Vespers were solemnly celebrated at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lanka Basilica, Tewatta, on the 3rd, in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of Lanka. The service was presided over by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

The liturgy was attended also by the Administrator of the Basilica, Rev. Fr. Ravin Sandasiri, and the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tewatta, together with the Episcopal Vicar, Very Rev. Fr. Lalith Felix, and Rev. Fr. Lalith Expeditus, Dean of the Ragama Deanery.

The faithful gathered in prayer before the Blessed Virgin Mary, earnestly invoking her intercession for our nation as Sri Lanka celebrates 78 years of Independence on the 4th of February.