1950
Inauguration and Early Appointments
The Missionary Diocese of Kurunagala was inaugurated, and Bishop Lakdasa De Mel was appointed as its first Bishop. The Rev. Ivor Dassanaike was appointed as the first Archdeacon of Kurunagala. The first Diocesean Council was held at the Cathedral.
1956
Recognition as a Full Diocese and Cathedral Consecration
The Diocese of Kurunagala was granted the status of a fully recognized Diocese in the Church of Ceylon by the Episcopal Synod of The Church of India, Burma and Ceylon. The Cathedral Church of Christ the King Kurunegala was consecrated. Rev. James Amarasekara was appointed as the Archdeacon.
1957
Founding of Devasaranaramaya
The Devasaranaramaya was founded by The Rev. Yohan Devananda. This community was established to uphold the Diocese through devotional life and new spheres of community service, necessitated by political and social changes in the country.
1958
Creation of a New Canonry Stall
The Canonry Stall of St Michael the Archangel was created in the Cathedral, and Rev. Christopher Rathnayake was collated as the first canon.
1961
Nationalization of Church Schools
The majority of the schools run by the Church were nationalized by the state. This event reflects the rapid political, social, and religious changes in the country, including the resurgence of Buddhism and national culture, which led Church leaders to recognize the need to forgo privileges once enjoyed under colonial rule.
1962
Change in Diocesan Leadership and New Community
Bishop Lakdasa De Mel became Metropolitan of the Church of India, Burma, and Ceylon, with Rev. Lakshman Wickramasinghe succeeding him as Bishop of Kurunegala. The Devasevikaramaya was founded, and a new Canonry of St. Gabriel inaugurated with Rev. Harold De Mel as its first canon.
1963
Foundation of the Theological College
The Diocese of Kurunagala, together with the Diocese of Colombo and Methodist and Baptist Churches, founded the Theological College of Lanka in the geographical area of the Diocese of Kurunagala.
1965
Anglican Franciscan Order and Youth Movement Initiatives
A first attempt to start a branch of the Anglican Franciscan Order was made at Devasaranaramaya. The CCYM (Diocesan Youth Movement) of the Diocese of Kurunagala was officially established, with Lt.Col L.M.De Alwis as the founding president.
1966
Creation of the Joint Liturgical Commission
The Joint Liturgical Commission was created with the participation of both dioceses.
1969
Foundation Stone Laid for Christhodaya
The foundation stone was laid for Christhodaya, which was envisioned as a Rural Training Institute and a orphanage for boys in Kurunegala, by Bishop Lakshman Wickramasinghe.
1970
New Reformation Manifesto Debated
A manifesto for new reformation was brought to the Diocesean Council of Kurunegala and was passed only after the clause about church schools had been deleted.
1971
Launch of Jana Vimana
A youth empowerment project called Jana Vimana was started by Bishop Lakshman Wickramasinghe. This initiative was handled by the communities of Devasaranaramaya and Devasevikaramaya.
1972
New Archdeacon and Women's Organization Formed
Rev. Sydney Weragoda succeeded Ven. James Amarasekara as the new Archdeacon. The Diocesean Women's Organization was made by Bishop Lakshman Wickramasinghe.
1974
Archdeacon Succession
Rev. Canon Christopher Rathnayake succeeded Ven. Sydney Weragoda as the new Archdeacon.
1975
25th Anniversary Celebration
The Diocese celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
1980
Organization for Justice Formed
Bishop Lakshman Wickramasinghe formed an organization called "Organization for obtaining justice for strikers" with the help of other religious leaders. This aligns with his significant contributions to social justice.
1983
Passing of Bishop Lakshman Wickramasinghe
Bishop Lakshman Wickramasinghe passed away suddenly due to heart failure.
1984
Election and Consecration of the Third Bishop
Rev. Andrew Kumarage was elected as the third Bishop of the Diocese and was consecrated in October 1984.
1985
Establishment of the Joint Theological Commission
The joint Theological Commission was set up. This aligns with efforts to make adults sensitive to current theological and social issues through Diocesan Committees.
1987
New Chapel at Christhodaya Premises
A new chapel was built in the Christhodaya Premises and was blessed by Bishop Andrew Kumarage.
1988
New Archdeacon Appointed
The Rev. Sam Gunawardana succeeded Ven. Christopher Rathnayake as the Archdeacon of Kurunegala.
1996
BLWC Built in Cathedral Premises
The BLWC (Bishop Lakshman Wickremesinghe Centre) was built in the Cathedral premises.
2000
50th Anniversary and New Bishop
The Diocese of Kurunegala celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Rev. Kumara Illangasinghe was elected as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese.
2002
Archdeacon Succession
Rev. Oswald Perera succeeded Ven. Samuel Gunawardana as the new Archdeacon of Kurunegala.
2005
50th Session of Diocesan Council
The 50th Session of the Diocesean Council was held with appropriate celebrations.
2006
Archdeacon Appointment
Rev. Shantha Francis was appointed as the Archdeacon of Kurunagala following the death of Ven. Oswald Perera.
2010
Election of New Bishop
Ven. Shantha Francis was elected as the Bishop of Kurunagala.
2011
New Archdeacon Installed
Rev. Nimal Wickramaratne was installed as the Archdeacon of Kurunegala.
2012
Media Unit, News Publication, and Memorial Centre Opened
The Diocesean Media Unit was inaugurated, and a news publication named "Kithumina" was also introduced. The Bishop Andrew Kumarage Memorial Centre was declared open at Talawa. The House of Joy celebrated its 100th Anniversary.
2013
First Women Priests Ordained
The Diocese ordained its first two women priests, marking a historic step forward in inclusive ministry and leadership.
2015
Bishop Shantha Francis Resigns
Bishop Shantha Francis resigned from his position, and The Bishop of Colombo Rt Rev. Dhiloraj Canagasabey was appointed as the Vicar General of the Diocese.
2018
New Bishop Elected and St John's Home Anniversary
After a period of three years without a Bishop, Ven. Keerthisiri Fernando was elected as the Bishop and consecrated on the feast of epiphany. The St John's Boys Home in Kegalle celebrated its 75th Anniversary.
2022
Bishop Keerthisiri Fernando Steps Down
Bishop Keerthisiri Fernando stepped down from his position, and Rev. Nishantha Fernando was elected as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese.
2023
New Archdeacon Appointed
Rev. Anton Williams was appointed as the Archdeacon of Kurunegala succeeding Ven. George Melder.
2024
75th Anniversary of the Youth Movement
Kurunegala Diocesan Youth Movement its 50th Anniversary with Annual Youth Conference.
2025
75th Anniversary & New Archdeacon
The Diocese celebrated its 75th Anniversary. During this milestone year, Rev. Sanath Kumara Medagamgoda was appointed as the Archdeacon of Kurunegala, succeeding Ven. Anton Williams.
This timeline was compiled with the generous contributions of Mr. Sahan Kavishka Dissanayaka. We are grateful for his efforts in preserving and sharing the history of our Diocese.