Biography

His Lordship, the Right Reverend Dr. Don Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, Bishop of Chilaw, presently serves as the Chairman of the Catholic National Commission for Catechetics, Education, and Bible Apostolate of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka. He has rendered distinguished service to the Church through his commitment to pastoral leadership, theological scholarship, and the formation of the faithful in the Word of God.

He was born on 23 January 1969 in Negombo, within the Archdiocese of Colombo. After attending the Minor Seminary in Chilaw, he pursued his priestly formation in philosophy and theology at the Our Lady of Lanka National Major Seminary, Kandy, and holds a baccalaureate in philosophy and theology from the same institution.

Bishop Jayasuriya was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 9 August 1997 for the Diocese of Chilaw. After several years of pastoral ministry, he continued higher studies in Rome at the Pontifical Urbaniana University (2000–2005), earning a licentiate and subsequently a doctorate in canon law in 2005.

His ministry has also included international pastoral experience. While serving on mission in the United States, he worked as Parish Priest of Saint Mary Mother of God in the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend.

On 27 March 2023, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed him as Bishop of Chilaw, succeeding the Most Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis, now Bishop of Kandy. His episcopal consecration took place on 13 May 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his service to the People of God.

As Chairman of the National Commission for Catechetics, Education, and Bible Apostolate, His Lordship provides strategic direction and pastoral guidance to the catechetical and biblical apostolate throughout the country. Under his leadership, the National Catechetical and Biblical Centre continues to flourish, advancing the Church’s mission of evangelization through faith formation, resource development, and biblical animation in all three languages.

Renowned for his humility, prudence, and scholarly insight, His Lordship continues to inspire clergy, religious, and lay faithful to embrace their vocation as missionary disciples of hope, firmly rooted in the Word of God and the life of the Church.