August 20, Colombo (LNW): Pope Francis has officially accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Batticaloa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponnaiah, according to a statement from the Vatican yesterday (19).
In his place, Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Ranjith, currently serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, has been appointed as the Apostolic Administrator for the Batticaloa Diocese.
The transition marks a significant shift for the Batticaloa Diocese, which has been under Bishop Ponnaiah’s guidance for several years. His resignation, which aligns with the Church’s customary practice of allowing bishops to step down after reaching a certain age, paves the way for fresh leadership in the region.
The appointment of Bishop Ranjith as Apostolic Administrator signals the Vatican’s intent to ensure continuity and stability within the diocese while a permanent successor is considered.
Bishop Ranjith, known for his extensive pastoral experience and administrative capabilities, will oversee the diocese’s affairs temporarily.
The move comes as part of the broader organisational changes in the Church’s administration in Sri Lanka, reflecting the Vatican’s strategic response to the evolving needs of the local Catholic community.
