First Bishop of Batticaloa Diocese passes away

First Bishop of the Batticaloa Diocese, Retired Bishop Joseph Ponniah, passed away today at the age of 74, following a brief illness.

The Bishop’s Office confirmed his passing, noting that he had been unwell for over two weeks.

Born on October 12, 1952, in Thannamunai, Batticaloa, Bishop Ponniah was a dedicated scholar and spiritual leader. He pursued his early education at St. Valanar Minor Seminary and St. Susaiyappar College, before earning degrees in Philosophy, Theology, and Biblical Studies from institutions including St. Paul’s Seminary in Tiruchirappalli, the National Seminary in Pune, and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1980, he served in various roles including parish priest, seminary director, and professor. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Trincomalee-Batticaloa Diocese in 2008 and later became the first Bishop of the newly established Batticaloa Diocese in 2012.

His funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.