Loading page
Today · 28 OctEventha· sasa
Oblate bishop
First Bishop of Chilaw
Province necrology · Register no. 419
From the Province register of Oblates who served in Ceylon and Jaffna. Dates are written day, month, year.
Bishop Edmund Peiris, O.M.I., was consecrated in 1940 as the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Chilaw (1940–1972). A internationally respected historian, oriental scholar, and musicologist, Bishop Peiris pioneered the inculturation of Catholic liturgy in Sri Lanka. He researched ancient Sinhala passion plays (Pasku), traditional carols (Kantharu), and sacred hymns, integrating indigenous cultural forms into Catholic worship. He authored foundational historical volumes on the Church in Sri Lanka and established vibrant educational and agricultural institutions throughout the Wayamba region.
In memoriam
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Bishop Edmund Peiris, O.M.I., was consecrated in 1940 as the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Chilaw (1940–1972).
Open the historical archive