St. Mary's Church — Attraction in Western Province

Since I'm a little Maryite to this day, this cathedral, takes me back to a sea of memories that will remain in my heart each time I visit this place till my last dying day. Since a Kido, I've walked among all the saints everyday till my A/L's before school, especially kneeling down at the statue of St Anne's asking help for my studies, then I joined the college choir where I sang my hymns so proudly and loudly to the mother of Jesus where the old Church Organ is still kept at the right side of the altar, during A/L's then came the crazy days, every morning after prayers I sit here and wait for few good friends of mine to join me at the statue of Fr. Vistarini, before school for funny chit chats, talking of Beverlyhills 90210, Loveboat, Pamela Anderson on Baywatch, Sunday's news Paper magazines and the music we find in it, making the Best SONG book (not that I'm praising my own tail- My SONG Book was the Best in school, it even ended at the vice principals office for repeated interrogation for a J-Los poster Pic ended write in the middle of it). The morning gets even better when we get to Jogg on cadet and prefect warm-ups on the streets, having Big or small Boys showing off daredevil acts in the open park of this statue with their various modified BMX Bikes sets us the perfect alabi to wait for our crushes (girls) to pass by the church walking or in school vans, with all this fun we share our breakfasts opening each other's Lunchboxes at the same place even before the school starts. Oh..how I miss those days, I still come here to give thanks each month I get paid and today is one of those days where these pics were captured took me back on a nostalgia which I will remenice forever..I wonder if the statue of Fr Vistarini had...

St. Mary’s Church in Negombo, Sri Lanka, is one of the largest and most significant Catholic churches in the country. Located in the heart of Negombo, a city often referred to as "Little Rome" due to its large Catholic population, St. Mary’s Church stands as a symbol of the city’s rich religious heritage. The church's history dates back to the late 19th century. Construction began in 1874 and took over 50 years to complete, with the church finally being consecrated in 1922. The church was built during the British colonial period when Christianity, especially Catholicism, had a strong influence in the coastal regions of Sri Lanka. Negombo, in particular, had a large number of converts due to Portuguese influence in the 16th century, who first introduced Christianity to the island. St. Mary’s Church is known for its impressive Gothic-style architecture. The church features a cruciform layout with a large nave, high ceilings, and intricate stained glass windows. One of the most notable aspects of the church is its beautifully painted ceiling, which depicts various scenes from the life of Christ. These paintings were done by a local artist named N.S. Godamanne over a period of several years. The interior is adorned with statues of saints and religious icons, and the altar is elaborately decorated, reflecting the deep devotion of the local...

St. Mary’s Church in Negombo is one of the city’s most iconic and easily accessible landmarks. Located right in the heart of town, it’s very easy to reach by foot, car, or tuk-tuk, with plenty of parking and small shops around. The church itself is truly majestic, with a grand façade, high ceilings, and beautifully painted interiors that immediately catch the eye. Its artwork, stained glass, and statues create a serene and uplifting atmosphere perfect for reflection or prayer.

Facilities for visitors are well maintained. The grounds are clean and orderly, and there’s enough space to sit, rest, or take photos respectfully. Washrooms and small refreshment spots nearby make it convenient for those traveling with families. Despite being a popular stop for tourists, the church retains its religious significance, and services are held regularly.

Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or simply to appreciate its architecture, St. Mary’s Church offers a peaceful escape in the middle of bustling Negombo. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s Catholic heritage, and it stands out as one of the cleanest and most impressive places of worship...