The Inaugural Living Faith Symposium, organized by the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, was held on 31st October 2024 under the theme:
“The Relevance of Religious Faith in a Secularized Society in Sri Lanka.”
The event was graced by Most Rev. Dr. Devsritha Valence Mendis, Bishop of Kandy and Chairman of the Catholic National Commission for Seminarians, Clergy, Religious, and Secular Institutes, who participated as the Chief Guest.
Keynote addresses were delivered by:
- Rev. Dr. J. C. Paul Rohan, Dean of the Department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna
- Mrs. Mallika Rajaratnam, Senior Lecturer, University of Peradeniya
The symposium saw the participation of priests, religious brothers and sisters, venerable Buddhist theros, university students, and scholars from across the country. It was a vibrant and intellectually enriching occasion.
This successful event was organized by the National Seminary community under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando, Rector of the National Seminary.
Keynote Addresses
Two distinguished keynote speakers offered profound insights aligned with the symposium’s central theme:
“The Role and Relevance of Religions in Responding to the Secularization of Sri Lanka”
Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan
Dean of the Department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna
“The Role of Religious Education and Educational Methodology for Innovations, Ethical Change and Cross-cultural Understanding in Sri Lanka”
Mrs. Mallika Rajaratnam
Senior Lecturer, University of Peradeniya
“The Role of Religious Education and Educational Methodology for Innovations, Ethical Change and Cross-cultural Understanding in Sri Lanka”
Mrs. Mallika Rajaratnam
University of Peradeniya / Catholic University of America
Research Papers Presented
01. ‘The Concept of Faith and Grades of Faith in the Gospels and Its parallels in Hindu-Buddhistic Scriptures’
02. “The Urgent Call for Solidarity in Sri Lanka: Applying John Paul II’s Vision of Solidarity to the Sri Lankan Context”
David M.
03. Death of God vs. God is not Dead: Philosophical and Theological Perspectives
B. S. M. Mendis
04. The Impact of Secularization on Religious Faith, Family, and Cultural Value Structures in Sri Lanka
Bro. A. A. Dinuka Piumal Perera – Second Year Theology
05. Inter Religious Dialogue & Ecumenism
Ms. W. Vihangi Thathsarani Perera
06. The Relevance of Religious Faith in a Secularized Society through the Lens of Immanuel Kant
Rev. Br. V.J. Jesuthas
07. Leadership in Religious and Value Education in Sri Lankan Catholic Schools
Rev Fr Vincent Ashley
08. The Buddha’s Strategies for Dhamma Communication
Rev. Viharani K.D.
09. The Need of an Absolute Moral Agent in the Secularized Society in Sri Lanka: A Recommendation to Face the Challenges of the Secularized Society
M.P. Sandun Madushka Cooray
10. Preaching the Gospel and Introducing Christ in the Modern Era
Pavey, A. S. P.
11. Philosophy and Religions as ‘Ways of Life’ – Albeit Differently
Jeyaraj Rasiah, SJ
12. Religious Faith in the Eyes of Philosophy and Law in the Secularized Society of Sri Lanka
Jayasuriya J. A. D. C. S.
13. Religious Faith of the Dutch Burgher Community in Sri Lanka
Nonis, P.A.V.N
14. Inter-Religious Dialogue in Sri Lankan Context: A Socio-Religious Interpretation
Jude P.U. Kumara
15. Spiritual Exploration and Interfaith Dialogue
Ven. Prof. Muwaetagama Gnanananda
16. Upbringing a ‘Second Nature’ of a Religious Practice in a Secularized World with Religious Teachings
Bro. Tharanga Madhushan Hettiarachchi
17. Faith, in the Practice of Science
Rev. Ediriwickrema A. N.
18. Laudato si’ and Muthurajawela Wetland: An Investigative Study of Promoting the Significance of Ecological Spirituality Related Pastoral Work in Sri Lanka
Sanduni Mahesha Samarasinghe
19. Working Together for Justice: The Relevance of Religious Faith for Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue in the North of Sri Lanka
Saverimuttu, A. Gerard
