Structure of the Commission
The Catholic National Commission for Catechetics, Education, and Bible Apostolate operates under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL), providing national guidance, coordination, and support for catechetical and biblical ministry across all dioceses. Its structure fosters communion and shared responsibility among bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful.
1. Chairman of the Commission
The Commission is headed by the Chairman, appointed by the CBCSL. The Chairman, currently Rt. Rev. Dr. Don Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, Bishop of Chilaw, provides episcopal leadership and pastoral oversight, ensuring fidelity to the Magisterium and alignment with the Church’s national pastoral priorities.
2. Vice Chairman
The Vice Chairman of the Commission is Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Noel Emmanuel, Bishop of Trincomalee. He assists the Chairman in pastoral coordination and administrative responsibilities, representing the Commission in collaborative discussions and national assemblies. His leadership ensures continued dialogue and unity among diocesan catechetical offices, particularly in promoting formation programs and initiatives at the national level.
3. National Director
The National Director, currently Rev. Fr. Pradeep Kumar Niroshan Fernando, oversees the day-to-day mission of the Commission through the National Catechetical and Biblical Centre, Colombo — coordinating programs, publications, training, and resource development for dioceses and parishes.
4. National Office Staff
The Director is assisted by priests, religious sisters, and lay collaborators serving the Sinhala, Tamil, and English sections. They handle administration, curriculum and translation, formation events, logistics, and publication workflows — ensuring unity and accessibility across linguistic and cultural communities.
5. Diocesan Catechetical & Biblical Directors
Each diocese has a Director who implements programs locally in collaboration with the National Centre. Together they form the National Advisory Body, meeting periodically to review, evaluate, and plan catechetical and biblical initiatives in harmony with the pastoral vision of the Bishops’ Conference.
6. Collaborating Partners
The Commission collaborates with seminaries, Catholic universities, the Pontifical Mission Societies, and Church organizations involved in evangelization and formation. These partnerships help the Word of God inspire education, witness, and service throughout the Church.