as formally inducted. The ceremony was held during Mass in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Negombo at which Fr Fernando Bellarmine, Provincial of Chennai presided. Among those present were the former Archbishop of Colombo, the Bishop of Anuradhapura, Fr Thomas Panakhezham, former Regional Councillor for Asia - Australia, the Minister for “Christian Affairs”, the Provincials of Trichy and Mumbai, various former Provincials of the Chennai Province, many young people, members of the Salesian Family and friends of Don Bosco. A large number of Buddhists monks from different monasteries attended the Mass. Afterwards they gave a short address in which theyexpressed very warmly their appreciation for the work that Fr Pinto is doing. Their presence was due to the very cordial relations established in recent years with various Buddhists especially in the area around Nochiyagama. Salesian work in Sri Lanka began about 50 years ago with the arrival of Fr Heri Remery, a French Salesian from the Chennai Province. At the end of 2003 the Rector Major set up the Sri Lanka Vice Province, and it was formally inaugurated on 15 August 2004.
