All independent churches in Sri Lanka now under one umbrella

From left: Murugesh Shanmugasundaram, Rev. Benedict Fernando, Chief Minister of UVA Province Harin Fernando, Minister of Special Projects Felix Perera, Chief Overseer of ADC Rev. Kirby de Lanerolle, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Founder and Bishop of INA Paul T. Maran, Rev. Dr. Neil Obeyesekere, International Overseer of the INA Rev. Tony Abraham, Secretary of the INA Rev. Prince Maran​

From left: Rev. Kirby de Lanerolle, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister of Religious Affairs John Amaratunga

As many as 350 independent churches from all over Sri Lanka now come under the Sri Lankan Chapter of the Indian Apostolic Diocese which was inaugurated at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel under the auspices of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

Speaking at the ceremony which gathered pastors and clergy from different denominations of the Christian faith, the Prime Minister remarked that this was a historic day for all independent churches in Sri Lanka because it gives them renewed sense of freedom and status to carry out their worship. 

The local representative body of the INAD is the ADC (Apostolic Directive of Ceylon). One of the main mandates of the INA in Sri Lanka is to upgrade the existing independent churches by means of training and getting them committed to education. The INAD Open University will facilitate degrees and theology which was not available earlier. 

INA founding Bishop Paul T. Maran who graced the occasion was invited by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Bishop also ordained three pastors namely Rev. Dr. Neil Obeyesekere, Rev. Kirby de Lanerolle and Rev. Benedict Fernando. 

Rev. Kirby de Lanerolle, the chief overseer of the ADC cited that nearly 400 independent churches were registered last Friday. Rev. Benedict Fernando will assist Rev. Kirby de Lanerolle with the mission. Dr. Neil Obeyesekere of Grace Ministries International will depart to the UAE after the program. 

Dignitaries who attended the program included Minister of Special Projects Felix Perera, Minister of Christian Affairs John Amaratunga, Minister and Chief Minister of UVA Province Harin Fernando. 

For churches who would like to register they are requested to mail their details to [email protected] or call 0779146677.