Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka

The Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka is a significant Roman Catholic basilica located in Tewatte, a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is a prominent pilgrimage destination for Sri Lankan Catholics and is dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka, housing a venerated statue of her.

History and Foundation

The site's religious history began in 1911 as a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, built by local clergy and laymen. Over time, it grew in popularity, leading to its expansion into a church in the 1930s. The basilica's establishment was initiated by Archbishop Jean-Marie Masson, who made a vow during the Second World War to construct a votive basilica if Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) was protected from major conflict. Following the war's end and Ceylon's safety, Archbishop Masson received papal approval from Pope Pius XII in 1946 to build the basilica.

Archbishop Thomas Cooray succeeded Masson and took up the responsibility of fulfilling this vision. In 1948, Pope Pius XII officially declared the Immaculate Conception, known as Our Lady of Lanka, as the principal Roman Catholic patroness of the island. Archbishop Cooray then acquired land and commenced the construction of the basilica. The cornerstone was laid on February 4, 1950. The church was completed in 1974, a year after Pope Paul VI bestowed upon it the title of Minor Basilica. The consecration of the basilica and the crowning of the statue of Our Lady of Lanka took place on February 6, 1974, solidifying its status as the national basilica and shrine of Sri Lanka.

Architectural Design

Designed by Fr. Heras, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka features a unique blend of Asian architectural elements, intended to be appreciated by devotees of various faiths. The front porch is adorned with six pillars, symbolizing the six dioceses of Ceylon during World War II. A prominent feature is a cross with a bronze Christ figure by artist Leila Peiris, set within a spider web design against circular glass, encased in a stupa-inspired frame. The statue of Our Lady was crafted to resemble the face of Christ on the Shroud of Turin, as per the Cardinal's request.

The basilica's twin towers, topped with golden bell enclosures, draw inspiration from Hindu gopuram designs. Its cruciform structure includes a central dome surmounted by a cross of the Eastern Oriental Church. The walls are constructed of granite, and the wooden doorways feature Indian architraves. Inside, a life-sized statue of Our Lady of Lanka, carved by Thedim, holds the infant Jesus and a golden rosary. The altar is made of undressed white stone, with railings crafted from various local woods. The Holy of Holies contains a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, and an ivory cross from the 17th century hangs above.

The grounds surrounding the basilica are extensive and include four convents, a museum and Jubilee Hall, a Retreat House, grottos resembling Lourdes, a bathing pond and lake, and the original old church. The right side of the basilica offers panoramic views of Adam's Peak. The Kandyan-style museum showcases religious artifacts and vestments belonging to Cardinal Cooray.