Negombo’s many Roman Catholic churches dub the town ‘Little Rome’

Negombo is widely known as ‘Little Rome’ because of its large Roman Catholic population and more than 25 active Catholic churches.

And if smaller chapels and shrines are included, the number is often cited as more than 50.

Most prominent is St Mary’s (pictured), one of the country’s most significant Catholic landmarks and a powerful symbol of the town’s long Christian heritage. 

The largest Catholic church in Sri Lanka, it personifies that ‘Little Rome’ epithet, an identity that has shaped the local culture, community, and history for centuries.

The present church was constructed in the late 19th century, with work beginning in 1874 and the building consecrated in 1924, reflecting both colonial influences and local craftsmanship.

Origins

But the origins of St Mary’s are closely linked to the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century. Although Christianity had earlier roots in Sri Lanka, it was under Portuguese rule that Catholicism became firmly established along the western coast. 

Negombo, with its strategic lagoon and harbour, emerged as a key centre for Catholic missionary activity. 

Architecturally, it blends European neo-classical design with Sri Lankan artistic expression. Its most striking features are the vivid ceiling and altar paintings, created by local artist Mudaliyar Don Charles Silva. 

They depict biblical scenes with distinctly Sri Lankan faces, landscapes, and colours, a cultural fusion that makes the church unique in South Asia.

Today, St. Mary’s remains an active place of worship and a focal point of Negombo’s religious festivals, especially at Christmas and Easter, drawing pilgrims and visitors from across the island.

Other churches:

St. Sebastian’s (Sea Street/Wellaweediya): A stunning structure built in the Gothic Revival style after Reims Cathedral in France. 

St. Sebastian’s (Katuwapitiya): Another major parish dedicated to St. Sebastian, located further inland in the Katuwapitiya area.

St. Anne’s (Kurana): A well-known church located in the Kurana neighborhood.

St. Anthony’s (Dalupotha): A popular church dedicated to St. Anthony.

Meanwhile, St. Stephen’s, located near the Negombo Lagoon and Dutch Fort, is also well known, but is Anglican, not Roman Catholic.