Pre-A1 · A1 · A2 · B1 · B2 · C1, one continuous pathway, certified by Cambridge.
Explore the pathwayFaith · Truth · Wisdom · Love
It was a glorious day for the Diocese of Chilaw as the talented underprivileged young generation in the area got an opportunity to pursue their higher studies. The fruitful thought which was conceived in the mind of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Dewsritha Valence Mendis, came into existence as the Institute of Higher Education through the dedication and the commitment of Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe on the 4th of September 2012.
A variety of courses have been facilitated over the years for school leavers under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe with a qualified staff, including the Pharmacist Course, Diploma in Pre-School Teachers’ Training, Spoken English Courses, and Public Speaking Courses.
In 2022, the Institute achieved a landmark milestone by becoming a Cambridge English Authorised Exam Centre — extending the reach of internationally recognised English qualifications to learners across the region.
Founded on 4th September by Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe, under the vision of Rt. Rev. Dr. Dewsritha Valence Mendis, Bishop of Chilaw.
A variety of courses offered for school leavers — Pharmacist Course, Diploma in Pre-School Teachers’ Training, Spoken English and Public Speaking Courses.
Became a Cambridge English Authorised Exam Centre — a landmark milestone for the Institute.
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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 Institute of Higher Education 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 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 Institute of Higher Education, 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 institution’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. Within the context of the Institute, 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). Within the Institute’s 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. The Bible symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge that forms both intellect and conscience, reflecting the Institute’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. In this 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 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 Institute of Higher Education. 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 Institute’s mission of forming students who are academically competent, spiritually rooted, morally responsible, and inspired to serve humanity.
St. John Paul II Institute of Higher Education 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. Dewsritha Valence Mendis blessed the establishment of St. John Paul II Institute of Higher Education in 2012 — championing the vision of empowering the underprivileged young generation in the Diocese of Chilaw through higher education under a Catholic ethos. His Lordship now serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kandy.
St. John Paul II Institute of Higher Education 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 Institute of Higher Education continues to flourish. Committed to the advancement of Catholic education and the integral formation of young people, His Lordship provides inspired leadership to our community, ensuring that the Institute’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 Institute of Higher Education.
On the 4th of September 2012, Very Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe brought the Institute of Higher Education into existence through his dedication and commitment. His pioneering vision — to offer higher education opportunities to the underprivileged young generation under a deeply Catholic environment — set the course for everything our Institute has become today. Over the years, he guided the Institute through diverse course offerings and its transformation into a Cambridge English Authorised Exam Centre. We remain forever grateful for his foundational leadership and tireless dedication.
The Academic Council of St. John Paul II Institute of Higher Education provides strategic academic oversight, ensuring the continued quality and relevance of our Cambridge curriculum and educational programmes.
