Vatican appoints Rev Fr Pillainayagam Anton Ranjith as new Bishop of Jaffna

Newly appointed Bishop of Jaffna Rev Dr Pillainayagam Anton Ranjith 

Vatican appointed Most Reverend Dr. Pillainayagam Anton Ranjith, current Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo as new Bishop of Jaffna, Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka announced today (June 30).  

The announcement from Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka (Embassy of the Holy See -Vatican) came after it declared that the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV, on this day (June 29) has accepted the resignation from the pastoral office of the Diocese of Jaffna presented to him by His Excellency Bishop Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam.

Currently, in addition to the role at Archieocese of Colombo, Fr Anton Ranjith also serves as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Batticaloa as well. 

Until the new Bishop takes possession and Office of the Diocese of Jaffna, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has nominated His Excellency Most Rev. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, Emeritus Bishop, as the Apostolic Administrator o f the same Diocese, Vatican office in Sri Lanka said. (Northeastern Monitor/ June 29/ 2026)