On the left, in front of the sanctuary, is a unique dark-skinned Madonna called 'Our Lady of Kotahena', which is taken in procession during the annual celebrations.

The stained glass windows when lit by sunlight create a panorama of colour further enhancing the transepts of the church.

In a far corner of the church is a circular baptismal font of white marble carved with cherubs, and crowned by a statue of John the Baptist.

On going up the narrow staircase that leads to the choir loft, one encounters 'Anthony Thomas', an enormous bell weighing 4300 lbs.

The view of the cathedral from the choir loft is a grand one, with the episcopal throne of the Archbishop of Colombo standing out as a majestic highlight in the sanctuary below.

In 1796, the newly built church provided refuge for many citizens of the city when the invading British encamped across the Kelani River.

With the installation of Reverend Vincent Rozairo Dias as the first Vicar Apostolic of Colombo at St. Lucia's on 14 January 1838, the little church was elevated to cathedral status.

With the existing structure on the danger of collapse, Bishop Silani called a meeting of the priests and lay leaders of the city to initiate plans for building a new cathedral on 8 September 1872.

The church celebrated "the Great Day", with Bishop Clemente Pagnani (now Vicar Apostolic of Colombo) blessing the nave and the aisles of the new Cathedral and opening it for public worship.

Less than a year later, both men had left Ceylon (Bonjean to Rome, and Tanganelli to China), leaving the project in the hands of Fr.

Bishop Bonjean returned to the island soon after this, bringing with him an authentic portion of the bones of St. Lucy, which are preserved in the cathedral to this day.

6 January 1887 was a significant date for Catholicism in Ceylon: the church's hierarchy was formally established, and the first episcopal synod was held in the country.

A papal delegate and the bishops of the island were gathered in the cathedral to witness this singular event in the history of the church of Ceylon.

With construction still ongoing, September 1889 saw the crypt dedicated to the Sacred Passion of the Lord being declared open for public worship.