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SACRED HEART PARISH

BOLLATHA

Located in a lush, agricultural valley bordered by the Kandana-Gampaha and Ja-Ela-Ganemulla roads, Bollatha is a village rich in cultural heritage and interfaith harmony. Today, the Sacred Heart Church stands proudly on a small hill at the center of the village, serving as a beacon of faith for a community that has nurtured its Catholic roots for centuries.

Historical Origins and the Catholic Faith

According to local folklore, the name "Bollatha" dates back to the era of King Sakala Kala Wallabha of Udugampola. When a royal minister attempted to cultivate paddy in this area, the harvest yielded only empty husks (bol wee). The land was dubbed "Bolketha" (field of chaff), which eventually evolved into the name Bollatha.

The Catholic history of the village traces its origins to the Dutch period. Fleeing persecution in the coastal areas, Catholic families migrated inland seeking safety, eventually settling in nearby Midellawita and Polgahawatta. Before 1894, the small community of roughly 25 Catholic families gathered for Mass on private land, receiving pastoral care from visiting Oratorians (pioneers) and later by Oblate priests.

Building the First Church (1894–1939)

The foundation for a permanent church was championed by Fr. Marcianus Stouter, OMI. Following a generous two-acre land donation by local leaders Anthony Muppurala and Saradiel Appuhamy, the first Mass on the current grounds was celebrated in 1894. The foundation stone was officially laid on March 5, 1895, under the authority of Archbishop Melizan, OMI.

Despite early challenges—including land disputes and the tragic burning of the newly built girls' school in 1899—the mission persevered. Dedicated Oblate successors to Fr. Stouter, including Fr. Thomas (who built the first mission house in 1914) guided the flock. The church structure was finally completed in 1938. The church was officially blessed in 1939 by Archbishop Masson, OMI.

Parish Elevation and Spiritual Growth

For decades, Bollatha was administered as a sub-station under the Midellawita parish. Recognizing its rapid growth, Thomas Cardinal Cooray, OMI, officially elevated Bollatha to an independent parish.

Under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Perera, OMI, the parish experienced a massive spiritual awakening, highlighted by the inauguration of the continuous Sacred Heart Novena on November 14, 1975—a devotion that continues to bless the village today. The following decades saw immense progress. Fr. Fernand Moyse, OMI expanded the church and initiated the Marian procession, and Fr. Ernest Premasiri, OMI successfully led the parish's 100th-anniversary celebrations in 1993, establishing the Parish Pastoral Council.

The Sacred Heart Parish of Bollatha stands today as a testament to the sweat, tears, and enduring faith of generations of parishioners and dedicated priests, remaining a vibrant vineyard of God’s grace.

SACRED HEART CHURCH, BOLLATA