Wolvendaal Church

The Dutch word Wolvendaal means the ‘Dale of Wolves’ and it relates to an area outside the Fort of Colombo in Sri Lanka which was in the 17th century covered with swamps and marshland. Animals identified as wolves (in fact they were

jackals!) used to roam here unhindered. In the middle of this area, on a hill overlooking Colombo, stands the majestic Wolvendaal Church. Built in 1749, it is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use on the island and considered one of the most beautiful and historically interesting churches of South Asia.

In January 2005 the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) established the Wolvendaal Foundation. Its ultimate aim is to further cordial relations between the various races and religions on the island. The Dutch Reformed Church itself is a showpiece of peaceful co-existence as it comprises Singhalese, Tamil and Burgher congregations harmoniously working together.

The Foundation focuses on the renovation, maintenance and improvement of the historic Dutch churches and monuments on the island and the development of community projects without consideration of race, religion or colour. The historic buildings comprise the Wolvendaal Church at Colombo, the Groote Kerk located in the Dutch Fort of Galle, the churches at Matara and Kalpitya as well as the Cayman's Gate Belfry at Pettah, Colombo.
The Wolvendaal website provides information about the Foundation and its activities. It also gives the history of the Dutch Period in Ceylon as well as particulars of the historic churches and monuments owned by the Dutch (Christian) Reformed Church of Sri Lanka.