St. Paul's Church Milagiriya, Colombo

St. Paul's Church Milagiriya stands on a site with a much longer history than the present building suggests. The location was first used in the 16th century by the Portuguese, who built a Catholic church known as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres (Our Lady of Miracles). After later changes in control, the Anglican community began constructing a new church on the site in 1848, during the British colonial period. This marked the start of St. Paul’s as an Anglican parish, serving worshippers in the surrounding area.

The early church followed Gothic Revival ideas, but the current structure was completed and dedicated around 1903. Its overall form is closer to a Greek Basilica style than Gothic. The building has a long rectangular plan with solid walls and tall windows that allow light and air inside. The interior is simple, with a central aisle, wooden pews, and a raised chancel. Stained-glass windows and memorials, including the Rev. Lucien Jansz Memorial, reflect the church’s long parish history.

The church has also played an important role in education. A parish school was founded in 1887, which later became St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya, still well known today. Services are held regularly, especially on Sundays and major festivals such as Christmas and Easter. Visitors may enter outside service times, but quiet behavior and modest dress are expected, as the church is still in active use.