As the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka prepares to celebrate a historic Golden Jubilee, the life and legacy of Rev. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith shine brightly—not just as the spiritual head of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, but as a beacon of moral strength, compassionate leadership and unwavering faith.
Born on November 15, 1947 in Polgahawela, about 50 miles Northeast of Colombo, Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don—commonly known as Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith—has led a life deeply rooted in service, prayer and advocacy.
For many priests who have journeyed alongside him over the years, His Eminence is not only a leader and spiritual father but also an inspirational mentor whose wisdom and integrity have shaped lives and strengthened the Church.
Leading in silence and strength
“He does not need to raise his voice to be heard; he is truly a compassionate leader, grounded in empathy, care and a heartfelt desire to support the well-being and growth of others,” said Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudaarachchi, who serves as the Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar for Special Projects under His Eminence at the Archbishop’s House, Colombo.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Rev. Fr. Freely recalled, “His very presence echoed calmness, and his words were profoundly Godly. Like a true shepherd guiding his flock to safety, he led a grieving nation with grace and peace. He urged the faithful not to raise their hands against one another. I recall His Eminence once telling me that, in that moment it was God Himself who spoke through him. And just as sheep trust and follow their shepherd, the entire nation followed his lead.”
“Today, we can see how divinely he led us—not into compulsive reactions of anger or division, but into unity and shared mourning in the face of a national tragedy. Yet on the flipside,” Rev. Fr. Freely added, “as the torchbearer of the faithful, he remains unwavering to this day, carrying the pain of a nation in his heart and steadfast in his pursuit of justice for the victims, and in restoring public trust in leadership and systems.”
A father to the clergy
Many describe His Eminence as a deeply discerning leader—one who listens first, speaks later, and always with purpose.
Rev. Fr. Freely shared a personal moment: “I was just seven years old when I first encountered His Eminence, then serving as my Assistant Parish Priest. I received my childhood sacraments through him. Even as a curious child, I found his two-year presence at our church unforgettable. His commitment to the people’s welfare and his boldness made a lasting impression. Now, 48 years later, it is truly a remarkable blessing to serve alongside him and closely witness his mission.”
“Among the clergy, His Eminence is known not only for his intellect and administrative acumen, but also for his rare ability to make others feel heard and valued. He possesses a remarkable gift for inspiring confidence and instilling a deep sense of purpose in those around him,” commended Rev. Fr. Freely.
“His Eminence is widely recognised for his profound theological wisdom, with his experiences in the Holy Land earning him an esteemed reputation at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome and among other respected apostolic and academic circles.
“He is especially noted for his significant contributions to Eucharistic devotion and theological reforms, all while steadfastly preserving the sacred traditions of the Church,” said Rev. Fr. Welivita, Episcopal Vicar for Negombo Region.
He said: “Prior to his calling as Archbishop, His Eminence served as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments at the Vatican. He held the diplomatic post of Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor, where he demonstrated superior capacity for effective administration and outstanding leadership.”
Former Secretary Administration and the Procurator General of the Archdiocese of Colombo to His Eminence Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha, said that “His Eminence led many initiatives to strengthen our nation’s ties with the Vatican and elevate the global profile of the local Church.
Among these, he played a pivotal role in facilitating the historic visits of two Popes:
* Pope John Paul II, who visited Sri Lanka in January 1995 for the beatification of St. Joseph Vaz, and
* Pope Francis, who visited in January 2015 to canonise the saint and promote interreligious dialogue and peace.”
Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha said that under His Eminence’s leadership, many priests and brothers have been given opportunities to serve as well as pursue higher studies abroad, gaining valuable international experience and broadening their spiritual perspectives.
A voice for the voiceless
During times of national unrest and injustice, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith consistently emerged as a prominent moral voice, calling for unity, truth, and accountability.
“He could have chosen to remain quiet. But he did not,” said Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha, reflecting on the Cardinal’s firm stand on justice.
“He reminded us that being a priest is not just about rituals. It’s about protecting life, truth, and dignity.”
Beyond his spiritual leadership, His Eminence is a leader who is not only fluent in 10 languages but also is committed to the well-being of Sri Lanka’s vibrant multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities”, Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha said.
“His Eminence holds a place in his heart for the fishing communities scattered across the island,” he added. “Over the years—especially during crises such as the 2004 tsunami and the Covid-19 pandemic—he stood firmly with these communities, offering both material assistance and spiritual comfort.”
His leadership has mobilised significant resources to uplift vulnerable groups, reinforcing his role as a compassionate advocate for social justice. The Seth Sarana also known as the Sada Sarana was founded under the visionary leadership of His Eminence. The Institute serves as a guiding light, providing humanitarian aid, relief services, and social uplift to the most vulnerable segments of our society.
His legacy
Those who speak of His Eminence do so not only with respect but with deep affection. Many credit him with shaping a clergy that is more compassionate, grounded, and connected to the people.
“I know it’s not merely a routine for him; he devotes himself wholeheartedly to daily prayer and spiritual duties,” said Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha. “Day and night, tirelessly he immerses himself in fulfilling his sacred calling.”
“He has taught us that holiness is not found in perfection, but in perseverance,” said Rev. a former Rector of St. Peter’s College Fr. Felician Perera, Colombo. “And that we are not called to be great, but to be faithful.”
Renowned for his contributions to both Church and nation, His Eminence is also widely respected internationally. “Any prominent figure visiting Sri Lanka often ensures a courtesy call with His Eminence, which speaks volumes of the esteem in which he is held. There have been many occasions where his words of wisdom have been sought both locally and internationally,” added Rev. Fr. Felician Perera.
50th Jubilee of priestly ordination
Today, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith marks a remarkable milestone — the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Ordained on June 29,1975, by Pope Paul VI, this Golden Jubilee celebrates five decades of dedicated spiritual leadership and devoted service to both the Catholic Church and the nation of Sri Lanka.
To honour this sacred occasion, a series of special events have been planned. The celebrations will begin with a Holy Mass held this morning at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, bringing together members of the Archbishop community to commemorate this significant day.
Tomorrow at 5.00pm, a felicitation Holy Mass will be conducted at St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Kotahena, the mother church of the Archdiocese of Colombo.
A civic felicitation ceremony will also take place, with the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Final reflections
As the nation comes together to celebrate this Golden Jubilee, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s legacy of unwavering faith and compassionate leadership continues to inspire many across Sri Lanka and beyond.
Their encounter in the Vatican, marked the beginning of a friendship between Ven.Banagala Upatissa Thera and His Eminence, over two decades ago – a bond that has grown strong over the years. Reflecting on their relationship, Ven. Thera said, “His Eminence is truly a bridge between Buddhism and Christianity and a blessed national treasure. He extended himself beyond the traditional boundaries of the church, emerging as a visionary leader committed to inspiring hope and compassion across Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multi-cultural communities—both locally and globally”.
In commemorating fifty years of priestly devotion, Ashin Sheikh Masook Maulavi extended his heartfelt respect to His Eminence. He said, “I wish to particularly commend the bold and principled leadership he demonstrated at a time when even a single slip of the tongue could have ignited unrest among innocent communities. His restraint, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to peace are a testament to his god given courage. Even after we depart from this world, his legacy will continue to prevail – echoed across generations as a shining example of leadership that united rather than divided.
He added, “May your golden jubilee inspire us all to live with compassion, truth, and unity.”
Rev. Fr. Welivita added, “His Eminence is renowned for his unwavering advocacy for peace and justice. He has been a steadfast voice for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in matters of national importance. Moreover, he has championed inter-religious dialogue within Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, courageously addressing critical ethical and moral concerns.
In a world longing for quiet strength, His Eminence the Cardinal reminds all of us that sometimes the most powerful message is the one spoken in humility, in prayer, and in love”, said Rev. Fr. Freely.
“If I were to offer but a single sentiment to His Eminence,” reflected Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha, “it would be thank you—for showing us that true leadership is service, and that the strength of a shepherd lies not in his staff, but in his heart.”
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith’s journey is not merely a record of service, but a living testament to what it means to be a true shepherd—faithful, fearless, and forever grounded in the love of God and His people.
