THE INDUCTION SERVICE OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY & THE DEDICATION SERVICE FOR THE YEAR FOR “CHILDREN AND YOUTH”

THE INDUCTION SERVICE OF THE

GENERAL SECRETARY & THE DEDICATION SERVICE FOR THE YEAR FOR “CHILDREN AND YOUTH” was held on 13th January 2018 at 4:30 pm at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Colombo 7.

 

…… and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me,

‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’

(Amos 7:15 NRSV)

 

It was a very special occasion in the annals of the Ceylon Bible Society as it is the, Dedication Service 2018 and the Induction of the New General Secretary Rev. Priyantha Wijegoonawardena the former Sangamadhipathi of the Baptist Church, as the 27th General Secretary of the Ceylon Bible Society. He succeeds Mrs. Lakshani Fernando as General Secretary in an unbroken succession spanning 205 years. We are happy to welcome a committed and faithful servant of God who has served his Church the Baptist Sangamaya for 19 years in the ordained ministry. He has served in the following Churches Matale, Ambagastenna, Beligodapitya and Makewita. He was elected as Sangamadhipathi in 2011. He served as a lecturer at the Theological College of Lanka in Pilimathalawa for five years and served as Chairman of Board of Governors and Chaplain of Carey College, Colombo. He also was an active member in the Youth for Christ, Student Christian Movement and served on many committees of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka and Ecumenical Institute of Study and Dialog.

In his young days he was actively involved in Youth for Christ and Student Christian Movement. He is married to Dr. Owshadi Senaratna who is a Government Veterinary Surgeon. They are blessed with two children a daughter-Ovini, and a son Ovindhu. Rev. Priyantha was born in Hendala and was educated at Kerawalapitiya Vidyaloka Maha Vidyalaya. He completed his Theological studies at the Theological College of Lanka situated in Nandana Uyana Pilimathalawa. He completed his Master’s Degree at University of Kelaniya.

 

Year for the Children & Youth - 2018

 

The year 2018 has been dedicated for the Children & Youth. One of the main focus of Ceylon Bible Society has been Youth and Children for very special reason during the past years. From our past experience, it is evident that the Youth & Children need more Biblical knowledge and encouragement to lead a contented family life. Youth and Children have been the center of our Ministry since the future of the Church depends on them.

 

The Presentation of a Bible and word of Greetings were done by

Ms. Efua Ghartey - The Chairman of the Global council & Dr. Julian Sundersingh - Ministry Resource Facilitator & Global Literacy Coordinator Global Mission Team: Global Ministry Exchange. – Will give greetings

 

Laying of hands with a sentence of blessing from the Bible was offered by His Excellency Most Revd. Dr. Pierre Nguyen Van Tot, Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka, Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj R. Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo/Chairman, NCC, Revd. Stanley Nelson, President, NCEASL, Dr. Julian Sundersingh, Ministry Resource Facilitator & Global Literacy, Coordinator Global Mission Team: Global Ministry Exchange, Mr. Sriyantha Senaratna, President of CBS, Mrs. Lakshani P. Fernando, Outgoing General Secretary of CBS, Mrs. Mikelia Wickremasingha, Representing Member Christian, Organizations/ President YWCA & Ms. Efua Ghartey - The Chairman of the Global council.

We wish Rev. Priyantha God’s Blessings and Guidance as he takes over as the General Secretary of Ceylon Bible Society in serving God.

 

Done