The history of the Catholic Church in the two villages of Kalamulla and Katukurunda can be traced back to the year 1544 when Franciscan fathers commenced their mission evangelising in these areas. Mutual help, alms giving and shramadana are traditional Sri Lankan traits. They played a major role in building this church. The old and the young, people from all walks of life and even children contrib
uted in whatever way they could. The newly built church was consecrated in 1968 by His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Cooray. The faithful of the present day are the descendants of those Catholic who stood firm in their faith inspite of gruesome trails and tribulation they had to endure. In place of this century old church, a new one, designed to highlight indigenous architecture depicting Sri Lankan identity was begun to be built in the early part of the nineteen sixties. Henry Rodrigo who was the then parish priest of Kalamulla and an ardent proponent of making the Catholic Church go Sri Lankan. At the root of the main entrance a moonstone can be seen. The inside and outside decorations of the church profusely depict the lotus flower. The steeple in the front and the tower at the back take the shape of the roof of the Temple of the Tooth. The giant "Punkalas"- symbols of fertility are on either side of the main doors. Arches depicting the shape of "Makara Thorana" adorn the sanctuary. This church has been constructed under the guidance of the former parish priest Rev. Maurice Namal before 7 years ago..This church which has seen forty seven years is now in need of further extensive repairs and parishioners under the guidance of the parish priest Rev. Lawrence Ramanayakelare presently engaged in a concentrated effort to collect the necessary funds and assistance in any form by the faithful who value Christian heritage as well as indigenous heritage would be of immense help towards this worthy cause. Donors can visit this page and get the details to make donations.
