An Anglican Church influenced by Buddhism

In the heart of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka lies an Anglican Church, influenced by Buddhist Architecture.

The Cathedral of Christ the King, situated on Kandy Road is the primary Anglican cathedral of the Diocese of Kurunegala, affiliated with the Church of Ceylon.

Standing at the base of Ethagala (Elephant Rock) on a 1.4-hectare site, this remarkable place of worship blends spiritual symbolism with a distinctly Sri Lankan architectural identity.

The Church’s architecture is heavily influenced from the island’s Buddhist heritage rather than the typical Gothic or Romanesque styles often associated with cathedrals in the West.

The cathedral owes its existence to the dedication and generosity of Rt. Rev. Lakdasa De Mel, the first Bishop of Kurunegala, and his family.

Just two years after Sri Lanka’s independence, the construction of the church has began on 21 December 1950 with an estimated cost of Rs. 500,000.

Reverend Lakdasa’s vision was not only to build a house of worship but also to reflect the cultural soul of Sri Lanka through its design.

Architectural Marvels and Symbolism

Breaking away from the European ecclesiastical tradition, the cathedral incorporates elements from the Polonnaruwa and Kandy eras of Sri Lanka, both has a significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s history.

The church connects the architectural styles usually reserved for Buddhist temples in the country.

Structures are built primarily using cement and reinforced concrete, and the structure features intricate Kandyan-inspired art motifs, lacquer work, and brass details.

The 33-meter central tower, standing tall and which can be seen from far distance of the area stands striking. It tops with a bronze cross — a symbolic blend of Christian faith and Sri Lankan grandeur.

Inside, the communion rails, lamps, and the Cross of Anuradhapura in brass pay homage to ancient island craftsmanship and heritage.

A church with Sinhala Buddhist architecture

Cathedral of Christ the King, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/uBcu2UhDce
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Interior Splendor

The interior reflects both Anglican tradition and local cultural pride.

Flags of the historical Disavas — the old administrative divisions of the region — hang prominently, reproduced by celebrated artist Ena de Silva.

Artistic highlights include, a modern painting by Nalini Marcia Jayasuriya in the Lady Chapel, offering a contemporary touch to the sacred space.

It also contains a fresco of Christ the King by the renowned painter George Keyt, blending Christian iconography with Sri Lankan artistic sensibilities.

A Unique Cultural Statement

Unlike the grand stone cathedrals of the Vatican or the towering spires of Western Christendom, here stood a Christian church clothed in Sinhala Buddhist architecture.

Its lines, motifs, and proportions spoke of dagobas, vihara halls, and Kandyan temple art — a powerful testament to how faith and culture can merge without losing their identities.

Conclusion

The Cathedral of Christ the King is not just an Anglican house of worship. It is a cultural bridge — a Christian cathedral built in the language of Buddhist architecture.

It stands as proof that faith can adapt, respect, and celebrate the heritage of the land it inhabits, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most architecturally unique and spiritually significant landmarks.

After all, Sri Lanka, a nation in the Himalayan region, knows what is co-existence.

Any visitor touring the region, should make a visit to this ‘Church’ a must.