Cathedral of St Michael and St John a rare example of one of only four 19th century Cathedrals in NSW and is the second Cathedral to be built in the colony. The design of the building is one of only a few prepared by English architect Charles Hansom for use in Australia and notably modelled on St Osburg's Church in Coventry dating from the 1840s. The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales. The Cathedral of Saints Michael and John is representative example of a mid 19thbcentury Catholic Cathedral which was established during a
St Michael and All Angels Church, Polwatte first resident priest. In 1896 two aisles were added to the church. In 1899 two new parishes were formed, St. Paul's Church, Milagiriya and St. Michael’s. In 1918 the decision was made to enlarge the church however it became apparent that an entirely new church building was required. The first part of the new church was consecrated by Bishop Ernest Copleston on 20 November 1919, with construction of the whole church completed in 1922 and the church was re-consecrated on St. Michael’s Day, that year, by Bishop Copleston. Worship services are held in English, Sinhala and Tamil. St Michael and