Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka (Thewatta Basilica)
About This Place
Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka (Thewatta Basilica)
A Roman Catholic basilica in Tewatte, Ragama. Contains a high altar in solid white marble enclosing relics; altar shaped like the Ark of the Covenant; a 17th‑Century cross from Puttalam; statue which received a gold rosary from Pope Paul VI; undercroft with burial vaults including that of Cardinal Thomas Benjamin Cooray; also has a tranquil setting with a man‑made reservoir, forested stream and mountain views.
Difficulty
🧭 moderate
Best Time
📅 Especially pleasant in dry months; early mornings or late afternoons are good for photography; feast day and liturgical seasons have special crowd events.
Safety Rating
Accessibility & Visitor Info
Located in Tewatte, Ragama, Gampaha District; accessible by road from Colombo; about 18‑20 km away; nearest train station Ragama (~2 km); well signposted. (christianedirectory.com)
📖 Legends & Stories
Built as a vow‐fulfillment during WWII by Archbishop Jean Marie Masson, later completed under Cardinal Cooray; the statue of Our Lady of Lanka is highly venerated; the feast is aligned with national Independence Day. (Explore Sri Lanka)
Location
📍 Find It Here
7.033587, 79.935059
Community
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