The Principal Rev. Richard Collins founded Trinity College in 1872. Although, it was founded as an Anglican Missionary school based on the traditions of public schools in England, the missionaries took into its ambit the best of the indigenous culture.

Today it is one of the leading schools with a rich heritage. The grand Principal of Trinity College Rev. A.G. Fraser brought the school from a mere provincial school to a national college. In his day (1904-1924), it became a multi faceted educational institution, equal to that of any leading school in the British Commonwealth.

Although Trinity College was founded in 1872, its antecedents go back to 1817 when the first missionaries from Britain, Mr. and Mrs. Browning entered the hill country, despite the anti-British rebellion that had shaken the Ceylon. They set up an elementary school of humble proportions, which later grew up to be a large institution.