Holy Family Convent, Katuneriya Reaches the 125th Milepost
 The Holy Family Sisters began working in Katuneriya in the year 1885. In the year 1870, when Sri Lanka was still under British governance, permission was given to open Government Assisted Schools. That is how formal education began in the Parish of Katuneriya with about 181 students of whom 73 were girls and 108 were boys. During that time the present convent premises and the parish church premises were all on one ground. The public road separating the premises came into existence later.
In 1886, the Holy Family Sisters who were already in Wennappuwa, began a formal educational institute for girls in Katuneriya. In 1900 there were 245 girls being educated in this school. Today, the school is state- owned and no sisters teach there. But 110 years ago a well established and flourishing school was managed by the Holy Family Sisters. History records that from 1926 to 1932 the school was managed by Sr. Lucilla. The level of education imparted was of a very high standard. The students had increased by about 360. Sr. Caitan who was the Principal from 1932 to 1940 had maintained very high standards. The cadjan sheds which were there when the school began gave way to two spacious buildings. There were 14 on the teaching staff. The parish priest at the time, Fr. Romuald, gave immense help for the development of the school.
1940 to 1943 saw Sr. Antonia as the Principal. Up to this time there were classes only up to Grade 8. In 1944 classes were begun up to Grade 11. Permission was given to open up senior classes and thus the school became a
Senior
Secondary School. Sr. Emmanuel was the Principal. In the 1950s the school won many a title at Sports and at Netball. A science section was also opened in the school. During these years the school was run as an
Assisted
School and managed by the Sisters. The state took over the school in 1961. In 1971, the boys and the girl’s schools were amalgamated. The sisters were no longer working in these schools.
 However the apostolic involvements of the sisters continued as Katuneriya was a highly populated area with a catholic population of 15000 people. They worked in the parish helping the catechetic and other commitment of the parish. Sisters services were not limited to the parish only but to the surburm remote places too. Various movements such as ASIPA (community based formation) continue in the parish and our sisters too help. Adult catechesis also takes an important place. Adult catechetic and House visiting was done as an essential apostolates.
In 2005 the Provincial Leadership Team decided to close down Katuneriya as there were no teaching sisters in the school and as the access to the teaching profession is difficult. The apostolic services however could continue from Wennappuwa as it is within easy reach. At present two sisters are still residing at Katuneriya and continue the parish ministry till a suitable solution is found regarding the sale of this property.
We are grateful to God for the many blessings that we have received during this 125 years of this existing of its existence and selfless commitment of our sisters.
“GLORY BE TO GOD IN JESUS CHRIST”
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