Who built St. Andrews Church in Haputale?

The church was built by James Andrews of Sherwood Estate and Richard Wylie of Pita Ratmale Estate. The foundation stone was laid by Lieutenant General Hodgson on 7 April 1869, and the building was consecrated for worship in September of the same year.

What architectural style is St. Andrews Church Haputale?

St. Andrew's Church is built in the Neo-Gothic style, which was commonly used for Anglican churches constructed during the British colonial period in the 19th century. The style features pointed arches and the kind of austere stone-and-timber aesthetic typical of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture.

Are the stained glass windows in St. Andrews Church original?

Yes. The stained glass windows surrounding the altar were imported from Scotland at the time of the church's construction in 1869 and are believed to be original. They depict key events in the life of Jesus and remain in good condition.

How do I get to Haputale from Colombo?

The most scenic option is by train on the Colombo Fort–Badulla line, stopping at Haputale station; the journey takes roughly five to six hours depending on the service. By road, Haputale is approximately 215 km from Colombo via the Ratnapura or Avissawella routes and typically takes four to five hours.

Is there an entry fee for St. Andrews Church Haputale?

There is no formal admission fee to visit the church. As an active place of worship, visitors are welcome during non-service hours; a small voluntary donation toward maintenance is appreciated.

Can I visit St. Andrews Church and Adisham Bungalow on the same day?

Yes, both can easily be combined in a half-day visit from Haputale town. Adisham Bungalow is open to the public on weekends, so timing your trip to coincide with those days is recommended. The two sites are around 3 km apart.

What is the significance of St. Andrews Church in Sri Lanka's colonial history?

St. Andrew's is one of the oldest surviving European buildings in the Badulla District, dating to 1869. It was central to the social and spiritual life of the British planting community that developed the highland tea estates during the latter half of the 19th century, and it illustrates how Anglican institutions were established alongside commercial enterprises in Sri Lanka's hill country.

Haputale St. Andrews Church

St. Andrew's Church is an Anglican church in Haputale, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. This small Neo-gothic church is located on the A16 road (Beragala - Hali Ela road).

It is one of the oldest buildings in Haputale and one of the oldest European buildings in the district. The foundation stone was laid on 7 April 1869 by Lieutenant General Hodgson and it was consecrated for worship on 19 September 1869.It was built by James Andrews, who worked at Sherwood Estate, and Richard Wylie, from Pita Ratmale Estate. The first services were conducted by Rev. Joseph Barnett, co-pastor of Middlington.

The church's interior is small but well furnished. The pews and kneelers are upholstered with red velvet and leather and the ends of the pews are decorated with intricate woodcarvings. The altar is surrounded by stained glass windows imported from Scotland that depict the significant events in the life of Jesus. It has a marble baptismal font, imported from England, located at the entrance of the church.