Nishantha Piyum Dharshana

Fernando

Presbyter

Ordained on 1996

In 2023, Rt. Rev. Nishantha Fernando assumed the position of the seventh Bishop of the Kurunegala Diocese within the Church of Ceylon. His election transpired in Kurunegala on December 17, 2022. Born on July 24, 1968, he received his early education at Ja-Ela Tudella Christ the King College and pursued secondary education at Anuradhapura Central College. His journey in theology led him to graduate in 1995 after joining Pilimathalawa Theological College in 1991 due to his profound interest in religion and dedication to church service.

Simultaneously, in 1995, he was ordained as a deacon in the Kurunegala Diocese. The following year, in 1996, he ascended to priesthood. He served as the Chaplain of the Kurunegala Diocese's youth movement and assumed the role of assistant chaplain, teacher, and housemaster at Trinity College, Kandy. His extensive service extended to various churches in the Kurunegala Diocese.

Furthermore, Bishop Nishantha Fernando is a dedicated lecturer at the Theological College of Lanka in Pilimathalawa. His academic pursuits took him to England, where he studied theology and other subjects, obtaining degrees from the University of Peradeniya and Newman University, UK. His scholarly contributions are evident in various publications on Christianity. Presently, he is engaged in doctoral studies at Serampore University in India.

In Office

BishopDiocese of Kurunagala
Rev. Nishantha Piyum Dharshana Fernando is a Presbyter at Church of Ceylon - Diocese of Kurunagala