What - Places to see in Kotahena 
Where - Colombo 13 

Back when the war hit us in Jaffna, we moved to Colombo after I lost my dad. As my mother was from Kotahena we took refuge there. I still remember the good times in this old house, No. 77 Mayfield Road, which is no more. A new house has been built, but the front house still looks the same. What’s amazing about the neighbourhood is that people are so interconnected and know each other. But things have changed a lot, and it’s a very crowded place today but the good feeling still remains. 

So I walked down the places we lived in to bring you a few places you must see when you drive by. 

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Good Shepherd Convent 

This was my mom’s school and even my sister's at short intervals. The buildings are simply beautiful. 

On 1st May 1869, the school began functioning with just 8 students and the first Superior of the Convent, Sr. Mary of the Seven Doulors Joly taking over the task of leading the School as Principal. With a 140 year history this is a place you must see, and the story of this school is brought to life on the walls as you enter the school. 

On 15th April, 1869, Rev. Sr. Mary Anucita Marandi, Sr. Mary Suzanne Cardiff, Sr. Euphstie Joseph and Sr. Mary Sacred Heart Masi arrived in Sri Lanka consequent to a request made in 1867 by the then Bishop of Colombo, His Lordship Hilarion Sillani to Mother Mary of St. Euphrasia Pelletier (now St. Mary Euphrasia), to set up a school of the Good Shepherd order. 

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St. Benedict’s College 

This was my school for 3 months, back in 1993. As my mom was a teacher there before she got married she was able to put me in, and it’s very close to our family as it’s where my uncles studied. 

This school was founded in 1865 and is managed by the De La Salle Brothers. The school is considered one of the leading schools in Sri Lanka and also one of the oldest Catholic schools in the island, with a history of over 150 years. Inaugurated in 1865 by the Benedictine Monks, the school consisted of a few classrooms and a small staff at first. In 1868, the De La Salle Brothers took over the administration. 

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St. Lucia's Cathedral 

My mom got married here, and I have always loved this church as it’s so majestic and has a long history, Even the Holy Father Pope John Paul II, visited this church. 

Named after the virgin and martyr Saint Lucy, the cathedral is considered the oldest and largest parish cathedral in Sri Lanka. I have never see a church with such beauty! The interior of the cathedral consists of a row of ornate, larger-than-life statues of saints along the side aisles, sculptured and painted in minute detail.  Many of these statues were installed in 1924 by priest and artist Rev. Fr. J Milliner. Established in the 1800s, it’s a place you must see. 

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Paramananda Vihara 

And my final spot was Paramananda Vihara with a rich history, it’s a place to see. 

Hope you will go see these places and do let me know what I have missed! Colombo 13 is very close to my heart, and the 102 bus still gives me butterflies! From the Corpus Christi celebrations to Christmas times, and the bakery man who went on a motorbike, these will always be my childhood memories. 

Today on WTF 

Video and photographs by KINGS Co. 
Hair and make up - Capello Salon 
Transport Partner - PickMe 
Outfit - Jump