Article By Thejaka Abeysekara and Dilrukshan Sureshkumar (Web Content Team)
The Chapel of Trinity College, Kandy, held a Rededication Service on 20 August 2025, commemorating a day of gratitude and thanksgiving as the community gathered to celebrate the rededication of this sacred space following its long-awaited renovation.
The service was graced by several clergymen, including the Rt. Revd. Nishantha Fernando, Bishop of Kurunegala and Chairman of the Board of Governors; the Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Bishop Emeritus of Colombo; and the Rt. Revd. Kumara Illangasinghe, Bishop Emeritus of Kurunegala.
The proceedings commenced with a blessing at the Chapel entrance, offered by the Bishop, followed by the hymn Christ is Made the Sure Foundation. The Chaplain then led the Call to Worship, with the congregation responding with thankful hearts, dedicating the Chapel to God as a house of peace, wisdom, and hope. The service also included a moment of remembrance for those who laid the foundation, built, maintained, and renovated the Chapel for the glory of God. The sermon was delivered by the Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj Canagasabey.
Since its first dedication in 1935, the Chapel has stood as a place of prayer, learning, and inspiration at the heart of College. The recent restoration renewed the murals, pillars, and wood carvings, and upgraded the sound and lighting systems, ensuring that the Chapel continues to serve future generations.
Scripture readings were offered by members of the College community. The Old Testament reading, 1 Kings 8:22–30, was delivered by the Senior Prefect. The Epistle, 1 Peter 2:1–10, was read by a Chapel Restoration Project committee member. The Holy Gospel, St. Matthew 21:12–16, was read by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB.
A significant moment of the service was the Act of Dedication, led by the Rt. Revd. Kumara Illangasinghe. The congregation dedicated the Chapel for the worship of God, the preaching of the Gospel, the celebration of the Sacraments, and as a place of comfort and guidance for the community. This was followed by the Prayer of Dedication and the blessing of different parts of the Chapel by the clergy.
The restoration was made possible through the generosity of donors and the goodwill of the College community. Their contributions, both large and small, have ensured that the Chapel remains a living symbol of faith, heritage, and fellowship. The Chapel Restoration Project Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to all who supported this endeavour, reminding us that such acts of giving strengthen not only buildings but also the bonds that unite generations.
The evening ended in a spirit of thanksgiving, with the hope that the College Chapel will continue to stand as a beacon of faith, a haven of hope, and a symbol of love for generations to come – a space where future Trinitians may be guided by light, reflection, and the call to Respice Finem (Look to the End).
