Life style
St. Thomas’ church Ginthupitiya – an enduring symbol of faith
Standing tall for over 200 years is St. Thomas’ Church in Ginthupitiya, claimed to be the first church in the island specifically built for Anglican worship in 1815. Nestled among coconut palms and a medley of colourful flowers, the holy ground is a sanctuary amidst the bustling thoroughfares of Kotahena.
Running parallel to the Colombo Harbour is the Reclamation Road. As one nears the end of this road, the sights of Kotahena begin to take shape, accentuated by its industries. At the turn to the Ginthupitiya street, perched on a hillock is St. Thomas’ Church, claimed to be the first Anglican church specially built here at home for worship. Reflecting the Gothic style of architecture and nestled amidst flowers and foliage, a visitor who steps into its environs is made oblivious to the bustling Colombo outside. Instead, it is easy to be mistaken for a quaint little hideout somewhere in the upcountry…
A Portuguese church takes shape
Legend has it that St. Thomas the Apostle came to India and was the founder of the Syrian Christian Church there. It is also believed that enroute, he made a stop at the Colombo port and preached on a hillock on which St. Thomas’ Church in Ginthupitiya stands today. Paul E. Pieris in his article, ‘Inscriptions at St. Thomas’ Church Colombo’ published in the The Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland (Vol.22, No. 65) cites the work of one ‘Clevid’ appearing in the first volume of the Monthly Literary Register (1893) under the title, A Brief Sketch of the History of St. Thomas’s Church, Colombo. In this citation Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg is credited for the erection of the present church (his name is inscribed on the west front wall of the church), the foundation of which was laid in 1815- interestingly in the same year when the Kandyan Convention was signed, marking the ceding of the kingdom’s territory to the British crown. The writer notes: ‘At that period there existed here the ruins of the Roman Catholic Church, which was totally demolished before the foundation of this church was laid. It appears a portion of this ground had been used from the time of the Portuguese for the burial of the dead.’
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- Old graveyard
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- Home to lush greenery
Dutch graveyard
When the Portuguese first arrived in the island bringing with them the Catholicism, Ginthupitiya was called San Thome Pitiya, translating to the Plain of St. Thomas. The exact origin of the name ‘Ginthupitya’ is mired in controversy. Historian Frederick Medis documenting the history of the St. Thomas’ Church in his various writings notes that the Portuguese recorded finding a Nestorian Cross in the area suggesting the presence of Persian Christians who inhabited the Colombo port. In one of his research articles, marking the 150th anniversary of the church, which appeared in the Jaffna-based newspaper- Morning Star in 1965, the antiquarian notes that, in the times of the Dutch, the Portuguese church at Ginthupitiya fell into ruins but the churchyard continued to be used for three small cemeteries- one for slaves, one for the natives and one for the heathen. It was probably at this times that the name ‘San Thome Pitiya’ or ‘Santhumpitiya’ was changed to Ginthupitiya or the Plain of the Heathen, derived from ‘gentu’, the Portuguese word for heathen or non-believer, says the scholar. Some of these graves are still found in the compound, their gravestones inscribed in Dutch. A later addition to the graveyard, one with a Tamil engraving is the final resting place for a 21-year-old young man lost in the sea.
Built for Anglican worship
With the advent of the British, the Malabar or Tamil Christians who had earlier followed the Presbyterian from changed over to the Anglican tradition and worshipped along with the Europeans at St. Peter’s Church, Fort where Anglican services were held from 1804, documents Frederick Medis in his account of the history of the St. Thomas’ Church. When their numbers increased to nearly 600, these Malabar/Tamil Protestant Christians collected 800 rix dollars (equivalent to Rs.600 at that time) and approached the government through Abraham Rodrigo Dewanesan Mootookistna (Muthukrishna), who was the Interpreter Mudliyar to the Governor, for assistance to erect their own church. The Governor Brownrigg readily granted their request. ‘The honour of being the first church in Sri Lanka for Anglican worship belongs to St. Thomas Ginthupitiya,’ writes Medis who goes onto explain that although St. John the Baptist Church in Chundikuli Jaffna and St. Peter’s Church, Fort were erected before St. Thomas’ Church in Ginthupitiya, neither of the them were specifically built for Anglican worship.
The Acting Civil Engineer, Capt. G. Schenider supervised the construction of the building of St. Thomas’ Church. Governor Brownrigg, a keen promoter of Christian activities in the island, presented the chalice and other sacred vessels for use at the Holy Eucharist services held at the church.
St. Thomas’ Church Ginthupitiya- standing tall for over 200 years
Rev. Fr. D.K. Balakrishnan, present Vicar of the church
The first Divine Service at the Church was held on July 16, 1815 at 7 p.m. and it was conducted by Rev. George Bisset and the sermon was preached by Rev. M . Twisleton, documents Medis. A discourse was delivered and prayers were said in Tamil by G.J. Ondaatjie. The Ondaatjie family, as some of the inscriptions inside the church premises bear testimony, had continued to be among the leading patrons of the sacred grounds. The Governor, the Chief Justice, their wives and other notable British representatives had been in the congregation at the first service in addition to the Colombo Chetties and Tamils, according to the writings of Medis.
An evolving institution
The present Vicar of the St. Thomas’ Church and the former Archdeacon of Nuwaraeliya, Rev. Fr. D.K. Balakrishnan says he is very fortunate to be giving leadership to a holy place of worship steeped in history. Fr. Balakrishnan who succeeded Rev. S.Jeyaraj in 2023, shares a long list of clergy who tirelessly served the church. “We have to be very grateful to all the former vicars starting from Rev. Christian David who served the church with devotion and carry forward the good work,” says the priest who also remarks that the church is committed to meet the changing needs of the parishioners. “Last year we commenced a community development project under which English language classes are held to assist the youth to better equip them to be employable.”
The cool interior of the church is an escape from the sweltering alleys of Ginthupitiya. Its medley of vibrant flowers is perhaps an aide-memoire to long-lost neighbouring Bloemendhal- ‘the valley of blooms’ that it was once…The Gothic structure still standing tall for over two centuries, is also a time-tablet to be transported to a yesteryear when the approaching vessels to the Colombo port could be spotted from the vantage point it is and be riveted only by a star-studded skyline….
BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE ✍️
(Pix by Sujatha Jayaratne)
Cinnamon Life that has re-defined Colombo’s skyline added another accolade to its journey as it officially received its five star certification placing it among the most distinguished luxury properties in Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.
Receiving the five star classification is a significant achievement for any hotel but Cinnamon Life – the flagship of Sri Lanka’s most ambitious integrated lifestyle development, the accolade carries exceptional meaning. The recognition follows a rigorous evaluation of service standards,facilities,and operational excellence,underscoring the property’s commitment to delivering world class guest experiences
– Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams has been officially awarded the esteemed Five-Star Certification by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), underscoring its status as a landmark in Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape and a benchmark for excellence in the region.
As South Asia’s largest and first fully integrated resort, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams represents a transformative investment in Sri Lanka’s tourism and leisure economy. Developed by John Keells Holdings PLC with a historic USD 1.2 billion investment – the largest private development in the country – the resort has reshaped Colombo into a premier destination for luxury travel, entertainment, world-class events, and international business.
The team marks a major milestone with the property’s five star accreditation
A hallmark of the property is its extensive event and convention infrastructure, featuring over 160,000 sq. ft. of versatile, high-spec event space. With five signature ballrooms, cutting-edge technology, and three exceptional outdoor venues offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Colombo skyline, Cinnamon Life has established itself as an unrivalled hub for global conferences, high-profile celebrations, and corporate gatherings for both local and international travellers.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this Five-Star Certification from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority,” said Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to world-class service, guest centric innovation, and the elevated experiences that define Cinnamon Life. Our aspiration is to set new standards for luxury, leisure, and MICE tourism in the region, while supporting Sri Lanka’s positioning on the global stage.”
The Five-Star Certification further cements Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams as one of Sri Lanka’s foremost luxury destinations. With its two luxury hotels, curated signature dining concepts, immersive entertainment arenas, and a vibrant retail and lifestyle precinct, the resort offers an unparalleled blend of hospitality, lifestyle, and experiences under one iconic address.
The certification was presented at Cinnamon Life, attended by senior leadership from SLTDA and Cinnamon Life, members of the hospitality industry, and media representatives. The event celebrated this milestone achievement and marked a significant step forward in elevating Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality offering.
About City of Dreams
City of Dreams is Sri Lanka’s largest and most ambitious integrated resort, redefining Colombo’s skyline as a symbol of modern luxury and innovation. Designed as a “city within a city,” the destination offers 800 luxury rooms and suites, with 687 at Cinnamon Life and 113 at NUWA, complemented by a diverse selection of 13 restaurants and bars that showcase global cuisines alongside Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. Adding to its appeal is a vibrant mix of high-end retail, Sri Lanka’s premier entertainment arena, a shopping mall, office towers, and luxury residences. This integrated ecosystem enables delegates to stay, work, meet, dine, shop, and celebrate seamlessly under one roof, delivering unmatched convenience and engagement.
Cyclone Ditwah carved a trail of devastation as it roared across many regions, unleashing a deluge that transformed the entire towns into destruction. This is one of the most unforgiving storms in recent years – bringing torrential rains, violent winds and a trail of destruction that left thousands displaced in a matter of hours. Homes swept away, roads disappeared and families were forced to flee.
Yet beneath the chaos and loss, a quiet resilience emerged, communities rallied, rescue teams worked around the clock to restore roads, relocate displaced families and ensure the safety of the tourists.
Now with waters slowly receding, the full story of Ditwah’s impact is only a beginning to unfold – a story of heartbreak, survival and the long road to rebuilding.
Cyclone Ditwah delivered a sharp blow to the tourism sector within hours and days, disrupting travel routes, damaging coastal routes, and forcing authorities to reassess visitor safety. as hoteliers,tour operators,and government agencies worked round the clock to stabilise operations.The industry soon reassured global travellers that the island remains open and resilient.Rescue teams were deployed immediately, working around the clock to evacuate families and restore essential services.
While several areas experienced significant damages, authorities assured that key tourism zones remain safe and operational.
A press conference was summoned by the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign affairs, last week bringing together top officials, media and other hospitality partners to address growing public concern,assure international travellers and outline the immediate steps taken to ensure safety across all tourist zones. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe and Chairman of SLTPB, Buddhika Hewawasam stepped forward to present a clear,unified message that Sri Lanka remains safe, prepared and committed in protecting the visitors. They calmed anxieties,dispelled myths,rumours and dispelled misinformation and revealed the coordinated efforts of the government to keep the hospitality industry unshaken.
Tourism authorities pointed out even in the aftermath of Ditwah,the arrival of the cruise ship sent a powerful message. the ship’s docking underscored that Sri Lanka is safe . The arrival of this luxury cruise liner carrying hundreds of international passengers, was part of a regional voyage from Mumbai to Singapore. This was a symbolic moment unfolding at the harbour, it was a glimmer of hope in a week overshadowed by stormy clouds. The Tourism authorities reflected this arrival as a sign that confidence in Sri Lanka had not lost hope and showed Sri Lanka is steady,ready,and open.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe in a speech marked by confidence and determination said. “Our teams have worked round the clock to ensure safety, restore access routes and support our travellers”.
SLTPB Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam
Today I assured every traveller Sri Lanka is safe, Sri Lanka is open, and Sri Lanka is ready. He confirmed that all major coastal resorts from Negombo to Bentota remain fully operational. Cultural destinations such as Kandy, Dambulla, Kandy,Sigiriya, are now open. He further noted that national parks,including Yala, Udawalawe,Wilpattu had returned operations following rapid assessments. Our key tourist zones are open,accessible and operating under verified safety conditions. He assured that every tourist in the island was safe,
He praised the rescue teams who had worked round the clock, cleaning roads, supporting displaced families and ensuring tourism infrastructure remained intact. To the world I say please come visit, and explore. Our island stands tall and more ready than ever to welcome you. This is not just recovery, he concluded,this is resilience in action. Finally he stressed that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector had demonstrated structural resilience,operational continuity and readiness to maintain international confidence.
The Chairman of the SLTPB Buddika Hewawasam also briefed the media on the ongoing relief operations. He acknowledged the sharp blow and destruction but underscored the country’s resilience. We want to assure travellers that Sri Lanka remains safe. Our teams are on the ground, our infrastructure is being restored and our hospitality sector stands ready to welcome visitors as recovery unfolds.
He said “New the waters have receded, and Sri Lanka is ready to welcome the world. Cyclone Ditwah swept through the island with devastating force, but in its aftermath, a story of resilience, beauty and unwavering hospitality has emerged – one that travellers are invited to witness firsthand”.
For travellers, this is a chance to experience a Sri Lanka that is vibrant and sparkling with life where cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm hospitality blend. Cyclone Ditwah may have left a mark, but it could not dim the island’s radiance.
The Tourism sector is preparing to move forward with renewed emphasis on resilience, safety and rebuilding confidence among international travellers. Sri Lanka has weathered the storm and the world is already sailing back to its shores.
Tiesh jewellery , announced a meaningful partnership with the Infinite Grace Foundation Sri Lanka, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives through love, dignity, purpose, and long-term social impact.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone as two Sri Lankan entities join hands to address some of the country’s most urgent and overlooked challenges, including mental health, drug addiction, prisoner rehabilitation, anti-human trafficking awareness, and the empowerment of estate communities.
Founded on the belief that “Every life deserves to be seen and loved,” the Infinite Grace Foundation symbolises hope, transformation, and inclusion. The Foundation works to extend a lifeline to those often ignored or marginalised, ensuring they are reminded that they are valued, loved, and never alone.
Their vision is deeply aligned to create a Clean Sri Lanka—not only in its physical environment, but in its hearts, minds, and communities. Through systemic intervention, awareness, and rehabilitation, the organisation aims to restore dignity, provide second chances, and help individuals reclaim their potential.
Stephanie Siriwardhana, Founder of the Infinite Grace Foundation and Brand Ambassador for Pure Gold by Tiesh
As part of its awareness and empowerment initiatives, Infinite Grace Foundation has launched the “I See You” campaign—an effort to recognise, support, and uplift individuals who have long been overlooked. Through this campaign, the foundation aims to promote year-round advocacy, encompassing mental health support, panel discussions, and collaborations with organisations and hotlines that support vulnerable groups across the island.
In support of this meaningful initiative, Tiesh has designed an exclusive jewellery collection created with intention and purpose. All proceeds from the collection will be donated directly to the Infinite Grace Foundation. The range features intricately crafted earrings, pendants, chains, rings, and more for women, as well as bracelets, cufflinks, lapel pins, and rings for men. Offered in diamonds, as well as gold and silver, each piece carries a profound message—that every life deserves to be seen, acknowledged, and loved.
With a legacy spanning more than two decades, Tiesh founded by Lasantha and Bryony De Fonseka, has become synonymous with innovation, excellence, and artistry in Sri Lanka’s jewellery landscape. Today, the family-run business is led by the next generation, with Directors Ayesh De Fonseka and Thiyasha De Fonseka continuing to uphold the brand’s commitment to integrity, community, and craftsmanship.
Stephanie Siriwardhana, Founder of the Infinite Grace Foundation and Brand Ambassador for Pure Gold by Tiesh, expressed the impact of this partnership: “This collaboration is special in many ways, and I’m truly grateful that a prestigious jeweller like Tiesh cares about communities that are often unseen—such as prisoners and estate workers. When you change one life, you change a family. When families transform, communities transform, and soon you change the nation. This initiative comes from a personal place. Many people struggle to ask for help, including myself. Through the ‘I See You’ campaign, we aim to provide support, raise awareness, and offer year-round mental health programs, alongside organisations and hotlines that are equipped to help victims and individuals in need. This partnership with Tiesh will be deeply impactful.”
The work of the Infinite Grace Foundation spans multiple critical pillars, including prison reforms, addiction rehabilitation, community education, vocational training, anti-human trafficking awareness, and mental health destigmatisation—all designed to create long-term, sustainable change across Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the significance of the collaboration, Director of Tiesh, Ayesh De Fonseka, added, “Helping the community is rooted in our beliefs and upbringing. This partnership presented a meaningful opportunity to give back and support an important cause. We believe in second chances, and many individuals need guidance, care, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. We are honoured to donate all profits from this collection. In the future, we hope to extend support further by offering job opportunities—whether in jewellery craftsmanship, box making, design, or other livelihood pathways.”
Through this partnership, Tiesh and Infinite Grace Foundation reaffirm their shared commitment to building a Sri Lanka where hope thrives, opportunities are equitable, and transformation is within reach for all.
For those wishing to support this initiative or explore the special collection, please visit the Tiesh showroom at 253 R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03, or follow Tiesh on social media for updates and campaign information.
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