Some unspecified error has occurred.

Father James Ratnanayagam

June 11, 1926 - April 20, 2020

The Reverend Canon James Ratnanayagam passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday 20th April. He was almost 94 years old. He and his wife, Latika, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary the previous day. Father James, as he was popularly known, suffered a stroke towards the end of March. After spending some days in hospital, he returned home where his condition gradually declined. He enjoyed a long and happy life and was a blessing to so many. A few hours after his death, his mortal remains were cremated at the Crematorium in Kanatte, Borella, following a brief service conducted by the Bishop and the Archdeacon of Colombo. Many have expressed regret that they were unable to pay their respects and to attend his funeral owing to the current restrictions. Consequently, his family have created this memorial page to offer those who wish to do so the opportunity to pay tribute to him and to share their memories of him. Please send your memories to ratnanayagamfamily@gmail.com and they will be added to Father James' memory page. Alternatively, click on 'Memories' below and follow the given instructions to register an account that will enable you to contribute directly to this memorial page. ___

More... Less...

  • Memories Memories
    One moment please, your post is being saved...
  • Image Image
    To attach an image drag & drop it here or
    One moment please, your post is being saved...
  • Video Video
    Upload a video on YouTube and paste the code here:
    One moment please, your post is being saved...
  • Condolences Condolences
  • Condolences Condolences
    One moment please, your post is being saved...

Filter: Show all labels

A fond memory 2020-05-24 22:25:02 wrote:

Appreciation: Father James Ratnanayagam. It is a privilege to write this tribute to Father James. I am reminded of the nineteen sixties when Father James was the Chaplain of St. John’s College Jaffna. I was on the staff of Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna. A convert from Hinduism, Father James prepared me for baptism into the Christian faith. He was diligent and saw to it that I was thorough in my knowledge of the basic truths of the Christian faith. Father James gave me the courage and confidence I needed to embark on this new adventure in life. I met father James again in 1982 when I joined the staff of Methodist College Colombo 3. Father James was Chaplain of St. Michael’s Church Polwatte. He endeared himself to the parishioners by his knowledgeable sermons. He was a much sought-after padre and officiated at weddings and baptisms. His preaching was full of anecdotes, humour and theological insights. He was fluent in English and Tamil. Father James embraced Anglican liturgy. He promoted dialogue and negotiation to achieve harmony. Latika Samarasinha, his beloved wife and companion in life was devoted to him. There will be a void in her heart that is hard to fill. Father James officiated at my son Michael’s wedding at St. Paul’s Milagiriya, Bambalapitiya on December first 2007. We have fond memories of that occassion, more so because of Father James’ participation and pastoral support. We will treasure memories of Father James. I pray that the Lord will comfort his wife Latika and his children Prasadini and Ricky, Deveshta, Jayadeva, Helen and his grandchildren. Saradha Olegasegarem

A fond memory 2020-05-24 22:25:02 wrote: Appreciation: Father James Ratnanayagam. It is a privilege to write this tribute to Father James. I am reminded of the nineteen sixties when Father James was the Chaplain of St. John’s College Jaffna. I was on the staff of Chundikuli Girls College Jaffna. A convert from Hinduism, Father James prepared me for baptism into the Christian faith. He was diligent and saw to it that I was thorough in my knowledge of the basic truths of the Christian faith. Father James gave me the courage and confidence I needed to embark on this new adventure in life. I met father James again in 1982 when I joined the staff of Methodist College Colombo 3. Father James was Chaplain of St. Michael’s Church Polwatte. He endeared himself to the parishioners by his knowledgeable sermons. He was a much sought-after padre and officiated at weddings and baptisms. His preaching was full of anecdotes, humour and theological insights. He was fluent in English and Tamil. Father James embraced Anglican liturgy. He promoted dialogue and negotiation to achieve harmony. Latika Samarasinha, his beloved wife and companion in life was devoted to him. There will be a void in her heart that is hard to fill. Father James officiated at my son Michael’s wedding at St. Paul’s Milagiriya, Bambalapitiya on December first 2007. We have fond memories of that occassion, more so because of Father James’ participation and pastoral support. We will treasure memories of Father James. I pray that the Lord will comfort his wife Latika and his children Prasadini and Ricky, Deveshta, Jayadeva, Helen and his grandchildren. Saradha Olegasegarem

Comments (0)

  • No comments.