The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Colombo Province is filled with immense joy and gratitude to God as it announces the sacerdotal ordination of two of its own: Rev. Fr. Akila Janith Rathnasekara, OMI, and Rev. Fr. Peduru Gayan Pradeep Croos, OMI.
Following their ordination to the sacred priesthood on Saturday, September 26, 2026, both newly ordained priests joyfully celebrated their First Thanksgiving Holy Masses on Sunday, September 27, 2026, marking the beginning of their lifelong ministry in the Lord’s vineyard.
Here is a brief look into their inspiring vocational journeys:
Rev. Fr. Akila Janith Rathnasekara, OMI
Born on January 18, 1994, to Mr. G.D. Christy Ranjith Rathnasekara and Mrs. I. Chandani Perera, Fr. Akila is the youngest of two brothers and hails from St. Anthony’s Parish in Weliweriya. He completed his primary education at Sirikurusa Vidyalaya, Gampaha, and his secondary education at St. Peter’s College, Udugampola.
Responding to God’s call, he entered St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Kohuwala in 2008, where he completed his O/L and A/L examinations. After his pre-novitiate formation in Mannar and novitiate in Bandarawela in 2014, he took his First Vows as an Oblate on August 22, 2015. He went on to study Philosophy and Theology at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka in Ampitiya, and later earned a postgraduate degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Fr. Akila made his Perpetual Vows on November 24, 2022, and was ordained a Deacon on February 25, 2023. As a deacon, he served at St. Anthony’s National Shrine in Wahacotte, Sacred Heart Church in Bollatha, St. Frumentius Church in Rome, and St. Andrew’s Church in Pescara.
Following his priestly ordination, Rev. Fr. Akila celebrated his First Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 9:15 AM at his home parish, St. Anthony’s Church, Weliweriya.
Rev. Fr. Peduru Gayan Pradeep Croos, OMI
Born on November 14, 1993, Fr. Gayan dedicated his life to God’s call by entering the Colombo Junior Seminary on January 8, 2016. Continuing his formation, he entered the pre-novitiate in Mannar on April 2, 2017, and subsequently began his novitiate training on August 21, 2017.
He professed his First Vows as an Oblate brother on August 22, 2018, reaffirming his commitment to religious life. Beginning September 1, 2018, he embarked on his extensive theological and priestly formation, continuing his studies through 2021 to prepare himself fully for the priesthood.
Having successfully completed the various stages of his religious and theological formation, Fr. Gayan stepped forward with a deep commitment to faithfully fulfill the mission entrusted to him by God.
After receiving the sacrament of Holy Orders on September 26, Rev. Fr. Gayan joyfully offered his First Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, September 27, 2026, praising God for the profound gift of his vocation.
The entire Oblate family, along with their loved ones and the faithful, extends heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Fr. Akila and Rev. Fr. Gayan. We pray that God grants them the abundant grace, wisdom, and compassion needed to serve His people faithfully, reflecting the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod among the poor and most abandoned.
Ad multos annos!
