In 1918 four Marist Brothers came to Negombo, Sri Lanka, and took over the management of St Mary's College.

Maris Stella installed a wireless set in the library, and the boys followed lessons, such as nature talks to children.

Trenches were dug for shelter, and every child knew what to do in case of an air raid warning.

The school was in Easter holidays when the Japanese air raid took place in 1942 but their invasion fleet was turned back.

[citation needed] In the meantime, a three-quarter acre block of land behind Maris Stella was purchased and twelve classrooms, a staff room, and a principal's office were built; the primary school moved back from Tammita.

When Nazier went to Europe in 1950, for a year's study leave, Leonard Obris acted as principal of the Primary Department.

[citation needed] On 18 June 2022, Maris Stella College celebrated its 100th anniversary with the presence of Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.