The school was founded on 14 January 1887 as a Parish School attached to the St. Paul’s Church of Milagiriya with only 24 students and 4 teachers. The first principal of the school was Mrs Stella Coban. In the early years of the legendary pathway of the school the majority of the students belonged to the Burger community and the medium of education was English. Later until 1957 the School had given education in all Sinhala, Tamil and English mediums.

The school was taken over by the state on 15th of December 1961. After that the school strived towards achieving common education objectives with no religious or ethnic bias among the students and the members of the staff.

The school was announced as a Buddhist school in 1964. One of the most memorable events in the history of the school was the construction of the Shrine room within the school premises. The annual pirith chanting program was inaugurated in 1966 during the period of the former principal Mrs.Barbara Gunaasekara.Planting of a sapling of the Sri Mahabodhi took place in 1984 during the time of the former principal Ms. K. Pitigala.

The school reached an important milestone in February 1993 during the time of the former principal Mrs.Gothami Fernando, where it was declared as a National School. The commitment and untiring efforts of the first principal Ms. Stella Coban (1887 – 1892) and all the other former principals of the school helped to lay a strong foundation and strived its way to a leading National School for girls in Colombo. The school whilst gradually developing its resources and facilities offered opportunities for students to pursue studies in Arts, Commerce, Language and Science subjects. English medium classes were offered for students since 2001. In addition to formal classroom activities there are over 30 clubs and societies related to sports and co- curricular activities to enhance character and personality development in students.

Throughout the history, St.Paul’s has accordingly endowed the nation with a generation of accomplished ladies including medical,engineering, law, science and arts graduates and professionals in every field. With the glorious history of 137 years the school has expanded its capacities in every aspect. Today it nourishes the souls of more than 4500 students with the help of an academic staff of 150 and a non-academic Staff of 25.

Dr Mrs. Sumedha Jayaweera, who assumed duties as Principal in 2015, served with dedication for a period of eight years, during which time she made remarkable contributions towards enhancing both the academic standards and the overall progress of the institution.

Upon her departure, Mrs. Chandi Siriwardhana was appointed as the Acting Principal and served from December 2023 to July 2024. Though her tenure lasted only a few months, her efforts contributed meaningfully to the growth and progress of the school.

Subsequently, Mrs. Sureka Siriwardhana assumed duties as Principal in July 2024 and served until December 2024, upholding the momentum of progress and contributing to the continued smooth functioning and development of the institution.

At present, the school is under the leadership of the current Principal, Mrs. Nayomi Dassanayake, who continues to guide the school community with commitment and a vision for further advancement.

The unwavering commitment, active participation, and innovative contributions of the Management Committee, School Development Society, Past Pupils’ Association, alongside the dedicated efforts of our esteemed teachers and supportive parents, have played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s remarkable journey. Through their collective vision and tireless dedication, the institution has ascended to its current esteemed position as one of the foremost girls’ schools in Colombo. This achievement is the culmination of countless milestones in her legacy of 138 years of excellence, a testament to the enduring spirit and progress of the school.