On the 27th of June 2025, the Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC organized a ceremonial event to honour the outgoing leadership and extend a warm welcome to the new Bishop Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka. The day brought the Caritas family together to reflect on the legacy of its past leaders while embracing the vision and guidance of the new shepherds for the journey ahead.
With immense joy and respect, Caritas Sri Lanka warmly welcomed His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL), as the new President of the Catholic National Commission for Justice, Peace & Human Development and the Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka. This was the second time that His Lordship was appointed as the Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka to continue the legacy of compassionate service and spiritual journey.
The National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera, in his welcome address, expressed heartfelt gratitude “We are honoured by your presence and grateful for your readiness to lead us in this noble mission. Your Lordship, we warmly welcome you into the Caritas Sri Lanka family, and by extension, into the broader network of Caritas Asia and Caritas Internationalis,” he stated.
The second session of the event was the felicitation for the outgoing Bishop Chairman, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna. His 9 years of pastoral guidance to Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC had been really exceptional. His leadership has not only guided the national team but also inspired diocesan centres to act with faith, compassion, and courage in addressing the needs of the vulnerable.
A special tribute was also paid to His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, the outgoing Vice Chairman and Auxiliary Bishop of the Colombo Diocese, for his steady leadership, constant support, and generous spirit within the Caritas network. His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Anton Wyman Croos, Bishop of Ratnapura, was also warmly welcomed as the new Vice Chairman of Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC though his personal presence was not there on that day.
The event was graced by the presence of all 13 Diocesan Directors, members of the clergy, distinguished guests, and the staff of Caritas Colombo – Sethsarana, creating a meaningful expression of unity and brotherhood.
As the new leadership steps forward to guide the Caritas Sri Lanka network, we show our solidarity to the mission of Caritas to serve the poor and marginalized and to build a just and compassionate society under the guidance of the Church.
