[3] The Methodist Church in Sri Lanka was originated early in the 19th century when the island (then called Ceylon) was under the British rule.

Harvard remained in Bombay whilst the others continued on their journey, landing at Weligama on 29 June 1814, six months after it commenced from London.

Lynch and Squance went north to Jaffna, Ault north-east to Batticaloa, Erskine to Matara whilst Clough remained in Galle.

In 1816 with the help of Andrew Armour, a former army officer and school teacher, he purchased a portion of land on Dam Street and built the first Methodist chapel (known as Wesleyan Mission House[5]) in Asia.

The building complex comprised a chapel, dwelling house for two families, a large schoolroom, printing and bookbinding offices, a type foundry and warehouses.