The CBCSL is the central body of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, established to coordinate and guide the pastoral and administrative activities of the Church across the country. Its history reflects the growth and development of the Church in Sri Lanka amidst changing societal and political landscapes.
The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka traces its roots back to Portuguese missionaries in the early 16th century. Over the centuries, the Church faced challenges such as Dutch persecution and British colonization but remained steadfast in its mission. As the local Church grew in independence and structure, the need for a formal organization to unify the bishops and address national issues became apparent.
The CBCSL was officially established in the mid-20th century as part of a global trend encouraged by the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which emphasized the importance of bishops' conferences to address regional issues collaboratively. It aimed to coordinate the work of dioceses, promote unity, and respond to the pastoral and social challenges of the time.
The CBCSL was formally established as a legal entity through the enactment of the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Act, No. 17 of 1983, which came into effect on April 29, 1983.
The Act conferred corporate status upon the CBCSL, granting it perpetual succession and the ability to sue and be sued under its corporate name.
The CBCSL's primary objectives include:
The Act empowers the CBCSL to:
This incorporation provided the CBCSL with a structured framework to coordinate the activities of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, enabling it to effectively address pastoral, social, and administrative matters within the country.
Sri Lanka's history of ethnic conflict has posed significant challenges. The CBCSL has played a vital role in fostering peace and reconciliation, advocating for justice, and supporting victims of violence, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity.
The CBCSL has been a voice for the marginalized, addressing issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. It has initiated programs to uplift underprivileged communities and promote sustainable development.
Following Vatican II, the CBCSL facilitated the localization of liturgy, promoting the use of Sinhala and Tamil languages in Mass, while integrating local cultural elements into Catholic worship.
The CBCSL has consistently spoken out against human rights violations and worked to protect the rights of minorities, particularly during periods of political unrest and civil war.
The conference comprises all bishops of Sri Lanka, including diocesan bishops, auxiliary bishops, and emeritus bishops. It functions through various commissions dedicated to areas such as education, justice, peace, laity, youth, and interreligious dialogue.
Notable leaders in the CBCSL's history include Cardinal Thomas Benjamin Cooray, O.M.I., the first Sri Lankan cardinal, and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who have significantly shaped the Church's direction in Sri Lanka.
Today, the CBCSL continues to address contemporary challenges such as economic crises, social inequalities, and climate change. It remains a key player in fostering unity within the Church and promoting the values of the Gospel in Sri Lanka's multi-religious and multicultural society.
The CBCSL's history is a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka to its mission of faith, justice, and service to all people.