St. Mary's Cathedral, Batticaloa

St. Mary's Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Puliyanthivu, Batticaloa, built with Victorian architectural details combined with traditional Sri Lankan construction techniques. The structure features tall walls, large openings, and a spacious interior designed to accommodate the faithful.

The cathedral was established in 1808 by Paschal Mudaliyar as a co-cathedral serving the region. It was elevated to the status of main cathedral of Batticaloa Diocese in 2012, reflecting its growing importance to the Catholic Church.

The cathedral serves as the spiritual center for the Catholic community across the Batticaloa region, where worshippers gather regularly for services and celebrations. It reflects the deep religious roots of the local population and remains a place where faith shapes daily life.

The cathedral is located in Puliyanthivu and remains open for visitors to enter and experience the space. It is advisable to visit during quieter periods to avoid interruptions from services and to have time to look around peacefully.

The stained glass windows cast colorful patterns of light onto the interior walls that shift and change as the sun moves throughout the day. This means each visit offers a different visual experience depending on the time you arrive.