ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis-called to eternal rest
View(s):Emeritus archbishop of Colombo the Most Reverend Dr. Oswald Gomis was a highly recognised Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Archbishop who made significant contributions to the church and society during his lifetime. He was born on 12th December, 1932 in Kelaniya, and received his primary education at St. Benedict’s College, Colombo and at St. Paul’s School, Waragoda. He continued his studies at St. Joseph’s College in Colombo, where he joined the Minor Seminary of St. Aloysius, Borella in 1950.
Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis completed his theological studies at the National Seminary in Kandy, and was ordained as a priest at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena in 1958. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Education from Adamson University in the Philippines and was conferred a PhD (Honoris Causa) by Fu Jen University in China for his services in the field of social communications and education in Asia.
Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Thomas Colman Gomis (12 December 1932 – 3 February 2023) M.A. (Ed.), PhD (Honoris Causa)
Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo from 1968 to 1996 and was installed as the Bishop of Anuradhapura in 1996. On July 27, 2002 he was installed as the Archbishop of Colombo and held this position until his retirement in 2009, when he was conferred the title of Emeritus Archbishop.
Throughout his career, Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis was known for his extensive writings, contributions to education, and work promoting inter-religious harmony and social justice. He served on various national and international boards and was involved in establishing schools, medical centres, and housing schemes for the poor. He also travelled to almost 50 countries during his lifetime.
Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis called to eternal rest on 3rd February, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the Sri Lankan community. He will always be remembered for his tireless efforts in promoting education and social justice, and for his contributions to inter-religious harmony in
Sri Lanka and beyond. -Senal Warnakula
Educational Works
Founded – St. Peter’s College, Gampaha Branch
Founded – St. Peter’s College, Udugampola Branch
Founded – Holy Cross College, Paiyagala Branch.
Founded – St. Joseph’s College, Enderamulla Branch.
Founded – St. Joseph’s College, Kadolkele Branch
Founded – Loyola College, Bopitiya Branch
Founded – Christ the King College, Weliweriya Branch
Founded – St. Jude’s College, Negombo.
Founded – Maris Stella College, Bolawalana Branch
Co-Founded – St. Nicholas’ International College, Colombo
Founded – St. Nicholas’ International College, Negombo.
Founded – School of Hope, Paiyagala
Founded – Our Lady of Victories – Willowarawatte Branch
Founded – Don Bosco Technical Institute – Nochchiyagama
Founded – St. Thomas Catholic International College – Seeduwa.
Social Works
Donated Medical Centre to the people of Kelaniya.
Donated 14 acre land for Home for the Aged in Kelaniya (Home being constructed).
Involved in housing schemes for the poor.
Initiated Relief and Rehabilitation work of the Tsunami in 2004
Construction of houses for Tsunami victims and supplying of livelihood
Construction of schools for children
Starting a Scholarship Program for the Tsunami affected children
Relief Work for the Vanni / North Displaced people
Starting ” Archbishop Scholarships Scheme ” – 2009
Civil Appointments
Chancellor, University of Colombo from 2001 – 2021.
Member, University Council – University of Colombo (1977 – 1998)
Member, University Legislation Committee – University of Colombo (1977-2001)
Member, Committee to set up Chair for Christian Civilization – University of Kelaniya.
Catholic Correspondent to the National Press Commission.
Chairman, Roman Catholic Religious Affairs Advisory Board (1968-1977)
Member of Committee to Investigate, Illicit Importation of Newsprint – 1964
Member of Committee to report on Impact of Tourism on Culture (Ministry of Cultural Affairs – 1980)
Headed the Christian Team to the All Party Conference (on Ethnic Issue) 1984
Chairman, Catholic Advisory Board, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.
Member, Catholic Advisory Board, Rupavahini Corporation.
Member Advisory Board – ITN
Member National Committee for the Restoration of the Jaffna Library and Public Libraries in Sri Lanka (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Member of the Advisory Committee of National Institute of Education
Chairman Advisory Committee of “Kithunu Upadeshaka Sabawa” SLBC and Rupavahini – (2002 to 2009)
Member – Sinhala Sabdhakoshaya – Editorial Board.
Member – “Mahavamsa” – Editorial Committee.
Organized a Christmas Fellowship lunch for the Buddhist monks on 28.12.2006 at the Archbishop’s House, to foster solidarity and understanding.
Books Published
Mahopadeshaya (complete Catechism for the fami ly in Sinhala) – 1986
Periya Kulippidum (Tamil – 2006)
Lama Bibalaya (Bible stories for children)
Sinhalaye Kithunu Urumaya (Christian contribu tion in Sri Lanka)
Maga Hondata Thibenam (a reply to Christian Fundamentalists)
Santhana Siritha (life of St. Anne)
Yovun Bibalaya (a Bible for Youth)
Devidhano Daruwan Amathannaha (the Bible Stories for children)
Jesu Samidun Bharathaye (Jesus in India – A Response)
Reminiscences of Tewatta – 27.08.2006
“Thewatte Mathaka Satahan” – 27.08.2006
Some Christian Contributions in Sri Lanka
(English )– 06.04.2009
“Sri Lankawe Kithunu Dayakathwaya” Sinhala – 06.07.2009
The Catholic Family Catechism – December 2010
Kithu Samidhano Bharathayata Vedisekdha
Katholika Yatagiyaawa – Sri Lankaawa – 2012
As a journalist he has also contributed articles to reputed newspapers such as the Daily News, Sunday Observer, Dinamina, Silumina, Daily Mirror, Lankadipa, Messenger, Dawasa and other journals. Presently he is contributing a regular feature on Sri Lankan Catholic Church history to the Catholic Sinhala weekly Gnanartha Pradipaya. So far he has contributed 100 articles.
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