Christ Church Warleigh of Dickoya (දික්ඔය වෝර්ලි ක්‍රිස්තු දේවස්ථානය)

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Scattered across Sri Lanka are numerous colonial churches built during British rule from 1815 to 1948, reflecting the architectural and cultural imprint left behind. One such gem is Christ Church Warleigh, a quaint Anglican church gifted by an Englishman, William Scot, in 1878 for the British planters of Dickoya.

Set against a picturesque hillside backdrop, this serene stone church exudes peace and timeless charm. Its tranquil atmosphere has long offered solace to weary hearts and spiritual comfort to believers. Inside, the church is intimate and inviting, with warm wooden interiors, stone walls, and seating for fewer than 100 people. The surrounding churchyard, draped in wild vines and blooming with colorful flowers, evokes a sense of nostalgic beauty.

The stained glass windows delicately narrate the life of Christ, while an old Bible, carefully taped to preserve it from decay, is a treasured artifact. It was gifted in July 1878 by Reverend Charles Hill of Warboys Parish in Huntingdonshire, England—just a year after the church’s founding.

Built on land gifted by deed, the church lies within the Warleigh Division of the Wanaraja Group of Estates. Today, its colonial architecture and storybook setting draw many visitors, both for its spiritual significance and historical allure.

In the adjoining 19th-century graveyard, notable burials include Sir William Robert Campbell, the island’s first Inspector General of Police (IGP). Formerly the Chief of Police in Rathnageri, India, Campbell arrived in Ceylon in 1866 as Chief Superintendent of Police, a post elevated to IGP in 1867, marking a significant chapter in colonial policing history.

References

Hettiarachchi, K. (2011, December 25). Through Christmases past and present. sundaytimes.lk. Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://www.sundaytimes.lk/111225/Plus/plus_01.html

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Distance from Hatton Railway Station to Christ Church Warleigh of Dickoya

Distance: 5.2 km
Travel time : 15 min
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References

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Map of the Christ Church Warleigh of Dickoya

Travel Directions to Christ Church Warleigh of Dickoya

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