St. Thomas’ Church, Ginthupitiya: A Timeless Testament to Sri Lanka’s Anglican Heritage
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St. Thomas’ Church, Ginthupitiya: Over Two Centuries of Sacred Legacy
Rising above the lively streets of Kotahena and cradled by coconut palms and blossoming flora, St. Thomas’ Church in Ginthupitiya stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most historically significant Christian landmarks. Established in 1815, it is widely regarded as the first church on the island purpose-built for Anglican worship, offering sanctuary and solace amidst Colombo’s urban hustle.
As you journey along Reclamation Road, skirting the edge of the Colombo Harbour, the vibrant neighbourhood of Kotahena emerges—defined by its industry and cultural tapestry. Turning into Ginthupitiya Street, a quaint hillock presents a serene surprise: the Gothic spire of St. Thomas’ Church, its peaceful grounds masking the pulse of the city beyond. It feels less like a city church and more like a countryside retreat, timeless and still.
A Sacred Site with Ancient Roots
The site on which the church stands is steeped in both legend and history. Some accounts suggest that St. Thomas the Apostle himself may have stopped here during his journey to India, preaching from this very hill. Long before the Anglican era, the Portuguese had established a Roman Catholic presence in the area, naming it San Thome Pitiya—the Plain of St. Thomas. This earlier church fell into ruins during Dutch rule, but the land continued to serve as a burial ground for slaves, natives, and so-called heathens, whose graves—some bearing Dutch inscriptions—still remain.
Historian Frederick Medis documents the layered past of Ginthupitiya, revealing that the name might have evolved from gentu, the Portuguese word for non-believer or heathen. He also mentions the discovery of a Nestorian cross, pointing to Persian Christian settlements predating colonial times.
Birth of a Church
With British rule came Anglican traditions, and by 1804, services were held at St. Peter’s Church in Fort. As the number of Tamil and Malabar Protestant Christians grew to nearly 600, they sought a place of their own. Led by Abraham Rodrigo Dewanesan Mootookistna (Muthukrishna), Interpreter Mudliyar to the Governor, the community raised 800 rix dollars and appealed for assistance. Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg granted their request, laying the foundation stone of St. Thomas’ Church in the same year the Kandyan Convention was signed.
Captain G. Schenider, the Acting Civil Engineer, oversaw the construction. Governor Brownrigg personally donated the sacred vessels used for the Holy Eucharist. The first service was held on July 16, 1815, led by Rev. George Bisset with a Tamil discourse by G.J. Ondaatjie, whose family continued to support the church for generations.
A Living Church
Today, the church continues to serve as a beacon of faith. Rev. Fr. D.K. Balakrishnan, the current Vicar and former Archdeacon of Nuwara Eliya, reflects on the legacy he is entrusted with. He acknowledges the dedication of past clergy, beginning with Rev. Christian David, and emphasizes the church’s evolving role in society. Under his leadership, community outreach such as English language classes for youth has been introduced to empower the next generation.
Inside, the cool, quiet sanctuary contrasts starkly with the bustling streets outside. The churchyard, adorned with vibrant flowers, subtly echoes the memory of nearby Bloemendhal—once known as the Valley of Flowers. Perched as it is on a hill, this sacred ground once offered a view of incoming ships on the horizon, the skyline pierced only by steeples and stars.
St. Thomas’ Church in Ginthupitiya is more than a place of worship—it is a spiritual and historical landmark that has borne silent witness to the colonial transformations of Sri Lanka. For over 200 years, it has served its faithful, standing tall as a symbol of endurance, heritage, and devotion.
