St. Mary's Church, Colombo

St. Mary’s Church is a Roman Catholic parish with roots going back to the early 19th century. Local tradition says a small church linked to Paschal Mudaliyar existed by 1808. Historians note this story may be connected to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Batticaloa, but it is still part of the parish’s accepted history. The church served as a substation of St. Philip Neri’s Church in Pettah until 1886, when it became an independent parish. The present building began with the foundation stone laid on July 12, 1908, and was completed in 1917.

The building follows a European design that mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. The front is balanced and symmetrical, with a tall central tower that gives it a cathedral-like look. Inside, the church is spacious, with a high ceiling and rows of columns leading toward the main altar. It is especially known for its stained-glass windows, which are among the finest in the country and are placed to soften the natural light.

Devotion to the Virgin Mary is central to parish life. The Feast of the Assumption on August 15 is the most important yearly event and draws large crowds. The church holds daily Mass, usually around 7:00 AM, with Sunday services in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. It remains an active place of worship and is often used for weddings. Visitors may enter outside service times and are expected to stay quiet, dress modestly, and behave respectfully.