My deepest sympathies to all the members of the family. Many clergy have fond memories of the Rev. Canon James Ratnanayagam. I myself can remember him in the mid-1980s when he preached at St. Luke’s Church Borella on a few occasions. I was privileged to follow a Tafti course under his mentorship and guidance. There were very senior clergy who joined this study group, to name a few of them, Revd. Corban Lee, Revd. Lloyd Weerasuriya, Revd. Chrisantha Mendis, Revd. Suresh Dias Bandaranaike. When he was Vicar at Holy Trinity Church, Wellawatte, I can very well remember what he taught us in this class and there was such fun as well. He was an excellent teacher and knew theology and how to answer theological questions. I can also remember he gave us a document on Principles of Life. This document had 13 points. Some time ago, I was able to trace this document which he gave to us in 1988. I recollect his speeches when he addressed the Diocesan Council synods and his memorably quoting Paul Tilich, one of the greatest theologians and influential thinkers of the 20th century in saying, "the unchanging truth should be interpreted in the changing world".
I am certain along with me, many clergy and laity will have precious memories about what he has done for the church, and together with Aunty Latika as well. The diocese will miss him a lot.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Rev. Adrian Aaron
My deepest sympathies to all the members of the family. Many clergy have fond memories of the Rev. Canon James Ratnanayagam. I myself can remember him in the mid-1980s when he preached at St. Luke’s Church Borella on a few occasions. I was privileged to follow a Tafti course under his mentorship and guidance. There were very senior clergy who joined this study group, to name a few of them, Revd. Corban Lee, Revd. Lloyd Weerasuriya, Revd. Chrisantha Mendis, Revd. Suresh Dias Bandaranaike. When he was Vicar at Holy Trinity Church, Wellawatte, I can very well remember what he taught us in this class and there was such fun as well. He was an excellent teacher and knew theology and how to answer theological questions. I can also remember he gave us a document on Principles of Life. This document had 13 points. Some time ago, I was able to trace this document which he gave to us in 1988. I recollect his speeches when he addressed the Diocesan Council synods and his memorably quoting Paul Tilich, one of the greatest theologians and influential thinkers of the 20th century in saying, "the unchanging truth should be interpreted in the changing world".
I am certain along with me, many clergy and laity will have precious memories about what he has done for the church, and together with Aunty Latika as well. The diocese will miss him a lot.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Rev. Adrian Aaron
