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All Saints Church Galle celebrates its 150th anniversary

Published

5 years ago

2021/02/28

The 150th anniversary celebrations of All Saints Church, Galle were held on February 21, 2021 under the patronage of the Archdeacon of Galle, Ven. John Marshall.

Unfortunately, the historic event had to be curtailed in keeping with existing Covid-19 health regulations.

The Service of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo and Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando, Bishop of Kurunegala. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Keerthisiri Fernando, recapturing the history of Christians in Sri Lanka and the values of Saints as the church was named, reminding the congregation of all the Saints of the past.

Rt. Rev. Raymond Wickremasinghe, Bishop of Galle, with leaders of all religions and Christian denominations in Galle, were also present

Archdeacons and Clergy who served as Vicars and assistant priests in the Church in the past were among the gathering.

Although celebrations were limited without much fanfare, the congregation mingled with the clergy after the service, recalling the past and sharing the joyous occasion, which evoked many pleasant memories.

All Saints Church, Galle was built in 1868 under the guidance Rev. Dr. Piers Calveley Claughton, the second Bishop of Colombo and the leadership of Rev. Dr. George Justus Schrader, who was later Archdeacon of Colombo. The construction was completed in 1871, with the consecration taking place on February 21 that year.

According to historical records, 480 civil and 45 military personnel were present at the service and the day’s collection amounted to 105 Pounds, 10 shillings and four pence.

The All Saints Church is the finest specimen of an English Church of the 13th century architecture in Ceylon built in Victorian Gothic Revival style but modified to suit the local conditions. It was built with arches in local kabuk and strong lime mortar.

The heavy pews with Jewish emblems of David star were all done in Burma Teak. The most eye catching are the tall stained glass windows, a rare specimen of beauty. This edifice has withstood many moons and still stand out firm as a landmark of the historical Dutch fortress in Galle.

I thank God for allowing me to worship and serve in various capacities in the Church for more than five decades. I first stepped into the church in 1949 with my parents when my father (Late Rev. E. O. P. Welikala) was appointed the Vicar.

I pray that this beautiful church will serve many more Christians for generations to come.

– Lakshman Welikala,

Senior Member,

All Saints Church,

Galle.

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Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” arrives at Port of Colombo

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/10

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” arrived at the Port of Colombo on a logistics replenishment visit on Tuesday (10 Feb 26). The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in
compliance with naval traditions.

The 75m – long ship is commanded by Lieutenant Commander Shaheen Saud Abdul Rahman AI Balushi.

The port call will facilitate professional interaction and goodwill exchanges between the two navies.

During the stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city of Colombo.

News

NPP: Speaker won’t step down, CIABOC can investigate him

Published

17 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Nihal

* New Auditor General should not have been sworn in before Speaker – Opp.

* Suspended House Dy. Sec. Gen. Chaminda Kularatne takes his case to CA today

General Secretary of the National People’s Power (NPP) Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe yesterday said that there was no need for Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to step down in view of the complaint lodged against him with the CIABOC (Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption).

NPP General Secretary said so in response to The Island query whether the parliamentary group of the ruling party discussed the growing Opposition calls for the Speaker, who is also the Chairman of the Constitutional Council, to step down to facilitate the investigation.

The NPP parliamentary group consists of 159 MPs, including 18 National List (NL) members.

NL member Dr. Abeysinghe asked whether any other person, who had been investigated by the CIABOC, stepped down from his or her position to facilitate the inquiry.

The top official emphasised that the CIABOC could go ahead with its investigation without any hindrance.

Chamindra and Dr. Jagath

Opposition sources said that there hadn’t been a similar situation before and the CIABOC investigation into Speaker Dr. Wickramaratne is unprecedented as he heads the 10-member CC responsible and directly involved in all key appointments, including that of members to the CIABOC.

Sources pointed out that the newly appointed Auditor General, Ms. Samudrika Jayaratne, took the oath of secrecy before the Speaker on 5 February in Parliament after suspended Deputy General Secretary of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne complained to CIABOC.

In accordance with Section 9 of the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, Jayaratne took the oath of secrecy in her capacity as the Auditor General of the National Audit Office and Chairperson of the Audit Service Commission.

Sources said that Kularatne would move the Court of Appeal today (10) against his removal at the behest of the Staff Advisory Committee, headed by the Speaker.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

News

Trinco Buddha statue case: All suspects, including 4 monks re-remanded till 11 Feb.

Published

17 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

One of the monks being brought to the Magistrate’s Court

The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court yesterday (09) further remanded 10 persons, including four Buddhist monks, arrested on 19 January, 2026, for allegedly placing a Buddha statue in the coastal reservation, on 16 January.

The Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, and six other individuals, were further remanded until 11 February.

They have been accused of violating the Coast Conservation Act by placing a Buddha statue on a block of land belonging to the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Temple.

Of the four monks, Ven Balangoda Kassapa Thera and Ven Trincomalee Kalyanawansa Tissa Thera moved the Court of Appeal against the Magistrate’s Court decision. The case was heard on 22 January before a Bench comprising the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya, and Justice K. Priyantha Fernando.

Manohara de Silva, PC, and President’s Counsel Uditha Igalahewa, PC, appearing for the petitioners, urged the Court to take up the matter urgently, describing it as a case of exceptional importance.

However, the Court of Appeal on 3 February dismissed the petitions against the remanding of Ven Balangoda Kassapa Thera and Ven Trincomalee Kalyanawansa Tissa Thera.

The order was issued by the Court of Appeal bench consisting of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Rohantha Abesuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.