Dutch Reform Church

Did the jackals howl here too, in this serene space that cradles the Dutch Reform Church? The Dutch Reform Church, or Wolvendaal Church as it’s known locally, stands as a testament to the enduring mark of Dutch history on the Sri Lankan landscape. Here in Colombo, this church is more than just a building. It’s a tangible piece of the interwoven history of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, a shared heritage shaped by the Dutch East India Company, or VOC. The VOC’s influence stretched across the island, from the cinnamon-growing lands they controlled to the strategic harbor of Colombo, a vital hub second only to Batavia. The Dutch presence in Sri Lanka spanned 150 years, officially from 1658, when they ousted the Portuguese, to 1796, when the British took control. But the Dutch story began earlier, in 1602, with Joris van Spilbergen’s arrival. Drawn by Ceylon’s prized cinnamon and the lucrative elephant trade, the VOC established a foothold on the island’s coasts. The church itself rose from the marshlands beyond Colombo’s city walls in 1749, its foundation laid during Governor Julius Valentyn Stein van Gollenesse’s tenure. Eight years later, in 1757, it opened its doors. This Doric-style edifice, with its thick kabok walls and grand, cross-shaped design, has witnessed centuries of history unfold. Inside, the echoes of sermons past mingle with the stories etched into the tombstones beneath your feet. These stones bear witness to the lives of Dutch governors, Burghers, and other figures who shaped Sri Lanka’s history. Look closely, and you might find the oldest tombstone, dating back to 1607. Some stones even migrated here from the Kasteel Kerk, carrying their stories from the old chapel within Colombo’s fort. The church’s very name, Wolvendaal, whispers tales of jackals mistaken for wolves, roaming the valley. Or perhaps it’s a corrupted echo of “Agoa de Luphe,” the “dale of wolves,” a possible misinterpretation of a Portuguese church dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Dutch Reform Church continues its legacy today as the Christian Reformed Church of Sri Lanka. Services in Tamil, Sinhalese, and English fill its hallowed halls each Sunday, ensuring that the echoes of history continue to resonate within these walls.