Why pilgrims come
Discover what makes National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka a place of pilgrimage
Sri Lanka’s national basilica developed from a wartime episcopal vow to build a sanctuary if the island were spared the worst destruction of the Second World War. The fulfilled vow, national dedication, and annual February observance define the site; it is not an apparition shrine.
Catholic contextShrineTewatte, Sri Lanka
Research trail1 catalog sourceLast checked Sep 5, 2026
Pilgrim planningConfirm before travelingWorship times and access can change
TraditionCatholic
Feasts, anniversaries & celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of LankaVerify the current archdiocesan program.
How to read this page
Sources, tradition, and what is verified
Source trail1 cited catalog source
The destination record was last checked on 9/5/2026.
Editorial standard
This page records the site’s tradition as “Catholic.” That wording describes the nature of the claim and keeps devotional tradition distinct from independently verified history.