“Everything in the Trinity Chapel speaks of its Sri Lankan identity. Even though it was visualized as a Gothic or Modernist edifice during prior scheming, later on the aspirations of a culturally-shocked, or, more appropriately stated, a culturally- bewitched Gaster made its impact upon the designs; it was his idea that the soon-to-be monument would but reflect, and not alienate, the land that it was built upon. A portmanteau of what was and what would be, in between.” The restoration of the Trinity College Chapel [CRP] is a significant and ongoing project. As stated in the project proposal, the CRP consists of 7 components: murals, wood carvings [5 stages], heritage lighting, sounds and electrical wiring, compilation of the research document and Chapel maintenance profile. As of now, we have completed the mural restoration and the first 3 stages of the wood carvings. Every restoration intervention of the wood carvings has revealed more about their complex designs and other elements, providing deeper insights into the originality of the Chapel. This meticulous restoration aims to preserve every facet of the chapel, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for future generations of Trinitians and others. We invite you to be a part of this remarkable journey of preserving the Trinity College Chapel for eternity. Progress Work Upcoming Work How you can support Your financial contributions and expertise are invaluable in safeguarding this beacon of Trinity’s heritage for future generations. Join us in this noble endeavor to restore and uphold the Chapel’s legacy of integrity, service, and excellence. You can make a donation via a bank transfer to the following Bank Account: Name: Trinity College KandyBank: Commercial BankAccount: 100 034 3975Branch: KandyBranch Code: 7056004Swift Code: CCEYLKLXEmail: fm@trinitycollege.lkPlease state CRP – (Your Name) under reference. For those wishing to know more about the Chapel Restoration Project, its work, efforts, and updates, or who are willing to support and contribute, please visit: www.trinitycollege.lk/chapel-restoration-project/ Or email chapelrestoration@trinitycollege.lk

Review by Isija Thilakarathne (Web Content Team)  “I climbed o’er the crags of Lanka And gazed on her golden sea, And out from her ancient places Her soul came forth to me. “Give Me, a Bard,” said Lanka, “My Bard of the things to-be” It’s a crisp autumn morning on the 13th of September, and Channa Daswatte, architect extraordinary and scholar, gazes dreamily at the gathering. His tone is professional, yet informal- a strange, intoxicating combination. Accurate pauses within sentences, minutely calculated so that every single word would drive home with sheer force and conviction. This is an extract from a poem, The Call of Lanka, penned by the prodigious Reverend Walter Senior, glimpsing back into the serenity of Sri Lanka.  From a close up, the infrastructural artist looks refined and prudent, perhaps even more than when he had once born the colossal title of Trinity College’s Senior prefect back in ’84. For a long time, Mr. Daswatte had been an integral part of the Old Boys’ Association, reverently mentioned in the air one Trinitian would profess other legendary names like ‘Sangakkara’ and ‘Kadiragamar.’ To the casual eye he was, but another man of manners, a hungry soul brimming with artistic inspiration and a longing for creativity. Everything from his personal conduct to his attire teemed of what you would look for in a typical architect; grace, patience, intelligence, and finally, some cool, unforgettable factor of logic that could not be assuaged. Here was a man who could move monumental structures with a flick of an eye- or rather, expertly design them.  Mr. Daswatte who had been cordially welcomed to the midst of yet another morning’s assembly- it’s eight a ’clock already, and school officers pose Sentinel-like outside the College’s hall, sweeping their aquiline eyes for some correction of order– all in all, there was nothing to indicate some anomaly in the usually accurate routine. Notices would be read, a speech or two delivered, and Father Principal Araliya Jayasundara would enlighten us all with some inspiring quote or the other. The stage, so to speak, was set, and the Trinitians were anticipating the typical flow of events in their usually chronic manner. Such was the air on that seemingly unremarkable Friday.  But, as we soon found out, the session was anything but unremarkable. As soon as the notified ‘first half’ of the assembly came to a close, the Principal stood graciously and made a warm toast to the introduction of Mr. Channa Daswatte. Phrases of utmost appreciation were spoken- “Sri Lanka’s most sought-after architect,” “an indomitable disciple of the indomitable Geoffrey Bava” … Mr. Daswatte took it all with a casual smile. Amidst the polite smattering of applause, he bowed a humble head, and so was promptly invited beside the podium.   And this is where the great man professed his undying love for the architecture of Trinity College, or rather, professed his undying love for one place in particular!  The Chapel of Trinity College, Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a hallmark of the colonial architectural inspirations that have been so imposingly emblazoned on the island’s landscapes. Being the herald of not only our imperialistic upbringing and Sri Lanka’s eventual co-existence with its colonial masters, the edifice represents not only the religious and spiritual harmony that condenses what Father Araliya Jayasundara calls “the Trinity co-values”- Integrity, service, excellence, and resilience, – but also what makes a great piece of architectural art right smack in the middle of the country’s most exotic hillside.  And on that day, Mr. Channa Daswatte had returned, with positive affirmations, to recover what he thought was submerged- at least momentarily- the respect and the rigid passion which the Trinitian owes to His school, and to its Chapel.  His clam and soothing voice was just what the Trinitians needed. With the fortitude of a Zen monk and the reposefulness of a musician, Mr. Daswatte began to unfold a beautiful tapestry- a tapestry which not only had live waters, lush greens and God-cut crags, but also the living, breathing kind of serenity that one associates with only the foremost of connoisseurs. Assuredly, this man knew what he was talking about!  Soon the students found themselves walking alongside Mr. Daswatte on a calm evening stroll. In their mind’s eye it was almost six, and the red sun capping the candy-floss sky of Kandy. The fresh whiff of autumn is enticing in its luscious appeal, jade arches blushing, the children of Demeter forming banks of rolling foliage on either side of the road. This is the famous stretch that many a great soul had once crossed- be it Kadirgamar, Rev. Gaster, or Rev. Ireland Jones, the man himself. It cuts a crystal sand path up to the promising blue ford that covers the upper areas of the College, and in spite of its simplicity and almost assuring normalcy, the road hides a little secret in its bosom.   John Milton may have once declared that Paradise was lost forever, but for the Trinitian with the acute mind it is never so. For this picturesque walkway upto the college quarters harbors the secret- a secret so revered and chanted with holy reminiscence that even the most boisterous of lads may fall pin-drop silent at its utter ethereal glory.   Welcome to the Trinity College Chapel, one of Asia’s only open chapels. Paradise in its own terms.  The edifice is imposing even from the distance; a clear, geometric design of a holy cross that many Christian buildings aim to achieve in the foremost stages of their conceptions. But this is no typical Christian Building, for this is the Chapel of Trinity College Kandy, unique in its design, conception, creation, and also preservation. The outline of it stands against the Lankan heavens in sharp relief, making an allegory to its Biblical connection. Shadow and stone make a great combination, a dark, regal shape cut into the azure tint of the sky, and the pond beside the neatly-mown lawn brings a savannah-like simile to the humid landscape, with the chapel as its … Continue reading Channa Daswatte in the Chapel: Reviving the Heart and Soul of Trinity’s Heritage 

After reaching out to the Trinity community—including students, parents, staff, well-wishers, and Old Boys—we are pleased to announce that donations are steadily coming in to support the restoration and renovation of the Chapel.   We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following donors for their generous contributions towards the Chapel restoration efforts as of 30th July 2024:  Additionally, we have received several generous yet unidentified donations. If you have made a donation and your name is not listed above, please contact us at chapelrestoration@trinitycollege.lk so we can acknowledge your contribution.  The funds raised are being meticulously utilized for the restoration efforts, under the guidance and expertise of the Advisory & Oversight Committee (A&OC) of the Chapel Restoration Project.  We also invite Old Boys and well-wishers who wish to support this noble cause. You can make a donation via a bank transfer to the following 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.  Alternatively, you can scan the QR code below to make a QR payment to our bank account.  Thank you for your support in preserving the Trinity College Chapel, ensuring it remains a beacon of faith and heritage for future generations.  For more details and updates related to the Chapel Restoration Project, please visit: https://trinitycollege.lk/chapel-restoration-project/  

Message by Yasas Fernando (Grade 4) My dear Principal, Vice Principals, Chaplain, Teachers, Parents, and my dear students, It’s a great joy for me to bring God’s word to you today. We are going to look at a story that Jesus told, the story of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11-31. But first, let me tell you the background to this story, found in verse 1 of Chapter 15. The so-called “sinners” at that time were drawing near to Jesus, and Jesus loved them. The religious people didn’t like that and started grumbling, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Jesus loved all people, especially the sinners and the outcasts, which made the religious people very upset. So Jesus tells this story: “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he wasted his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.” Actually, Jesus tells this story for us to understand what God is like. He compares God to the Father in this story. So, today we are going to look at three qualities of God! The younger son wanted to be independent of the father. He wanted to live his own way, which he thought would bring him a lot of pleasure and happiness. He loved money and used it to live the way he wanted to. But finally, he lost everything. He was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. The son realized that he himself was lost! Then he remembered his Father. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father.” The first quality of God that I want to tell you today is the Holiness of God. The son wanted to go back to the father, and he prepared a speech. The speech had three points. The first thing he wanted to tell his father was: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” And that is true! God created us and loves us! But when we choose to live our own way, the Bible calls it sin! For example, God hates lies. When we lie to our parents, or when we lie to our children, we are not just sinning against our children; we are sinning against God! But why is it a sin against God? Because the Bible says that God is Holy! God hates sin, and one reason is that He loves us and sin destroys us. So that’s the first thing he wanted to tell his father. What is the second thing? “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” That is also true. Sinning against a Holy God is very serious, so we are not worthy to be called His children. What is the third thing he wanted to tell his father? “Treat me as one of your hired servants.” Now, a hired servant was someone who lived outside the home. A hired servant would work during the day and then go back to his own home. Why did the son want to be a hired servant? Maybe he thought, if he worked hard, little by little, the father would love and accept him. Don’t we all think like that? YES! Maybe if we keep our room tidy or sweep the house, our mothers might give us a chocolate. As adults, we think that if we work hard and buy a nice vehicle, people will love and accept us! Many religions also teach this: if we live a good life, care for the poor, go to church, pray many times a day, we can reach the top and even receive the love and acceptance of a Holy God! The son wanted to work his way up to the Father! So now he has a three-point speech. He decided to go back home! So the first quality of God is that God is Holy. The second quality is the Love of God. Let’s read the text: “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion.” Now, what did the father do? Let me remind you again, Jesus is telling this story to help us understand what God the Father is like. We are Trinitarians. What does Trinity mean? It means God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We need to know what God the Father is like. What does the father do? The father RUNS!! In ancient Middle Eastern cultures, wealthy old men didn’t run! It was a shameful thing for an old man to run! Even in our own culture, it is rare to see a father running when they see their son coming! But this father runs! In those days, wealthy old men wore long robes; he would have raised his robe and run!! That’s not all. Jesus goes into a lot of detail to help us understand the character of God. The father hugs the son and kisses the son!! This is the great affection of God! There is no God like this! Now the son prepares to tell his speech. Which has how many points? Three points! He tells the … Continue reading Trinity College Junior School Sunday Service

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 KandyBank: Commercial BankAccount: 100 034 3975Branch: KandyBranch Code: 7056004Branch Address: No 120, Kotugodella Street, Kandy.Email: fm@trinitycollege.lkSwift 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/

It is with great joy that we share with the Trinity Family this inaugural newsletter of the Trinity College Chapel Restoration Project [CRP] – Preserving for Eternity. Our journey towards restoring and preserving the historical and spiritual significance of our beloved Chapel has officially begun, and we are excited to embark on this transformative endeavor. The restoration represents not just a physical renovation of a building but a revitalization of our pursuit of the Trinity ideal. It is a testimony to our commitment to preserving our shared history spanning over 150 years of excellence for future generations. This newsletter hopes to inform and engage the community in every step of the restoration process. We will share with you the progress, challenges, and triumphs of this monumental venture undertaken with a profound sense of trust in Divine Providence and a commitment to our beloved alma mater. Together, we can preserve our past, enrich our present, and build a future that honors the legacy of our pioneering founders. Thank you for your unwavering support, and we look forward to sharing this remarkable journey with you. Respice Finem Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSBPrincipal / Chairperson – CRP: Advisory & Oversite Committee For those wishing to know more about the Chapel Restoration Project, its work, efforts, and updates, or who are willing to support and contribute, please visit /chapel-restoration-project/ or email chapelrestoration@trinitycollege.lk

We are pleased to announce the successful restoration of the “Are Ye Able” mural, located in the Side Chapel of the Chapel of Trinity College Kandy. This extensive restoration was expertly executed by a dedicated team of restorers during the period of 2022 and 2023. The restoration process has yielded significant enhancements to the mural, reviving its colours and intricate details. The vibrancy and clarity of the scene have been meticulously restored, bringing new life to this treasured artwork. Below are before (2018) and after (2023) images that illustrate the remarkable transformation of the mural. Before Restoration (2018): After Restoration (2023): About the Mural Originally painted in 1928 by David Paynter, the mural reflects the lush, vegetative beauty of Sri Lanka that deeply impressed Paynter upon his return from studying art in Europe. The artwork depicts the mother of James and John kneeling before Jesus of Nazareth, who is adorned in a yellow robe. She petitions Jesus to grant her two sons, who stand on either side of him, the highest places in his kingdom. Instead, Jesus offers them the path of humility and the privilege of suffering, encapsulated in the profound question: “Are ye able to…” Below is a historical photograph of David Paynter in 1928, captured as he painted the “Are Ye Able” mural in the Side Chapel. The restoration of the “Are Ye Able” mural marks the initial phase of the comprehensive Chapel Restoration project currently in progress. We are committed to preserving and enhancing the historical and artistic heritage of our Chapel, and we look forward to sharing further updates as the restoration project advances. For those wishing to know more about the Chapel Restoration Project, its work, efforts, and updates, or who are willing to support and contribute, please visit https://trinitycollege.lk/chapel-restoration-project/ or email crp@trinitycollege.lk

Reviewed by Chaniru Senhas (Web Content Team) Annually, Trinity College, Kandy, celebrates the beginning of the Church year with tremendous fervour; unfolding the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a spiritual pilgrimage to welcome Christmas.  Integrated with music, insightful biblical lessons demonstrate gratitude to God.  Blessed with months of preparations and meticulous planning, the Trinity College Choir is at the pinnacle of this revered event.   The heart and soul of TCK, the candle lit Chapel is a sight to behold as night falls. Choral singers of the choir, with candles in their hands, lead in a procession from the Principal’s bungalow, down the curvy drive to the Chapel. The gentle peal of the Chapel bell contributes to this ethereal ambiance.   Like every year, the Chapel ground was tastefully decorated with glowing clay-lamps representing The Star, on the green grass and, an enlarged creation of the illuminated manger by the pond. This creative interpretation brought the Nativity story to life. The beautifully curated display invited reflection and appreciation of the story of Christmas.   Symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, the cradle played a significant role in this celebration.   Light is symbolic of the banishment of darkness in both physical and metaphorical sense.  The choir and clergy processed from the West Door to the Chancel while “Once in Royal David’s City,” the processional hymn, opened the service. Then came the Bidding Prayer and the choir’s performance of “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” The hymn blended in with “All My Heart This Night Rejoices,” after a chorister read the First Lesson, which described God’s message to the sinful Adam about the loss of Paradise and the hope of salvation through his seed. As the choir began to sing “Veni Veni Emmanuel,” the congregation stood in reverence.   A College Prefect read the Second Lesson, which enunciated   God’s promise to faithful Abraham and the blessing of all nations by his descendants. This lesson was accompanied by the hymns,  “Dev Kumaru Ipadunu” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”.   The singing of “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”, which the first verse was sung solo by a young chorister and the second verse was sung by an older chorister which was later followed by the soothing voice of an old boy chorister which was then later followed by a guest reading the Third Lesson, which contained an Isaiah prophecy of the birth and kingdom of Christ.  The Head Mistress of the Middle School, read the Fifth Lesson, while the Headmistress of the Junior School read the Fourth Lesson.   Readings of the sixth and seventh lessons were alternated between the Vice Principal and, the Co-Vice Principal.  Following the reading of the eighth lesson by the principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, the choir sang “Jesus Child.” The Bishop of Kurunagala read the last section of the ninth lesson. The biblical stories of the day then came to an end with the recessional “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”  The College Art Circle, under the direction of Mr. Saman Rathnayake and his team, made a pleasant visual contribution to this year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, along with the teachers of the junior school who contributed much of their time towards the wonderous interior decorations inside the chapel.     After the much-anticipated dinner presented to the Trinity College Choir by the Principal, Rev.  Araliya Jayasundara, and the choir thanking him for his generosity, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for the year 2023, came to an end.  

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 The annual Bishop’s visit and feast of the Holy Trinity Chapel was observed on the 13th of June, 2023. The most significant aspect of this holy day is the confirmation of candidates as they enter into the sacramental body of Christ, making a firm commitment to live and work as a disciple of Jesus Christ.  The service commenced with the traditional processional “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Bishop Reginald Herber, where he perfectly describes the beauty of the Trinity without encroaching upon its mystery. Interestingly the tune of this hymn, “Nicaea” by J. B. Dykes reminds us of the Council of Nicaea, where the nature of the Trinity was shaped theologically.  The service was presided over by Rt. Rev. Nishantha Fernando: the new Bishop of the Diocese of Kurunagala of the Church of Ceylon. Former and present Archdeacons of the Diocese of Kurunagala Ven. George Melder and Ven. Anton Williams and Rev. Jayanath Pandithratne a former Chaplain of Trinity College graced the occasion with their presence. While the Bishop led the acceptance of candidates for confirmation, the choir sang අති ශුද්ධ (Athi Shudda), and the confirmation candidates dipped their hands in the water in the font and made their foreheads symbolically as a sign of their baptism. The Old Testament reading was done by a confirmation candidate and was followed by a sung “Psalm 8” and Epistle reading. The Bishop delivered the homily where he elaborated on the meaning of the Trinity based on three points. Trinity – complete equality of persons Though we say three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, work equally. Therefore, as the Triune God teaches us, respect each other, respect others and accept others’ dignity. Trinity – teaches us unity in diversity God the Father has one task, God the Son has another task, and God the Holy Spirit has a different task. Trinity College has practised the concept of plurality from its very inception. As Trinitians, unity in diversity should be a part of your daily life. Trinity – teaches us fellowship and self-giving There is a great fellowship among the Trinity. Practicing equality and unity in diversity leads to greater fellowship through self-giving. My dear Trinitians, when you are around there must be fellowship and friendship. That should be the hallmark of Trinitian quality. The clergy fulfilled the rite of Confirmation and affirmation of faith. The choir sang the invocation of the holy spirit, “Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire” and the confirmed students were greeted by the principal and lay officers. The clerical procession recessed towards the West door as the final hymn, “Lead us Heavenly Father Lead Us” was sung in unison by the Choir and congregation. The annual Bishop’s visit and service of confirmation allowed us to offer our praises and thanksgiving to God almighty for his grace and providence and keep alive the memory of the sacrificial mission of our missionary forefathers who ministered to establish our Church to build Christ’s Kingdom in this heathen land. The service manifested the pinnacle of the vision of Trinity, which is to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into the lives of Trinitians so that they may become Christ-like and harvest the riches of salvation and grace through a life in Christ. Review by Samiru Bandara (Web Content Team)