Because , the fishermen received an Education centre. The school was founded by late Parish Priest of Grand Street Church, Rev. John Visthrini. He was a foreign missionary. The school has been dedicated to Our Lady of Holy Rosary. He received the assistance of the foreign missionaries who had come to Sri Lanka and gave an English Education to the children of the area. The First Principal of the school has been Rev. F.L.Briton ( 1906-1914 ).
1917 A.D. In 1917 Marist Brothers came to Sri Lanka and St. Mary's College was chosen as their first Educational Institute. Because of that, the school became popular among folks and many students from outskirts got opportunity to enter this school and receive an English Education.
1922 A.D
The school faced a big problem, that was the lack of space. And they felt a necessity of a playground. So two generous ladies Misses Mary Christain De Croos and Rosa Issabela De Croos donated a land at Copra Junction to St. Mary's College in 1923. There, the Marist Brothers started a school as a branch of St. Mary's College. In 1924, they requested the General Manager of Catholic schools to change the name from " St. Mary's College " into " Marist Stella College "
1960 A.D. In 1960, the government took over the schools. But the management had opted this College stay private and Non-Fee Leving
1973 A.D. During 1973-1981, There was a remarkable development in physical resources. At that time the Principal was Rev. Stanley Mallawa. He took over the plot of land belonged to St. Mary's Convent; and he put up four ,two storey and three storey buildings. It was a blessing to the A/L students, because the A/L streams of Science, Commerce, and Arts were developed.
1984 A.D. Mary's College was named as the Centre of 10 Cluster Schools, as Negombo,west.
1995 A.D. Once again the destiny of the hallowed institution is placed in the hands of the Marist Brothers. Mary's was fortunate enough to commemorate her 125th Anniversary under the service of Marist Brother. He is Rev. K.H. Kumarasinghe Perera S.I.p.s.
