Rev. Fr. Tissa Balasuriya passes away

Rev. Fr. Tissa Balasuriya OMI, the Founder Chairman of the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) Maradana and one of the best Theologians Asia has produced, went to receive his Eternal Reward on January 17 at a private hospital while under medication.

Fr. Bala, as he was fondly known was 88 years of age at the time of his demise. A centre figure in a controversy with the publication of a book titled 'Mary and Human Liberation' a few years ago, he was ex-communicated and then taken back with the revoking of the ex-communication order. Fr. Balasuriya was the Rector of Aquinas University College for some years, after Rev. Fr. Peter Pillai OMI relinquished his duties as Rector.

A highly qualified Oxford Economist, he played a prophetic role at crucial times of both nation and church and his forte was social justice. He was also for inter-religious dialogue and inter-racial harmony and with that intention promoted the "Samaja Samaya" Magazine and the "Logos". Being a member of the congregation of the Oblate of Mary Immaculate he donated his ancestral home to set up the De Mazenod English Academy at Katuwapitiya and another 25 acre land at Aandiambalama to his OMI congregation, as a true son of the Oblate, observing strictly the vow of poverty. The mortal remains of Fr. Balasuriya now lies at the Centre for Society and Religion at the Fatima Church and will be laid to rest at the General Cemetery at Borella on Saturday, today, at 3.00 pm after Requiem Mass at the Fatima Church, Maradana.