[1] Kalpitiya was originally known by the ancient Tamils as Kav Putti, and was a popular hub for Arab merchants.

The King of Portugal bestowing the territory to the Jesuits, who built a chapel here,[2] establishing a small garrison to defend it.

The Dutch called the town Calpentyn or Calpetty, occupying the fort there until the end of the 18th century.

The building was renovated around 1840, when a semi-circular porch with brick and plaster pillars with Corinthian capitals was added, together with three spires on its front gable.

For a long time the church fell under the management of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.