If you are looking for accommodation in Ragama and are interested in religious architecture and the country’s history, Tewatta offers a clear cultural focal point: the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka. Its history spans a small Lourdes chapel, a grotto and, finally, a votive shrine. Its architecture, museum, shaded grounds and weather-dependent view of Adam’s Peak each offer a different perspective.
From the first places of worship to the votive shrine
In 1911, a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes was built by several Catholic laypeople and Father A. Kieger OMI on the site where the Basilica would later stand. At that time, the area belonged to the parish of Ragama. On November 11, 1917, Father A. Collore, with the support of Catholic workers from Colombo, built a small grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes at the same site. Both places mark early stages of devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes at the future Basilica site.
The chapel was later enlarged to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The shrine gained significance during the Second World War: on May 26, 1940, the then Archbishop of Colombo, Mgr. Jean Marie Masson, vowed to build a votive shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka if the island were spared the horrors of war. Archbishop Thomas Cooray took on the task of fulfilling the vow and building the votive shrine in Tewatta. Thus, the early places of worship dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and the later vow stand side by side as distinct stages in the site’s history.
Architecture, landscape and collection
Architect Valentine Gunasekera designed the National Basilica in Tewatta, Ragama, as a blend of Sri Lankan, Indian and Oriental-Western architectural traditions. Another detail is its raised granite plinth: its profile resembles a typical plinth profile from the Anuradhapura period. The Basilica’s extensive grounds are shaded by the canopies of numerous tropical trees.
From the front steps of the right wing, Adam’s Peak can be seen through the early morning mist. This view depends on the season and weather. If you include it in your plans, consider it a possible bonus rather than a reliable main reason for visiting.
The grounds include a museum in the traditional Kandyan architectural style, preserving the centuries-long history of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Its collection includes wooden statues of Jesus, Mary and various saints, whose artistic design draws inspiration from different cultures around the world. The museum also houses antique vestments and liturgical clothing, as well as intricate tapestries. The tapestries illustrate the cultural and enduring influence of Catholicism on Sri Lanka. The two sites therefore have distinct focuses: the Basilica represents a blend of architectural traditions, while the museum focuses on objects and church history.
Plan your stay and visit
Events may also influence your choice of travel dates. The Annual Sick Day Blessing was held at the Basilica in 2025 and 2026. At the 2026 celebration, sick and elderly people and their families gathered from different parts of Sri Lanka.
First decide whether architectural history, architecture, the museum or a particular celebration is your main focus.
Discover more destinations: Kapugoda, Minuwangoda, Maggona, Pethiyagoda, Godawela, Hokandara, Ruhunupura, Kandana
For the broader travel overview: Western Province.
