FOUNDER PASTOR
Rev. Dr. Colton Wickramaratne (1931-2018) founded People’s Church in 1957 in obedience to divine direction. His powerful ministry has impacted people in many countries and inspired many into ministry. He is known for his assertion – “God’s method is a man, and you can be that man for God!”
Our story begins at when our founding pastor – Pastor Colton Wickramaratne – came to know God. Although he was the son of a devout Baptist preacher from the village of Makevita, Pastor Colton spent his early youth rebelling against God and religion, saying “I don’t want to be compelled to be a Christian… I don’t want to be brainwashed.” Living on a stash of stolen money, which was fast running out, and battling with questions about the meaning and purpose of life, Pastor Colton felt, at just 17, that he had come to the end of the road. So he bought himself a bottle of rat poison, and drifted off to a far corner of the Gampaha Botanical Gardens, to end his misery.
Little did Pastor Colton know that the God of the universe had other plans for him. When he lent his head back against the tree he was standing under, in order to consume the poison he had brought with him, Pastor Colton noticed, that the tree had an enormous poster pinned to it, inviting those who “… have come to the end of life’s journey and… don’t know what to do…” to attend a meeting at the YMCA at 6:00 o’clock that same evening.
Pastor Colton put his bottle of poison away and decided to attend the meeting, but his decision was motivated by a desire – not to meet God – but to disrupt the meeting. Despite this, God got a hold of his heart that day – and so began Pastor Colton’s great adventure in faith. Less than five years after his dramatic conversion, Pastor Colton – by this time, married to his lovely wife Susanne – was serving as an assistant pastor in Kandy. It was at this time, in 1957, that he received a great vision from God. Having seen the nail-pierced hand of Jesus at his window, and heard God’s heart towards him, Pastor Colton clearly sensed God call him into a deeper commitment. Motivated by “implicit obedience,” Pastor Colton and his wife Susanne set off to Colombo, as God had directed, to start this church.
TWO HOUSES, A STABLE, AND A NIGHTCLUB
The church first began in the home of a believer on Walukarama Road. Pastor Colton and his family lived on faith, often having to forego meals due to the lack of finances. Yet they were sustained by God at all times. Later, Pastor Colton was able to rent a small house on Deanston Place, to hold services.
As the church began to grow, the need for a larger space became increasingly obvious. In 1966, another believer who had experienced a miracle from God, offered Pastor Colton his horse stables for holding services. This offer was gladly accepted, and the church began to grow in strength and number at this time. In 1971 the church moved into yet another rented space – this time it was a facility formerly used as a nightclub! It was here that ‘Miracle Prayer Night’ services were started, in 1974. Miracle Prayer Night services continue to be held, to this day.
NO. 4, 6TH LANE, KOLLUPITIYA
As the church continued to grow, the need for a larger, more permanent, premises became undeniable. It was at this time that God provided the means for Pastor Colton to purchase a building in Kollupitiya, which had been previously occupied by the Embassy of Israel. With the help of all the members of the congregation who gave sacrificially, Pastor Colton was able to have the church constructed at No. 4, 6th Lane, by January 1977. The sanctuary seated 1,300 people – and it was filled to capacity!
NARAHENPITA
It soon became clear to Pastor Colton that, in order to fully implement the vision God gave him in 1957, he needed to build a church that could seat at least 5,000 people, and which had teaching and training facilities as well. It was to this end that a two-acre block of government-owned land was purchased in 1991 – again, as part of an amazing move of faith. Not only did members of the church give sacrificially towards the purchase of this land and the construction of the building, God spoke to Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore, telling him that his church in Singapore should match every rupee that was given sacrificially towards the implementation of this aspect of Pastor Colton’s vision. People’s Church officially moved to Narahenpita in November 1999. God has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey. Today we are a thriving body of believers, active throughout the week – not only in the church building itself, but in the marketplace, in the mission field, and around the world – in fulfilling the purposes God has instilled in our hearts.
Little did Pastor Colton know that the God of the universe had other plans for him. When he lent his head back against the tree he was standing under, in order to consume the poison he had brought with him, Pastor Colton noticed, that the tree had an enormous poster pinned to it, inviting those who “… have come to the end of life’s journey and… don’t know what to do…” to attend a meeting at the YMCA at 6:00 o’clock that same evening.
Pastor Colton put his bottle of poison away and decided to attend the meeting, but his decision was motivated by a desire – not to meet God – but to disrupt the meeting. Despite this, God got a hold of his heart that day – and so began Pastor Colton’s great adventure in faith. Less than five years after his dramatic conversion, Pastor Colton – by this time, married to his lovely wife Susanne – was serving as an assistant pastor in Kandy. It was at this time, in 1957, that he received a great vision from God. Having seen the nail-pierced hand of Jesus at his window, and heard God’s heart towards him, Pastor Colton clearly sensed God call him into a deeper commitment. Motivated by “implicit obedience,” Pastor Colton and his wife Susanne set off to Colombo, as God had directed, to start this church.
TWO HOUSES, A STABLE, AND A NIGHTCLUB
The church first began in the home of a believer on Walukarama Road. Pastor Colton and his family lived on faith, often having to forego meals due to the lack of finances. Yet they were sustained by God at all times. Later, Pastor Colton was able to rent a small house on Deanston Place, to hold services.
As the church began to grow, the need for a larger space became increasingly obvious. In 1966, another believer who had experienced a miracle from God, offered Pastor Colton his horse stables for holding services. This offer was gladly accepted, and the church began to grow in strength and number at this time. In 1971 the church moved into yet another rented space – this time it was a facility formerly used as a nightclub! It was here that ‘Miracle Prayer Night’ services were started, in 1974. Miracle Prayer Night services continue to be held, to this day.
NO. 4, 6TH LANE, KOLLUPITIYA
As the church continued to grow, the need for a larger, more permanent, premises became undeniable. It was at this time that God provided the means for Pastor Colton to purchase a building in Kollupitiya, which had been previously occupied by the Embassy of Israel. With the help of all the members of the congregation who gave sacrificially, Pastor Colton was able to have the church constructed at No. 4, 6th Lane, by January 1977. The sanctuary seated 1,300 people – and it was filled to capacity!
NARAHENPITA
It soon became clear to Pastor Colton that, in order to fully implement the vision God gave him in 1957, he needed to build a church that could seat at least 5,000 people, and which had teaching and training facilities as well. It was to this end that a two-acre block of government-owned land was purchased in 1991 – again, as part of an amazing move of faith. Not only did members of the church give sacrificially towards the purchase of this land and the construction of the building, God spoke to Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore, telling him that his church in Singapore should match every rupee that was given sacrificially towards the implementation of this aspect of Pastor Colton’s vision. People’s Church officially moved to Narahenpita in November 1999. God has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey. Today we are a thriving body of believers, active throughout the week – not only in the church building itself, but in the marketplace, in the mission field, and around the world – in fulfilling the purposes God has instilled in our hearts.
FOUNDER PASTOR
Rev. Dr. Colton Wickramaratne (1931-2018) founded People’s Church in 1957 in obedience to divine direction. His powerful ministry has impacted people in many countries and inspired many into ministry. He is known for his assertion – “God’s method is a man, and you can be that man for God!”
Our story begins at when our founding pastor – Pastor Colton Wickramaratne – came to know God. Although he was the son of a devout Baptist preacher from the village of Makevita, Pastor Colton spent his early youth rebelling against God and religion, saying “I don’t want to be compelled to be a Christian… I don’t want to be brainwashed.” Living on a stash of stolen money, which was fast running out, and battling with questions about the meaning and purpose of life, Pastor Colton felt, at just 17, that he had come to the end of the road. So he bought himself a bottle of rat poison, and drifted off to a far corner of the Gampaha Botanical Gardens, to end his misery.
Little did Pastor Colton know that the God of the universe had other plans for him. When he lent his head back against the tree he was standing under, in order to consume the poison he had brought with him, Pastor Colton noticed, that the tree had an enormous poster pinned to it, inviting those who “… have come to the end of life’s journey and… don’t know what to do…” to attend a meeting at the YMCA at 6:00 o’clock that same evening.
Pastor Colton put his bottle of poison away and decided to attend the meeting, but his decision was motivated by a desire – not to meet God – but to disrupt the meeting. Despite this, God got a hold of his heart that day – and so began Pastor Colton’s great adventure in faith. Less than five years after his dramatic conversion, Pastor Colton – by this time, married to his lovely wife Susanne – was serving as an assistant pastor in Kandy. It was at this time, in 1957, that he received a great vision from God. Having seen the nail-pierced hand of Jesus at his window, and heard God’s heart towards him, Pastor Colton clearly sensed God call him into a deeper commitment. Motivated by “implicit obedience,” Pastor Colton and his wife Susanne set off to Colombo, as God had directed, to start this church.
TWO HOUSES, A STABLE, AND A NIGHTCLUB
The church first began in the home of a believer on Walukarama Road. Pastor Colton and his family lived on faith, often having to forego meals due to the lack of finances. Yet they were sustained by God at all times. Later, Pastor Colton was able to rent a small house on Deanston Place, to hold services.
As the church began to grow, the need for a larger space became increasingly obvious. In 1966, another believer who had experienced a miracle from God, offered Pastor Colton his horse stables for holding services. This offer was gladly accepted, and the church began to grow in strength and number at this time. In 1971 the church moved into yet another rented space – this time it was a facility formerly used as a nightclub! It was here that ‘Miracle Prayer Night’ services were started, in 1974. Miracle Prayer Night services continue to be held, to this day.
NO. 4, 6TH LANE, KOLLUPITIYA
As the church continued to grow, the need for a larger, more permanent, premises became undeniable. It was at this time that God provided the means for Pastor Colton to purchase a building in Kollupitiya, which had been previously occupied by the Embassy of Israel. With the help of all the members of the congregation who gave sacrificially, Pastor Colton was able to have the church constructed at No. 4, 6th Lane, by January 1977. The sanctuary seated 1,300 people – and it was filled to capacity!
NARAHENPITA
It soon became clear to Pastor Colton that, in order to fully implement the vision God gave him in 1957, he needed to build a church that could seat at least 5,000 people, and which had teaching and training facilities as well. It was to this end that a two-acre block of government-owned land was purchased in 1991 – again, as part of an amazing move of faith. Not only did members of the church give sacrificially towards the purchase of this land and the construction of the building, God spoke to Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore, telling him that his church in Singapore should match every rupee that was given sacrificially towards the implementation of this aspect of Pastor Colton’s vision. People’s Church officially moved to Narahenpita in November 1999. God has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey. Today we are a thriving body of believers, active throughout the week – not only in the church building itself, but in the marketplace, in the mission field, and around the world – in fulfilling the purposes God has instilled in our hearts.
Little did Pastor Colton know that the God of the universe had other plans for him. When he lent his head back against the tree he was standing under, in order to consume the poison he had brought with him, Pastor Colton noticed, that the tree had an enormous poster pinned to it, inviting those who “… have come to the end of life’s journey and… don’t know what to do…” to attend a meeting at the YMCA at 6:00 o’clock that same evening.
Pastor Colton put his bottle of poison away and decided to attend the meeting, but his decision was motivated by a desire – not to meet God – but to disrupt the meeting. Despite this, God got a hold of his heart that day – and so began Pastor Colton’s great adventure in faith. Less than five years after his dramatic conversion, Pastor Colton – by this time, married to his lovely wife Susanne – was serving as an assistant pastor in Kandy. It was at this time, in 1957, that he received a great vision from God. Having seen the nail-pierced hand of Jesus at his window, and heard God’s heart towards him, Pastor Colton clearly sensed God call him into a deeper commitment. Motivated by “implicit obedience,” Pastor Colton and his wife Susanne set off to Colombo, as God had directed, to start this church.
TWO HOUSES, A STABLE, AND A NIGHTCLUB
The church first began in the home of a believer on Walukarama Road. Pastor Colton and his family lived on faith, often having to forego meals due to the lack of finances. Yet they were sustained by God at all times. Later, Pastor Colton was able to rent a small house on Deanston Place, to hold services.
As the church began to grow, the need for a larger space became increasingly obvious. In 1966, another believer who had experienced a miracle from God, offered Pastor Colton his horse stables for holding services. This offer was gladly accepted, and the church began to grow in strength and number at this time. In 1971 the church moved into yet another rented space – this time it was a facility formerly used as a nightclub! It was here that ‘Miracle Prayer Night’ services were started, in 1974. Miracle Prayer Night services continue to be held, to this day.
NO. 4, 6TH LANE, KOLLUPITIYA
As the church continued to grow, the need for a larger, more permanent, premises became undeniable. It was at this time that God provided the means for Pastor Colton to purchase a building in Kollupitiya, which had been previously occupied by the Embassy of Israel. With the help of all the members of the congregation who gave sacrificially, Pastor Colton was able to have the church constructed at No. 4, 6th Lane, by January 1977. The sanctuary seated 1,300 people – and it was filled to capacity!
NARAHENPITA
It soon became clear to Pastor Colton that, in order to fully implement the vision God gave him in 1957, he needed to build a church that could seat at least 5,000 people, and which had teaching and training facilities as well. It was to this end that a two-acre block of government-owned land was purchased in 1991 – again, as part of an amazing move of faith. Not only did members of the church give sacrificially towards the purchase of this land and the construction of the building, God spoke to Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore, telling him that his church in Singapore should match every rupee that was given sacrificially towards the implementation of this aspect of Pastor Colton’s vision. People’s Church officially moved to Narahenpita in November 1999. God has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey. Today we are a thriving body of believers, active throughout the week – not only in the church building itself, but in the marketplace, in the mission field, and around the world – in fulfilling the purposes God has instilled in our hearts.
FOUNDER PASTOR
Rev. Dr. Colton Wickramaratne (1931-2018) founded People’s Church in 1957 in obedience to divine direction. His powerful ministry has impacted people in many countries and inspired many into ministry. He is known for his assertion – “God’s method is a man, and you can be that man for God!”
Our story begins at when our founding pastor – Pastor Colton Wickramaratne – came to know God. Although he was the son of a devout Baptist preacher from the village of Makevita, Pastor Colton spent his early youth rebelling against God and religion, saying “I don’t want to be compelled to be a Christian… I don’t want to be brainwashed.” Living on a stash of stolen money, which was fast running out, and battling with questions about the meaning and purpose of life, Pastor Colton felt, at just 17, that he had come to the end of the road. So he bought himself a bottle of rat poison, and drifted off to a far corner of the Gampaha Botanical Gardens, to end his misery.
Little did Pastor Colton know that the God of the universe had other plans for him. When he lent his head back against the tree he was standing under, in order to consume the poison he had brought with him, Pastor Colton noticed, that the tree had an enormous poster pinned to it, inviting those who “… have come to the end of life’s journey and… don’t know what to do…” to attend a meeting at the YMCA at 6:00 o’clock that same evening.
Pastor Colton put his bottle of poison away and decided to attend the meeting, but his decision was motivated by a desire – not to meet God – but to disrupt the meeting. Despite this, God got a hold of his heart that day – and so began Pastor Colton’s great adventure in faith. Less than five years after his dramatic conversion, Pastor Colton – by this time, married to his lovely wife Susanne – was serving as an assistant pastor in Kandy. It was at this time, in 1957, that he received a great vision from God. Having seen the nail-pierced hand of Jesus at his window, and heard God’s heart towards him, Pastor Colton clearly sensed God call him into a deeper commitment. Motivated by “implicit obedience,” Pastor Colton and his wife Susanne set off to Colombo, as God had directed, to start this church.
TWO HOUSES, A STABLE, AND A NIGHTCLUB
The church first began in the home of a believer on Walukarama Road. Pastor Colton and his family lived on faith, often having to forego meals due to the lack of finances. Yet they were sustained by God at all times. Later, Pastor Colton was able to rent a small house on Deanston Place, to hold services.
As the church began to grow, the need for a larger space became increasingly obvious. In 1966, another believer who had experienced a miracle from God, offered Pastor Colton his horse stables for holding services. This offer was gladly accepted, and the church began to grow in strength and number at this time. In 1971 the church moved into yet another rented space – this time it was a facility formerly used as a nightclub! It was here that ‘Miracle Prayer Night’ services were started, in 1974. Miracle Prayer Night services continue to be held, to this day.
NO. 4, 6TH LANE, KOLLUPITIYA
As the church continued to grow, the need for a larger, more permanent, premises became undeniable. It was at this time that God provided the means for Pastor Colton to purchase a building in Kollupitiya, which had been previously occupied by the Embassy of Israel. With the help of all the members of the congregation who gave sacrificially, Pastor Colton was able to have the church constructed at No. 4, 6th Lane, by January 1977. The sanctuary seated 1,300 people – and it was filled to capacity!
NARAHENPITA
It soon became clear to Pastor Colton that, in order to fully implement the vision God gave him in 1957, he needed to build a church that could seat at least 5,000 people, and which had teaching and training facilities as well. It was to this end that a two-acre block of government-owned land was purchased in 1991 – again, as part of an amazing move of faith. Not only did members of the church give sacrificially towards the purchase of this land and the construction of the building, God spoke to Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore, telling him that his church in Singapore should match every rupee that was given sacrificially towards the implementation of this aspect of Pastor Colton’s vision. People’s Church officially moved to Narahenpita in November 1999. God has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey. Today we are a thriving body of believers, active throughout the week – not only in the church building itself, but in the marketplace, in the mission field, and around the world – in fulfilling the purposes God has instilled in our hearts.
Little did Pastor Colton know that the God of the universe had other plans for him. When he lent his head back against the tree he was standing under, in order to consume the poison he had brought with him, Pastor Colton noticed, that the tree had an enormous poster pinned to it, inviting those who “… have come to the end of life’s journey and… don’t know what to do…” to attend a meeting at the YMCA at 6:00 o’clock that same evening.
Pastor Colton put his bottle of poison away and decided to attend the meeting, but his decision was motivated by a desire – not to meet God – but to disrupt the meeting. Despite this, God got a hold of his heart that day – and so began Pastor Colton’s great adventure in faith. Less than five years after his dramatic conversion, Pastor Colton – by this time, married to his lovely wife Susanne – was serving as an assistant pastor in Kandy. It was at this time, in 1957, that he received a great vision from God. Having seen the nail-pierced hand of Jesus at his window, and heard God’s heart towards him, Pastor Colton clearly sensed God call him into a deeper commitment. Motivated by “implicit obedience,” Pastor Colton and his wife Susanne set off to Colombo, as God had directed, to start this church.
TWO HOUSES, A STABLE, AND A NIGHTCLUB
The church first began in the home of a believer on Walukarama Road. Pastor Colton and his family lived on faith, often having to forego meals due to the lack of finances. Yet they were sustained by God at all times. Later, Pastor Colton was able to rent a small house on Deanston Place, to hold services.
As the church began to grow, the need for a larger space became increasingly obvious. In 1966, another believer who had experienced a miracle from God, offered Pastor Colton his horse stables for holding services. This offer was gladly accepted, and the church began to grow in strength and number at this time. In 1971 the church moved into yet another rented space – this time it was a facility formerly used as a nightclub! It was here that ‘Miracle Prayer Night’ services were started, in 1974. Miracle Prayer Night services continue to be held, to this day.
NO. 4, 6TH LANE, KOLLUPITIYA
As the church continued to grow, the need for a larger, more permanent, premises became undeniable. It was at this time that God provided the means for Pastor Colton to purchase a building in Kollupitiya, which had been previously occupied by the Embassy of Israel. With the help of all the members of the congregation who gave sacrificially, Pastor Colton was able to have the church constructed at No. 4, 6th Lane, by January 1977. The sanctuary seated 1,300 people – and it was filled to capacity!
NARAHENPITA
It soon became clear to Pastor Colton that, in order to fully implement the vision God gave him in 1957, he needed to build a church that could seat at least 5,000 people, and which had teaching and training facilities as well. It was to this end that a two-acre block of government-owned land was purchased in 1991 – again, as part of an amazing move of faith. Not only did members of the church give sacrificially towards the purchase of this land and the construction of the building, God spoke to Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore, telling him that his church in Singapore should match every rupee that was given sacrificially towards the implementation of this aspect of Pastor Colton’s vision. People’s Church officially moved to Narahenpita in November 1999. God has been faithful to us from the beginning of our journey. Today we are a thriving body of believers, active throughout the week – not only in the church building itself, but in the marketplace, in the mission field, and around the world – in fulfilling the purposes God has instilled in our hearts.
OUR SENIOR PASTOR
LIVE RIGHT, WALK STRAIGHT. GOD WILL DO THE REST!
Pastor Dishan Wickramaratne is known both at home and abroad, for his relentless passion to introduce the world to a God who loves unconditionally and without limits. Naturally gifted with the ability to connect with people, Pastor Dishan speaks straight to the heart, challenging people to “live right, walk straight, and let God do the rest.” A former Royal College rugby player and the heart behind the radio program Think-a-Minute, Pastor Dishan is married to Pastor Jayani and is the father of three beautiful and talented children, Shyara, Rajeev and Dilani.
OUR SENIOR PASTOR
LIVE RIGHT, WALK STRAIGHT. GOD WILL DO THE REST!
Pastor Dishan Wickramaratne is known both at home and abroad, for his relentless passion to introduce the world to a God who loves unconditionally and without limits. Naturally gifted with the ability to connect with people, Pastor Dishan speaks straight to the heart, challenging people to “live right, walk straight, and let God do the rest.” A former Royal College rugby player and the heart behind the radio program Think-a-Minute, Pastor Dishan is married to Pastor Jayani and is the father of three beautiful and talented children, Shyara, Rajeev and Dilani.
OUR SENIOR PASTOR
LIVE RIGHT, WALK STRAIGHT. GOD WILL DO THE REST!
Pastor Dishan Wickramaratne is known both at home and abroad, for his relentless passion to introduce the world to a God who loves unconditionally and without limits. Naturally gifted with the ability to connect with people, Pastor Dishan speaks straight to the heart, challenging people to “live right, walk straight, and let God do the rest.” A former Royal College rugby player and the heart behind the radio program Think-a-Minute, Pastor Dishan is married to Pastor Jayani and is the father of three beautiful and talented children, Shyara, Rajeev and Dilani.