Heritage
135+ years
A long-standing parish presence in the heart of Polwatte.
Discover the story, vision, leadership, and people who shape the life of St. Michael and All Angels in Polwatte.
Our story
We are a Christian church within the Anglican tradition, and we welcome people of all Christian traditions, as well as people of other faiths and people of little or no faith. Christian worship has been offered to God here for more than 135 years, and by worshipping with us you become part of that living tradition.
Our regular worshippers, comprising three congregations in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, together with our members of staff and a large number of volunteers, make up the church community. We are committed to diversity, equal opportunities, and the personal and spiritual development of all who work and worship here because we are followers of Jesus Christ.
St. Michael’s is both a landmark and a living parish church where people gather across languages and generations for worship, learning, fellowship, and service. If you need any help, please speak with the Vicar.
Heritage
A long-standing parish presence in the heart of Polwatte.
Architect
The architect whose work helped shape the character of this beloved church.
Parish life
A church community grounded in prayer, music, welcome, and outreach.
Vision and values
Our vision is to be a prayerful, welcoming, and outward-looking church at the heart of Polwatte, rooted in Anglican worship and committed to serving God and neighbour with joy, reverence, and generosity.
Worship
We seek to offer worship that is reverent, beautiful, and rooted in the Anglican tradition.
Welcome
We aim to be a church where people of every background can feel received, valued, and at home.
Beauty
Music, architecture, liturgy, and sacred art all help us lift our hearts and minds to God.
Service
We believe the life of the church must overflow in compassion, practical care, and witness to the wider community.
Board of Wardens
St. Michael’s is governed by a Board of Wardens together with the Vicar. They work closely in the leadership and stewardship of the parish, helping to guide its life, oversee key decisions, support ministry, and care for the church’s ongoing wellbeing.
Their work touches every part of parish life, from practical planning and administration to the wider direction and health of the congregation. In partnership with the Vicar, they help ensure that St. Michael’s remains faithful in worship, wise in decision-making, and generous in service.
Wardens are elected. They are not chosen. You cannot volunteer to be a Warden. In the English Congregation there are 3 peoples' wardens, elected by the people, and one vicar's warden, appointed by the vicar. The Tamil and Sinhala congregations have one peoples' warden and one vicar's warden each. They are all appointed at the Annual General Meeting and serve a term of 3 years.
Vicar
Ven. Christopher Balraj
Curates
Rev N Asokarajah
Rev S.W. Pathmasiri
Rev Chintha Polgampola, NSM
Deacon
Sister Cyril Margaret
Wardens - English Congregation
Leana Pieris, Vicar's Warden
Ravi Navaratnam
Shanti Alles
Soniya Fernando
Wardens - Sinhala Congregation
Lalith Premaratne, Vicar's Warden
Rohana Delvita
Wardens - Tamil Congregation
Luckshmi Mahendran, Vicar's Warden
Suren Perinpanayagam
Parish Secretary
Malathi Fernando
Administrative Assistant
G. Christabel
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