History of the Parish

The roots of the Holy Mother of Expectation Church in Eldeniya trace back to 19th Century, when a humble thatched chapel, known as the Kandanpita Palliya (කඳන්පිට පල්ලිය) — or the chapel upon the logs—was built on the site of the present cemetery. Raised above the ground to protect it from wandering animals, this small place of worship became a spiritual refuge for the few Catholic families residing in the area.

A revered statue of the Holy Mother of Expectation was placed inside the chapel, drawing the devotion of the faithful. However, tragedy struck when the statue was stolen. Undeterred, the small Catholic community—around 20 families—prayed fervently and searched tirelessly until they discovered it buried in a pit. They entrusted the recovered statue to Rev. Fr. P. Joseph Fernando, the parish priest of Kirimatiyagara, under whose jurisdiction Eldeniya belonged at the time.

Determined to establish a permanent house of worship, Fr. Joseph laid the foundation for a new church between 1929 and 1930 at its present location. The initial structure included the narthex and mission house, with walls reaching up to eight feet. A simple earthen-floored hall was prepared, where the beloved statue of the Holy Mother of Expectation was enshrined. In December 1931, the first-ever feast in her honor was celebrated, marking the beginning of a lasting devotion.

In 1933, Rev. Fr. Fabian Fernando, then in charge of the Kirimatiyagara Parish, initiated the construction of the present church building. This monumental effort was made possible through the generous financial contributions of Mr. Stephen Perera of Kotahena and his relatives, along with the unwavering support of Catholic communities from Kirimatiyagara, Kadawatha, Kurukulawa, Enderamulla, Dalugama, and Modera. Though small in number, the dedicated Catholic families of Eldeniya offered their labor selflessly, ensuring that the church was built with beauty and reverence.

Nestled along the Colombo-Kandy highway, just beyond Kadawatha, the Holy Mother of Expectation Church has remained a beacon of faith, a sanctuary of miracles, and a witness to countless answered prayers. From its humble origins to the thriving parish it is today, one truth remains unchanged—all who turn to the Blessed Mother’s comfort and intercession never leave empty-handed.