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All Saints Church Galle celebrates its 150th anniversary
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.
Latest News
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025
The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.
The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.
The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.
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