ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis-called to eternal rest
Emeritus archbishop of Colombo the Most Reverend Dr. Oswald Gomis was a highly recognised Sri Lankan Roman Catholic Archbishop who made significant contributions to the church and society during his lifetime. He was born on 12th December, 1932 in Kelaniya, and received his primary education at St. Benedict’s College, Colombo and at St. Paul’s School, Waragoda. He continued his studies at St. Joseph’s College in Colombo, where he joined the Minor Seminary of St. Aloysius,
Borella in 1950.
Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis completed his theological studies at the National Seminary in Kandy, and was ordained as a priest at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena in 1958. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Education from Adamson University in the Philippines and was conferred a PhD (Honoris Causa) by Fu Jen University in China for his services in the field of social communications and education in Asia.
Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo from 1968 to 1996 and was installed as the Bishop of Anuradhapura in 1996. On July 27, 2002 he was installed as the Archbishop of Colombo and held this position until his retirement in 2009, when he was conferred the title of Emeritus Archbishop.
Throughout his career, Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis was known for his extensive writings, contributions to education, and work promoting inter-religious harmony and social justice. He served on various national and international boards and was involved in establishing schools, medical centres, and housing schemes for the poor. He also travelled to almost 50 countries during his lifetime.
Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis called to eternal rest on 3rd February, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the Sri Lankan community. He will always be remembered for his tireless efforts in promoting education and social justice, and for his contributions to inter-religious harmony in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Reminiscences of Tewatta – 27.08.2006 “Thewatte Mathaka Satahan” – 27.08.2006 Some Christian Contributions in Sri Lanka (English )– 06.04.2009
“Sri Lankawe Kithunu Dayakathwaya” Sinhala – 06.07.2009
The Catholic Family Catechism – December 2010 Kithu Samidhano Bharathayata Vedisekdha Katholika Yatagiyaawa – Sri Lankaawa – 2012
As a journalist he has also contributed articles to reputed newspapers such as the Daily News, Sunday Observer, Dinamina, Silumina, Daily Mirror, Lankadipa, Messenger, Dawasa and other journals. Presently he is contributing a regular feature on Sri Lankan Catholic Church history to the Catholic Sinhala weekly Gnanartha Pradipaya. So far he has contributed 100 articles.