Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith to be felicitated by Alma Mater

The religious institute of De La Salle Brothers in Sri Lanka, together with the Lasallian family of their past pupils, will felicitate their eminent past student, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on 6th May at St. Benedict's College, Kotahena, the premier Lasallian institution since 1868. Malcom Cardinal Ranjith will be welcomed by the Brothers, headed by their Provincial Superior, Bro. Denzil Perera, at the College gate at 5.00 p.m.

The felicitation ceremony will be held at the College Main Hall.

A large group of distinguished past pupils of La Sallian Brothers' schools, including many Bishops, Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters are expected to attend the function. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith spent his childhood days at Lunupokuna, Mutwal. He had his primary education at Lunupokuna School.

Then he attended De La Salle School, Mutwal, the closest leading Catholic school in the vicinity. He studied at De la Salle School from Grade VI to Grade X from where he joined the Seminary. While at school, his call to priesthood matured gently especially as an active member of the Children of Mary group. Though a Government school since the Take-Over, De La Salle Brothers maintained a religious environment at De La Salle College, situated on higher ground at Mutwal beach. Malcolm Ranjith's College principals were the Englishmen Bro.Stephen Harding and Czechoslavian Bro. Vincent Joseph. Bro. Thomas Philip was his class teacher during most of his school career. Bro.

Thomas, now 84, recalls happy memories of young Malcolm Ranjith. Most of his other teachers have gone to their eternal rest: Messrs Augustine Dias, Martinus, Antony Fernando, Dunstan Kurukulasuriya, Alfred Fernando, Christie Fernando, Mrs. Margaret Silva etc.