St. Thomas' Church, Colombo

St. Thomas' Church is an Anglican place of worship with solid stone walls and traditional Anglican architectural style located in the Kotahena area. The building stands prominently and shapes the appearance of its surroundings with its substantial presence.

Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg commissioned the church's construction in 1816 on the site of a former Portuguese Catholic chapel. This action marked a significant shift in the religious landscape of colonial Colombo.

The church serves as a gathering place for Tamil Christian communities and reflects their long presence in Colombo. It remains a center where people meet and practice their faith together.

The site is easily accessible through the Ginthupitiya neighborhood and welcomes visitors on most days of the week. It is advisable to check opening times in advance since the church holds regular worship services.

The neighborhood's name evolved from San Thome Pitiya to Ginthupitiya, reflecting the successive Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods that shaped it. This transformation in the name tells the story of how different powers remade the area.

Location: Colombo

GPS coordinates: 6.94278,79.85861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05