Haputale St. Andrew’s Church (හපුතලේ ශාන්ත ඇන්ඩෲ දේවස්ථානය)

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Haputale St. Andrew's Church — Haputale St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church in Haputale is perched on a hillock just above the main bus stand, within the Haputale Divisional Secretariat in Badulla District. It is recognized as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Haputale—and one of the earliest European constructions in the district.

The origins of the church trace back to the 19th century CE, a period when British planters began settling in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. They established residences in towns like Haputale, Bandarawela, and Nuwara Eliya, bringing their families and Christian faith with them. As most of these settlers were Catholics, they constructed churches near their homes to practice their religion. Many of these churches continue to function today.

Among them, St. Andrew’s Church in Haputale, consecrated on September 19, 1869, stands as this symbol of colonial-era architecture and history. Tucked amidst old graves atop a misty hill, the church serves not only as a place of worship but also as a heritage site, attracting both local and international visitors.

The approach to the church is both scenic and reverent. Climbing the steps leading to the entrance, visitors are greeted by the striking silhouette of the church—its gable roof rising into the sky, crowned at its apex with a simple cross. The structure reflects classic British architectural style, with a beautifully crafted wooden roof.

Inside, the church is modest in size but rich in detail. The pews and kneelers are upholstered in red velvet and leather, and the ends of the pews feature fine woodcarvings believed to reflect the Victorian school of design. One of the church’s most notable features is its trio of stained glass windows—thought to have been imported from Scotland—which depict scenes of Jesus’s compassion toward children.

Encircling the church are 19th-century marble tombstones, serving as solemn reminders of the British citizens and clergy who once lived and died in the region. The church stands at the center of this burial ground, with the gravestones arranged around it.

Although the church has undergone renovations over the years, its original architectural character has been carefully preserved.

St. Andrew’s Church was officially recognized as an Archaeological Protected Monument by Gazette Notification No. 1264, issued on November 22, 2002.

References

Time Out editors. (2015, October 1). Hidden in the hills: The timeless beauty of Haputale. Time Out Sri Lanka. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.timeout.com/sri-lanka/explore-sri-lanka/hidden-in-the-hills
Wijesundara, R. (2019). නිල්ල පිරුණු කඳු ගැටයේ දෙවියන්ගේ නිවහන. දායාද, 13, 19.

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Travel Directions to Haputale St. Andrew’s Church

Distance from Haputale Town to St. Andrew’s Church

Distance: 150 m
Travel time : 5 minutes walking
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References

Also See

Map of the Haputale St. Andrew’s Church

Travel Directions to Haputale St. Andrew’s Church

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