Founder of the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR), economist and well known human rights activist Father Tissa Balasuriya passed away yesterday (17.01.2013)For several decades Fr. Bala, who was a highly qualified economist, had played a powerful prophetic role to bring about social justice and an equitable distribution wealth and resources among all people of all races and religions. It was with this intention that he set up the four-storey CSR at the Fatima Church premises in Deans Road to coordinate inter-religious and inter racial action for justice, freedom and lasting peace.One of the best known and most respected oblates in Sri Lanka, the 89-year-old Fr. Bala in keeping with his vow of poverty donated even his 80-acre ancestral property and home at Andi Ambalama to the congregation. Till his last days when he was unable to walk, Fr. Bala was to known to travel by bus to Andi Ambalama and walked to the OMI farm and retreat house there.
Silently but powerfully, he played a major role in promoting not only social justice but also religious and racial harmony.
The body of Fr. Balasuriya was taken to the OMI headquarters at St. De Mazanod House in Mattakkuliya yesterday and will be brought to the CSR today for people to pay their respects. The funeral will take place tomorrow at the General Cemetery Kanatte after a Holy Mass at 3.00 p.m. at the Fatima Church.
May he rest in peace.