The catholic community who lived in Tarala contributed and devoted their time and strength to build the Holy Cross Church and it has a proud history of more than hundred years. History goes back to the 17th century in the Dutch era. Franciscan and the Dominican missionary fathers have visited the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces in 1605. Gurubewila (Hanwella) has been the main town in time of Du
tch administration. It was in close proximity to the Tarala; 10 kms. As per the written witnesses it is said that Farther "Joseph Vaz" visited Gurubewila in 1697 on his mission. The initial development of the church has commenced in 1881 by the Archbishop of Rt. Clement Pannati, at the time of Rev. Francis Wandulisan, the Parish Priest. The development was fully completed in 1903 by most Rev. The 108th anniversary of Holy Cross Church will celebrating on 18th September 2011.
