ABOUT US
About Us
The Diocese of Colombo is the older and larger of the two dioceses of the Church of Ceylon, the Anglican church in Sri Lanka. Our Diocese was formally constituted by Letters Patent in 1845, and our first Bishop, the Right Reverend James Chapman, arrived in Colombo on 7 November of that year. We still keep that date as Diocesan Day.
Today the Diocese of Colombo reaches almost the whole island. There are 126 parish congregations in our care, grouped into nine area deaneries and clustered under four larger archdeaconries. We worship in Sinhala, Tamil and English, often in the same parish building on the same Sunday morning.
Today the Diocese of Colombo reaches almost the whole island. There are 126 parish congregations in our care, grouped into nine area deaneries and clustered under four larger archdeaconries. We worship in Sinhala, Tamil and English, often in the same parish building on the same Sunday morning.
In the plantations
Pre-schools in estate communities at Koslanda, Pundaluoya, Templestowe, Haputale and Passara, and eight child development projects reaching 1,800 children with a hot meal every day.
At Denipitiya
A dispensary built ninety years ago that still sees an average of 653 patients a month. Wound dressing, nebuliser treatment and medicines are given free.
At Bandarawela
Sixteen elders live at the Ascension Home. The only condition for admission is having nobody left to care for you. Between them they keep the festivals of four faiths.
At Vavuniya
Thirty five children at the Oppuravillam pre-school, Tamil and Sinhala together, learning each other's language before they are old enough to be told they are different.
Bishop's Welcome Message
Welcome to the Diocese of Colombo. Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. For over 180 years, God has sustained our community of faith in Sri Lanka, and He calls us forward today to worship, serve, and share the hope of the Gospel. Whether you are a lifelong member, exploring the faith, or seeking a spiritual home, we are glad you are here. May God’s presence guide and sustain you.
The Rt. Rev. Dushantha Lakshman Rodrigo
16th Bishop of Colombo
16th Bishop of Colombo
OUR CHURCHES
Across the Island
- Established
- 1845
- Archdeaconries
- 4
- Deaneries
- 9
- Churches
- 126
From the city parishes of Colombo to Jaffna, the hill country and the southern coast, 126 congregations across four archdeaconries and nine area deaneries. Select a region to see its deaneries.
Archdeaconry
Colombo
From the old city parishes of Colombo up the coast to Puttalam, and inland through Sabaragamuwa to Ratnapura and Rakwana.
- Colombo North24 churches
- Colombo South18 churches
- Sabaragamuwa8 churches
Archdeaconry
Galle
From Dehiwala and Moratuwa down the coast through Kalutara, Galle and Matara to Hambantota.
- Moratuwa & Environs20 churches
- Galle13 churches
Archdeaconry
Jaffna
The Northern Province: Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya.
- Jaffna14 churches
Archdeaconry
Nuwara Eliya
The tea country of the hills, the Uva Province, and the east coast from Trincomalee to Ampara.
- Up Country14 churches
- Eastern Province8 churches
- Uva Province11 churches
MISSION
Our Mission
Board of Christian Education
The Board was founded in 1950. Its work is with children and with the people who teach
The Prayer Ministry
The Prayer Ministry exists to ignite a desire for deep and intentional prayer in every individual, family,
The Joint Liturgical Commission
A shared commission of the Church of Ceylon, working for both dioceses. The liturgical calendar The Commission
Church of Ceylon Youth Movement
The Youth Movement’s stated aim is to be a Christ centred movement that builds bridges of love,
Contact Us
368/3A Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7
Contact Us
368/3A Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7
GET IN TOUCH
Don't hesitate Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're looking for a parish near you, service times, an upcoming event, or someone to pray with, the Diocese of Colombo is here to help.
