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“QUASI” PARISH OF MOHOHTHUWARAM

KOKILAI

The "Quasi" Parish of Mohoththuwaram serves a resilient community of Sinhalese Catholic fishermen in the Mullaitivu District. This mission is a unique testament to the migratory patterns of Sri Lankan fishing communities and the Oblate commitment to providing pastoral care regardless of geographic or linguistic boundaries.

Historical Background

The community’s roots date back to the early 1940s, when skilled Catholic fishermen from Duwa, Negombo, began seasonal migrations to Mohoththuwaram, Kokilai, and Nayaru. Driven by the South-West monsoon, they traveled in traditional outrigger canoes and established wadiyas (makeshift huts).

During these early years, Fr. Dehiwala Liyanage Don Edward, OMI, who served as the Parish Priest of Duwa (1942–1949 and 1971–1975), made occasional visits to these families, providing vital spiritual support. While the community initially attended the Catholic church in Kokilai, they eventually used their meager earnings to build a small church of their own in Mohoththuwaram.

The Path to a Resident Mission

For decades, pastoral care was provided by Oblate priests stationed at Padaviya in the Diocese of Anuradhapura. Pioneers like the late Fr. Gilbert Perera, OMI, encouraged by Bishop Henry Goonewardena, OMI, traveled long distances to serve the flock.

  • Tsunami Recovery: Following the 2004 Tsunami, Bishop Norbert Andradi, OMI, and Fr. Gilbert (through the Sethsaviya Socio-Economic Centre) provided critical aid, helping the community rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

  • A Growing Need: Under the guidance of Fr. Nilushion Fernando, OMI, the community petitioned the Bishop of Jaffna for a resident, Sinhala-speaking priest to better serve their specific pastoral and linguistic needs.

Youth Formation and Healing

Beyond language education, the parish heavily promotes the Lakrivi Children’s Movement. This movement instills human and spiritual values, leadership qualities, and mutual respect among children of all racial and religious backgrounds. Through these dedicated efforts, the Oblates are helping to heal the lingering anxieties and brokenness within families, including the trauma caused by the tragic Easter Sunday attacks.

Establishment of the "Quasi" Parish

In March 2020, Bishop Justin Gnanapragasam of Jaffna, in consultation with the then-Provincial Fr. Irwin Morais, OMI, appointed Fr. W. Leslie Fernando, OMI, as the first "Quasi" Parish Priest. On August 13, 2020, a new mission house—constructed through the generosity of benefactors—was blessed in the presence of Provincial Superior Fr. Roshan Silva, OMI, and clergy from both the Jaffna and Colombo Provinces.

This appointment marked a historic step in ensuring the spiritual rights of the Sinhala-speaking flock within the Diocese of Jaffna were fully recognized and supported.

Current Pastoral & Social Mission

Today, the parish consists of over 200 resident families, supplemented by seasonal fishermen from the Diocese of Chilaw. Recent leadership has focused on holistic community development:

  • Spiritual & Educational Growth: Elevating Catholic life and educational standards while establishing the La.Kri.Vī. children's movement.

  • Socio-Pastoral Outreach: Finding solutions to emerging issues, including:

    • Promoting legal and sustainable fishing methods.

    • Enhancing sea safety and technical skills (engine repair) for young fishermen.

    • Developing vocational training opportunities for young women.

  • Educational Presence: To be engaged in the teaching staff of the Mohoththuwaram Sinhala Vidyalaya.

Despite challenges, such as the severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025, the "Quasi" Parish of Mohoththuwaram remains a steadfast beacon of faith and solidarity for the fishing community on Sri Lanka's northeastern coast.