Virtual Commission Meeting

On 10^th of November 2013 at 12.00 noon the new Social Communication Commission of the Vice Province of Sri Lanka created history by way of having its first meeting virtually, in turn managing time and resources in the most efficient and effect manner.  This was the very first official meeting held virtually by the Salesians in the Vice Province of Sri Lanka.  The commission members who took part in the virtual meeting were Fr. Reginald Fernando, Fr. Bernard Fernando, Fr. Manjula Priyantha and Mr. George Panicker. The idea of going virtual was novel helping the Salesians take advantage of the new age communication technology.  The positive result at the end of the meeting with this new age initiative was an overwhelming success.

Colombo Delegation Meets With VC

A two member delegation consisting of the Chairman of Don Bosco Society Sri Lanka Fr Nihal and Don Bosco Society Colombo’s Higher Education Executive Fr Paul met with the Vice Chancellor Fr Stephen Mavely at ADBU’s Azara Campus, Tuesday 13th August.

The Vice Chancellor appraised the visitors about the possibility of undertaking all on-line courses offered by ADBU as it has already signed an MoU with University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka.

The visitors have commissioned the CEO of Don Bosco Development Office Colombo Mr George Panicker to pursue the implementation of the project.

http://web.dbuniversity.ac.in/colombo-delegation-meets-with-vc/

Corpus Christi (Eucharistic Procession)

The parish of Palliyawatta with 2 substations celebrated Corpus Christi feast on 18 Aug 2013. For the first time the parishioners took in procession the Blessed Sacrament from palliyawatta to Dickowita newly build, st. Antony's church.

Feast of Rosa Mistica

The annual feast of Rosa Mistica was celebrated on 20th Sep 2013. Many faithful were present from varies parishes. 

Remedial classes Resume

4 September.

Remedial classes Resume. Once again the corridors of Don Bosco Murunkan are resounding with the laughter and shouts of young people from the neighborhood. About 150 children attend the cases. A dozen teachers are busily engaged in molding the life of these Children through Prayer, Moral instructions, counseling and tuition classes.

Lord we thank you for the gift of Priests

24 September

Lord we thank you for the gift of Priests. The Marian celebrations on 24th September had a special tone and colour at Don Bosco,Murunkan..  Rev.Fr. Pious the silver  Jubilarian celebrated the Holy Eucharist.  Fr.Pious was the director Don Bosco Murunkan for six years. Rev.Fr.Lawrence and Rev.Fr.Terrance also con-celebrated with him. They are the new priests who were ordained in April 2013 for the diocese of Mannar. During their years of formation they assisted the Don Bosco boarding as animators. The parish priest who is on transfer after four years of service in Murunkan was also thanked during the celebration for his collaboration with Don Bosco. A cultural programme consisting of Songs Dance and drama was organized after the Mass under the able direction of Rev.Fr.Melvin the dean of studies to felicitate and thank the priests.

English Academy and Computer Centre at Mathale

A beautiful piece of land at Mathale located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, donated by Mr. Milton Vantraex and Mrs. Clare Vantraex to Don Bosco Sri Lanka will soon bring hope and a bright future for the young of the region.  Don Bosco Sri Lanka will soon establish an English Academy and Computer Centre for which the construction plans are in place.  

On the 31^st of August 2013, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy, Rev. Fr. Milroy the Vicar General along with the family members of the Vantraex family laid the foundation stone at the site for the construction of the Institution building which will house the English Academy and Computer centre.  The land was blessed by Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage the Provincial Superior and Rev. Fr. Shiran Karawgodage the Provincial Economer of Don Bosco Sri Lanka. The local Parish Priest along with a few Nuns and young people from the parish community took part in the ceremony. 

Annual Prize Giving at Don Bosco - Bibile

VOCATION CAMP 2013 at Don Bosco Murunkan

Salesian vocation camp was conducted from 4th August 2013 to 7th August 2013 in Don Bosco Murunkan. 32 children from different parishes of the dioceses of Mannar and Jaffna participated in the camp. The camp was coordinated by Salesian fathers and assisted by brothers, aspirants and volunteers from India. The camp started with the registration of interested participants. The camp was inaugurated by Fr. Paul, Rector of Don Bosco Murunkan.  It was followed by division of groups, rosary, music class etc. The programme was directed and coordinated by Fr. Melvin and assisted by Br. Gnanaraj, Br. Sebagnanam and Br. Rogesious. The programmes in the camp comprised of teaching prayers, adoration, holy mass, classes on English and mathematics, tests, talks by fathers, different games, music, etc. During the camp the Rector interviewed all the participants of the camp. A film on Don Bosco was shown in the camp and it was coordinated by Fr. Reginold, Administrator of Don Bosco Murunkan. All the participants actively and enthusiastically participated in the programmes.  On the 7th of August 2013, the camp concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Dixon, Vice Provincial of the Vice-Province of Sri Lanka. The vocation camp was a golden opportunity for the participants to understand better the Salesian way of life.

Foundation stone laid for Don Bosco Aspirantate at Mankulam

The commemoration of the Birthday of Don Bosco, 16th August 2013, is a red letter day in the annals of the Vice Province of Sri Lanka. The foundation stone for the aspirantate for the Northern Region was laid on this day at Mankulam in the Kilinochchi District, witnessed by many salesians, priests, sisters, local parishioners, and neighboring people of other faiths. 

Rev.Fr.Nihal Liyanage the Provincil Superior of the Vice Province of Sri Lanka on this occassion thanked the Bishop of Jafna Most Rev. Thomas Soundranayagam for consenting to donate the land for the aspirantate. The Provincial Superior thanked the Rector Major, Very Rev. Fr. Pascual Chavez and Fr.Jayapal the Provincial of Chennai for the financial support for the construction of the aspirantate.

Fr.Nihal further thanked the Dean of the Mullaitivu Deanery, Fr.Javis, the parish priest of Mankulam, Fr.James Pathianathan, Fr.Pius, Sr.Rajeshwari, Fr.Shiran, the Provincial Economer and all those who were instrumental in making the aspirantate become a reality. He informed the gathering that the patron of the aspirantate  will be  ‘Blessed Michael Rua’ according to the wish of the Rector Major. The name of the Aspirantate will be Don Bosco Aspirantate

The foundation stones for the aspirantate was blessed by Fr.Javis and laid by Fr.Nihal, followed by Fr.Javis, Fr.James, Fr.Shiran, Fr.K.P.Paul the Provincial Councilor & Rector of the present aspirantate at Murunkan, Fr.Pius, Fr.Arokiasamy the incharge of Don Bosco Kilinochchi, Fr.Hemantha, Fr.Melvin and Sr.Rajeswari. The function concluded with a sumptuous lunch for all the invitees. 

Spiritual retreat for the Salesian Brothers

A retreat was conducted, from the 9th until the 14th of August 2013, for the Salesian brothers who renewed their vows on  the 14th of August 2013.  The main events of the retreat were Conferences, Adoration Services Daily Eucharist and meditation integrated with yoga exercises. Fr.Paul the director of Don Bosco, Murunkan animated the retreat. Two sisters of the congregation of the Blessed Virgin too joined the retreat.

Renewal of Religious Profession

14th August 2013 was a day of great joy for the Salesian community of Don Bosco Murunkan. Brothers Rogesius, Sebagnanam, Dilan and Nilanka renewed their religious profession after five days of retreat conducted in Don Bosco Murunkan. The Salesian  community and a group of Aspirants participated in the function.

THE PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA VISITS DON BOSCO TECHNICAL CENTRE NEGOMBO.

On the 12 July 2013 Don Bosco Technical Centre Negombo celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the underprivileged and marginalized youth of Sri Lanka.   His Excellency Mahindra Rajapaksha, President of Sri Lanka visited the Institution and graced this historic occasion.  Along with other eminent personalities present at the occasion were the Provincial Superior of Don Bosco Sri Lanka Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage, the Rector of Don Bosco Negombo Fr. Anthony H.Pinto and the Salesian community of the Negombo centre. While at high tea, which was organized at the institution, the President showered accolades for the extraordinary work which the Salesians have done so far for the youth of the country, especially for being the only private technical institution to offer the highest number of Government Accredited (NVQ) National Vocational Qualification courses in Sri Lanka.  In total Don Bosco offers 14 NVQ courses.

SILVER JUBILEE OF PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Anthony Pinto and Fr. Pius George, two exemplary Salesians of Don Bosco Sri Lanka, completed 25 years of priesthood.  A grand celebration to commemorate both Fr. Pinto and Fr.Pius was organized at Don Bosco Negombo on the feast day of St. Peter and St.Paul, 29 June 2013. Present at the celebration were a large gathering of Salesians and students.  The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist offering a Thanks Giving Mass in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.  During the felicitation, the Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage gave an inspiring talk.  This was followed by a variety of entertainment and cultural programme performed by the children and youth from Don Bosco Institutions of Negombo, Pallavarayankattu, Murunakan  Dankotuwa and Uswatkiyawa including the past pupils.

SURVEY AND LEVELING CAMP AT DON BOSCO METIYAGANE

A three-day Survey Leveling Camp for Diploma civil Engineering students along with the ICBT (International College of Business and Technology) students was held at Don Bosco Metiyagane on the 23^rd of July 2013.  This is a programme which is a prerequisite for the students to attend before they are awarded their Diploma and higher Diploma. The camp was conducted under the auspices of the management of the Don Bosco Metiyagane Salesian community.  A total of 40 students from ICBT and 10 students from Don Bosco Metiyagana, attended the camp.  The students were guided by Professor Dr. Gamunu Gurusinke from Peradeniya University, Lecturer Mrs. Thaksika along with three technicians.

PARENTS DAY AND CERTIFICATE AWARDING CEREMONY AT DON BOSCO METIYAGANE

The annual Parents day and Certificate awarding ceremony of Don Bosco Metiyagane was held on 25^th of June 2013 at Don Bosco Metiyagane. During this annual event Hon. Minister of National Vocational Training, Mr. Dullas Alahapperuma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering. Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage, Provincial Superior of the Vice Province of Sri Lanka, Dr. T.A. Piyasiri, Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Dr. S.D.R. Perera, Director General TVEC were also present at the occasion as guests of honor. The main theme of the event was, "You helped us & we grew, Thank you”.

 

Batch I and II of the civil engineering were awarded with NVQ Level 4 certificates in Construction Site Supervisor. Students who complete their DynEd English Language course were also awarded certificates. 

Salesian Perpetual Profession: Forever with Don Bosco…

We, Salesians of Don Bosco, joined with our four clerics, Rev. Bro. Sudesh Sinhalakkara, Rev. Bro. Costa William, Rev. Bro. Ranpathi Devage Viraj and Rev. Bro. Nadeep Sanjeewa, as they made their Perpetual Profession on 24^th May 2013, Feast day of Our Lady Help of Christians.


The Festive celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage and concelebrated by many Salesian Priests. The eve was coloured by the blissful participation of many Salesians, families of the four salesians, members of the Salesian Family and well-wishers.

25 years of Silvery Steps with Don Bosco…

As the silver bells ring for Don Bosco Seminaryat Dankotuwa, the Salesians of Sri Lanka, with many other religious and lay communities and families,happily joined to celebrate the 25 years of Silvery Steps with Don Bosco at Dankotuwa, on 11^th and 12^th May 2013.

The Celebrations began with the 1^st Day of Novena (3^rd May, Friday) which was presided over by Fr. Roshan Miranda. Then on 2^nd Day Fr. Neil Kumara, on 3^rd Day Fr. Robin Fernando, ViyanRajith and Fr. SriranthaNiroshan (New Priests), on 4^th Day Fr. Roshan OSB, on 5^th Day Fr. ChalanaKalanga, on 6^th Day Fr. Melinda Wickramasinghe, on 7^th Day Fr. Dixon Fernando (the Rector) and on 8^th Day Fr. Felix Mallwarachchijoined us and enlightened the minds of the Aspirants and the faithful.

On 11^th May, Saturday, the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Spitheri joined us in celebrating the Vespers at 7.00pm. The colourful evening was melodiously harmonized by the beautiful singing by the Don Bosco Seminary Choir, which was accompanied by some of the music teachers of the aspirants themselves. Nearly hundred priests religious and nuns took part in the evening. And many other specially invited guests also joined the celebration with hearts full of love. After the Vespers, the aspirants led the mass to the centre garden where the aspirants had organized a back-to-back talent show, which contained Eastern Dances, Eastern Hewisi Drum Bands, Western Brass Bands, Orchestra Musicals, Mimes, Calypsos and etc… The evening was accomplished by the Grand Dinner at 9.30pm for all those present.

0n 12^th May, Sunday, the Bishop of Chilaw Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendispresided over the Festive Eucharistic Celebration, in which His Lordship addressed all the parents of the Aspirants, the parents of the Salesians who were present and the other invited guests about sanctity and our calling. The Holy Mass was solemnized by the beautiful festive mass animations and the excellent singing by the Don Bosco Seminary Choir, which was accompanied by some of the music teachers of the aspirants. After the Holy Mass, during the vote of thanks, Fr. Dixon Fernando, the Rector, thanked everybody who was behind the success of this beautiful celebration. Then Fr. NihalLiyanage, the Provincial, respectively appreciated and thanked God for all those who worked so much during last 25 years at Dankotuwa. A lot of Salesians, some religious, parents of the aspirants, some parents of the Salesians and many other distinguished guests took part in the celebration.

  

Bible Quiz Competition 2013

We began the Bible Quiz competition on 4^th May 2013 conducted by Youth Pastoral Commission with the help of brothers in Practical Trainees particularly Bro. Jerome helping at 9.30 a.m. with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Provincial, Fr.Nihal and Fr. Dixon con celebrated. Excepting few houses like Kotadeniyawa, Metiyagane and Ahungalla all the rest of the Sinhala speaking area institutions participated. It went on till 3.30 p.m. and Fr. Provincial was present to hand over the presents for the winners. We thank Dankotuwa House for providing the meals for all the children and for providing all the other facilities necessary for conducting the Quiz. 

The winners for individual prizes were 1^st place to Dankotuwa, Master Vimukti and second place to Dungalpitiya, Miss Upeksha and the third place to Dankotuwa Master Tharusha. The group prizes 1^st place to Negombo, 2^nd place to Dankotuwa and the third place to Uswetakeiyawa.

Provincial Community Day

May 1st - The Feast of St.Joseph the Worker - Provincial Community Day celebration at the Provincial House - Dungalpitiya.