News
Fr. Marceline Jayakody beyond merely music
The 117th birth anniversary of the late Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody OMI, was celebrated recently at the Eranga Randula Reception Hall in Dankotuwa.
Catholic priests, nuns, prominent Buddhist monks, other religious leaders, school children and a host of invitees participated at the event..
A special feature was that the ceremony commemorating the birth of Fr. Jayakody -a Catholic priest- was that it was organised by the Sarasavi Kala Sangamaya at Yogiyana, Dankotuwa- a Buddhist organisation.
Delivering the keynote speech, Rev .Kiriwandeniye Dhammasiri Thera said the late Fr. Marceline Jayakody spoke the truth throughout his life. He faced much criticism because of this trait he said. He added Fr. Marceline had a very good sense of humour and was a humanist.
Rev .Kiriwandeniye added that, during the days where terrorism prevailed Fr. Jayakody was among the first to condemn the killing of Buddhist clergy at Aranthalawa.
Fr Jude Samantha spoke of Fr. Jayakody’s love of nature
Senior lecturer and head of Religious Research, Dr Vijitha Rohana said he attended the ceremony as research undertaken by Fr Jayakody would help students studying for their Phd.
President of the ‘Sarasavi Kala Sangamaya’ Ananda Karunaratne said ‘the recent disturbances in the country could have been avoided if people had followed the example of Fr Jayakody.
Senior Journalist Cyril Enderamulla also spoke at the meeting and handed over a cheque was to Ms.Vinifreda Jayakody, daughter of the elder brother of Fr Marceline, appreciating her role in caring for documents of Fr Jayakody.