Our Apostolic Mandate

In fulfilling this mandate, we form apostolic communities that cross borders and break down barriers. We choose closeness to people and interculturality as our primary way of being in mission (Acts of the 36th General Chapter, No. 62).

True to this calling, the Province of Sri Lanka (prior to its transition into the Provinces of Colombo and Jaffna) pioneered the sending of missionaries to several neighboring nations:

• India (1968)

• Pakistan (1971)

• Bangladesh (1973)

Current International Presence

Today, the OMI Colombo Province continues this legacy by generously sending Oblates to serve in diverse global contexts. We are currently represented by the following members in foreign missions:

• Japan: Fr. Jude Peirispulle, Fr. Bradly Rozairo, Fr. Hiran Jayawardena, Fr. Tharanga Namal Perera, and Fr. Samith Sandaruwan.

• Pakistan: Fr. Thyagan Fonseka, and Fr. J. J. Edward.

• Bangladesh: Fr. Nirosh Rangana Perera.

• Cuba: Fr. Shihan Shanaka.

• Mexico: Fr. Christy Nirmalarajan.

• Anglo-Irish Province: Fr. Shane Winston.

• Central European Province (Czech Republic): Fr. Janith Fernando.

Oblates Serving in Other Units

Additionally, several Oblates who originally belonged to the Colombo Province now provide vital service within other international Oblate Units:

• United States: Fr. Joseph Benedict and Fr. Romesh Lowe.

• Australia: Fr. Angelo Wijewickrama.

• Anglo-Irish Province: Fr. Joseph Alex, Fr. Lylie Jayanth Fernando and Fr. Udara Dharmarathne

• Polish Province (Norway): Fr. Jude Angelo.