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Nestled on high ground overlooking the serene waters of Chilaw, හලාවත ලන්සි පල්ලිය (St. James’ Church) stands as a silent witness to centuries of Sri Lankan colonial history, faith, and cultural transitions.

Dutch Beginnings and Protestant Roots

After the coastal regions of Sri Lanka fell to the Dutch in 1658, most of the island’s western coast came under their rule. However, the Chilaw area remained under the control of the Kandyan Kingdom until the Treaty of 1766, after which it too came under Dutch governance.

During this time, Dutch Governor Vander Graaf, seeking to strengthen the Protestant Christian presence in the colony, made a request to his South Indian counterparts to send Christian converts to Sri Lanka. In response, around 50 families, who had turned away from the Siva religion and embraced Christianity, expressed their willingness to relocate.

In 1794, these families arrived and were granted land in Chilaw, on the estate belonging to Governor Ranso. The community, primarily engaged in weaving, settled and began to establish their lives around their faith.

The Humble Beginnings of a Church

The original church was built in 1792, a humble structure made of coconut leaves, serving as a simple place of worship. Rev. Salomon Christian David became the first Protestant pastor in Chilaw, ministering to the early Christian community. In its early years, the church saw visits from Dutch government officials and military personnel, highlighting its significance during the colonial era.

A Church Reborn: From Leaves to Legacy

With time, the need for a more permanent structure became evident. In 1818, the foundation stone for the current church building was laid by Francis Campler, the Chief Revenue Officer and judge of the region. The construction effort was supported by transporting building materials through the Dutch Canal, a key transportation route at the time.

By 1831, the newly completed church was consecrated and blessed by the Bishop of Calcutta, and it was officially dedicated to Saint James, thus becoming known as St. James' Church. The road in front of the church later came to be known as St. James Street.

The First School in Chilaw

During the tenure of Rev. Christian David (1860–1866), the church expanded its mission into education by establishing the first school in Chilaw. This school operated for several decades before it was closed in 1930, but the original school building still stands, a reminder of the church’s pioneering role in education.

Challenges and Legal Struggles

In 1912, the construction of the railway line to Chilaw resulted in the loss of part of the church's land. In response, a group of local donors from Sena Street, led by Mr. Marukku Mudalali, filed a case in the Chilaw District Court to protect the church’s property rights — a testament to the value the local community placed on the church and its grounds.

A Place of Peace and Preservation

Set in a picturesque location reminiscent of Nuwara Eliya, with its cool breezes and lakeside beauty, St. James' Church continues to offer a tranquil refuge for worship and reflection. Recognising its historical and archaeological importance, the Department of Archaeology officially declared it an archaeological monument on 23 January 2009, following a request made to preserve its legacy.

This content and historical insight were originally shared on Facebook by David Gayan Indika, an archaeological explorer from Chilaw. As a committee member of the Chilaw Municipal Council, he proposed in 2021 that this site be recognised as a tourism area, given its cultural and historical significance. We extend our sincere thanks to him for his dedication and efforts in preserving and promoting local heritage.