St. Joseph’s Church – Deniyaya

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr.Sebastian Nagaraja
Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Sajith Chrishan

Address: : St. Joseph’s Church, Ratnapura Road, Deniyaya
Telephone: +9477 316 7714
Mass Times:
Sunday – 8.00 am (Sinhala& Tamil)
Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday – 4.30 am (Sinhala)
Thursday –
Friday – 4.30 pm (Sinhala)
Saturday – 8.00 am (English)

Deniyaya is one of the most favorable place in the Diocese of Galle. Situated among the hill tops and surrounded by marvelous waterfalls and wonderful tourist places it adds much color to the diocese. It is a combination of multiple religious and nationalities living in harmony.

Deniyaya also consists of traditional Catholics who had begun their faith long ago. This year Deniyaya parish celebrates the 94 year as a parish. As our Diocese celebrates 125 year we do also join with the Diocesan Bishop, priest, religious and the lay faithful in thanking the Lord for all the graces he has showered upon our parish and the Diocese as a whole.

When we look in to the history of the Deniyaya parish it is really enriching the present Church of our parish was built year1924 under the guidance of Most Rev. Dr.Joseph Vanreeth who was the Bishop at that time. The needs of the parish were looked after by Elpitiya parish. This is the official record of Deniyaya as a parish. Prior to that the liturgical needs of the Deniyaya parish were looked after by Rathnapura parish.

The place where the church is built today was donated by Don Mathew Rajapaksha who was a real lover of the church. The present land of the church and School just close to the church was donated by him. At present Deniyaya parish is consisting of 200 families. Under the patronage of St. Joseph the care taker of the parish the parish is moving a spiritual journey. In the parish the majority is Tamil who live in tea plantation areas. Aningkanda which was a part of Deniyaya parish was declared a new parish. Deniyaya parish also is helped by Holy Angel sisters who are doing a great job in different capacities. Especially the Preschool and the hostel run by the sisters is helpful to the people of the area not only Catholics but also for the Hindus and Buddhists.