers alike with real-time data, transparent communication, and academic accountability. He revitalized teaching methodologies, championed inquiry-based and critical thinking pedagogies, and opened doors to global competencies without eroding local values.
What makes this achievement extraordinary is not only the global acclaim it has brought to Trinity College but the philosophy that underpins it. At every step, “The Trinitian” — the student — has remained at the heart of Father Araliya’s vision. In a landscape where education can sometimes prioritize business outcomes, he has reminded us all that schools are sanctuaries of growth, not marketplaces. That educators are custodians of futures, not vendors of syllabi.
His leadership has not only reshaped Trinity College but has set a new benchmark for schools across Sri Lanka and the region. It is a model of what can be achieved when faith, tradition, and innovation converge under a single purpose: to serve the child.
As we mark this moment of pride and gratitude, Trinity College Kandy salutes its Principal — a man who dared to believe that Trinity College could create a lasting impact in the international education sphere, and that values and vision could guide meaningful transformation. The true measure of success lies in the future we prepare our children for.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB. His untiring efforts, strategic vision, and steadfast commitment have not only elevated our institution but have reaffirmed that education, when done right, can still be a calling — not just an enterprise.
– Trinity College Kandy
