Sri Lanka Bids Farewell to Fr. Aloysius Pieris, SJ, Laid to Rest at Tulana Centre

The mortal remains of  Fr. Aloysius Pieris, SJ, renowned Sri Lankan theologian and social activist, were interred on March 24, coinciding with the feast of Óscar Romero, beneath a spreading tamarind tree at the Tulana Research Centre in Gonawala, Kelaniya.

The center, founded by Fr. Pieris, is widely respected among both local and international scholars.

The funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Daham Sisila Seminary in Dalugama, Kelaniya, a Jesuit institution. The liturgy was presided over by Fr. Sujeewa Pathirana, Provincial of the Jesuits in Sri Lanka.

In his homily, Fr. Pathirana described Fr. Pieris as “a beacon of light, not only for us in Sri Lanka and the global Jesuit community, but for the entire world,” adding that his mission was so widely known that it required no further elaboration.

Following the Mass, the remains were taken to the Tulana Research Centre, where they lay in state for public veneration. A funeral assembly was held in the afternoon, drawing a large gathering of Catholic clergy, religious sisters, and lay faithful, including Rt. Rev. Dr. Norbert Andradi, Bishop Emeritus of Anuradhapura.

Reflecting Fr. Pieris’s lifelong commitment to interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, the gathering was notably diverse. Buddhist monks and nuns were present, along with clergy from Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Salvation Army communities, as well as representatives of various Catholic religious orders.

Fr. Sarath Iddamalgoda, a prominent social activist from the Archdiocese of Colombo, noted that beyond being a world-class scholar, Fr. Pieris was “a noble human being.” He emphasized that in his Buddhist-Christian dialogue, Fr. Pieris consistently highlighted the “liberating essence” of religion and showed deep compassion for every person he encountered.

Representing the Buddhist community, Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thero, head of the Walpola Rahula Institute and former Head of the Department at the University of Kelaniya, offered a moving tribute. He recalled that during the period of violence from 1988 to 1990, Fr. Pieris saved the lives of many Buddhist monks, cared for their education, and supported their mental well-being. He also encouraged monks struggling with their vocation to persevere, demonstrating a profound respect for their spiritual path.

The Thero further highlighted Fr. Pieris’s close association with the late Ven. Prof. Walpola Rahula Thero and his guidance to many monks in their academic pursuits, including doctoral studies. Despite his global recognition and vast knowledge, he said, Fr. Pieris lived with the simplicity and humility of a sage.

Several others also paid tribute, including Sr. Greta Nalawatta, head of the Centre for Education of Hearing-Impaired Children, an initiative founded by Fr. Pieris, along with Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Mr. Godfrey Yogarajah, Ravindu Fernando, Shanaka Gamage, and Michelle Gaiora. All emphasized that the most fitting tribute would be to continue the pioneering mission he began.