Mgr Sagara Jayamanne SSS

The Advent season of 2025 brought immense joy to the Province of Christ the Bread of Life of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Sri Lanka, as one of its members was called to serve as the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Anuradhapura, known as Rajarata. The term Rajarata, meaning “land of kings”, reflects the region’s ancient heritage, while Anuradhapura is traditionally interpreted as “the city ruled by ninety kings”, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. Geographically, the diocese extends over the administrative districts of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, covering approximately 10,260 square kilometers.

The region is predominantly Buddhist, with the Catholic community forming a small but formidable minority, among a population of about 1.3 million people. It had been established as the Apostolic Prefecture of Anuradhapura on 19^th December 1975. Carved out from the Dioceses of Jaffna and Trincomalee-Batticaloa. The Diocese of Anuradhapura was officially erected on 18^th March 1982. At present, the diocese comprises 13 parishes served by 12 diocesan priests and 11 religious priests. In addition, several men’s and women’s religious congregations actively contribute to its pastoral and missionary outreach.

On 16^th December 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Rev. Fr. Mohottige Don Nishantha Sagara Jayamanne, SSS, as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Anuradhapura. A devoted member of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Sagara brings with him a rich spiritual heritage rooted in Eucharistic spirituality inspired by Saint Peter Julian Eymard.

Born on 25^th June 1970 in Bopitiya, in the Archdiocese of Colombo, his vocation to the priesthood was nurtured from an early age. He pursued his Philosophical and Theological studies at the Our Lady of Lanka National Seminary, Ampitiya, Kandy, and was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 13^th May 2000, at Bandiruppuwa, a parish administered by the SSS. Continuing his academic formation, he obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas - Angelicum, Rome, equipping him with a strong intellectual foundation for his pastoral ministry and formation work in the Congregation.

Monsignor Sagara’s appointment beautifully reflects a profound biblical theme, the return to one’s original soil, a homecoming deeply rooted in God’s providential design since his mother hails from the very soil of his diocese. It carries not only administrative significance but also spiritual symbolism echoing the scriptural motif of restoration and belonging, where God calls His chosen servants back to the place prepared for them. As the Lord declares, “I will restore you to the place from which I sent you” (Jeremiah 29:14), so too this appointment may be seen as a fulfillment of a divine journey, one that brings him back to his roots, to serve among his own people. It is a reminder that vocation is not merely about mission, but also about identity, heritage and God’s unfolding plan in the life of His Church. Thus, his return is not incidental, but deeply meaningful, a sign of continuity, grace and the mysterious ways in which God gathers His people and shepherds them through those who are called from among them.

The ceremony drew an impressive gathering, including members of the Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, a large number of priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the island and government officials and high ranking security officers. Their collective presence reflected the unity and vibrancy of the Church in Sri Lanka, as well as the importance of the episcopal office in its life and mission.

The celebration was notably enriched by the participation of dignitaries from the religious traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam, whose presence stood as a powerful testament to interreligious harmony and mutual respect. This spirit of inclusivity elevated the occasion beyond a purely ecclesiastical event, highlighting its broader social and cultural resonance.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando, SSS., Bishop Emeritus of Badulla, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, Bishop of Galle, served as Co-consecrators, in the Solemn rite of the Episcopal Ordination. The homily was delivered by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, whose reflections offered profound spiritual insight into the responsibilities and sacred character of the episcopal ministry, inspiring both clergy and laity alike.

A particularly joyful aspect of the celebration was the presence of members of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS) from abroad. Among them were Reverend Frs. Roel Dela Cruz, SSS (Philippines) and Francisco Junior Marques, SSS (Brazil) from the General Curia, Fr. Philip Watkins, SSS, Provincial Superior from the Holy Spirit Province of Australia, Fr. Peter Jayakanthan, SSS, Provincial Superior and Fr. Peter Fernandes, SSS both from the Kristu Jyoti Province of India, and Fr. Emilio Mossa, SSS from Mozambique. Their participation underscored the internationality fraternity and missionary spirit of the Congregation. The ordination ceremony was not only a liturgical milestone but also a profound expression of faith, communion and service. It stood as a witness to the enduring strength of the Church, the richness of its traditions, and its commitment to fostering unity both within its own community and in the wider society.

The motto and Coat of Arms of His Lordship Bishop Sagara reflect his profound Eucharistic spirituality and deeply rooted Catholic faith. His episcopal motto, “Ex Fide in Fidem”, meaning “Through Faith for Faith”, is inspired by Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Rom. 1:17). It expresses his unwavering commitment to live by faith and guide others along the same path of faith.

The elements of his Coat of Arms are rich in symbolism and ecclesial meaning. The green galero, together with the processional cross, mitre, and crozier, signifies his episcopal office and pastoral responsibility as a shepherd of the Church. At the center, the broken Sacred Host and the golden monstrance highlight the centrality of the Eucharist in his spiritual life, as well as his vocation in the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. This element emphasizes his dedication to Eucharistic spirituality and ministry. The white lily represents Saint Joseph, the patron of the diocese, symbolizing purity, humility and faithful guardianship. The olive branch signifies peace and harmony among the diverse communities within the diocese. The imagery of fertile soil, rice plant, tree and flowing waters reflects the agricultural richness of Anuradhapura and the farming population. These symbols convey themes of growth, humility and the nurturing of faith among the people. The ancient stone pillars recall the historical and spiritual heritage of the region, linking the present mission of the Church with its rich past. Finally, the blue background honours the Mother of God, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, and who
stands as the perfect model of faith, obedience and devotion. 

As he assumes leadership of the Diocese of Anuradhapura, Bishop Jayamanne is entrusted with guiding a diverse and dispersed flock, fostering faith, unity, and missionary zeal in a region rich in history yet marked by unique pastoral challenges. His appointment stands as a momentous event of grace not only for the Diocese of Anuradhapura but also for the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and the wider Church in Sri Lanka, as the Church continues Her mission of witness and service in the land of Rajarata.

Father Manuel Asirvadam, SSS