Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith
9th Archbishop of Colombo (2009 – Present)
Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Lucina
His Eminence Albert Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith was born on 15 November 1947 in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, to Patabendige Don William and Hettiarachchige Mary Winifred Perera. He is the eldest of four siblings, with three sisters. His early education took place at Roman Catholic Boys’ School and De La Salle College, Lunupokuna, Mutwal, Colombo 15. He later entered St. Aloysius Seminary in Borella and continued his ecclesiastical studies at The National Seminary in Ampitiya, Kandy.
.webp)
Academic and Theological Formation
Cardinal Ranjith holds a Baccalaureate in Theology (B.Th.) from Urban University, Rome, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude Probatus in 1974. Following his priestly ordination on 29 June 1975 at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, by Pope Paul VI, he pursued higher studies in Biblical Theology. He obtained a Diploma in Biblical Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later earned a Licentiate in Sacred Scriptures (L.S.S.) from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude Probatus.
Early Priestly Ministry
After his ordination, Cardinal Ranjith began his pastoral work as Assistant Parish Priest in Pamunugama, Kepungoda, and Dungalpitiya in 1978. He later served as Spiritual Director at Daham Sevana in 1980 before being appointed Parish Priest of Payagala in 1981. His dedication to theological education led to his appointment as a lecturer in Catechetics at Kalutara Museaus Training College and a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Sinhala Theology Faculty, Colombo.
Episcopal Ministry
On 17 June 1991, Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and Titular Bishop of Cabarsussi. His episcopal consecration took place on 31 August 1991 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Tewatta, presided over by Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando. In 1995, he was appointed Bishop of Ratnapura, where he served until 2001, also holding key positions in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka.
Service in the Vatican
In 2001, he was appointed Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in the Vatican and later became the President of the Pontifical Mission Societies. In 2004, he was named Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and Timor-Leste and was elevated to the rank of Titular Archbishop of Umbriatico. His expertise in liturgy led to his appointment in 2005 as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, a position he held until 2009.
Archbishop of Colombo and Cardinalate
On 16 June 2009, he was appointed the 9th Archbishop of Colombo and was officially installed on 5 August 2009 at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena. Recognizing his significant contributions to the Church, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Cardinal on 20 November 2010, assigning him the title of Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Lucina.
Leadership, Contributions, and Honors
Cardinal Ranjith is a Justice of the Peace for the whole island of Sri Lanka and has served on the University Council of Sabaragamuwa State University. He is fluent in Sinhala, English, Tamil, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Indonesian Bhasa.
Throughout his career, he has been an influential voice in the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), particularly in the Office for Evangelization and Liturgy. He has received international recognition, including the Thomas Aquinas Medallion for religious education from Thomas Aquinas College, California, and the Giuseppe Sciacca International Award from the President of Italy for cultural achievements.
Publications and Legacy
Cardinal Ranjith has authored theological works, including "Introduction to the Pentateuch" (Sinhala), published by DDN Publications Colombo. His leadership continues to inspire the faithful, guiding the Archdiocese of Colombo in faith, service, and commitment to the mission of the Church.
.webp)