The Oblates of the Colombo Province are deeply mourning the loss of Reverend Brother Thomas Fonseka, O.M.I., who passed away this morning, 28 May 2026, at Marian Grove, Kohuwala. At the time of his passing, he held the distinction of being the most senior Oblate in the Province of Colombo, departing just five months before reaching his 90th birthday milestone.
Early Life and Formation
Halahapperumage Thomas Wirfred Fonseka was born to devout parents, Julian Fonseka and Engalthina Rodrigo, on 16 October 1936. Belonging to the parish of St. Mary’s, Uswetakeiyawa, he attended two schools prior to entering Oblate formation: St. Mary’s, Uswetakeiyawa (1946–1956) and St. Nicholas School, Bopitiya (1957–1958).
He entered the Oblate Novitiate, “Mont Eden” in Kalutara, in 1958 and made his first profession the following year. It was later at St. Vincent’s Home, Maggona, that Bro. Thomas made his perpetual Oblation in 1965.
A Lifetime of Dedicated Service
Bro. Thomas dedicated the greater part of his life as an Oblate to St. Vincent’s Home, Maggona, serving selflessly in various capacities. Among his many roles there, he served as:
- Assistant Director & Director of the ‘Susithodaya’ Child Development Centre
- Assistant Bursar of the community
- Director of St. Vincent’s Elder’s Home
Beyond his extensive work at St. Vincent’s Home, he also served the Sri Lankan Church across several other key institutions:
- Children’s Home, Thanamalwila (Director)
- ‘Marian Grove’ Retired Oblates House, Kohuwala (Superior)
- ‘Dev Arana’ Oblate Centre, Polwatta (Bursar)
- Oblate Scholasticate, Ampitiya (Assistant Bursar)
- ‘Nazareth’ Oblate Preachers’ House, Wennappuwa (Bursar)
- ‘Rajabima’ Oblate Centre, Anuradhapura (Community Member)
- St Mary’s Church, Wellawaya (Assistant Pastor)
Just two years ago, in 2024, he celebrated a milestone 65 years of religious life surrounded by his community at St. Vincent’s Home, Maggona—a sanctuary where he spent over twenty-five years in ministry. Due to a declining health condition, he was transferred a few months ago from SVH to Marian Grove, Kohuwala, where he resided until his departure from this world.
Funeral Arrangements
The schedule for final respects and funeral services is as follows:
His remains will be at De Mazenod House Chapel, No. 40, Farm Road, Colombo 15, on Thursday, 28 May from 5.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m., and on Friday, 29 May from the morning until 1.00 p.m. The cortage leaving to St. Anne’s Church, Weligampitiya, will be at 1.00 p.m. Thereafter, after the Office for the dead scheduled at 2.30 p.m., the Funeral Mass fill be held at 3.00 p.m. Subsequently the burial will take place at St. Anne’s Parish Church cemetery.
May his soul rest in peace.
