Structure

Architectural Description

Architect(s)	Tom Neville Wynne-Jones P. H. Wilson Peiris
Architectural type	Church
General contractor	U. N. Gunasekera
Groundbreaking	28 October 1968

The architecture combines traditional elements of the Kandyan period, (17th & 18th century) and modern structural design. Each part of the building incorporates the symbolic aspects of the Christian faith. The walls and columns of the Cathedral have an unfinished appearance to symbolize the unfinished task of the Church.

At the entrance to the Cathedral is the Immersion Baptismal Font which invites us to become new persons in the name of Christ. From this point you will find that the floor slopes slightly in the middle section and then rises again so that it is on equal level with the Holy Sanctuary and makes everyone visible to the speaker at a centrally placed lectern, which reflects the unity of the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist celebrated at the Altar. The glass panels on the walls set high above the Sanctuary provides natural light, symbolizing the 'light of the world'

The Cross

The magnificent wooden Cross (made from Kumbuk wood) which hangs behind the main Altar table, is the symbol of the Lord's suffering for mankind. The sides of the Cross are decorated with a steel inlay on which sketches of angels as well as the glory of nature such as trees, fruits and birds are depicted.

The Holy Communion table in the Sanctuary `

The Holy Communion table in the Sanctuary embellished in local design, forms a central place of importance in the Cathedral. The Altar and the Lectern placed in close proximity illustrates how the Word and Sacrament are complementary to each other.

Side Chapels

There are two side Chapels in the Cathedral. As you enter on the right is St Joseph's Chapel where the Altar table represents a carpenter's table. On the left is St Mary's Chapel, which serves to commemorate the first ordination of women in the diocese that took place in 2006. The murals painted on the walls of St. Mary's Chapel depicting the Wedding at Canna and the Woman at the Well - done in Sri Lankan design - by a renowned Sri Lankan artist Stanley Kirinde.

The Octagonal Dome

The roof extends to a great height over the Sanctuary and the Altar and is surrounded by walls designed with cement grills. Rising up in the centre is the highest point in the building at one hundred feet.

Walls and Entrances

Concrete walls with decorative cement grills on the left and right wings of the main body of the Cathedral provide access to fresh air and light. Apart from the main front entrance there are six entrances and exits on the sides.

The Neon Cross

Adorning the highest point of the building outside is lit up at night - a reassuring sight reminding us that even through darkness, Christ our Saviour is always there with us.

Cathedral Garden

An extensive garden surrounds the Cathedral which has a wide variety of trees, foliage and flowering plants. In the garden in front of the Cathedral, facing the main road, is a wooden cross bearing the words “FATHER FORGIVE” these words of Jesus are the very essence of Christianity.