St. Anthony’s Shrine/ශාන්ත අන්තෝනි සිද්ධස්ථානය/புனித அந்தோனியார் திருத்தலம்
Let me explain about the shrine (Church) a little bit. Early in the Dutch colonial period (1640 to 1796) The church was originated, but with the streak ruling for no Catholicism. Catholic priests carrying out sermons from hiding places. According to Church history, Fr. Antonio is the one who made this church he is buried within the church also.
In 1806, the chapel was enlarged, and in 1822 one of the members of the Congregation went to Goa and brought back a statue of St. Anthony.
This is the statue that is venerated and though the altar on which it rests today is the side altar, it was the original altar of the old Church.
Construction of a new church commenced in 1828 and it was consecrated on 1 June 1834.
A tiny piece of St. Anthony’s tongue is enshrined in a special reliquary in the Church.
Miracles
This Church is so famous by both to Christians and non-Christians. As it has lots of miracles, this nearly 200 year old shrine attracts large numbers of the devout, especially on Tuesdays.
After the Easter Sunday Attack
On 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, the church was one in a series of targets of a string of suicide bomb blasts across Sri Lanka. At least 93 people were killed in the blast.
On 12 June 2019, the sacred historical church was renovated solely by the Sri Lanka Navy and was opened to the public for the first time since the attacks.
Now the Church is open as usual, no entry fees for anyone (local or foreigners). Little bit tight security that’s all.