First Mass of Navy-reconstructed St. Anthony's Church held in Kochchikade

The first Mass of reconstructed St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade was held under the patronage of the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on 12^th June 2019.

The Sri Lanka Navy undertook the reconstruction work of the church which was severely damaged due to the Easter Sunday terror attacks on 21^st April. Accordingly, the Navy Civil Engineers and architects made a valiant effort for the reconstruction of the church in record time. The construction work undertook by the Navy also received clear guidance and approval of the President, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena. Besides, this magnanimous cause was well supported by a number of philanthropists as well. Meanwhile, the proprietor of Resolve Marine Group in US, Mr. Joseph E. Farrell donated USD 60,000 for this meritorious act, making it the first of its kind received for this good cause. On the other hand, the contribution of Mr. Manoj De Cruise and Pathum Magalla, as architects, was also instrumental for the well planned refurbishment of the building.

Besides, technical advice of the naval architect who designed the new church on the Kachchathivu Island was largely helpful for the construction work. Following the directives and guidance of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, naval personnel broke their sweat around the clock to bring the church back to its former majesty, in order to reopen it for the reverence of the general public.

Speaker of the Parliament, Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya, Ministers, former Navy Commanders, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Navy, Navy Chief of Staff, Director General Civil Engineering, senior naval officers, sailors, officials from the public and private sector and scores of devotees were also present on this occasion.