The Kandy Collegiate School was founded in 1857, by the Rev. J. Ireland Jones. This institution came into existence in answer to an appeal for a school of higher education in Kandy. It functioned for about six years, but Mr. Jones resigned before it closed. It was this school that was re-opened in 1872, the year from which Trinity dates its existence. Evidently, the School was in a flourishing condition in Rev. Jones’ time; but in 1860, anxious to devote himself to evangelistic work, he retired from the College and his place was taken by the Rev. R. B. Tonge. 

The best available account of Rev. Jones is that of an Old Boy of Trinity, the Hon. T. B. L. Moonemalle, who got to know   Rev. Jones later very intimately, “He is an ardent and ideal missionary, and he will ever be remembered in Ceylon, affectionately. I have met many men-some of whom attained greatness- who gratefully acknowledge the magnetic influence of his personality in shaping their lives, and implanting within them those qualities which tend towards the betterment of the community. As a preacher, Rev. Jones was unexcelled in those times. His sermons were always impressive and caused conviction. An earnest delivery, a natural eloquence, profound scholarship, careful study, combined with mental powers of a rare order, produced a preacher who attracted crowds and left a lasting impression behind.”