GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS TO THE TRINITY COLLEGE CHAPEL

A Place of Worship, Heritage and Reflection

The Trinity College Chapel is a sacred place of Christian worship and prayer, as well as an important part of Sri Lanka’s architectural, artistic and educational heritage. We are pleased to welcome visitors from Sri Lanka and around the world who wish to experience its unique architecture, murals and peaceful surroundings.

We kindly ask all visitors to observe the following guidelines so that the Chapel may remain a place of worship, reflection and learning for everyone.

1. Prior Arrangements

• Visits to the Chapel are by prior request and are subject to the approval of the College.
• As the Chapel is situated within the premises of an active school, visitors are requested to comply with the College’s visitor access and security procedures.
• Visitors should report to the designated security point or College office upon arrival and follow the instructions of College personnel.
• Access may occasionally be restricted because of Chapel services, school activities, rehearsals, examinations or other College events.

2. Respect for the Chapel

• Please remember that the Chapel is first and foremost a place of Christian worship.
• Visitors are requested to maintain an atmosphere of quietness and reverence.
• Please refrain from loud conversation, unnecessary movement or any behaviour that may disturb prayer, worship or reflection.
• Silence or reduced conversation should be observed whenever a service, prayer or other Chapel activity is taking place.

3. Appropriate Dress

• Visitors are requested to dress modestly and appropriately, bearing in mind the sacred nature of the Chapel.
• Hats and caps should preferably be removed while inside the Chapel, except where worn for religious, cultural or medical reasons.

4. Photography and Video

• Photography for personal purposes is permitted, provided that it does not disturb worship or other Chapel activities.
• Flash photography is not permitted, particularly in the vicinity of the historic murals and other works of art.
• Tripods, lighting equipment and other photographic equipment should not be used without prior permission.
• Commercial photography, filming or professional photo shoots require prior approval from the College.
• Visitors should not photograph students, staff, worshippers or other individuals without their consent.
• Please do not use photography or filming in a manner that interferes with worship or the experience of other visitors.

5. Protection of the Chapel and Its Heritage

The Chapel contains historic stonework, timber carvings, murals, and other elements of considerable cultural, artistic, and spiritual significance. The restoration and conservation of these features require continuing care.

Visitors are therefore requested:

• Not to touch, lean against or climb on the stone pillars, carvings, murals, furniture or other historic features.
• Not to place bags, personal belongings or other objects on historic surfaces.
• Not to enter areas marked as restricted.
• Not to sit, stand or place objects on the altar or other sacred furnishings.
• Not to remove, move or handle any Chapel property.
• To take particular care around the murals and other fragile heritage features.

6. Children and Groups

• Children visiting the Chapel should remain under the supervision of their parents, teachers or accompanying adults.
• Group leaders are responsible for ensuring that members of their group observe these guidelines.
• Large groups should remain together and follow the instructions of the designated guide or College representative.

7. Food, Drinks and Smoking

• Food and beverages are not permitted inside the Chapel.
• Smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco products are not permitted within the Chapel or its immediate surroundings.
• Visitors are requested not to leave litter anywhere on the Chapel premises.

8. Mobile Phones

• Mobile phones should be switched to silent mode while inside the Chapel.
• Visitors are requested to avoid making or receiving calls inside the Chapel.
• Please do not play music, videos or other audio on mobile devices.

9. Worship and Chapel Activities

If a service, prayer, rehearsal or other Chapel activity is taking place:

• Visitors should enter only with the permission of the person in charge.
• Please remain quietly at the rear or in an area designated for visitors.
• Photography and filming may be suspended during worship or other activities.
• Visitors should follow the directions of the Chaplain, Chapel staff or College representative.

10. Safety and Security

• Visitors must comply with all reasonable instructions given by College security personnel or authorised staff.
• Emergency exits and access routes must be kept clear at all times.
• Visitors should not enter other areas of the College unless specifically authorised to do so.
• The College reserves the right to restrict or discontinue a visit where this is necessary for the safety, security or proper functioning of the College.

11. A Shared Responsibility

The Trinity College Chapel belongs to a living tradition that has served generations of students, worshippers and visitors. Its architecture, murals and craftsmanship are part of a heritage that we have a responsibility to preserve for future generations.

We warmly welcome you to the Chapel and ask you to help us preserve its peace, dignity, beauty and heritage.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.