The Negombo area of Sri Lankan is widely known for its Catholic majority, so it comes as no surprise that some of the island’s most beautiful churches are situated here.
Background
The design of the church was conceptualised by Father G.Shannon, was a parish priest at Sea Street, which is situated close to the metropolitan area of Colombo. The foundation stone, however, was laid by the Archbishop of Colombo at the time, Pierre-Guillaume Marque.
St. Sebastian’s Significance
St.Sebastian is considered the patron saint of Negombo, so there are many churches in the district that were built in his honor. Out of these many churches though, this is the most significant.
The Festival
Every 20th of January an annual festival is held in memory of St.Sebastian, and it takes place within this church. During the course of this festival, processions are formed to feed the poor. A decorated flagstaff is also commonly placed within the premises of the church.
Location
The church is situated in Negombo city, along the eponymous street. It is a mere 6km from the island’s international airport. Since it is close to the Colombo-Chilaw-Puttalam highway, one can easily it reach from Marawila hotels as well, such as Amagi Beach.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
