History
For sixty years, the National Catholic Catechetical and Biblical Centre has stood as a beacon of faith formation in Sri Lanka — guiding the Church’s mission to teach, witness, and live the Word of God. Its story reflects a journey of vision, dedication, and renewal inspired by the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.
The Founding Vision (1965)
The National Catechetical Centre was founded in 1965 through the pastoral foresight of the Servant of God, His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Cooray, O.M.I., then Archbishop of Colombo. Deeply moved by the renewed emphasis on catechesis following the Second Vatican Council, he envisioned a national institution that would form catechists, promote biblical understanding, and unify diocesan efforts in faith education. Under his guidance, the Centre began its mission to strengthen the Church’s teaching ministry across Sri Lanka.
Growth Through the Decades
The first National Director, His Lordship Don Sylvester (1965–1982), laid the groundwork for organized catechetical formation and diocesan coordination. His successors — Rev. Fr. Alex Dassanayake (1982–1995), Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis (1995–2001), Rev. Fr. Cyril Perera (2001–2007), Rev. Fr. Nicholas Low (2007–2011), Rev. Fr. Piyal Janaka (2011–2019), and Rev. Fr. Benet Shantha (2019–2024) — each guided the Centre through significant stages of renewal and expansion.
From teacher formation to biblical animation, from printed resources to digital platforms, the Centre evolved with the times while remaining faithful to its original purpose — to bring the Word of God alive in every heart, home, and parish. The National Catechetical and Biblical Centre became a hub of collaboration, uniting diocesan directors, clergy, religious, and lay catechists in a shared mission of evangelization.
The Present and the Jubilee Renewal
Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Pradeep Kumar Niroshan Fernando, the current National Director, the Centre continues its mission with renewed energy and purpose. The 60th Anniversary Jubilee (1965–2025) marks a moment of thanksgiving and recommitment to the call of catechesis — to enlighten minds, form hearts, and inspire disciples who live the faith with joy and conviction.