The Oblate Province of Colombo joyfully announces the appointment of Rev. Fr. Dilan Niroshan Perera, O.M.I., as the new Provincial Superior for a three-year term. His appointment was officially made by the Superior General in Council on September 10, 2026.

Roots and Early Formation

Born on November 17, 1972, to the late Alfred William Perera and the late Celin Dias, Fr. Dilan hails from the parish of St. Anthony’s, Weliweriya. His foundational education took place at Maduma Bandara Kanishta Vidyalaya, Weliveriya (1976–1981) and Bandaranayaka Maha Vidyalaya, Gampaha (1981–1988).

Nurturing a profound desire for the priesthood, he entered St. Joseph’s Oblate Juniorate in Kohuwala in 1989. He later entered the De Mazenod Pre-Novitiate in Maggona (1994) and the “Sidupiyanila” Sacred Heart Novitiate in Bandarawela, where he professed his Evangelical Vows as an Oblate on September 8, 1995.

After completing his Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology at the Oblate Scholasticate in Ampitiya, Kandy (1995–2001), he was ordained to the priesthood on September 1, 2001, by Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando, S.S.S., Bishop of Badulla, at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Maradana.

A Journey of Dedicated Service

Fr. Dilan brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience to his new office:

• Preacher: Served at “Nazareth,” the Oblate House of Preachers in Wennappuwa (2001–2005).
• Parish Ministry: Ministered as Parish Priest of Christ the Liberator Church in Buttala (2005–2010) and later at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Maradana, Colombo (from 2017).
• Media & Editorial Work: Appointed Editor of the Sinhala Catholic magazine Bakthiprabodanaya in 2010.
• Institutional Leadership: Served as Superior and Managing Director of Vincent’s Home, Maggona (2014–2017), where he brought structural stability and initiated transformative projects.

Academic Excellence

Fr. Dilan holds an impressive array of academic qualifications as well:

• Diploma in Social Communication from the University of Colombo (2011)
• Master’s in Sociology from the University of Kelaniya (2014)
• M.Phil. in Sociology from the University of Kelaniya (2024)
• Master’s in Counselling & Psychotherapy from Deakin University, Australia (2026)

Having previously served for many years as a Provincial Councillor, he is well-acquainted with the administrative landscape of the province.

Houses for the Poorest of the Poor

It is noteworthy to mention the housing project initiated by Fr. Dilan during his tenure as the parish priest in Buttala. This meaningful initiative began when a group of friends in Brisbane known as “The Dream Team” became aware of Fr. Dilan and the urgent assistance needed to improve the living standards of families in the Monaragala district—one of the poorest regions in the country. Through the support of many generous donors, Fr. Dilan was instrumental in building more than 200 homes for those in need, serving individuals regardless of their religious background before eventually handing the project over to the Provincial Administration.

Looking Ahead

The installation ceremony for the new Provincial Superior will take place on October 19, 2026, at De Mazenod House, Colombo 15.

The Oblates of the Province of Colombo, alongside members of the Delegations of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan-Korea, extend their warmest prayers and best wishes to Fr. Dilan as he embarks on this noble responsibility.