The Aquinas College was founded in 1954 by the late Very Rev. Fr. Peter Alcantara Pillai O.M.I, Rector of St. Joseph's College, at its premises in Darley Road Colombo 10, as an autonomous higher education institute with the approval and the blessings and the inspiration of His Eminence the late Thomas Cardinal Cooray O.M.I, 6th Archbishop of Colombo. In 1955 it was shifted to the present premises and was granted a new status as Aquinas University College.

The University College is a nonprofit institution administered by the Catholic Church under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Colombo. The college is situated in parkland Borella, located in the centre of the city of Colombo.

The campus provides a very healthy and peaceful environment conducive to educational activities. The presence of students from many diverse backgrounds and nationalities provides a very cosmopolitan community, creating an exposure to numerous cultures, as we have students from SAARC countries and various ethnic groups.

Thus it is now a national and international community of scholars enlivened by Christian inspiration engaged in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, serving the human society especially through the creative use of inter - disciplinary approaches.

Aquinas today - present status
Today Aquinas University College stands tall as the only Catholic institute in Sri Lanka with degree awarding status, thanks to the foresight and the vision of its founder Fathers, the successive Rectors who steered the wheels with such dedication and commitment propelled by the trustworthy stewardship under the able and wise guidance of the respective Archbishops who guided its course of journey.
The present Archbishop the Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith continues to steer its progressive path at a very crucial time when the Sri Lankan tertiary education scenario is focused towards new horizons in line with the global trends.

This year - 2010 marks yet another very significant milestone in the annals of Aquinas when it holds its first ever Convocation conferring degrees in the discipline of Psychology & Counselling with a BSc degree.

It will be a joyous and proud occasion to all those associated with Aquinas University College over the last 56 years of service par excellence to the cause of education in Sri Lanka. Surely the many illustrious alumni who have reaped the benefits of the Aquinas education and present students, parents and well wishers are going to share this joyful news with pride and joy.

His Grace the Archbishop of Colombo, Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith in his capacity as the Chancellor is scheduled to grace this occasion as the Chief Guest with other eminent personalities as Guests of Honour who are expected to be present on Thursday, September 30.

It will be a red letter day for those who love Aquinas when this historic Convocation takes place in a simple yet colourful atmosphere at the Don Peter Auditorium. Rt.Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, the Bishop of Kandy, an Alumnus of Aquinas will grace the occasion of the Graduation ceremony on the 2nd. day on Friday, October 1, where hundreds of graduands will be awarded Diploma in English, one of the most popular courses at Aquinas.

Incidentally, Aquinas is overjoyed with the news that Very Rev. Fr. Placidus De Silva, the incumbent Rector and Very Rev. Fr. Crispin Leo, the immediate past Rector have been conferred with Honorary Doctorates from the Warnborough University Alliance in Canterburry-UK in recognition of the yeomen service they have rendered to the cause of higher education in Sri Lanka and globally.

It is also a noteworthy achievement for Aquinas University College to be formally affiliated with the Warnbourough University Alliance in Canterbury, UK and with St. Paul's University in Ottawa, Canada for academic alliances and exchange programmes for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level degree programmes with very attractive terms which would in future benefit thousands of our Lankan youth to explore more opportunities in their search for knowledge in quality environments.

This was made possible with the hard and dedicated work done by the duo, Very Rev. Fr.(Dr.) Crispin Leo as the immediate past Rector who was at the helm for 17 long years and Very Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Placidus De Silva, the present Rector whose untiring efforts saw the fruition of the hard labour coupled with their wisdom and foresight to carry forward the vision of mission of Very Rev. Fr. Peter A Pillai OMI , the founder of the hallowed educational Institute- Aquinas.

At a recent award ceremony in Canterburry, both priests were duly and fittingly honoured with the awarding of the Doctorates and the Aquinas Family too felicitated them a few days ago with a Holy Mass of thanksgiving at the College Chapel with fitting celebrations thereafter.