Sri Lanka, a land brimming with stories, boasts a rich cultural heritage and bountiful nature. These stories, etched into monuments, speak to future generations. One such monument in Sri Lanka’s hill capital stands as a guardian of these tales: the Chapel of Trinity College Kandy.
A Testament to Sri Lankan and Western Heritage
Situated atop Trinity Hill, this house of God was constructed, intertwining Sri Lankan legacies with Western philosophy and Christianity. Since its inception in 1922, the Chapel of Trinity College Kandy has served as a beacon of architecture and spirituality, inspiring generations of the Trinity community as a sanctuary for reflection and growth.
This unique edifice embodies Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and architectural prowess. Towering granite columns and intricately carved wooden ‘pekadas’, definitive features of hill country architecture, showcase the island’s ancient skills in stone masonry and wood carving. The craftsmanship in the chapel’s details is extraordinary. The ‘pekadas,’ a blend of corbel and capital, feature elaborate designs carved into wood, demonstrating a fusion of artistic ingenuity and traditional techniques. The granite carvings, robust yet delicate, tell stories etched in stone, reflecting the island’s mastery in using natural materials.
The Chapel’s Construction and the Paynter Murals
The construction of the chapel was a monumental effort spanning over fifty years. Granite pillars, each weighing three tons, were quarried and transported by elephants, showcasing the dedication and skill of countless craftsmen. This process required immense imagination and determination, reminiscent of the great lithic monuments of ancient Sri Lanka.
Adorning the walls are large, colourful murals painted by renowned artist and alumnus David Paynter. These masterpieces, depicting Biblical scenes in a tropical Sri Lankan setting, add to the chapel’s unparalleled beauty. The scenes are set against lush, tropical backdrops, bringing a unique Sri Lankan essence to these timeless stories. This fusion of local culture and universal themes makes the murals a treasured part of our heritage, becoming one of the only places in the world where Jesus is boldly depicted with brown skin and short hair, akin to a local.
The Urgent Need for Restoration
However, after decades of exposure to humidity, pollutants, and natural wear, this magnificent structure is in dire need of restoration. The murals, once vibrant, now show signs of fading and damage, and the granite pillars need reinforcement.
A comprehensive restoration plan has been developed by a committee of experts, including architects and engineers. Their assessment emphasizes the urgent need for professional intervention to preserve the chapel’s structural integrity and historical value. Restoring the chapel will ensure it continues to serve as a place for reflection, assembly, and spiritual growth for future generations. This effort will preserve an irreplaceable part of our heritage, symbolizing Trinity’s core values: integrity, service, excellence, and resilience.
How You Can Help
We invite you to join us in this noble endeavor. Your contributions will help preserve this sacred space, ensuring it remains a repository of legacy and stories for the future. Support the Trinity College Chapel Restoration Project. Donate today and be a part of preserving our legacy for future generations.
You can make your donation to the following bank account:
Name: Trinity College Kandy
Bank: Commercial Bank
Account: 100 034 3975
Branch: Kandy
Branch Code: 7056004
Branch Address: No 120, Kotugodella Street, Kandy.
Email: fm@trinitycollege.lk
Swift Code: CCEYLKLX
Please state CRP – (Your Name) under reference.
Or make a QR payment via the QR code below.
For Local Transactions: You can use any LANKAQR-enabled mobile application to pay via QR. For a list of applications you can use, please click here.
For Overseas Transactions: You can use any payment app compatible with VisaQR, MasterCardQR, and UnionPayQR standards to perform transactions.
Read more about the Chapel Restoration Project at https://trinitycollege.lk/chapel-restoration-project/
