Christ Church Mutwal (Gal Palliya)

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Built in 1854, the church features a finely crafted Gothic screen and intricate stone carvings that reflect the colonial aesthetic of the period. Locally known as “Gal Palliya” (“Stone Church”) due to its enduring granite construction, it remains a prominent landmark in the Mutwal area worth visiting.

Mutwal, a historic suburb located less than 5 kilometers north of Colombo Fort, is today a busy area shaped by the expansion of the Colombo Harbor. However, in the mid-nineteenth century, it was known as an “abode of the rich,” characterized by open landscapes and grand Dutch villas. Christ Church Cathedral, a beautiful building that is often called a work of architectural genius, lies in the middle of this historical setting.

The Vision and Early Beginnings

The origins of Christ Church Cathedral are closely tied to the appointment of Rt. Rev. James Chapman as the first Anglican bishop of Colombo in 1845. On 3 February 1851, he established the College of St. Thomas the Apostle in Mutwal, with the aim of training Christian clergy and shaping young students into disciplined and responsible citizens.

Recognizing the need for both a chapel for the college and a cathedral for the diocese, Bishop Chapman laid the foundation stone in 1852 on a hill within the school grounds, envisioning a building that would serve both purposes.

Construction and Architectural Design

The initial plans for the cathedral were prepared by Captain Pickering of the Royal Artillery, working under the close supervision of Bishop Chapman. The appointed architect was R. S. Carpenter.

Following the commencement of construction, Corporal Moore assumed responsibility as the chief architect and daily supervisor. Despite numerous challenges during the building process, the structure was completed in just over two years. The cathedral was consecrated on 21 September 1854, becoming the first Anglican cathedral in Sri Lanka and one of the oldest churches of its kind in the country.

For more than a century, its architectural style set the standard for Anglican worship in the region. In contrast, the later Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour in Cinnamon Gardens adopted a modern hexagonal design influenced by Buddhist architectural traditions.

Historical Role and the “Harbour Move”

For over sixty years, Christ Church Cathedral served as the spiritual and cultural center of S. Thomas’ College. It hosted major ceremonies, including the consecration of bishops of the Church of Ceylon.

As the twentieth century progressed, the character of Mutwal changed significantly. The rapid expansion of the Colombo Harbor introduced coal dust and industrial noise to the area. In 1918, seeking a more suitable environment, S. Thomas’ College relocated to Mount Lavinia, described at the time as a more picturesque coastal setting.

Although the college moved, the cathedral remained in Mutwal, continuing to function as the primary cathedral of the diocese for several decades thereafter.

Current Status: A Living Heritage

A major transition took place in the 1970s when Bishop Harold de Soysa, the first Ceylonese Anglican Bishop of Colombo, initiated the construction of a new cathedral in Cinnamon Gardens. The Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour was consecrated on 7 November 1973 to accommodate a growing congregation.

Following this development, Christ Church Cathedral was designated as a co-cathedral within the Diocese of Colombo. Far from being merely a historical monument, it remains an active and vibrant place of worship. In September 2024, the cathedral marked its 170th anniversary, standing as a lasting symbol of the rich heritage it continues to uphold.

References

Cumming, G. (1892). Two Happy Years in Ceylon (Vols. 1–2). William Blackwood and Sons.
Editors. (2024, September 26). Christ Church, Mutuwal, Celebrates 170 Years. Daily News. Retrieved March 20, 2026, from https://dailynews.lk/category/local/
GPSmyCity. (n.d.). The Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo. https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/the-cathedral-of-christ-the-living-saviour-53907.html
Steve, & Steve. (2017, August 3). S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Information about Sri Lanka. https://info.shalanka.com/most-beautiful-places-in-sri-lanka/schools-in-sri-lanka/s-thomas-college-mount-lavinia-2/
Studio Times. (1973). Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller (1st ed.).

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