The Department of Christian Civilization, University of Jaffna, hosted Mr. Patrick Rohan Ratnaraja, grandson of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop S. Kulandran, on 30 June 2026. Bishop Kulandran, a distinguished leader of the Church of South India in Jaffna, is remembered as a pioneering scholar and researcher in the field of religious studies.
During his visit, Mr. Ratnaraja engaged in a lively academic interaction with the Department staff and students. The discussion was facilitated by Prof. Rev. J. C. Paul Rohan and attended by Ms. Mary Winifreeda (Head of Department), and Level I and Level IV students. Introducing himself, Mr. Ratnaraja reflected on Bishop Kulandran’s life and legacy, highlighting his spiritual contributions, literary works, artistic achievements, and his role in the social and political life of his time.
He also presented an overview of the Bishop’s major publications and expressed his willingness to donate rare volumes authored by Bishop Kulandran to the department library, thereby enriching its scholarly resources. Emphasizing the need for systematic research on Bishop Kulandran’s intellectual and spiritual contributions, he encouraged students to pursue rigorous academic studies grounded in this legacy.
The event concluded with a group photograph taken in front of Bishop Kulandran’s portrait in the department’s main lecture hall, followed by a lunch generously hosted by Mr. Ratnaraja for the students – a gesture warmly appreciated by all participants.
